ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Students must have basic knowledge of 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 includes a written test to be completed in 3 hours, with 10 open questions.
Necessary 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 lectures 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 or telephone (Varese, Via Dunant, 3, Red Floor).