The aim of this course is to provide students with a largely comprehensive introduction to aquatic system monitoring by using a wide range of field equipment and lab analyses to investigate the physics and geochemistry of surficial waters.

Topics covered include:

• Sample preparation: sampling, preservation, preparation, extraction, analysis

• Expression of results: studied parameters, units, presentation of results, precision and accuracy

• Chemical substances and pollution criteria

• Major physicochemical characteristics (T, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity), measurement methods

• Particulate material (organic SPM, C, N, P, chlorophyll pigments), measurement methods

• Nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, silicate), measurement methods

• Application of analytical methods to environmental samples

Objectives

At the end of the Unit, students should be able:

1. to know the basis for defining water quality

2. to set up a sampling strategy (types of pollutants, station location, sampling frequency, sampling apparatus)

3. to perform basic laboratory activities (concentration measurements), control the quality of the data and process data treatment

4. to understand and interpret a water analysis

5. to use databases (multi-variables data), statistical analysis and trend determinations to present, interpret and evaluate results in appropriate forms.

Key Skills Acquired

At the end of this Unit, students should understand:

1. the sampling strategy to encompass spatial and temporal variations

2. the major parameters used to define water quality and measurement methods

3. analytical methods to quantify nutrients and particulate matter parameters

Water chemistry, acido basic equilibrium

Evaluation Continue Intégrale (ECI) 100%