Colloid chemistry for the environment

Objectives of the course

The course concerns selected topics of fundamental Colloid and Interface Science which serves as a basis for understanding those natural systems and processes related to Ecology. The quantitative Physic-chemical approach will be applied. The second part of the course is devoted to systems of interest (e.g. natural systems affected by pollutants), while the third part covers some methods applied in solving the ecological problems.

Prerequisites

Not required.

Assessment methods

Written examination.

Course contents

Major chapters include: colloid systems, Brownian motion, adsorption, electrical charge of interfaces, electrical interfacial layer, surface complexation, electrokinetic phenomena, coagulation, surfactants, ecological systems.

Recommended reading

• A.W. Adamson: Physical Chemistry of Surfaces, John Wiley, 1990
• R.J. Hunter: Zeta Potential in Colloid Science, Academic Press, 1981
• S. Voyutski: Colloid Chemistry, Mir Publishers, Moskow, 1978
• Review articles from : Surface and Colloid Science, Advances in Colloid Interface Science, etc.