LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of sampling and pretreatment methods. Knowledge of instrumental techniques for elements speciation studies. Knowledge of the most important analytical methods for the determination of different matrices. Development of  the capacity to choose a suitable analytical method, of chemical laboratory work skills and of computing and presenting experimental data.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aims of the course are knowledge of suitable methods for sampling, pretreatment and treatment of different samples and some instrumental techniques used for element speciation studies. Moreover, students will learn some methods used for quality control analyses on food, water and variuos samples. Further aim is to learn how to carry out complete laboratory analyses on real samples. 

At the end of the course students will acquire: a) knowledge regarding sampling strategies and methods; b) basic concepts of elements speciation, relationships with bioavailability and related analytical methods; c) knowledge regarding standardized methods for analyses of water, food and other real matrices; d) how to choose and carry out suitable analytical methods for the different studied matrices; e) the skills to process data obtained from their analyses and to evaluate and present them correctly. 

PREREQUISITES

In order to attend lessons and laboratory of this course with good benefits, it is strongly reccommended to have already achieved knowledge of classical analytical chemistry (volumetric analysis) and of basic analytical instrumental techniques (especially chromatography, spectroscopy and mass spectrometry). 

TEACHING METHODS

Attendance to lessons its not compulsory, but highly recommended, while attendance to practical and theoretical exercises is compulsory. All exercises will be performed by groups of students.  At the beginning of the course, the dates of the excercises will be notified and students can choose in which group they will work. It will be possible to make up missed exercises.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Sampling and pre-treatment: Sampling and sample representativity. Contamination. Pre-treatment and storage. Physical and chemical methods for preparing samples. Separation e preconcentration bu means of resins, solvent extraction, solid phase extraction.

Instrumental techniques for elements speciation: Speciation and bioavailability. Speciation analyses by hyphenated and electroanalytical techniques.

Water analysis: Analytical methods for the determination of the most common compounds in natural waters, drink water and waste waters, for their characterization and for pollution problems.

Food analysis: Analytical methods for the characterization of food. Natural and anthropic contaminants in food: characteristics and analytycal methods.  

Forensic analysis: Comparative analysis of different samples: specific problems and applications. Gun shot residues determination. Drug analysis: sample preparation and instrumental techniques.

Practical and theoretical exercises will be carried out on the topics of the course and will be performed by groups of students.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides regarding all the topics of the lessons publicated on the "aulaweb" service

Other material (scientific papers, laws and guidelines) on aulaweb.