AQUATIC CHEMICAL PROCESSES

Aquatic chemical processes refer to the various chemical reactions and interactions that occur
in aquatic environments such as oceans, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. These processes play
crucial roles in determining water quality, nutrient cycling, and the overall health of aquatic
ecosystems. Some key aquatic chemical processes include:

Dissolution: This process involves the transfer of a solid substance into a solution phase. For
example, minerals and gases dissolve in water, altering its chemical composition.

Ion Exchange: In this process, ions in the water are exchanged with ions on the surface of
solid particles, such as minerals or soil. This can affect the concentrations of different ions in
the water.

Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Reactions: Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons

between chemical species. In aquatic environments, these reactions can occur between
dissolved oxygen and organic matter, metals, or other compounds. Redox reactions are
important for nutrient cycling and the transformation of pollutants.

Hydrolysis: Hydrolysis involves the breakdown of chemical compounds by water, usually

through the addition of water molecules to chemical bonds. For example, esters can undergo
hydrolysis to produce alcohols and acids.

Complexation: Complexation refers to the formation of complexes between metal ions and
other molecules, such as organic ligands or inorganic anions. These complexes can affect the
solubility, mobility, and toxicity of metals in aquatic environments.

Precipitation and Co-precipitation: Precipitation occurs when dissolved substances in water

form solid particles and settle out. Co-precipitation involves the incorporation of impurities
into the solid phase during precipitation reactions. These processes can influence the removal
of pollutants from water.

Acid-Base Reactions: Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons between chemical
species. In aquatic environments, these reactions can affect the pH of the water and influence
the speciation and toxicity of various compounds.

Understanding these chemical processes is essential for assessing water quality, predicting
the fate of pollutants, and managing aquatic ecosystems effectively. Researchers and
environmental scientists employ various analytical techniques and modelling approaches to
study and quantify these processes in natural and engineered aquatic systems.