Environmental Chemistry II

Unit 1 – Environmental Chemistry I Review

Unit 2 – Stratospheric Ozone Depletion

Unit 3 – Tropospheric Pollution & Photochemical Smog

Unit 4 – Aquatic Chemistry: Processes in Surface Waters

Unit 5 – Aquatic Chemistry: Groundwater Processes

Unit 6 – Water Pollution: Contaminant Fate & Transport

Unit 7 – Soil Chemistry: Processes & Nutrient Cycling

Unit 8 – Soil Contamination: Pollutants & Remediation

Unit 9 – Biogeochemical Cycles: C, N, P, and S

Unit 10 – Climate Change: Greenhouse Gases & Forcing

Unit 11 – Emerging Contaminants in Water Systems

Unit 12 – Environmental Analysis: Sampling & Data

Unit 13 – Environmental Remediation: Physical to Bio

Unit 14 – Environmental Chemistry: Current Challenges

Unit 15 – Future Directions in Environmental Chemistry

## What do you learn in Environmental Chemistry II

Environmental Chemistry II digs into advanced topics like atmospheric chemistry, water pollution, and soil contamination. You'll explore chemical processes in air, water, and soil, focusing on pollutants' behavior and their environmental impacts. The course covers climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, and remediation techniques for contaminated sites.

## Is Environmental Chemistry II hard?

Environmental Chemistry II can be challenging, especially if you're not solid on your basic chem. It involves a lot of complex systems and interconnected processes, which can be tricky to wrap your head around. That said, if you're into environmental issues and have a decent grasp of chemistry fundamentals, you'll probably find it pretty interesting and not too overwhelming.

## Tips for taking Environmental Chemistry II in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Stay on top of current environmental news - it'll make the course more relevant
3. Practice drawing diagrams of chemical cycles (like carbon or nitrogen cycles)
4. Form a study group to tackle complex problems together
5. Watch documentaries like "An Inconvenient Truth" or "Chasing Coral" for real-world context
6. Use online resources like Khan Academy for extra help on tricky concepts
7. Don't just memorize - try to understand the underlying principles

## Common pre-requisites for Environmental Chemistry II

1. General Chemistry I and II: These courses cover fundamental chemical principles, atomic structure, and chemical reactions. They're essential for understanding more advanced environmental chemistry concepts.

2. Organic Chemistry: This class focuses on carbon-based compounds and their reactions. It's crucial for understanding pollutants and their interactions in the environment.

## Classes similar to Environmental Chemistry II

1. Environmental Toxicology: Explores the effects of toxic substances on ecosystems and organisms. You'll learn about bioaccumulation, dose-response relationships, and risk assessment.

2. Atmospheric Chemistry: Focuses on the chemistry of Earth's atmosphere, including air pollution, ozone depletion, and climate change. It's like Environmental Chem II but with a stronger focus on the air.

3. Aquatic Chemistry: Dives deep into the chemical processes in water systems. You'll study water quality, dissolved gases, and the behavior of pollutants in aquatic environments.

4. Geochemistry: Examines the chemical composition and processes of the Earth. It covers topics like mineral formation, weathering, and the global carbon cycle.

## Majors related to Environmental Chemistry II

1. Environmental Science: Combines natural sciences with aspects of social sciences and humanities to understand environmental issues and develop solutions.

2. Chemistry: Focuses on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter. Environmental Chemistry is a specialized branch within this broader field.

3. Environmental Engineering: Applies scientific and engineering principles to improve and protect the environment, focusing on water and air pollution control, recycling, and waste management.

4. Earth Sciences: Studies the Earth's structure, composition, and processes, including how human activities affect the planet's systems.

## What can you do with a degree in Environmental Chemistry II?

1. Environmental Consultant: Advises organizations on environmental issues and helps them comply with regulations. You might assess contaminated sites or develop pollution prevention strategies.

2. Water Quality Analyst: Tests and analyzes water samples to ensure safety and compliance with environmental regulations. This role often involves fieldwork and laboratory analysis.

3. Air Quality Specialist: Monitors and analyzes air pollution levels and develops strategies to improve air quality. You might work for government agencies or private companies to ensure compliance with air quality standards.

