Learning objectives
The general objective of the course is for the student to be able to use the geochemical-isotopic tool by critically evaluating the methodologies to be used for environmental monitoring and for product and food traceability.
Specific objectives of the course are:
(i) to provide knowledge of basic geochemistry with respect to water, soils and plants from an elemental and isotopic point of view;
(ii) Illustrate key chemical technologies for the study of soil formation and the interactions that occur between natural environments and food production activities;
(iii) Convey chemical data processing skills in order to understand the interactions between the atmosphere-soil-plant systems and their relationship with climate change, from the perspective of sustainable agriculture and countering the current climate crisis;
(iv) Describe the main techniques for detecting elemental and isotopic signature with which to investigate food origin and authenticity;
(v) Analyze carbon and nitrogen cycles: C3,C4 and CAM plants, carbon storage of soil texture, effects of seasonal changes and soil microbial communities on carbon and nitrogen assimilation and cycling. (vi) Analyze biogeochemical cycles and relationships with the geo-lithological environment, carbon exchanges between soil and atmosphere, and isotopic balancing of organic matter pools to quantify alterations due to changes in climate, land use, and other anthropogenic impacts.
Prerequisites
Skills in general chemistry and physics are recommended.
Course unit content
The course aims to introduce the student to the knowledge of food authentication and traceability through an approach to geochemical and isotopic methodologies applied to the study of natural processes and based on soil-dependent indicators, which enable the definition of a typical geochemical signature for each food product that can ensure food safety, enhancement of typical products and defense against food fraud.
In particular, the course will focus on the variability of the isotopic composition of H, C, N, O and S, and associated analytical methodologies and their applications to the study of hydrogeological processes, as well as environmental and ecological processes, and also to the traceability of food and products. Issues related to the different components of the Earth system will be considered.The student should be able to understand and apply geochemical methodologies based on soil-dependent indicators for the purpose of food authentication and traceability. The student will address the principles and methods of sampling, data validation and geostatic data analysis in order to obtain thematic map restitution and define geochemical conceptual models of traceability. He/she will acquire the principles of isotopic geochemistry related to environmental isotopes (13C, 2H, 15N, 18O, 34S and 36Cl) that are used as tracers of natural cycles and in food traceability certificates.
Attendance and active participation in the course, as well as individual study, will enable the student to:
(i) acquire basic skills in the applications of the geochemical and isotopic approach to the environment;
(ii) apply geochemistry and isotopic geochemistry in solving problems related to (a) the management of surface and groundwater resources; (b) food traceability; (c) the relationship between the environment and climate change;
(iii) apply analytical techniques used in stable isotope geochemistry.
These skills will facilitate in the student the maturation of:
(i) a critical approach to the sustainable management of the environment and water resources;(ii) an ability to apply the stable isotope tool to environmental, hydrogeological, ecological and traceability issues;
(iii) professionalizing soft skills, such as the use of specific technical terminology.
Full programme
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Bibliography
- Introduction to Geochemistry di Cl. J. Allègre, G. Michard. Springer Verlag; Reprint edizione 2003.
- Book Pdf online free: Sharp, Zachary. "Principles of Stable Isotope Geochemistry, 2nd Edition." (2017). doi:10.5072/FK2GB24S9F; Link for download: http://digitalrepository.unm.edu/unm_oer/1/
- Food Authentication and Traceability. 1st Edition. Editor: Charis Galanakis. Paperback Imprint: Academic Press.
- Isotopes and the Natural Environment. Author: Alexandre Paul; Edit Springer
- In addition: Didactic and scientific material were provided by the teacher.
Teaching methods
The course will be divided into lectures, thematic seminars and presentations by students of scientific articles, as well as some laboratory exercises where permitted.
Assessment methods and criteria
ORAL EXAMINATION.
To successfully pass the exam, active participation in lectures is recommended, and the reading and synthesis of scientific articles is required, which will be made available on the University platform and assigned to students during lectures. Students will have to prepare an oral presentation with the support of multimedia tools (eg PowerPoint) on one of these articles during the last part of the course and discuss them in the classroom with colleagues under the supervision of the teacher. This will allow to verify the knowledge of the basic concepts and the applications of isotope geochemistry to case studies. At the end of the course, the verification of the acquired knowledge will take place through an oral test structured in two parts: in the first part the student is invited to discuss the article assigned to him; the second part aims at verifying the learning of the concepts presented during the lessons.
Through the oral interview, the student will have to demonstrate that they have acquired knowledge and skills on food authentication and traceability and on the geochemical methodologies based on soil-dependent indicators described and applied during the course.
Non-attending students will contact the teacher for the assignment of the scientific article which will then be presented and discussed during the oral exam.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
Goal 3: Health and well-being
Goal 6: Clean water and hygiene
Goal 13: Acting for the Climate
