Pollution MonitoringLaajuus (4 ECTS)

Objective

The student understands the main sources and formation mechanisms of atmospheric pollutants, and can describe their harmful climatic and health effects.

The student knows the principles of sampling methods and can recognize the most relevant error source when sampling. The student can analyse the sampling data.

Students understand the main sources and formation mechanisms of pollutants in water. Students know common water pollution analysis methods, principles of sampling and standards.

Content

1. Atmospheric emissions of pollutants and simple tropospheric chemistry

2. Properties of atmospheric particles

3. Monitoring and sampling of particulate and gaseous emissions, and subsequent data analysis

4. Legislation and air quality assessment

5. Water pollution, legislation, sampling, analytical methods and standards

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

1. The student can describe the main sources of gaseous pollutants in urban air, and can write the equations for reaction rates of the given reactants and products.

2. The student can describe the main source and loss mechanisms of particles in urban air.

3. The student is able to make unit conversions, represent graphically time series of the measured results, and write a short report.

4. The student recognizes the air quality standards, and can apply the information in interpreting the results from air quality stations by the authorities.

5. Student can list sources of water pollution and principles of legislation. Student knows common analytical methods and standards

Assessment criteria, good (3)

1. Students can describe the main sources of gaseous pollutants in urban air, and can write the equations for reaction rates of the given reactants and products. Students can calculate the steady state concentrations and life times for given gases.

2. Students can describe the main source and loss mechanisms of particles in urban air.

3. Students understand the main principles of some instruments developed for gaseous and particle concentration measurements.

4. Students can apply the ideal gas law for unit conversions, represent time series of the measured concentrations and particle number size distributions, as well as write a logical and good quality report.

5. Students recognize the air quality standards to protect human life, and can apply the information in interpreting the results from air quality stations by the authorities.

6. Students know formation mechanism and chemistry related to water pollution. The student can apply legislation, analytical methods and standards to solve water pollution related problems.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

1. Students can describe the main sources of gaseous pollutants in urban air, and can write the equations for reaction rates of the given reactants and products. Students can calculate the steady state concentrations and life times for given gases.

2. Students recognize the main source and loss mechanisms of particles in urban air. He/she understands the dynamics of particles, and can characterize the most important properties of particles in different environments.

3. Students understand the main principles of the most commonly used instruments developed for gaseous and particle concentration measurements.

4. Students can apply ideal gas law for unit conversions, represent time series of measured results as well as particle number size distributions, and write a high quality report about their own measurements. Students can independently draw critical conclusions of the measurement results and methods used and estimate the accuracy of the results.

5. Students recognize the air quality standards to protect human life, and can apply the information in interpreting the results from air quality stations by the authorities.

6. Students can solve complex water pollution related problems using available standards and legislation