4. Hazardous Waste Manager: Oversees the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. This job involves developing safety protocols and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

## Environmental Chemistry II FAQs

1. How much lab work is involved in Environmental Chemistry II? It varies by program, but typically includes several lab sessions focused on environmental analysis techniques. You might analyze water samples, measure air pollutants, or study soil contamination.

2. Can I take this course if I'm not a chemistry major? Usually, yes, as long as you've completed the prerequisites. It's often taken by environmental science, geology, and engineering students too.

3. How is this course different from Environmental Chemistry I? Environmental Chem II typically goes more in-depth and covers more advanced topics. It often focuses more on specific environmental issues and their chemical aspects.

Chemistry

1.1 Environmental Chemistry Principles and Concepts

1.2 Chemical Equilibria and Kinetics in Environmental Systems

1.3 Biogeochemical Processes and Cycles

1.4 Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment

2.3 Ozone-Depleting Substances and Their Regulation

2.4 Monitoring and Modeling Stratospheric Ozone

2.1 Stratospheric Ozone Chemistry and the Chapman Cycle

2.2 Catalytic Ozone Destruction Mechanisms

3.1 Tropospheric Ozone Formation and NOx Chemistry

3.3 Particulate Matter: Formation, Composition, and Health Effects

3.4 Urban Air Quality Management and Control Strategies

3.2 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Their Role in Smog

4.1 Acid-Base Chemistry and Carbonate Systems in Natural Waters

4.2 Redox Processes and Oxygen Dynamics in Aquatic Environments

4.3 Nutrient Cycling and Eutrophication in Surface Waters

4.4 Trace Metal Speciation and Bioavailability in Aquatic Systems

5.2 Redox Processes and Contaminant Transformation in Aquifers

5.3 Sorption and Ion Exchange Processes in Groundwater Systems

5.1 Groundwater Geochemistry and Water-Rock Interactions

6.2 Advection, Dispersion, and Diffusion in Aquatic Systems

6.4 Biodegradation and Transformation of Organic Contaminants

6.3 Partitioning and Sorption Processes in Water Pollution

6.1 Contaminant Sources, Types, and Environmental Behavior

7.1 Soil Composition, Structure, and Physical-Chemical Properties

7.3 Nutrient Cycling and Bioavailability in Soils

7.4 Soil pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, and Buffer Systems

7.2 Soil Organic Matter: Composition, Decomposition, and Humification

8.4 Soil Remediation Technologies and Strategies

8.2 Sorption, Desorption, and Transport of Contaminants in Soils

8.3 Biodegradation and Transformation of Soil Contaminants

8.1 Soil Contamination Sources and Types

9.4 Sulfur Cycle and Acid Deposition

9.1 Global Carbon Cycle and Climate Change Implications

9.3 Phosphorus Cycle and Eutrophication

9.2 Nitrogen Cycle: Fixation, Nitrification, and Denitrification

10.2 Radiative Forcing and Global Warming Potential

10.4 Climate Feedback Mechanisms and Tipping Points

10.1 Greenhouse Gas Sources, Sinks, and Atmospheric Lifetimes

10.3 Carbon Dioxide and Methane: Chemistry and Climate Impacts

11.1 Sources, Fate, and Transport of Pharmaceuticals in the Environment

11.3 Microplastics: Sources, Distribution, and Ecological Impacts

11.4 Analytical Methods for Detecting and Quantifying Emerging Contaminants

11.2 Personal Care Products: Environmental Occurrence and Effects

12.1 Environmental Sampling Strategies and Quality Assurance

12.2 Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Techniques for Environmental Analysis

12.4 Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Reporting in Environmental Studies

12.3 Mass Spectrometry and Its Applications in Environmental Chemistry

13.2 Chemical Remediation Methods: Oxidation, Reduction, and Stabilization

13.3 Bioremediation and Phytoremediation Strategies

13.4 Integrated Remediation Approaches and Technology Selection

13.1 Physical Remediation Techniques: Pump-and-Treat, Air Sparging, and Soil Vapor Extraction

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