55002 - Chemistry of Organic Pollutants

Learning outcomes

After this class the student will know about the basic concepts on the principal classes of organic pollutants, their occurrence, distribution and environmental fate. The study will be focused on their chemical structure, physical and chemical properties, the main anthropogenic and natural sources, possible harmful effects, the chemical reactions interesting them or generating them.

Course contents

The course is dedicated to the most commonly encountered organic pollutants. On this issue the chemical structure, chemical and physical properties, the major anthropogenic sources of emission, the environmental destiny and related environmental damages are described.

- The ozone layer: ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances)

- Greenhouse gas emissions and global warming

- Fossil fuels

- Tropospheric chemistry and photochemical smog

- Atmospheric particulate matter - The great smog of London -Acid rain

- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): indoor and outdoor pollution

- Organic pollutants: physical and chemical properties and environmental behaviour.

- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

- Persistent organic pollutants (POPs): chemical and physical properties, long range transport, bioaccumulation

Dioxins (PCDDs) - Benzofurane derivatives - Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Pesticides- Fertilizers - Endocrine disruptors - Surfactants

- Organic polymers: plastic materials

- Biodegradability, biodegradation processes 

The green chemistry

Readings/Bibliography

Colin Baird, Michael Cann "Chimica Ambientale", Zanichelli

Stanley E. Manahan, "Chimica dell'ambiente", Piccin

Teaching methods

Lectures with slide presentations.

Assessment methods

Oral examination during which the student will expose his acquirements on the main organic pollutants. On this issue, the student is expected to know the chemical structure, physical and chemical properties, the environmental behaviour (partitioning between phases, reactivity, persistence, transport, bioaccumulation), the main antropic sources and the main effects on the biotic and abiotic world. Students with Specific Learning Disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University Office in advance: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). The office will support students in identifying possible accommodations, which must be submitted for approval to the course instructor at least 15 days before the exam.

Teaching tools

Videobeamer, whiteboard

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Pieraccini