Chemical Kinetics of Dechlorination for Environmental Engineers

Understanding how contaminants break down in flowing water systems is crucial for protecting our groundwater and designing sustainable environmental solutions. This course provides a clear, text-based introduction to the chemical kinetics of dechlorination and the behavior of chlorinated hydrocarbons like TCE in open environmental systems. You will transition from understanding basic chemical concepts to modeling how source size and microbial degradation rates impact contaminant concentrations over time. Through step-by-step written explanations, practical formulas, and conceptual modeling exercises, you will gain the skills needed to analyze and address real-world soil and water contamination. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental principles of chemical kinetics and biodegradation in environmental engineering. - Analyze the behavior of chlorinated hydrocarbons, including TCE and its daughter products, in open aquatic systems. - Model the dissolution of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) and their transport through flowing water. - Evaluate how microbial degradation rates and initial source size affect time-dependent contaminant concentrations. - Apply kinetic equations to predict the timeline and efficiency of natural and engineered dechlorination processes. The course begins with core terminology and kinetic definitions before moving into the dynamics of open transport systems and microbial decay. You will progress through structured written modules that break down complex mathematical modeling into readable, step-by-step concepts. This course is designed for beginners in environmental science, civil engineering, and sustainability who want to understand contaminant hydrology and remediation without needing advanced prerequisites. Start reading today to build a strong foundation in environmental chemical kinetics and sustainable remediation design.