2023
Biogeochemistry of aquatic sediments
Name: Biogeochemistry of aquatic sediments
Code: GEO10366M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Geology
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Present the major biogeochemical characteristics, chemical fluxes and dynamics of nutrients and contaminants and factors that control the transport and sedimentation of materials in freshwater systems, especially rivers and lakes. Presentation of case studies conducted by the teacher in aquatic systems in Tropical and Mediterranean climate, so that the student understands the practical application of the knowledge achieved from the study and analysis of sediments. Presentation of the main causes of pollution of aquatic systems and proposals for its remediation and rehabilitation.
Contents
Biogeochemistry of aquatic systems: Introduction
River Sediments: Characteristics of rivers, Material flows through rivers, Chemical fluxes and dynamics of rivers.
Lacustrine sedimentation in artificial systems: The natural erosion and accelerated erosion of soils in the watersheds of the lake systems, Physical and chemical processes in lake systems, Dams and reservoirs and nutrient cycles, Factors controlling the transport of materials and sedimentation in dams, Transport and sedimentation of materials, Mechanisms of Transport and Deposition of Clay Minerals, Chemical fluxes and dynamics of lakes.
Biogeochemistry of river and lake sediments: major elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Na), metallic elements, trace metals, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, methane, redox potential.
Pollution and remediation of aquatic systems: Acidification, Pollution by pathogens and toxins, Eutrophication, The redox potential and recovery of lakes, Dredging as a recovery technique.
River Sediments: Characteristics of rivers, Material flows through rivers, Chemical fluxes and dynamics of rivers.
Lacustrine sedimentation in artificial systems: The natural erosion and accelerated erosion of soils in the watersheds of the lake systems, Physical and chemical processes in lake systems, Dams and reservoirs and nutrient cycles, Factors controlling the transport of materials and sedimentation in dams, Transport and sedimentation of materials, Mechanisms of Transport and Deposition of Clay Minerals, Chemical fluxes and dynamics of lakes.
Biogeochemistry of river and lake sediments: major elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Na), metallic elements, trace metals, nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, methane, redox potential.
Pollution and remediation of aquatic systems: Acidification, Pollution by pathogens and toxins, Eutrophication, The redox potential and recovery of lakes, Dredging as a recovery technique.
Teaching Methods
The course will have a strong theoretical and practical component.
The evaluation will be made in two alternative ways: (1) Continuous evaluation: 3 theoretical works distributed by the semester with answers to several questions and resolution of case studies (60%) and a laboratory component in the last teaching week, which will include the student's participation in practical works and presentation of reports concerning the laboratory activities (40%); (2) Final evaluation: Presentation of a monograph concerning the subject taught that includes the resolution of 3 case studies (60%) and presentation of a report concerning the laboratory activities that will be carried out during the last teaching week (40%).
The evaluation will be made in two alternative ways: (1) Continuous evaluation: 3 theoretical works distributed by the semester with answers to several questions and resolution of case studies (60%) and a laboratory component in the last teaching week, which will include the student's participation in practical works and presentation of reports concerning the laboratory activities (40%); (2) Final evaluation: Presentation of a monograph concerning the subject taught that includes the resolution of 3 case studies (60%) and presentation of a report concerning the laboratory activities that will be carried out during the last teaching week (40%).
Teaching Staff
- Rita Maria Ferreira Fonseca [responsible]
