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 regulation. Basic concepts of Green Chemistry.
The water compartment: chemical-physical properties of aqueous systems. Parameters for the classification of water for environmental quality. Chemical processes in aquatic systems. Potabilization. Post-treatment of waste waters.
The soil compartment: chemical-physical characteristics of the geosphere. The soil and its constituents. 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, hydroxyl and nitrate radicals, ozone. Inorganic gaseous pollutants e.g. carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides. 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 not-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 testing, 3 R strategy, QSAR methodologies with examples of application for prediction of properties and activities of organic environmental pollutants.