Environmental Chemistry and
Toxicology
ENV U6220
Summer 2005: June
2-Aug 18
Lectures:
Thursday, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Pre-Lab:
Thursday, 1-2 PM
Lab
A: Thursday, 2-4 PM
Lab
B: Thursday, 4-6 PM
Instructors:
|
Dr.
Patrick Louchouarn Associate
professor Dept.
of Earth & Environmental Science Earth
Institute Office
Address: Hogan Hall, B-16 Tel:
(212) 854-0479 Office Hours: Thurs. 3-5 PM |
Dr.
Fanny Ennever Adjunct
Lecturer Dept.
of Environmental Health Sciences Mailman
School of Public Health Phone:
(212) 305-3464 Office
Hours: By appointment |
Teaching
Assistants:
Federico
Barrai: [email protected]
Nicole
Predki: [email protected]
Office
Address: 1305 International Affairs Building
Office
Hours:
Course Description:
Environmental chemistry is the study of the
processes that affect the fate and transport of specific compounds that act as
contaminants on local- to global-scale levels. In general, the compounds under
consideration tend to be anthropogenic contaminants (those compounds, both
organic and inorganic, released into the environments from human activities).
The behavior of contaminants is influenced by physical, chemical, and
biological processes naturally occurring within various ecosystems. This course
describes these processes and the extent to which they affect different classes
of contaminants.
However, environmental chemistry does not limit
itself to the study of processes that affect synthetic or human-produced
compounds (their reaction rate, speciation, degradation, sorption, etc.). In
the context of this course, we consider the term “environmental chemistry” in a
broader geochemical context. Indeed, we recognize that in some areas of the
world, the speed and scale of environmental perturbations seem to be of such a
magnitude that they have led to regional and global geochemical disruptions
with subsequent releases of naturally occurring surface/subsurface materials
that can generate a certain amount of toxic burden within an ecosystem.
The environmental chemistry section of the
course is divided into three subsections of the global environment: Water,
Soils and Sediment, and Atmosphere. Within each subsection, we will first
describe the system in terms of physical processes and chemical constituents.
Using case studies of selected contaminants potentially found in each system,
we will then explore the fate (i.e. reactions) and transport modes that may
affect the potential availability of these contaminants (or how environmental
quality criteria are adversely affected) and lead to toxicological effects at
the ecosystem level.
Environmental toxicology is the study of the
effects of different contaminants on the health of all organisms within an
ecosystem, with a particular focus on human health. While toxicologists study a
wide variety of toxicants, from naturally occurring poisons (venoms) to
synthetic chemicals, this course will emphasize anthropogenic toxicants, in the
context of how (and whether) exposure to such toxicants should be controlled:
risk assessment. Toxicological and epidemiological principles are used
primarily to provide (uncertain) quantitative estimates of the harm associated
with a given level of exposure: dose-response. Using a dose-response relationship necessitates quantifying
exposure, an uncertain endeavor that relies on understanding human physiology
and behavior. The quantitative estimates of harm from anthropogenic activity
that risk assessment gives are just the starting point for the challenge of
risk management: “What do we do now?” The resulting decisions are influenced by
both economic factors (e.g., cost-benefit analysis) and psychological factors
(e.g., risk perception).
In both the environmental chemistry and
environmental toxicology sections, we have decided to use an “environmental
principles” approach rather than describe all the possible alterations for each
particular set of anthropogenic contaminants. Using the knowledge gained
from this course, each student will be able to estimate the environmental and
toxicological fates and effects of groups of compounds given its chemical
nature and the system within which the compound is released.
Most importantly, this course uses an approach of "authentic inquiry"
in its pedagogical approach, namely that students are exposed to authentic
methods of scientific inquiry rather than a suite of algorithmic solutions to
specific environmental issues. The main goal of this course is to foster an
understanding of how environmental scientists think and solve environmental
issues and most importantly to develop an expertise in assessing the validity
of scientific research and its conclusions.
Course
Outline: The approach of the
course will follow a general sequence of themes that will 1) define general chemistry concepts, 2) introduce the notion of chemical reactions and
transport modes in different environments, and 3)
define chemical mobility (and thus potential bioavailability) and reactivity
based on the nature of chemicals and the media in which they occur (i.e. water,
solids, air). The Environmental toxicology segment will follow the basic
outline of risk assessment: hazard identification, exposure assessment,
dose-response evaluation, and risk characterization, followed by risk
management: how to use the numbers from risk assessment.
Daily Activities: Lecture sessions will include discussion
and explanation of reading and/or web material, and how to apply critical
thinking to environmental geochemistry and toxicology questions. The schedule
below is a preliminary outline of the semester. Reading assignments will be
provided and should be completed before the stated lecture date. Additional
reading or reference material may be suggested during the course of the
lecture. Laboratory sessions will involve both hands-on and minds-on
exercises that will require either individual or small group work/reporting.
Evaluations:
1.
Lab
exercises will involve hands-on/minds-on exercises with reports due at a
subsequent lab meeting.
2.
A
final paper in Chemistry will be base on a group project (~5 members per team)
analyzing historical water quality data for the NY/NJ Harbor System and linking
this work to past environmental regulations/management.
3.
A
final paper in Toxicology will also be done in small groups, analyzing risk
assessment data and putting it into a form suitable for communicating to a lay
audience.
The Final
Projects will be due on Thursday August 18, 12PM. No Delays.
Policy
on Late Submissions of Labs and Papers:
Ten
percent (10%) of the grade will be deducted per day if the lab reports and group
papers are submitted past the due date. Materials that are submitted more than
one week late will not be accepted.
Grades
will be based on the following:
·
60%
on labs and assignments (50% for Chemistry and 50% for Toxicology)
·
40%
on final papers/projects (50% for Chemistry and 50% for Toxicology)
Table of Contents
- Course Syllabus
- Env. Chem/Tox Schedule
- Chemistry Final Paper Instructions
- Toxicology Final Paper Instructions
- Lab Groups
Last updated 05/30/2005
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