- Docente: Laura Tositti
- Credits: 6
- SSD: CHIM/01
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Chemistry (cod. 8856)
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will be aware of the concept of 'background levels' of natural chemical species, will recognize the compositional alterations detectable in the various environmental compartments as a result of introduction of xenobiotic substances or substances naturally existing where the level of concentration is altered by human activities within the framework of the concept of 'biogeochemical cycle' determining the environmental fate of chemicals.
Course contents
Program shared between the classes of
Environmental Chemistry and Environmental Photochemistry:
Earth as a biogeochemical reactor
- Chemistry of natural and anthropogenic
perturbations - Vertical structure
of the atmosphere - Chemical composition of the
atmosphere: compositional evolution from its origins up
to today -
recent changes (trends and periodical fluctuations) and
its links with human activities
- Sources and
sinks of trace
gases - residence
time - electromagnetic spectrum of incoming and outgoing
radiation : photochemical filters
in the atmosphere - energy balance of the planet
and the current imbalances - IR interaction and the greenhouse
effect, global warming and the scientific evidence -
The atmospheric reactor: photochemistry of the natural
and polluted atmosphere - Production, properties and role of OH radical
- daytime/nighttime
chemistry - control of the accumulation
of toxic (CO) and climate-active
(CH4) species in
the troposphere -
photochemical oxidation of
SO2, NOx, Hydrocarbons - The role of
photochemistry in the production of
secondary aerosol -
Good ozone and
bad ozone - stratospheric ozone
(ozone depletion -
ozone hole)
Additional Section
of the program for the course of
Environmental Chemistry.
Integrated biogeochemical cycles (atmosphere / geosphere / hydrosphere
/ biosphere /
anthroposphere) - environmental fate of natural
and anthropogenic chemicals - pollutants sinks
(where do pollutants accumulate?
- the relationship between reactivity / physico-chemical
properties of substances and environmental processes
Traditional and current pollutants (including nanoparticles)
Analytical basis
for a correct approach to environmental investigations
Readings/Bibliography
- Colin Baird , Michael Cann
CHIMICA AMBIENTALE, Terza edizione, 2013, (Zanichelli ed.) ISBN: 9788808170408*
- An Introduction to Environmental Chemistry Julian E. Andrews, Peter Brimblecombe, Tim D. Jickells, Peter S. Liss, Brian Reid - 2009 - 320 pp (Wiley ed.)
- Air Pollution: Measurement, Modelling and Mitigation, Abhishek Tiwary , Jeremy Colls Routledge, 2010 - 501 pages
-
Up-to-date reviews and articles from international scientific literature
Teaching methods
frontal lessons and individual study
Assessment methods
The oral examination consists of a discussion of a topic chosen by
the candidate among those included in the program. Thereafter the
candidate will discuss 2 further questions on the program carried
out in order to approximate the full range of topics treated.
The final grade reflects the comprehensive exposure assessment of
the candidate.
Teaching tools
Class lessons based upon PowerPoint slides
Office hours
See the website of Laura Tositti
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.