SOQ-33806 Environmental Analytical Techniques

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures20
Practical intensively supervised48
Problem-based learning6
Tutorial11
Course coordinator(s)dr. L Weng
Lecturer(s)ir. MG Keizer
dr. TA van Beek
prof. dr. JT Zuilhof
dr. L Weng
dr. HLM van Rozendaal
drs. A Eijgenraam
prof. dr. RNJ Comans
Examiner(s)ir. MG Keizer

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

PCC-12303 General Chemistry I and PCC-12403 General Chemistry 2 or comparable.

Continuation courses:

Thesis research involving chemical analysis of natural materials.

Contents:

The lectures give an introduction into analytical chemistry with emphasis on spectrometry, spectroscopy (structure elucidation), chromatography, oc-fractionation. Selection of a particular method is exemplified by real-world problems in air, soil and water chemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental technology, etc. (case-study)
Tutorials related to the lecture topics help improving insight by answering questions and solving problems.
In the practical students determine different chemical forms of compounds (e.g. heavy metals, benzene) in groundwater, surface water, soil, and plant material with a variety of analytical techniques, such as: inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), mass spectrometry (MS), gas chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structure of unknown organic constituents is elucidated by means of mass spectroscopy (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Free ions are analysed using specific electrodes (ME, ISE) or a specific reparation method (DMT). Organic material is fractionated to determine humic and fulvic acid concentrations using TOC analysis (Total Organic Carbon). The various methods available are compared with respect to their field of application, limits of detection, selectivity, accuracy, precision, throughput and robustness.
Groups of students (2-3) will work on a case-study reflecting real-life problems. The group has to analyse the problem situation regarding chemical analytical aspects, formulate a proposal for further research and specify the chemical analytical techniques to be used.

Learning outcomes:

After completion of the course students are able to:
- demonstrate insight into how to tackle practical analytical chemical problems;
- demonstrate understanding of the basic theory and relevant parameters in analytical chemistry;
- apply methods of instrumental chemical analysis to natural materials and (eco)systems;
- demonstrate awareness of the limitations of the various methods;
- report about experimental chemical analytical results and draw correct conclusions;
- discuss chemical analytical aspects relevant for the selection of proper analytical techniques for real-life problem situations.

Activities:

- attend the introductory and topic specific lectures;
- read and study various chapters in the obligatory book on analytical chemistry, the lecture presentations and the articles in the reader;
- carry out different practical experiments and report results;
- analyse a real-life problem in analytical chemistry to indicate possible chemical analytical solutions for the analysis of the system composition (case-study) in a group with 2-3 other students; write a brief report (research proposal) and give a short oral presentation;
- exam preparation and 'open book' exam.

Examination:

- lectures and tutorials: written open-book exam (50%);
- practical's: testimonies (25%);
- case-study: report + oral presentation (25%);
Minimum score of 5.5 required for each part.
Successful partial interim examinations remain valid for a period of 5 years.

Literature:

Reader and Practical manual Environmental Analytical Techniques.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Restricted Optional for: MEEEarth and EnvironmentMSc3WD
MEEEarth and EnvironmentMSc3WD
MESEnvironmental SciencesMSc3WD
MESEnvironmental SciencesMSc3WD