OVERVIEW

Environmental Mineralogy is a cutting-edge discipline with wide-ranging applications in the Geological and Natural Sciences. It provides essential tools for investigating and modeling the hazards, risks, and environmental impacts associated with both natural and synthetic mineral species. The course addresses topics of significant relevance for professionals and technicians working in public administration and private sectors involved in environmental monitoring and land management, as well as for researchers engaged in environmental science. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide knowledge on the main aspects of environmental mineralogy and risk assessment, considering either the theoretical basis and the methodological approach. The main topics dealt with are: 1) mineral reactivity in supergenic environment and interactions among lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere; 2) role of minerals in uptake, release, transport and dispersal of toxic metals; 3) minerals and mineral reactivity in natural and anthropogenic soils  4) evaluation of the natural background concentrations of metals and minerals of environmental concern in natural and anthropogenic soils; 5) methods for the determination of the environmental impact of minerals in natural and anthropogenic sites; 6) the role of mineralogy in reclamation/mitigation projects. Several case studies will be presented and analyzed also by means of laboratory and field activities.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By attending and actively participating in the planned educational activities (lectures, laboratory sessions, and field-based activities), students will acquire the core competencies of Environmental Mineralogy, essential for both professional practice in the geological sciences and for conducting scientific research in Earth and Natural Sciences.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
• Identify the main mineralogical classes and species of environmental relevance;
• Apply theoretical and practical knowledge to the analysis of specific environmental case studies;
• Examine rock, soil, and sediment samples to recognize minerals of environmental concern;
• Critically assess data collected through field surveys, sampling, and laboratory analyses to develop scientifically sound or professionally oriented studies;
• Prepare and effectively communicate scientific and/or technical reports, using appropriate terminology and structured argumentation.

PREREQUISITES

To effectively engage with the course content, students are expected to possess basic knowledge in mineralogy, including: (1) the systematic classification and chemical-physical properties of minerals; (2) basic methods for the investigation and characterization of rocks and minerals

TEACHING METHODS

The course includes traditional lectures and practical sessions, both in the field and in the laboratory. Active participation in all activities is strongly recommended, as they are designed to support learning through applied exercises, methodological training, and knowledge assessment.

Classroom lectures are delivered using multimedia presentations.

Laboratory and field-based activities are aimed at applying the theoretical knowledge acquired during lectures. These include:

• Fieldwork focused on data collection at the outcrop scale and the development of sampling strategies for unconsolidated rocks and sediments;
• In-situ data acquisition using portable analytical instruments;
• Individual exercises using transmitted light polarizing microscopy for the qualitative and quantitative identification of mineralogical compositions;
• Group exercises using scanning electron microscopy and microanalysis (SEM-EDS) to determine mineral chemistry and to analyze microtextural and microstructural features of samples;
• Classroom-based data processing and interpretation exercises.

Laboratory sessions will take place in facilities equipped with optical microscopes and specialized instrumentation, including the Electron Microscopy Laboratory at DISTAV.

Students with certified Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs are encouraged to contact both the teacher and the Department’s disability liaison officer, Prof. Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), at the beginning of the course. This will allow for the arrangement of appropriate teaching methods that, while respecting the learning objectives of the course, take into account individual learning needs.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course includes the presentation and critical discussion of the following topics:

• Mineralogical species of environmental concern;
• Asbestos and other pathogenic mineral fibres: classification, physical properties, and analytical methods for quantitative identification in rocks, sediments, artificial materials, air, and water;
• Asbestos in rocks and soils: origin, distribution, and mechanisms of fibre release;
• Use and dispersion of asbestos in anthropogenic environments;
• Asbestos in natural and human-modified settings: international, national, and regional regulatory frameworks;
• Geological materials from excavation: the role of Environmental Mineralogy in their classification and potential reuse;
• From bedrock to soil: mineral alteration processes and the formation of pedogenetic profiles;
• The role of minerals in the biogeochemical cycling of ecotoxic elements: release and uptake of chemical species during weathering in supergene environments;
• Environmental Mineralogy and georesources: environmental impacts of extractive activities, with a focus on acid mine drainage (AMD) processes;
• Interactions between minerals and the biosphere: biomineralization and biologically mediated alteration processes.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All slides and other teaching materials used during lectures and laboratory sessions will be made available on AulaWeb at the end of each teaching cycle.

The following textbooks are suggested as supplementary resources to support and deepen the understanding of the course topics:

• Eggleton R.A., Aspandiar M. (2007): Environmental Mineralogy. Honours Shortcourse, CRC LEME Open File Report 206, Cooperative Research Centre for Landscape Environments and Mineral Exploration, Bentley (Australia). ISBN 1921039760, 159 p., available online at the address: http://www.crcleme.org.au/Pubs/OPEN%20FILE%20REPORTS/OFR%20206/OFR%20206.pdf
• Vaughan D.J. & Wogelius R.A. (2000): Environmental Mineraogy – European Mineralogical Union - Eotvos University Press, Budapest (Ungheria), ISBN 9634631339, 434 p.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Please, consult detailed timetable at the following link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of two written assessments undertaken during the course and a final oral examination.
The written assessments include:

1. A technical report on the activities carried out during the field exercises.
2. A technical report on the activities carried out during the laboratory exercises.

The written assessments are considered passed if the average score of the two reports is equal to or greater than 18/30. If the student fails either or both assessments, they must take a comprehensive written exam covering all the activities included in the two reports. This exam is passed with a score of 18/30 or higher.

Oral Examination
The oral exam consists of a presentation on a topic chosen by the student, followed by questions from the instructor on topics covered during the course.

Final Grade
The final grade is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the scores obtained in the written assessments and the oral exam.

Exam Sessions
The oral exam may be taken during the same session as the written exam or in one of the subsequent sessions published on the University of Genova website. There are three exam sessions in the winter period (January–February) and three in the summer period (June, July, September).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Detailed guidance on exam preparation and the expected level of depth for each topic will be provided during the lectures.

The written assessments are designed to evaluate the student’s effective acquisition of theoretical knowledge, as well as their ability to connect and integrate this knowledge by applying it to specific case studies developed during fieldwork and laboratory activities.

The oral examination will primarily focus on the topics covered during the lectures. Its purpose is not only to assess whether the student has achieved an adequate level of knowledge, but also to evaluate their ability to apply this knowledge and understanding to basic case studies. Particular attention will be given to the clarity of presentation and the use of appropriate technical terminology.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular and active participation in lectures and associated laboratory sessions is strongly recommended to ensure effective learning and skill development.

Students are required to wear appropriate clothing for field excursions and laboratory activities, and to use the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided for these sessions. All other technical and analytical instruments necessary for the activities will be supplied by the instructor.

For any additional information not included in the teaching schedule, please contact the professor.