GEO9900 – Chemical Processes in Soil and Ground Water

Course content

The main geochemical reactions controlling the chemical composition of soil and groundwater are treated in detail, including how these can be quantified and used in interpreting different processes affecting the water quality and simulated by geochemical transport modelling. Equilibrium and kinetics in water-mineral-gas systems are covered, with special emphasis on CO2 - carbonate reactions, mineral weathering, redox-reactions, ion exchange, sorption, and pollution of organic chemicals. An understanding of these processes and a corresponding quantification is required to predict the effect of contaminant spill and human influence. The course emphasizes computer modelling of geochemical reactions and transport of solutes in the soil- and groundwater, especially the interplay of unsaturated/saturated flow and geochemical reactions.

Learning outcome

The purpose of the course is to give PhD candidates an understanding of the main chemical interaction processes among natural waters and the solid constituents of soils and aquifers, and not least how these processes can be quantified and simulated. It will present the theoretical basis for reactive transport and give the candidates practical skills in geochemical simulations.

Knowledge aims: After completing the course, you should be able to

  • identify and define the major process