Lecture 01: Water Chemistry Basics (Chapter 1)

LECTURE OVERVIEW:
In this lecture, we introduce the foundational concepts of water chemistry, focusing on the importance of water as a central component in environmental systems. Key topics include the interaction between water and other phases (solid, liquid, gas), the unique properties of water due to its polarity, and the concept of speciation—understanding the different chemical forms and behaviors of substances in water. Additionally, we briefly explore basic reactions such as ion dissociation, acid-base interactions, and redox processes, which play critical roles in shaping water chemistry in natural and engineered environments.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of the lecture, you will be able to:
• Evaluate the basics of water chemistry
• Understand the basics of speciation in environmental systems
• Better understand the features and impacts of water in environmental systems

RELEVANT READINGS:
• Water Chemistry, 2nd Edition, by Mark M. Benjamin
1. Basics of Aquatic Chemistry
1.1. Introduction
1.2. The Structure of Water Molecules and Interactions Among Them
1.3. The Behavior of Solutes in Water; Dissolution of Salts
• Environmental Chemistry, 10th Edition, by Stanley E. Manahan
2.3. H2O: Simple Formula, Remarkable Molecule
2.5. Chemistry of Water

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COURSE INFORMATION:
This video is part of the Environmental Chemistry course, designed and taught by Prof. Mim Rahimi. The course covers the following chapters: (1) Fundamentals of Environmental Chemistry, (2) Acids and Bases and Related Phenomena, (3) Chemistry of Metals, and (4) Redox Chemistry in Environmental Systems.

COURSE REFERENCES:
The recommended textbooks for the course are:
• Main Reference: Water Chemistry, 2nd Edition, by Mark M. Benjamin, Waveland Press Inc., ISBN: 978-1478623083
• Additional Useful Reference: Environmental Chemistry, 10th Edition, by Stanley E. Manahan, CRC Press, ISBN: 978-1032339726