69859 - Air Pollution Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will acquire the basic knowledge of atmospheric chemical interactions on cultural properties resulting from past and present airborne pollution; connections between atmospheric composition, its historical evolution into a polluted environment as well as temporal trends will be discussed. Special focus will be given to the main gaseous pollutants and to ambient particulate matter as well as to their physico-chemical characterization in indoor and outdoor conditions. Gas-to particle reactions, oxidation processes in the atmosphere and their influence on the surfaces exposed will be described.

Course contents

All the following topics will be treated formally as well as applied to classes of materials pertaining to Cultural Heritage, by means of plenty case studies taken from current scientific literature in the field. Atmospheric structure (vertical variation of intensive properties: T, P, density, RH%) - Detailed atmospheric composition (from volume percentages to ppt), its planetary evolution and current compositional changes - Concentration levels/reactivity relationship - units of measurement of concentrations. atmospheric, reference conditions atmospheric gaseous state - natural and anthropogenic sources - atmosphere as a heterogeneous system and its transience (role of water and particulate matter) - Atmospheric motions: space-time scales of atmospheric processes, transport/reactivity synergy in concentration variations of atmospheric species, mass balances and maximum transport distance probability - Atmospheric residence time: reconciling pollutant concentrations, chemical reactivity, and transport as the factor determining contact and deposition of pollutants onto surfaces of Cultural Heritage - Air pollutants and their sources - primary and secondary pollutants - Focus on: SO2, NOx, O3 - Volatile Organic Compounds - Particulate matter - Atmospheric oxidative reactivity: the oxidizing capacities of the atmosphere and their connections with secondary species - relationship between atmospheric chemistry, air quality and ongoing climate change - Atmospheric particulate matter (aerosol): size distribution and Composition (macro and micro components) - Coarse, fine and ultrafine particulate matter - Standard particulate matter metrics: PM10, PM2.5, PM1 - Sources of primary and secondary particulate matter - Abiotic, biogenic and biological aerosols (bioaerosols) - Atmospheric residence time and environmental fate of particulate matter - Dry and wet deposition - Hygroscopicity of particulate matter: clouds, fog and hydrometeors (role of PM in the hydrological cycle) - Role of particulate matter hygroscopicity in triggering CH degradation after surface deposition, including black crust formation - Particulate pH, natural and contaminated rain, acid rain - Morphology of particulate matter - Externally and internally mixed particles - Methods for physical and chemical characterization of PM

Readings/Bibliography

Lesson notes, pdf files,  Teacher Slides

All the material will be share online through the Virtuale. Unibo platform

 

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons

Slides packages concerning each the 4 sections in which the course is split + books and other reports or papers on specific topics on which consolidating/checking slides illustrated in the classes

The whole course program and slides includes a rich selection of case studies to reveal the nature and origin of specific pollutants, the mechanism of the chemical attack on specific artistic/architectural/archeological substrates ranging from stone, to pigments and other organic manufacts (paper, wood, tapestry...)as well as archeological materials, with the aim of enlightening 1) nature of the pollutants and 2)corresponding vulnerability by specific class of materials.

Special emphasis will be given to airborne particulate matter responsible and mediator of the most severe cases of degradation s well s the control on atmospheric humidity in the air itself, but also following particle surface deposition, thus including the influence /mechanism of blackcrust formation and many others

Further explanations available on appointment by email

Assessment methods

The exam is based on a short presentation in PowerPoint (Max 10-12 slides) prepared on research papers in the field of atmospheric pollution and its chemical effects on the wide range of materials used in Cultural Heritage. The research paper from current scientific literature will be chosen by each candidate under the direct and individual guide and approval of the teacher, for consistency with the study curriculum. All the pupils are encouraged to present their own slides to the whole class under the teacher supervision in order to share as many as possible case studies as well as to have the opportunity of developing their own capacity and enthusiasm on the topic. An oral examination (on the same or on different dates) on two topics among those discussed within the outlined program, will complete the evaluation and the final score.

Regarding the assessment of learning, limited, declared, and non-substantial use of AI for supporting activities (such as summarizing or rephrasing) is permitted. Substantial use of AI to complete parts of the assessment is not allowed.

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities are advised to contact the University Office responsible in a timely manner (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the lecturer for approval at least 15 days in advance, and will be evaluated in light of the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Power point presentations an whiteboard.

Taking written notes during lessons to integrate the learning an assimilation process is highly recommended.

Slides prepared by the teacher for the 4 main branches in which the course is split

Slides are complemented by textbooks, journal papers and reports for checking and consolidating contents treated in class

Further explanations/support can be provided by the teacher on appointment

Office hours

See the website of Laura Tositti