Topic 10 of 12 · 3 modules planned

Chemistry of the environment

Clean water, fertilisers, air quality and the chemistry behind climate change.

Modules

Module 1 · syllabus 10.1
Water
Is this water safe to drink?
This module is planned. It will have readings, an experiment, practice with self-checks and a final check.

Syllabus statements for this topic · for teachers · 18 statements

Core for every pupil · Supplement also for Extended entry. Paraphrased from the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus (2026–2028); check the official syllabus for exact wording.

10.1 Water

10.1.1Chemical water tests: cobalt chloride and copper sulfateC
10.1.2Water purity from phase-change temperaturesC
10.1.3Distilled versus tap water in practical workC
10.1.4Natural-water contents: gases, minerals, plastics, sewage, microbes, nutrientsC
10.1.5Useful dissolved oxygen and mineralsC
10.1.6Toxic compounds, plastics, pathogens and nutrient pollutionC
10.1.7Domestic treatment: settling/filtering, carbon, chlorinationC

10.2 Fertilisers

10.2.1Ammonium/nitrate fertiliser saltsC
10.2.2NPK nutrients for growthC

10.3 Air quality and climate

10.3.1Clean dry-air compositionC
10.3.2Sources of CO₂, CO, particulates, CH₄, NOx, SO₂C
10.3.3Pollutant effects: climate, toxicity, respiratory harm, acid rain, smogC
10.3.4Climate/acid-rain mitigation including vehicle and flue-gas methodsC
10.3.5Photosynthesis materials, light and chlorophyllC
10.3.6Photosynthesis word equationC
10.3.7Greenhouse gases and thermal-energy escapeS
10.3.8Engine NOx formation and catalytic conversionS
10.3.9Photosynthesis symbol equationS