3 ECTS credits
80 u studietijd
Aanbieding 1 met studiegidsnummer 4023213ENR voor alle studenten in het 2e semester met een verdiepend master niveau.
The careful collection, treatment and storage of environmental samples, avoiding both contamination and changes in chemical speciation, is a crucial step in obtaining accurate results. The aim of this course is to familiarize the student with appropriate fieldwork techniques preceding any analytical work in environmental research. These are demonstrated during the lectures and practical exercises. Several techniques will be applied on a 1-2-day field trip on the Scheldt Estuary and Belgian part of the North Sea in which water and sediment samples are taken for metals, nutrients and stable isotopes of C and N. Besides the sampling techniques, the students will learn to interpret the results and achieve an understanding of the biogeochemical cycle of nutrients and trace metals in estuaries.
General aspects
Environmental quality guidelines, (e.g. EU water framework directives, sediment quality guidelines, clean air quality, …)
Monitoring strategies
Specific sampling requirements for trace metals, organics, in different matrices (water, sediments) and at varying concentration levels (open ocean, rivers, wastewater, …)
Screening methods, in situ analysis, passive samplers
Quality control in environmental sampling
Role of sediments in water quality
Air sampling
Sampling of gaseous and particulate species
Wet deposition sampling
Water sampling
Physico-chemical parameters; carbonate chemistry (alkalinity, DIC; pH; O2; isotopic composition of DIC, O2)
Suspended organic carbon, Chlorophyll
Clean sampling protocols for trace metals
Passive samplers: DET/DGT probes: advantages, capabilities and limitations, speciation capabilities
Field analysis: portable instrumentation, discrete and continuous measurements, speciation capabilities of voltametric methods
Sampling methods from ship, RIB and river bank
Sample handing, pre-treatment and storage
Sediment and porewater sampling
Bulk sampling or core sampling
Sampling methods from ship, RIB and river bank
Porewater sampling: centrifugation, squeezing, dialysis sampler, DET/DGT probes
Measurements of physicochemical parameters
Flux measurements at the sediment-water interface
Sampling of biota
from the water column (plankton nets)
from sediments (sieving)
Human biomonitoring
selection of biomarkers of exposure
sampling and analysis of blood, urine, breast milk, hair
Teaching methods:
Teaching methods consist of lectures, lab work and field work on board of a research vessel.
Course material:
Notes consisting of the slides shown during the lectures; specific research papers and sampling guideline documents will be available via the CANVAS platform at VUB
References: In-situ Monitoring of Aquatic Systems: Chemical analysis and Speciation. Buffle and Horvai (Editors) 2000. ISBN: 978-0-471-48979-5 Wiley Publishers
Trace Element Speciation for Environment, Food and Health, Editors: L Ebdon, L Pitts, R Cornelis, H Crews, O F X Donard, Philippe Quevauviller. 2001. ISBN-978-0-85404-459-7. Royal Society of Chemistry
After following the course, the student will have:
acquired expertise in the use of specific sampling and sample handling techniques of water, sediments, air, biota and human biomonitoring for several selected compounds.
have gained insight in the potential of in-situ analysis, analysis in the field, continuous monitoring and screening methods.
Insight on the importance of avoiding contamination during sampling for trace element analysis
Insight on the importance of maintaining in-situ conditions during sample treatment
ill learn to interpret the results and achieve an understanding of the biogeochemical cycle of nutrients and trace metals in estuaries.
De beoordeling bestaat uit volgende opdrachtcategorieën:
Examen Andere bepaalt 100% van het eindcijfer
Binnen de categorie Examen Andere dient men volgende opdrachten af te werken:
The students make a report on the field sampling expedition, showing the aquired knowledge on the aspects of field sampling and the interpretations of the results. (75%)
A written exam with open questions on the topics discussed during the lectures (25%)
Calculation of the examination mark
Final score consists of the weighed average of report and written examination
Deze aanbieding maakt deel uit van de volgende studieplannen:
Master of Chemistry: Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (enkel aangeboden in het Engels)