Environmental chemistry
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Students must have passed exams for general and inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry in order to understand the chemical processes taking place in the various environmental compartments, acquire the skills necessary to understand the intervention logics in the environmental field, and the functioning of the main strategies for pollutant control and remediation.
The evaluation of knowledge for Module A includes a written test (partial test) to be completed in 3 hours, with 5-6 questions, encompassing the main topics of the program. Necessary in order to pass the test is the correct use of the terminology and clear written presentation consistent with the questions asked and detailed with respect to the topics addressed in class. The preparation, which should follow the power-point presentations given by the teacher, must necessarily be supported by the consultation of the recommended books.
The outcome of the written test contributes to the final average based on the marks obtained separately in modules A and B.
The course of Environmental Chemistry and Applied Analytical Chemistry is composed of the two modules of Environmental Chemistry (Module A) and of Applied Analytical Chemistry (Module B), which offer the student an integrated and synergistic approach to the study of Environmental Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry in all its components.
MODULE A - Environmental Chemistry
At the end of the course, the student must have knowledge related to
• the main characteristics of the environmental compartments
• the main aspects of contamination by chemical compounds in the various environmental compartments and the main organic and inorganic pollutants
• intervention strategies for specific environmental problems
At the end of the course the student must demonstrate the following skills
• ability to describe clearly and extensively the main aspects of contamination by chemical compounds in the various environmental compartments.
• ability to list the different environmental issues and the best strategies to address them.
The student must also develop a conscious autonomy of judgment with reference to the evaluation and interpretation of chemical pollution problems also in relation to multidisciplinary areas that include eco-toxicological assessments and related to risk deriving from exposure phenomena.
Introduction to environmental chemistry (6h): the problems of chemical pollution. Dynamic interactions of the various environmental compartments: water-soil-air-biota. The REACH legislation.
The water compartment (10h): chemical-physical properties of aqueous systems. The CO2 / H2O system. Parameters for the classification of water for environmental quality: physical and chemical properties (pH, BOD, hardness, etc.) Complexation with synthetic complexant (phosphates, EDTA, etc.) and natural (humic and fulvic acids). Surfactants. Systems of pre- and post-treatment of waste waters.
The soil compartment (6h): chemical-physical characteristics of the geosphere. The soil and its constituents. The sediments. Parameters for the adsorption of chemical compounds. Fertilizers and nutrients.
Main organic and inorganic pollutants (8h): Natural and anthropogenic organic pollutants: aromatic and non aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, pesticides, metals. Emerging pollutants.
Biodegradation and photodegradation (2h): main biotransformations by microorganisms and main photochemical decompositions, their role in decontamination
The air compartment (12h): structure and composition of the atmosphere. Inorganic gaseous pollutants: CO, CO2, SO2, NOX; greenhouse effect and acid rain. Stratospheric ozone depletion (CFC and substitutes). Photochemical smog. Atmospheric particulate (PM).
In silico alternatives to Animal experimentation (4h): Introduction to alternative methods to animal testing, 3 R strategy, QSAR methodologies with examples of application for prediction of properties and activities of organic environmental pollutants (4h)
C. Baird M. Cann “Chimica Ambientale” Zanichelli, 2006 Consigliato
S. E.Manahan “Chimica dell’Ambiente” Ed. It. Piccin, 2000 (per consultazione disponibile anche in Biblioteca di Scienze)
C.J. Leeuwen, T,G. Vermeire, Risk Assessment of Chemicals: An Introduction, Springer, 2007
Powerpoint slides and additional material will be made available on the e-learning platform.
The course is organized in 48 hours of frontal lessons (teacher in Varese, in video with Como). Attendance at the lectures is optional, but recommended, and the final exam will be the same for attending and non-attending students.
Office Hours: The teacher is available any day of the week by appointment arranged by e-mail or telephone (Varese, Via Dunant, 3, Red Floor).