University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 1 | Credits: 5

This module (1-week Autumn course) provides students (PhD or Masters) from a wide range of disciplines (e.g. Environmental Science, Microbiology, Oceanography, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Biotechnology, Analytical Chemistry) with key skills for their research studies. The programme will focus on the chemistry of metals in all compartment of the environment and the bioavailability of different species. A suite of analytical instrumental techniques and developments in modern technologies for the determination of metals including speciation in environmental samples will be covered. The course will consist of lectures, case studies examining specific compartments of the environment by experts and participants’ presentation/discussion of their own research topic and framework.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Define and explain the burden of metals on the environment
  2. Define and evaluate the significance of Technology Critical Elements (Platinum Group Elements and Rare Earth Elements) as emerging metallic contaminants
  3. Critically assess the role of speciation in the mobility, bioavailability, bioaccumulation and toxicity of metals in ecosystems
  4. Explain current EU regulations, legislation and directives surrounding metals as priority pollutants (including water, agriculture and food sector)
  5. Apply and appraise emerging and sustainable technologies in metal bioremediation
  6. Identify suitable analytical and sample preparation techniques for metal determination and speciation in environmental matrices
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (100%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Element Recovery and Sustainability" by Andrew Hunt,George A. Kraus
    ISBN: 9781849736169.
    Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
  2. "Trace Metals in Aquatic Systems" by Robert P. Mason
    ISBN: 9781405160483.
    Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  3. "Environmental Impacts of Metallic Elements" by Muhammad Aqeel Ashraf,Maliha Sarfraz,Rizwana Naureen,Mohamedreza Gharibreza
    ISBN: 9789812872920.
    Publisher: Springer
  4. "Chemical Fate and Transport in the Environment" by Harold F. Hemond,Elizabeth J.. Fechner
    ISBN: 9780123982568.
  5. "Trace Elements in Abiotic and Biotic Environments" by Alina Kabata-Pendias,Barbara Szteke
    ISBN: 9781482212815.
    Publisher: CRC Press
  6. "Determination of Metals in Natural Waters, Sediments and Soils" by T. R. Crompton
    ISBN: 9780128026540.
The above information outlines module EOS6102: "Metals in the Environment, Speciation, Bioavailability, Remediation" and is valid from 2023 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.