LEARNING OUTCOMES

The lectures aims at providing i) the basic knowledge on biological monitoring by means of vegetal organisms and fungi; ii) phyto- mycoremediation techniques, iii) stabilization  approaches. 

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The lectures aims at providing i) the basic knowledge on biological monitoring by means of vegetal organisms and fungi; ii) phyto- mycoremediation techniques, iii) stabilization  approaches.

Students may acquire expertise for coordinating his work with other professional figures (geologists, chemists, naturalists, engineers ...) involved in environmental issues to address and solve problems with a multidisciplinary approach.

TEACHING METHODS

frontal lectures. Laboratory exercises.

Recommended Reading/Bibliography:

Handouts by the lecturer available through the course portal on aulaweb

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Basic knowledge on fungal biology and ecology, systematics of main taxa. Plants and fungi: interactions with environmental compartments and other organisms.

Responses to stimuli and adversities. Tolerance and resistance mechanisms. Plants and fungi as bioindicators.

Main vegetal organisms and fungi for biomonitoring of water, soil, and air. Response to contaminants: exclusion, tolerance, accumulation and hyperaccumulation. Phytoremediation e Mycoremediation.

Monitoring of the fungal component on specific substrates, such as human artifacts and human corpses (forensic mycology). Applications: in vitro, mesocosms, bioreactors. Case study: Libiola (GE) abandoned mine, a multidisciplinary approach.

Exercises in laboratory: ecotoxicological tests with plants and fungal organisms. Techniques for monitoring, isolation of vital fungal strains.