LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge of typical and innovative methods for the analysis of some environmental matrices: air, soils and organisms. Data interpretation in relation with biogeochemical cycles and/or with pollution. Development of  chemical laboratory work skills and of computing and presenting experimental data, both in written form and as oral presentation.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of this course is: a) the knowledge of typical and innovative methods for the determination of pollutants or essential or characteristics substances in different environmental matrices as fresh waters, air, soils, sediments and organisms; b) data interpretation in relation with biogeochemical cycles and/or with pollution and environmental impact;  c) achievement of  chemical laboratory work skills, of computing and presenting experimental results, both in written form and as oral presentation.

At the end of the course, student will be able to plan sampling, storage, treatment of environmental matrices and to apply the appropriate analytical method. They will also be able to process the obtained data, even in a multidisciplinary contex,and to present and discuss the results. 

PREREQUISITES

In order to attend lessons and laboratory of this course with good benefits, it is strongly reccommended to have already achieved knowledge of basic analytical chemistry (equilibria, volumetric and instrumental analysis, data and method evaluation (accuracy, precision an so on), preconcentration and purification procedures of samples).

TEACHING METHODS

Attendance to lessons its not compulsory, but highly recommended, while attendance to practice exercises is compulsory. Practice 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 the missed practice exercise.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Biogeochemical cycles. Pollution. Speciation analyses.

Geosphere: origin, composition, sampling and analytical methods regarding soils. Determination of metal content and of natural and anthropic organic matter. Solid speciation analyses applied to soils and sediments.

Atmosphere: charachteristics of some pollutants and anaytical methods for their determination. Sampling systems.

Biosphere: Use of bioindicators in environmental monitoring. Speciation of metals and organometallic compounds in biological matrices.

Practical and theoretical exercises will be performed on the topics of the course and students will work in groups.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chimica dell'Ambiente. Manahan. Ed. Piccin

Le Analisi Chimiche Ambientali. Giannì. Ed. I.C.S.A.