Aquatic Chemist
Aquatic chemists ensure that the water we drink, and use is at a safe standard. Water chemists are scientists who not only study potential pollutants in water but also analyze to see how environmental changes impact the chemical makeup of a water source.
Career Details
These professionals work in different types of locations including labs where they can perform tests on the water and in the field.
Aquatic chemists spend their time collecting samples, evaluating ecosystems, and monitoring the conditions of the bodies of water in a particular area, including lakes and streams, and they also assess water that has been contaminated.
Water chemistry is an interdisciplinary field, so you might find that these professionals take on responsibilities assigned to hydrologists, hydrobiogeochemists, or hydrogeologists.
Aquatic chemists usually start work in the field and as they grow in their careers, they take on higher profiles and more complex projects.
Students who choose this career path should take as many courses in environmental policy as possible to help them understand how the data they collect affect public policy.
It’s also important that you work on your physical stamina in this career because you might find yourself in situations where you need to walk or stand for long periods.
Skills required for this career:
- Analytical skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Complex problem-solving skills
Study options:
- M.Sc. Water Resource Management
- M.Eng. Ware Resource Engineering
- M.Sc. Applied Science Water Resources
- M.Sc. Hydrogeology
Employers:
- Mining companies
- Oil and gas companies
- Construction companies
- Government departments