Learning objectives
After completing the course, the student should get the following skills:
- understanding and knowledge of classical and innovative analytical methodologies for analyzing the different environmental matrices
- evaluating the best procedure to be requested and/or performed to achieve an environmental problem solution
- capacity of data interpretation
- correctly communicating problems by using true and objective data
- knowledge of the legislative framework and accreditation concepts
Course unit content
The analytical process from sampling to final report. Air, water and soil pollution. Pollution sources: emissions and wastes. Persistent and emerging pollutants. The principles of EU environment policy. Environmental legislation. Monitoring and sampling strategies. Analytical methodologies for the quali- and quantitative determination of pollutants in air, water and soil. Method validation. Data processing and data evaluation. Seminars with experts in the field. Lab experiences: determination of organic and inorganic pollutants.
Full programme
Characteristics of environmental matrices: air, water, soil. Mode of diffusion of pollutants thorough emissions, discharges and waste. Chemical and physical characteristics of persistent and emerging contaminants. Legislative references: DLgs. 155/2010, DLgs. 152/2006, DLgs. 18/2023, DLgs. 36/2003, DLgs. 99/1992. Limit values and guideline values. Criteria for the choice of analytical methods. Standardized, non-standardized and in-house methods. Validation of analytical methods, quality parameters: limit of detection, limit of quantification, linearity range, selectivity, precision, trueness. Eurachem guidelines. UNI, EN, ISO standards, APAT CNR IRSA methods, EPA methods. Certification and accreditation of testing laboratories: nods to UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001/2015 standards.
Air matrix: sampling and analytical methodologies for the determination of air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, BTEX, NOx, O3, CO, SO2, PAHs, dioxins and metals), active and passive sampling, automatic samplers and analyzers, monitoring stations. Piped emissions: sampling methodologies and analysis. Discussion of examples relying on different production activities.
Water matrix: sampling and analytical methodologies for determination of persistent and emerging pollutants (micro- and nanomaterials, cosmetics, endocrine disruptors, etc.) in: surface and groundwater, wastewater, water for human consumption. Discussion of examples related to the application of official analytical methods (O2 determination, COD, TOC, oxidability according to Kubel, metals, organic pollutants) and discussion of examples related to the development of analytical methods for the determination of non-standard pollutants.
Soil and sediment matrix: chemical and physical characteristics of the geosphere, soil, sediments and their constituents. Soil pollution and major organic (volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile contaminants) and inorganic (metals) contaminants. Official sampling and analytical methods (ISO and ASTM Standards and EPA methods) for organic (PCBs, pesticides, PFs, PBDEs, PCNs, VOCs, VHOCs, PAHs, POPs, PPCPs) and inorganic (metals) analytes. Development of analytical methodologies for the determination of emerging pollutants of different nature.
Waste: definitions, outline of waste legislation (DLgs. 116/2020 and DLgs. 156/2006, M.D. 27/2010) and classification. Sampling procedures and analytical methods for solid and liquid waste characterization (metals, hydrocarbons, organic contaminants, etc.). Leaching and leachate analysis required for landfill compliance verification (metals, hydrocarbons, organic contaminants, COD, O2, etc...). Landfill leachate matrix and characterization of its composition.
Laboratory experiences: KUBEL oxidability, determination of metals from water and/or soil by ICP-OES, determination of total hydrocarbons in water and/or soil by GC-FID, analysis of microplastics in water by environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM).
Seminars with experts
Bibliography
C. Baird, M. Cann Chimica Ambientale terza edizione, ed. Zanichelli, ISBN 978-88-08-17378-2.
D.C. Harris, Chimica Analitica Quantitativa terza edizione, ed. Zanichelli, ISBN:978-88-08-82105-8
Educational material available in Elly
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons (5 CFU) and laboratory practice (1 CFU). Comment and solution to actual environmental problems will be proposed and collegially discussed. Official analysis methods and relevant scientific papers will be also debated.
It is mandatory to attend the laboratory activity (1 CFU) and the participation to the seminar activities
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination to verify the acquisition of concepts provided along the course. The use of an appropriate scientific language will be also evaluated
Other information
It is mandatory to attend the laboratory activity and the seminar activities (1 CFU)
Educational material will be provided to the students
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
Objective code 3: Health and wellbeing
Objective code 6: Clean water
