Biogeochemistry 1400-215BGEOCH

1. Foundation of geochemistry: earth features (dimension, mass, density), planet inside structure (nucleus, mantle, earth crust), characteristics of outside earth spheres (earth crust [lithosphere], hydrosphere, atmosphere), the origin of earth resources as a consequence of movement and accumulation of chemical elements and compounds.
2. Biogeochemistry as a specific part of geochemistry - history and present.
3. Geochemical classification of elements (siderophylic, chalcophylic, lithophylic, atmophylic and biophylic). The differences between chemical composition of inanimate nature (outside geospheres) and living organisms. The biophylic elements accumulation.
4. Biosphere as link of geospheres in range of life conditions. The animated nature decomposition in biosphere.
5. The basic processes conditioning the biosphere existence - photosynthesis and chemosynthesis. Migration of chemical elements in biosphere. Trace elements in soil and living organisms. Environmental pollution with trace elements, bioindication. The role of water in shaping of biosphere.
6. Interaction and transformation of organic and inorganic components in lithosphere. Natural components and xenobiotics. Humus - origin theories and role in soil.
7. Biogeochemical processes in aquatic and land environments. The cycles of elements. Biogeochemical processes in extreme environments.
8. The overview at biogenic accumulation environments. The degree of decomposition and ash content of biogenic deposits.
9. Xenobiotics in polluted ecosystems - biotic and abiotic transformations of organic and inorganic compounds, Salinisation and its consequence. Bioremediation.
10.Fossil lipids. Biotransformation of isoprenoids to polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Secondary metabolism.
11.Directions and perspectives of biogeochemical investigations.

Main fields of studies for MISMaP

environmental protection
geology

Type of course

obligatory courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

he course Biogeochemistry assumes that the student has basic knowledge in the natural sciences, including elements of physical geography, ecology, general chemistry, and introductory geochemistry. The student is expected to understand the general principles governing the functioning of the natural environment and to be able to use basic biological, geological, and ecological terminology. The course further assumes the ability to analyze simple chemical and biological processes occurring in the environment, as well as familiarity with the structure and properties of the main components of the Earth system (lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere). Students should have prior knowledge of fundamental ecological processes and biogeochemical cycles at an undergraduate level. The aim of the course is to expand this knowledge by introducing detailed biogeochemical processes, interactions among components of the Earth system, and the role of living organisms in the transformation and migration of elements and chemical compounds in the environment.

Course coordinators

Małgorzata Suska-Malawska

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
knows the basic methods and measurement techniques for natural phenomena (K_W03, Nature Conservation major),
knows the fundamental scientific theories in the field of natural sciences (K_W05, Nature Conservation major),
knows global environmental problems and the application of ecology in practical nature conservation and environmental management (K_W07, Nature Conservation major),
identifies the most important threats to the condition of aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments (K_W09, Nature Conservation major).

Assessment criteria

The grade for the practical classes is a weighted average of the grades obtained for:
preparation of a presentation/seminar on a selected topic,
a multiple-choice test assessing the knowledge presented during the classes.
The exam grade is the grade obtained from a multiple-choice test based on the material presented during the lectures.

Practical placement

no applicable

Bibliography

References
I. Mostly content of the lecture
II. Textbooks
- Kabata-Pendias A., Pendias H. (1999) Biogeochemia pierwiastków śladowych, PWN, Warszawa.
- Szperliński Z. Chemia w ochronie i inżynierii środowiska (2002), Oficyna Wydawnicza Politechniki Warszawskiej, Warszawa
- O'Neill P. (1997) Chemia środowiska, PWN, Warszawa
- Walker C. H., Hopkin S. P,. Sibly R. M., Peakal D. B. (2002) Podstawy ekotoksykologii, PWN, Warszawa
- Zakrzewski S. F. (2000) Podstawy toksykologii środowiska, PWN, Warszawa
- Migaszewski Z. M., Gałuszka A. (2007) Podstawy geochemii środowiska, WNT, Warszawa
- Andrews J. E., Brimblecombe P., Jickelis T. D., Liss P. S. (1999) Wprowadzenie do chemii środowiska, WNT, Warszawa
- Pulford I., Flowers H. (2006) Environmental Chemistry at a Glance, London

III. original papers in Polish an international journals connected with the lecture subject

Additional information

Information on level of this course, year of study and semester when the course unit is delivered, types and amount of class hours - can be found in course structure diagrams of apropriate study programmes. This course is related to the following study programmes:

Environmental conservation, full-time first-cycle studies

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 1400-215BGEOCH in USOSweb