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Environmental Chemistry

A.Y. 2024/2025
6
Max ECTS
48
Overall hours
SSD
CHIM/12
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the fundamental knowledge concerning the chemical-physical characteristics of the three matrices air, water and soil as well as knowledge inherent to the main environmental pollutants present. Finally, another objective is to illustrate possible methods of cleaning up pollution, also clarifying the policies to be implemented for environmental protection and sustainability.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the learning process the student will have to acquire knowledge concerning the chemical-physical characteristics of the three environmental matrices (air, water and soil) and the mechanisms of interaction between them.

Lesson period: First semester

Lessons timetable

Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi

Exams calendar

Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Take a single course
Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Fermo Paola
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.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge acquired in the basic courses in chemistry and analytical chemistry
Teaching methods
traditional lessons integrated with seminars by some experts
Teaching Resources
C. Baird "Chimica Ambientale" Zanichelli
- Slides on the Ariel website:
http://pfermoCA.ariel.ctu.unimi.it
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written exam: the written examination includes questions 4-5 questions and lasts for about 1 hour and half; an oral examination is not foreseen. Among the evaluation criteria will be: the student's ability to re-elaborate the acquired notions also making connections between the different topics; the use of appropriate language; the ability to express judgments independently.
CHIM/12 - CHEMISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor: Fermo Paola
Shifts:
Turno
Professor: Fermo Paola
Professor(s)