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 EQUILIBRIUM

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.

Chemical equilibrium is influenced by several factors, including temperature, pressure, and the concentrations of reactants and products. In the environment, various natural processes and reactions can reach equilibrium, affecting the distribution and concentrations of chemicals.

One example is the equilibrium between carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and dissolved carbon dioxide in water bodies. CO2 is constantly exchanged between the atmosphere and water through processes like diffusion and photosynthesis. At equilibrium, the rate of CO2 dissolution into water is balanced by the rate of CO2 release into the atmosphere, resulting in a stable concentration of dissolved CO2.

Another example is the equilibrium between acid rain and natural buffering systems in water bodies and soils. Acid rain, caused by pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) reacting with water in the atmosphere, can be neutralized by natural alkaline substances present in the environment. The buffering capacity of the water and soil helps maintain an equilibrium between the acidic and alkaline components, preventing drastic pH changes.

Chemical equilibrium also plays a role in the fate and transport of pollutants in the environment. For example, certain organic pollutants can undergo equilibrium partitioning between air, water, and soil, depending on their solubility and volatility. This equilibrium partitioning affects their distribution and availability for uptake by organisms.

It’s important to note that chemical equilibrium in the environment can be influenced by various factors such as human activities, changes in environmental conditions, and the introduction of new substances. Understanding the principles of chemical equilibrium helps in predicting and managing the behavior of chemicals in the environment, ensuring the protection of ecosystems and human health.

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