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
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Mechanisms of Biodegradation 

The mechanisms of biodegradation can vary depending on the specific compound and the organisms involved. Here are some key mechanisms of biodegradation:

  1. Aerobic Biodegradation: This mechanism involves the breakdown of organic compounds in the presence of oxygen. Aerobic microorganisms, such as certain bacteria, utilize oxygen to metabolize and transform complex organic compounds into carbon dioxide, water, and other simpler products. This process is commonly observed in natural environments and wastewater treatment systems.

  2. Anaerobic Biodegradation: Unlike aerobic biodegradation, anaerobic biodegradation occurs in the absence of oxygen. Certain bacteria and archaea are capable of breaking down organic compounds through anaerobic respiration or fermentation. These organisms use alternative electron acceptors, such as nitrate, sulfate, or carbon dioxide, to carry out the biodegradation process. Anaerobic biodegradation is important in environments such as wetlands, deep sediments, and the digestive systems of animals.

  3. Enzymatic Biodegradation: Many biodegradation processes involve the secretion of specific enzymes by microorganisms. Enzymes are highly specialized proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. Microorganisms produce various enzymes that can degrade specific organic compounds. For example, lipases break down lipids, proteases break down proteins, and cellulases break down cellulose. These enzymes help microorganisms to break down complex organic substances into smaller, more manageable molecules.

  4. Co-metabolism: Co-metabolism is a process where microorganisms transform compounds that they cannot use as a primary energy or carbon source. In this mechanism, microorganisms utilize a primary substrate that they can metabolize, and during the process, they incidentally transform or degrade other compounds present in the environment. This process is often used in bioremediation, where microorganisms are employed to break down pollutants or contaminants.

  5. Biooxidation: Biooxidation is a specific mechanism of biodegradation involving the oxidation of organic compounds by microorganisms. In this process, microorganisms use specialized enzymes to introduce oxygen molecules into the target compound, resulting in its breakdown. Biooxidation is commonly employed in industrial applications, such as the extraction of metals from ores or the production of organic chemicals.

It’s important to note that the mechanisms of biodegradation are highly complex and can be influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, microbial communities, the availability of nutrients, and the specific properties of the compounds being degraded. Different compounds may require different sets of enzymes or metabolic pathways for their biodegradation, and the overall process can involve a combination of these mechanisms.

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