CHEMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK TO HUMAN HEALTH - Environmental Chemistry Module
The course is divided into blocks dedicated to the chemistry of water, soil, air and to the study of the main classes of environmental contaminants. These blocks have equivalent weight (approximately 10 hours dedicated to each block), preceded and interspersed with shorted topics.
Introduction to environmental chemistry: main issues in chemical pollution. Dynamic interactions of the various environmental compartments: water-soil-air-biota. The REACH legislation. Basic concepts of Green Chemistry.
The water compartment: 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 complexants (phosphates, EDTA, etc.) and natural (humic and fulvic acids). Surfactants. Systems of pre- and post-treatment of waste waters.
The soil compartment: chemical-physical characteristics of the geosphere. The soil and its constituents. The sediments. Parameters for the adsorption of chemical compounds. Fertilizers and nutrients.
The air compartment: structure and composition of the atmosphere. Oxidations of organic compounds mediated by oxygen, OH and NO3 radicals, ozone. Inorganic gaseous pollutants: CO, CO2, NOX. Greenhouse effect and acid rains. Stratospheric ozone depletion (CFC and substitutes). Photochemical smog. Atmospheric particulate (PM).
Main organic and inorganic pollutants: Natural and anthropogenic organic pollutants: aromatic and non aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, pesticides, metals. Emerging pollutants.
Biodegradation: main biotransformations by microorganisms and their role in decontamination.
In silico alternatives to Animal tests: Introduction to alternative methods to animal experimentation, 3 R strategy, QSAR methodologies with examples of application for prediction of properties and activities of organic environmental pollutants.
ntroduction to environmental chemistry: main issues in chemical pollution. Dynamic interactions of the various environmental compartments: water-soil-air-biota. The REACH legislation. Basic concepts of Green Chemistry.
The water compartment: 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 complexants (phosphates, EDTA, etc.) and natural (humic and fulvic acids). Surfactants. Systems of pre- and post-treatment of waste waters.
The soil compartment: chemical-physical characteristics of the geosphere. The soil and its constituents. The sediments. Parameters for the adsorption of chemical compounds. Fertilizers and nutrients.
The air compartment: structure and composition of the atmosphere. Oxidations of organic compounds mediated by oxygen, OH and NO3 radicals, ozone. Inorganic gaseous pollutants: CO, CO2, NOX. Greenhouse effect and acid rains. Stratospheric ozone depletion (CFC and substitutes). Photochemical smog. Atmospheric particulate (PM).
Main organic and inorganic pollutants: Natural and anthropogenic organic pollutants: aromatic and non-aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, pesticides, metals. Emerging pollutants.
Biodegradation: main biotransformations by microorganisms and their role in decontamination.
In silico alternatives to Animal tests: Introduction to alternative methods to animal experimentation, 3 R strategy, QSAR methodologies with examples of application for prediction of properties and activities of organic environmental pollutants.
C. Baird M. Cann “Chimica Ambientale” Zanichelli, 2013 (Mandatory)
Other books:
• B. Rindone “Introduzione alla Chimica Ambientale” Città Studi Edizioni, 1996
• S. E.Manahan “Chimica dell’Ambiente” Ed. It. Piccin, 2000
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 in Varese. 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 (ester.papa@uninsubria.it) or telephone (Varese, Via Dunant, 3, Red Floor).