An unfortunate reality of our time is that society has been unable to fully mitigate or understand the consequences of pollution in our air, soil, water, ecosystems, and bodies. We have made significant progress in reducing certain pollutants, but nevertheless the types, complexities, and quantities of pollutants released to the environment continue to expand. This field- and lab-based course explores the sources, transport, fate, and remediation of specific environmental pollutants. The course will focus on air, soil, and water pollution in the field and lab in addition to classroom discussions and computer simulations. We will use Middlebury's research-grade instruments and boat facilities to conduct a water quality analysis of Lake Champlain, and study stream water quality by comparing chemical water analyses to macroinvertibrate populations. Air quality will be evaluated in light of historical and current practices in motor vehicle fuel combustion, industrial manufacturing, and energy production. And computer simulations will help predict and visualize the fate and transport of pesticides under various meteorological conditions. Although this is primarily a science course, the study of pollution is inherently interdisciplinary. Thus, global and local environmental justice, economic, and political issues will also be explored. Specifically, we will discuss the broad, interconnected factors that have led to the current pollution conditions we face, including climate change and major oceanic issues. We will also discuss specific local issues, such as Vermont's 2012 moratorium on hydraulic fracturing. Most importantly, we will develop interdisciplinary solutions for the prevention of future pollution by analyzing past social movements and political regulations related to pollution prevention. These solutions, in conjunction with the leadership skills developed in Middlebury’s School of the Environment, will allow students to make a shift from talking about pollution to making beneficial changes across multiple societal levels. Credit: 1 Unit (3 semester-hours).



Required Text:

Vigil, Kenneth M. Clean Water: an introduction to water quality and water pollution (2nd edition). Oregon State University Press (2003)