45071 - Environmental Chemistry

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, Students will acquire knowledge about environmental issues in general and specifically related to the transformation of biomass into energy and chemical products. The course will be enriched by important and current concepts and examples of green chemistry and sustainability in industrial processes. Upon completion of the course, students will possess basic knowledge of pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels. They will understand the main causes of such pollution and its effects on the atmosphere, water, and soil. They will also understand the natural carbon cycle and the changes caused by anthropogenic activities.

Course contents

This course will highlight the effects of improper biomass management, starting with air pollution from incineration. The main sources of pollutant emissions and the effects of pollution on atmospheric chemistry, starting with the greenhouse effect and the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer, will be highlighted. The effects of biomass degradation in anaerobic environments will also be explored. Furthermore, groundwater and soil pollution caused by improper biomass management will be discussed, using examples from current events.

To better understand the chemical mechanisms underlying pollution, as well as biomass recycling, the natural carbon cycle and how anthropogenic activities are altering it will be illustrated.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides shown during lectures will be made available online on Virtuale. References to articles or books on specific topics will be added to the slides and made available to students.

Some recommended readings are:

John H. Seinfeld, Spyros N. Pandis: Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: From Air Pollution to Climate Change, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, December 18, 2012.

David Archer: The Global Carbon Cycle. Princeton University Press: Primers in Climate, 2010

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons with PowerPoint slide projections

Assessment methods

The exam will focus on a presentation prepared by the student based on a scientific article of his/her choice regarding one of the topics of the course.

Teaching tools

The following materials will be made available to students:

- Lecture notes (in PDF format)

- Scientific articles and useful references to supplement the material presented in class

Students with learning disabilities (LD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: Please contact the relevant University office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). They will advise the affected students of any possible accommodations. However, these accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval 15 days in advance, who will evaluate their suitability, also taking into account the course's learning objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Zappi