07418 - Environmental Chemistry

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student will have the basic knowledge of the structure and the chemical-physical processes characterizing the different environmental media: air, water, soil. Students will also acquire the basics needed to evaluate the fate of pollutants and their impact on the environment.

Course contents

Introduction to environmental chemistry. Outlines of Ecology and environmental sustainability.  The complexity of the environmental processes: biogeochemical cycles. Pollutants: definitions, general chemical-physical properties and environmental behavior

Atmosphere

Structure and chemical-physical characteristics of the atmosphere. Solar radiation and principles of photochemistry. Stratospheric ozone and mechanisms inducing the “ozone hole” phenomenon. Greenhouse gases, greenhouse effect and global warming. The troposphere. Planetary Boundary Layer. Sources, reactions and effects of the main inorganic and organic compounds (in particular OH radical, sulfur and nitrogen compounds, tropospheric ozone, VOC, IPA, dioxins, PCB, heavy metals). Photochemical smog. Particulate matter: classification, sources, chemical composition, environmental and health effects.  Atmospheric depositions and acid rains.

Water

Water properties. Hydrosphere, hydrologic cycle and characteristics of water bodies. Water chemistry. Dissolved gas in natural water; oxygen and carbon dioxide in the water bodies. BOD, COD. Alkalinity and acidity, hardness. Metallic ions: Redox reactions, complexation and chelation, precipitation. Dissolved and particulate matter, sediment. Interactions between water and other phases. Main organic and inorganic water pollutants: sources, reactions and effects.

Soil

Geosphere and soil. Weathering processes. Processes and factors influencing the soil formation. Soil profile and horizons. Silicate and clay minerals structure. Organic compounds in soil. Humic and non-humic substances. Physical and chemical properties of soil. Organic and inorganic contaminants and their interaction with soil components: ion exchange, complexation, absorption and biodegradation.

Outlines of waste management.

Readings/Bibliography

Stanley E. Manan, Chimica dell'ambiente, Piccin Editore, 2000

Colin Baird, Michael Cann, Chimica ambientale, Zanichelli, Ed 2006 o 1014

Grady Hanrahan, Key concepts in environmental chemistry, Elsevier (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780123749932)

Teaching methods

Frontal lesson with PC presentation; reactions, examples and exercises will be explained at the blackboard.

The course could include seminars and conferences on specific subjects.

Assessment methods

The final examination consists in a written test (3 hours; without any book or note).

The written test consists in open/closed questions and exercises aimed at verifying the knowledge of the subjects presented along the course.  At least 18 points have to be obtained to pass the test; the score of each question (for a total of 30 points) is made known to the students at the beginning of the examination. The achievement of an organic and critical vision of the issues addressed and the use of a proper scientific language will be positively evaluated. Laude could be given to test very well performed.

In order to sit for the examination, it is necessary to enter one's name in the list through AlmaEsami. Those who are not able to register themselves in time, must tell it to the teacher, who however have the faculty of admitting them to the exam. In case of exam sessions with less than four candidates the teacher can evaluate whether to perform the final examination through an oral exam.

Teaching tools

PC and projector, blackboard. The slides will be left available to the students, on the webpage http://campus.cib.unibo.it .

Office hours

See the website of Elena Bernardi