Course Content
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Environmental chemistry is the study of the chemical and biochemical phenomena that occur in nature. It involves the understanding of how the uncontaminated environment works, and which naturally occurring chemicals are present, in what concentrations and with what effects. Environmental chemistry; is the study of sources, reactions, transport, effects and fate of chemical species in water, soil and air environment as well as their effects on human health and natural environment
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Introduction
Origin of the solar System
Cosmology; is the branch of astronomy involving the study of the of the universe and the solar system. Cosmo-chemistry ;( chemical cosmology); is the study of chemical composition of the matter in the universe and the process that led to those compositions The solar system is made up of the sun (a star) with nine planets orbiting around it. These planets together with all the other heavenly bodies moving around or between individual planet form members of the solar system. Other heavenly body include; asteroids, comets, meteors, meteorites and satellites such as moon. The solar system does not include other stars .
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Origin of The Universe and Solar System
Solutions
Solutions are defined as homogeneous mixtures that are mixed so thoroughly that neither component can be observed independently of the other. The major component of the solution is called solvent, and the minor component(s) are called solute.
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Introduction
Solubility of Solutions
Solubility Product
Solution Concentrations
Chemical Equilibria
Chemical equilibrium in the environment refers to the state where the rates of forward and reverse reactions of a chemical reaction reach a balance. In this state, the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time, although the reactions continue to occur.
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Introduction
The Concept of Equilibrium
Relation Between Chemical Kinetics and Chemical Equilibrium
Factors Affecting Chemical Equilibrium
Laws of Chemical Equilibria
Phase Interactions
Phase interactions in solutions refer to the behavior and changes that occur when two or more substances (solutes and solvents) mix together to form a homogeneous mixture. These interactions are related to the different phases of matter, such as solids, liquids, and gases, and how they interact and transform during the process of solution formation.
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Introduction
 Phase interactions
Colligative Properties of Solutions
COLLIGATIVE PROPERTIES OF SOLUTIONS Colligative properties are physical properties of solutions that depend on the concentration of solute particles, rather than the specific identity of the solute. The four colligative properties that can be exhibited by a solution are: 1.Boiling point elevation 2.Freezing point depression 3.Relative lowering of vapour pressure 4.Osmotic pressure
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Introduction
Colligative Properties Examples
Introduction To Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is the study of carbon containing compounds and their properties. This includes the great majority of chemical compounds on the planet, but some substances such as carbonates and oxides of carbon are considered to be inorganic substances even though they contain carbon.
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Introduction
The IUPAC Naming (nomenclature) 
Alkyl halides, Alkenes and Alkynes
Alcohols , Ethers, Aldehydes and Ketones
Carboxylic Acids, Esters and Amines
Simple Organic Molecules in the Environment
Soil Chemistry and Pollution
soil
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Introduction to Soil Chemistry
Chemical Characteristics of Soil
Biological Characteristics of Soil
Physical Characteristics of Soil
Soil Salinity, Conductivity and Ion Exchange Capacity
Soil Pollution
Water Chemistry and Polution
Water Chemistry
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Water and the Environment
Water Chemistry
Characteristics and Properties of Water
Portable water 
Water pollution
Water Quality Analysis
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)
Air Quality and Pollution
Air Quality and Pollution
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Air Quality
Testing Air Quality
Biodegradation
Biodegradation
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Biodegradation
Mechanisms of Biodegradation 
Role of Microorganisms in Biodegradation
BioGeoChemical Cycles
BiogeoChemical Cycles
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Biogeochemical cycles
The Water Cycle
The Carbon Cycle
The Nitrogen Cycle
The Phosphorus Cycle
The Sulfur Cycle
Introduction To Environmental Chemistry
About Lesson

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Chemical Characteristics of Soil

The chemical characteristics of soil refer to the properties and composition of soil that are determined by its chemical constituents. Here are some important chemical characteristics of soil:

  1. pH: Soil pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. It is influenced by the presence of hydrogen ions (H+) in the soil solution. Soils can range from acidic (pH less than 7) to neutral (pH 7) to alkaline (pH greater than 7). Soil pH affects nutrient availability, microbial activity, and the growth of plants.

  2. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC): CEC is a measure of the soil’s ability to retain and exchange cations (positively charged ions). It is determined by the presence of clay minerals and organic matter in the soil. Soils with a higher CEC can hold more nutrients, reducing the risk of nutrient leaching.

  3. Nutrient Content: Soil contains various essential nutrients required for plant growth, including macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S), as well as micronutrients like iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo). The availability of these nutrients to plants is influenced by soil chemistry, including pH, CEC, and the presence of other chemical compounds.

  4. Organic Matter: Soil organic matter (SOM) is composed of partially decomposed plant and animal residues. It is a source of nutrients, improves soil structure, enhances water-holding capacity, and promotes beneficial microbial activity. The chemical composition of SOM includes carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and other elements.

  5. Soil Salinity: Salinity refers to the presence of soluble salts in the soil. High levels of salts can negatively affect plant growth by causing water stress and ion toxicity. Soil salinity is determined by the concentration of ions, such as sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and others.

  6. Soil Texture: Soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay particles in the soil. The relative amounts of these particles influence soil properties such as water-holding capacity, nutrient retention, and aeration. The chemical composition of soil particles, especially clay minerals, contributes to their reactivity and cation exchange capacity.

  7. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC): SOC is a measure of the amount of carbon present in the soil as organic matter. It is a crucial indicator of soil fertility, as it affects nutrient cycling, soil structure, and microbial activity. SOC is influenced by factors such as vegetation cover, organic matter inputs, and management practices.

  8. Soil Contaminants: Soil chemistry is essential in assessing and managing soil contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and organic pollutants. The chemical characteristics of soil, including pH, CEC, and clay minerals, can affect the adsorption, mobility, and availability of contaminants in the soil environment.

Understanding the chemical characteristics of soil is important for soil management, nutrient optimization, remediation of contaminated soils, and sustainable agricultural practices. Soil testing and analysis help in determining these chemical characteristics and guide decision-making in agricultural and environmental contexts.

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