The aim of the course is to introduce students to the major chemical and physico-chemical processes occurring both in natural and impacted environments, and some advanced oxidation processes for water depollution from emerging contaminants. The course will be implemented with insights about pollution effects on individuals, populations and communities, on tissues and organs, from cellular to physiological-behavioral level.
Course Prerequisites
Knowledge of the topics covered in the following courses: General and Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.
Teaching Methods
Lectures
Assessment Methods
Oral exam about the topics of the course lectures.
Water: physico-chemical properties of water and bodies of water. Aquatic life. Aquatic cycle. Aquatic chemistry: redox processes, complexation and chelation, precipitation and solubilization reactions. Colloidal particles. Polyphosphates in water and eutrophication. Soil. Inorganic components of soil. Organic matter in soil: humic and fulvic acids. Clays. Sediments. Water pollution effects on the general functioning and physiology of living organisms. A case study: alteration of reproductive behavior in fish. Atmosphere: atmospheric composition. Ozone. Gaseous inorganic air pollutants: natural, anthropogenic, primary and secondary. Particulate matter. Acid rain. Greenhouse effect. Photochemical smog. Global climatic change. Air pollution effects: oxidative stress on birds and mammals, offspring survival and reduction of reproductive fitness. Heavy metals: essential and/or toxic, extraction, use and disposal. Pesticides and natural product insecticides, chemical characterization, toxic effects, bioaccumulation and biomagnification. AOM purification methods. Pharmaceuticals as emerging pollutants. Bioremediation of contaminated soil. Photodegradation: main photochemical decompositions and their role in remediation. Heavy metal pollution effects: bioaccumulation of methylmercury in predatory fish. Endocrine disruptors effects on top predators and man.
Course Language
Italian
More information
With reference to the guidelines for teaching procedures for the current academic year, the students who certify to fulfill the conditions given in Annex A will benefit from the whole material provided to all other students with the addition of up to 2 hours per week for support by the lecturer, either in presence or online, to be arranged directly with the lecturer at least one week in advance.
