AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course intendes to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of the main classes of organic contaminants and their analytical determination in different matrices (environmental, food, biological, etc.).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course intends to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of the most important classes of organic contaminants and their analytical determination in different matrices (environmental, food, biological, etc.). In particular, different classes of organic contaminants will be considered, the ones traditionally studied (Persistent Organic Pollutants, POPs) and those of more recent scientific interest, the so-called emerging contaminants, including, among others, drugs and substances used in products for personal care, flame retardants, endocrine disruptors, perfluorinated substances. The different sample preparation methods and instrumental methods (LC-MS, GC-MS) most suitable for the determination of the substances under examination will be illustrated, considering, in addition to their chemical-physical characteristics, also important factors such as their concentration, type of matrix and its complexity, the possible presence of interferents.

At the end of the course students will be able to

- know and describe the main classes of organic contaminants, their chemical-physical characteristics, the main matrices in which their analysis is carried out, the most common problems related to their determination

- know the main matrices in which their analysis is carried out and the most common problems related to their determination

- identify, among the different sample preparation methods and the different instrumental analytical techniques, those most suitable for their determination in different matrices, also considering the notions learned during the analytical chemistry courses already attended

 - describe in technical language the stages of sample preparation and the subsequent instrumental analysis.

TEACHING METHODS

Attending lessons is not compulsory, although strongly recommended. The course will alternate lectures in Italian with group work, favoring case studies and project teaching. Activities will also be organized to encourage an active approach for the solution of an analytical problem.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The bibliographic research for the solution of an analytical problem.

The "classic" organic contaminants (pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, organotin compounds ...) and their characteristics. Analytical techniques for their extraction, purification, preconcentration and analysis in different matrices (environmental, food, biological).

The problem of "emerging contaminants" (drugs, personal care products, brominated flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds, ...); their characteristics and peculiarities. Endocrine disruptors, characteristics and their possible effect on organisms. Analytical techniques for their extraction, purification, preconcentration and analysis in different matrices (environmental, food, biological).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides of the lectures and further teaching material (scientific articles, regulations, different material for a detailed study) available on the Aulaweb platform.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARINA DI CARRO (President)

FRANCISCO ARDINI

MARIA CARMELA IANNI

BARBARA BENEDETTI (President Substitute)

EMANUELE MAGI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

  see    https://chimica.unige.it/didattica/orari_CTC

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Students wishing to take the exam must book within 2 days in advance on: https://servizionline.unige.it/studenti/esami/prenotazione.

Examination description:

- group or personal paper with an in-depth study of a case study or a topic of the course, previously agreed upon with the teacher.

- individual oral interview

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The presentation of a paper allows to verify the students' learning in putting into practice the new informations, verifying skills of different types (choice of bibliographic sources, correctness of technical language, ability to synthesize and critical reflection, ability to make connections to concepts already addressed in the other analytical chemistry courses).

The oral interview will allow to evaluate:

- knowledge,

- the ability to use the skills developed in different contexts

Evaluation criteria are:

- the quality of the oral presentation,

- the correct use of the specialist vocabulary,

- the capacity for analysis and critical reflection, even on already discussed or hypothetical cases .

Exam schedule