Learning objectives
Knowledge of the concepts of different sample treatment and/or sampling techniques for analytes of food, environmental and toxicological concern.
Knowledge of the advantages/disadvantages of these techniques
Choice of the best procedure for the achievemet of reliable results.
Capacity of data interpretation.
Prerequisites
- - -
Course unit content
Introduction to principles and procedures to be used for a correct sampling. Study of different methods for air, water and soil sampling.
Study of principles and advantages/disadvantages of sample pretratment techniques for the analysis of analytes of environmental, food and toxicological concern. Study cases: discussion
Full programme
Introduction about the analytical process. Sampling and sample treatment: critical parameters.
Development of analytical methods: requirements
Sampling: definitions and sampling strategies. Air, water and soil sampling: legislations and examples.
Sample pre-treatment techniques for inorganic and organic compounds.
Microwave mineralization, extractive approaches for elemental speciation.
Solvent-free techniques for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
Static head-space (HS)
Dynamic headspace (DH)
Purge-and-trap (P&T)
Solid-phase microextraction (SPME)
Extraction techniques for non volatile compounds: solid-phase extraction (SPE), microwave extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), miniaturized extraction techniques (MEPS, etc).
Advantages and drawbacks compared to classical extraction techniques (liquid-liquid, solid-liquid, Soxhlet)
Case studies: examples and discussion
Bibliography
National and international legislation; reviews
Teaching methods
The course develops in 48 hours of frontal teaching during which the students are guided to the understanting of the concepts of sampling and sample pre-treatment. Distance teaching (in synchronous modality) via TEAMS will be provided if requested by the University statute. In this case, the teacher has to be advised beforehand.
The students have to partecipate to the discussion in order to be able to select the proper method for specific applications
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination to verify the acquisition of basic concepts related to sampling and sample pre-treatment for the right choice of analytical methods.
If required by the COVID-19 emergency, oral examinations will be performed via TEAMS. The use of an identification document will be required. No books or notes are allowed.
Other information
Educational material is available to the students on ELLY until March 1st 2023
