Organic Chemistry in the Environment

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Explain concepts of major biomolecules.
• Explain the chemical synthesis of common pesticides, with detailed reaction mechanisms where appropriate.
• Discuss the mechanisms of chemical and biochemical degradation of common pesticides.
• Describe the composition and environmental impact of crude oil spills.
• Describe the degradation of biomolecules.
• Describe the biosynthesis of major biomolecules.
• Describe methods for extraction, separation, purification and analysis of organic environmental pollutants, using crude oil and pesticides as key examples.
• Discuss the need for and environmental impact of common pesticides (insecticides and herbicides).
• Describe the biological mechanisms of action of common pesticides.
• Apply organic chemistry principles to explain chemistry of biomolecules.

Introduction to Organic Molecules in the Environment.

The course begins by describing the chemical structure and properties of several important families of organic compounds that occur in the natural enviroment. These include carbohydrates, proteins (including enzymes), fatty acids, terpenes and lignins. Aspects covered will include the naming and chemical structure, functional groups and biochemical roles and their biosynthesis. The following biosynthetic transformations will be covered: polysaccharides from monosaccharides; D-glucose from carbon dioxide; the plant polymer lignin from cinnamic acids

Fate of Organic Molecules in the Environment

The second section describes the degradation of organic molecules in the environment. The chemical stability of organic molecules and the chemistry of their breakdown is discussed. The biochemical mechansims that degrade organic molecules and recycle them, including glycosidases, protease and lipases and fatty acid catabolism are discussed. The chemistry of biological oxidations in mammalian and microbial systems is described. The carbon cycle and the formation of coal oil and gas is discussed. Man’s discovery of oil and gas reserves depends on our ability to determine their presence and quality in geological formations.

Man-made Materials in the Environment

The third section of the course includes a discussion of man-made environmental pollution, including concepts of chemical toxicity, biomagnification and persistence. Six classes of compounds will be studied: organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides, organochlorine insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins and herbicides. The chemistry, biological activity and environmental consequences of use of each class will be described including the structures, chemical synthesis, mode of action, enviromental impact and associated problems, mechanisms of dispersal and highlighting some solutions to environmental problems.

Pollution in the Environment and Modern Analytical Methods

The final section of the course will show how extraction methods and modern trace analysis (gas and liquid chromatography), when used in combination with mass spectrometry, can be employed to investigate the persistence and breakdown of organic pollutants in the environment. Examples and case studies used will draw on the topics covered in the earlier sections of the course.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures, problem-solving Seminars with group working and tutor support

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

S D Killops and V J Killops (2004). An Introduction to Organic Geochemistry. Blackwell Science.

G W van Loon and S J Duffy (2000). Environmental Chemistry: A Global Perspective. Oxford University Press.

R P Schwarzenbach, P M Gschwend and D M Imboden (2002). Environmental Organic Chemistry. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Clayden, Greeves, Warren and Wothers. Organic Chemistry. Oxford University Press.

J Mann (1987). Secondary Metabolism. Oxford University Press.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External