E1220 Environmental Pollutants

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2025
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
In-person direct teaching
Teacher(s)
doc. Lisa Emily Melymuk, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. RNDr. Jana Klánová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Jana Klánová, Ph.D.
RECETOX – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: doc. Lisa Emily Melymuk, Ph.D.
Supplier department: RECETOX – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Tue 13:00–14:50 D29/252-RCX1
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of environmental chemistry (physical-chemical properties, environmental compartments) is required (recommended: E5040, E6050). For an introductory overview of all concepts in environmental chemistry, students are recommended to take C2003.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The goal of this course is to give students an overall understanding of pollutants present in the environment, including sources of pollutants and their relationship to human health and the quality of the natural environment.
Learning outcomes
After this couse, students should be able to: - understand problems related to their pollution from natural and anthropogenic sources;
- characterize the main types of pollutants and describe the basic properties of these chemicals, occurrence, sources, environmental transport, and hazard;
- explain the relationships between the pollution sources and primary and secondary types of pollution of environmental compartments;
- characterize and discuss environmental and health impacts of pollution;
- describe how to assess pollution sources, study exposure pathways and fate, and evaluate consequences of pollution for human exposure and environmental quality.
Syllabus
  • Course outline:
  • 1. Introduction to environmental pollution; chemicals in the environment – definitions, basic approaches, classifications of types of environmental pollutants (e.g., PBT, POP, EDC); pollution on different scales – global vs. regional vs. local
  • Lectures over subsequent weeks cover specific pollutant topics, including heavy metals, VOCs, combustion byproducts, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, flame retardants, plasticizers, personal care products, and microplastics.
  • Final lecture. Horizon scanning for new pollutants, links to policy, safe and sustainable by design.
Literature
    recommended literature
  • HILL, Marquita K. Understanding environmental pollution : a primer. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004, xvi, 468. ISBN 0521527260. info
  • Environmental & pollution science. Edited by Mark L. Brusseau - Charles P. Gerba - Ian L. Pepper. 2nd ed. Boston: Elsevier/Academic Press, 2006, xx, 532 p. ISBN 9780125515030. info
  • Environmental pollution and control. Edited by J. Jeffrey Peirce - Ruth F. Weiner - P. Aarne Vesilind. 4th ed. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998, xiv, 392 p. ISBN 0750698993. info
Teaching methods
The course is given as lectures with Powerpoint presentation. Discussion on focussed problems is also included within the lecture format. Students are frequently asked questions and encouraged to participate in discussion about the lecture topics.
Assessment methods
Attendance of the lectures is not mandatory but strongly recommended for complete understanding of the lecture topics. Assessment is based on weekly quizzes, assignment and final written examination.
Náhradní absolvování
In the event of a trip abroad, it is possible to complete the course in a substitute form, which includes completion of course project and exams. The possibility of completing the course remotely in the event of trip abroad should be agreed by the first week of semester with the instructor.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2019, Autumn 2020, autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2023, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2025/E1220