Environmental Chemistry
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the student with basic knowledge about the main actors of the natural chemical balances and transformations that take place in the air, water and soil of the different environmental spheres (hydrosphere, geosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and anthroposphere).
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student must be able to know the main chemical species of environmental importance, their properties, their role in a natural and anthropic context. The student will acquire the skills related to the management of the main instrumental methods for their study.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Introduction to environmental chemistry: general aspects of environmental chemistry; interaction of pollutants with air, water and soil. Sources of contamination, pollutants reactions, transport, effects, final fate of pollutants. General aspects related to environmental monitoring.
Atmospheric chemistry and pollution: structure and composition of the atmosphere. Inorganic gaseous pollutants: CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, VOC; ground level ozone; greenhouse effect; acid rain; stratospheric ozone depletion; Photochemical smog. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM): sources, sampling methods, composition, properties, effects on human health on climate change and on cultural heritage.
The chemistry of natural waters: chemical-physical properties of aqueous systems. Parameters for the classification of water for environmental quality: physical and chemical properties (pH, BOD, hardness, etc.). Main water pollutants and emerging pollutants; systems for the treatment, purification and disinfection of water; purification of waste water; contamination and remediation of groundwater; emerging pollutants.
Toxic heavy metals: mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium; sources, environmental fate, biomagnification and bioaccumulation, effects on human health.
Soil: chemical-physical characteristics. Sediments. Cation exchange capacity and main characteristics of a soil; presence and monitoring of organic pollutants and heavy metals; introduction to remediation and bioremediation techniques; waste definition and environmental fate.
Energy and renewable sources
Atmospheric chemistry and pollution: structure and composition of the atmosphere. Inorganic gaseous pollutants: CO, CO2, SO2, NOx, VOC; ground level ozone; greenhouse effect; acid rain; stratospheric ozone depletion; Photochemical smog. Atmospheric particulate matter (PM): sources, sampling methods, composition, properties, effects on human health on climate change and on cultural heritage.
The chemistry of natural waters: chemical-physical properties of aqueous systems. Parameters for the classification of water for environmental quality: physical and chemical properties (pH, BOD, hardness, etc.). Main water pollutants and emerging pollutants; systems for the treatment, purification and disinfection of water; purification of waste water; contamination and remediation of groundwater; emerging pollutants.
Toxic heavy metals: mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, chromium; sources, environmental fate, biomagnification and bioaccumulation, effects on human health.
Soil: chemical-physical characteristics. Sediments. Cation exchange capacity and main characteristics of a soil; presence and monitoring of organic pollutants and heavy metals; introduction to remediation and bioremediation techniques; waste definition and environmental fate.
Energy and renewable sources
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge acquired in the basic courses in chemistry and analytical chemistry
Teaching methods
tradition lessons; furthermore two seminars will be held by external experts: one seminar will deal with energy sources while the second will be given by an expert from the Environmental Protection Agency of the Lombardy Region (ARPA Lombardia)
Teaching Resources
C. Baird "Chimica Ambientale" Zanichelli, 1997.
- S. E.Manahan "Chimica dell'Ambiente" Ed. It. Piccin
- Slides on the Ariel website:
http://pfermoCA.ariel.ctu.unimi.it
- S. E.Manahan "Chimica dell'Ambiente" Ed. It. Piccin
- Slides on the Ariel website:
http://pfermoCA.ariel.ctu.unimi.it
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written examination: the written examination includes questions 4-5 questions and lasts for about 1 hour and half; an oral examination is not foreseen.
CHIM/12 - CHEMISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Fermo Paola
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Fermo PaolaProfessor(s)