TECNOLOGIE PER LA PROTEZIONE AMBIENTALE

Knowledge and understanding: the student acquires knowledge regarding:

- the properties of the hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and their interconnections;

- the chemical characteristics and classification of the main pollutant families and their effects on the environment;

- the main technologies for the reduction of pollutants in the air and water;

- the classification of the different categories of waste, the procedures for their reduction and treatment;

- emissions of pollutants associated with energy production.

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: the student acquires the ability to list the different environmental problems and the best technologies to reduce contamination. It will be able to propose intervention strategies for specific environmental problems.

Learning skills: the student becomes capable of having a deep understanding in reading scientific articles / reports on pollution cases.

Autonomy of judgment: after having consolidated the basic concepts, the student develops his critical ability in evaluating and interpreting the data that allow him to independently address chemical pollution problems also in relation to multidisciplinary areas that include eco-toxicological assessments.

Communication skills: the student will be able to clearly describe and deepen the main aspects of environmental contamination. Use appropriate terminology to write technical reports on the prevention / reduction of pollutants and technologies for remediation of polluted areas.

The course will be carried out through lectures.

If the teaching is given in a mixed or remote way, the necessary changes may be introduced with respect to what was previously stated, in order to comply with the program envisaged and reported in the syllabus.

The Earth system

Energy production and conservation

Principles of operation of energy production and conservation plants. Efficiency and environmental issues related to plants and devices that make use of non-renewable energy sources (fossil and nuclear fuels) and renewable energy sources (hydroelectric, solar, wind and geothermal). Electrochemical energy conservation devices: accumulators and fuel cells.

Air

Structure and composition of the atmosphere. Gaseous inorganic pollutants: CO, CO₂, NO_X, SO_X; greenhouse effect and acid rain. Natural and anthropogenic volatile organic pollutants: hydrocarbons and halogen-alkanes. Stratospheric ozone depletion and pollution in the troposphere. Natural and anthropogenic causes of climate change. Radon pollution.

Technology for the control of gaseous pollutant emissions, with particular reference to absorption. Devices for the control of particulate matter emissions (condensers, cyclones, electrofilters, bag filters, wet scrubbers, thermal oxidants and catalytic oxidants).

Water

Physico-chemical properties of aqueous systems. Parameters for the classification of water by environmental quality: physical and chemical properties. Complexing with synthetic and natural complexing agents. Surfactants. Wastewater pre- and post-treatment systems: sedimentation; aerobic and anaerobic biological treatment; reduction of nitrogen (nitrification / denitrification) and phosphorus; phytodepuration.

Soil

Physico-chemical characteristics of the geosphere. The soil and its constituents. Adsorption of chemical compounds and their reactivity. Fertilizers, nutrients and pesticides.

Definitions of waste. Life cycle analysis of materials and waste recycling. Waste disposal: landfill, thermal treatment (incineration, pyrolysis and gasification), composting, and anaerobic digestion.

Main organic pollutants

Pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, emerging pollutants: flame retardants, perfluorinated, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, nanoparticles. Biodegradation: main biotransformations by microorganisms, their role in depollution.

Green Chemistry: definition of historical notes. The principles and objectives of green chemistry.

1. Lecture notes are available.

2. C. Baird M. Cann “Chimica Ambientale” Zanichelli, 2013.

3. S. E.Manahan “Chimica dell’Ambiente” Ed. It. Piccin, 2000.