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Biogeochemistry of trace elements
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:08
Abstract
The course addresses major biogeochemical processes that drive the cycling of different groups of trace elements (heavy metals, redox-sensitive trace elements, chalcophile elements) in the environment, and the chemical methods that are used to study the behavior of these elements in the geosphere.
Objective
The students gain a detailed understanding of the sources and the cycling of trace elements in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. The interaction of environmentally important trace elements with abiotic and biotic geosphere components as well as their abiotically and biotically driven transformations will be discussed. Relevant methods/techniques to study these processes will be presented.
Content
The course deals in-depth with the major biogeochemical processes controlling the cycling of different groups of trace elements (heavy metals, redox-sensitive and chalcophile elements) in the environment. Sources and cycling of trace elements as related to interactions with abiotic and biotic geosphere components, and abiotically and biotically driven transformations will be discussed. The techniques most commonly used to study these processes will be presented as well.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Selected handouts (lecture notes, literature, exercises) will be distributed during the course.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 60 minutes
- Aids
- Pocket calculator only
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Biogeochemistry of trace elements |
|
2 h weekly |