Laboratory Experiments In Environmental Chemistry

This lab manual provides an interdisciplinary collection of 23 extensively tested environmental chemistry experiments — with extensive introductory background material for each experiment. It covers a broad range of methods and provides detailed instructions on calculation of results. Experiments involve, for example: inorganic and organic profile of sediment and soil cores; the pH of environmental waters and buffer capacity; alkalinity of streams and lakes; trace levels of ions in natural waters; conductivity of natural waters; cloride ion in natural waters; colorimetry and absorption spectra; metals in natural waters and in sediments; atomic absorption spectrometry; the chemical oxygen demand of natural waters and wastewaters; the fluorimetric determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; environmental hydrocarbons; air sampling-particulates in urban air; carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; acid rain; decomposition of pollutants with an application to plasticizers, and detergents. For chemists and technicians with environmental agencies.

This book presents chemical analyses of the most pressing waste, pollution, and resource problems for the undergraduate or graduate student. Its distinctive holistic approach provides a solid introduction to theory as well as a practical laboratory manual detailing beginning and advanced experimental applications. It presents laboratory procedures at microscale conditions, for minimum waste and maximum economy.

Experiments in Environmental Chemistry presents experimental activities that provide practical, first hand experience in the observation of chemical processes occurring in the environment. A variety of techniques with applications in governmental laboratories, industry, and research are described. The experiments are divided into five parts: biochemical processes in aquatic systems; toxic substances in the environment; food additives and contaminants; chemical ecology; and field surveys. This book is divided into five sections and begins with a discussion on the transformations of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and energy in aquatic systems. Various aspects of environmental chemistry including photosynthesis, respiration, biogeochemical cycling, primary production, plant nutrients, water quality, eutrophication, and wastewater treatment are considered. The next section focuses on a wide assortment of environmental contaminants in terms of their behavior and occurrence in various sectors of the environment. In this section, the reader is introduced to gas chromatography, atomic absorption spectroscopy, thin layer chromotography, column chromatography, and techniques for the measurement of atmospheric contaminants. Food and the occurrence of foreign substances that result from deliberate additions or other processes are also analyzed, along with chemical compounds such as allelochemicals, pheromones, and chemical defense substances. This monograph will be a valuable resource for environmental chemists.

The present book is meant for the students who opt for a course in Environmental Chemistry with laboratory work as a component of the course. Spread in 72 experiments the analyses of soil, water and air have been described in a simple manner so that most of these experiments can be conducted even by the beginners in this subject. The principles involved, preparation of the reagents and the procedures are described for each experimental method. The authors hope that this manual would prove to be useful in laboratories where soil, water and air are routinely tested

This book presents chemical analyses of our most pressing waste, pollution, and resource problems for the undergraduate or graduate student. The distinctive holistic approach provides both a solid ground in theory, as well as a laboratory manual detailing introductory and advanced experimental applications. The laboratory procedures are presented at microscale conditions, for minimum waste and maximum economy. This work fulfills an urgent need for an introductory text in environmental chemistry combining theory and practice, and is a valuable tool for preparing the next generation of environmental scientists.

A comprehensive set of real-world environmental laboratory experiments This complete summary of laboratory work presents a richly detailed set of classroom-tested experiments along with background information, safety and hazard notes, a list of chemicals and solutions needed, data collection sheets, and blank pages for compiling results and findings. This useful resource also: Focuses on environmental, i.e., "dirty" samples Stresses critical concepts like analysis techniques and documentation Includes water, air, and sediment experiments Includes an interactive software package for pollutant fate and transport modeling exercises Functions as a student portfolio of documentation abilities Offers instructors actual samples of student work for troubleshooting, notes on each procedure, and procedures for solutions preparation.