Faculty of Science

Objectives

To introduce the parameters used to describe ecosystems (air, water, soil) and their disturbances which are shown to be predominantly chemical and discuss the effects of industrial wastes and such chemicals as fluorinated hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides.

Contents

The earth’s atmosphere in perspective; Composition of the earth’s atmosphere: Interaction of land, water, air and life in relation to environmental pollutants; Particles, aerosols, clouds and cyclic processes; Pollutants in the environment (air, water, soil); Toxicity and risk assessment of environmental pollution; Principles of toxicology; effects of pollutants in animals and plants; Ozone depletion; oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur (Greenhouse gases); global warming; Acid rain; heavy metals and inorganic pollutants in soils; radionuclides, mineral fibres and particles smoke hydrocarbons; smog, organic solvents, organic halides (pesticides, PCB’s, PAH’s and dioxins); fungicides, herbicides, natural organophosphorus, sand carbamate pesticides; Wastes sources, treatment and disposal; sewage treatment; Oil pollution; natural resources and energy; Analysis and monitoring of pollutants: chromatographic techniques, atomic absorption, chemical analysis.