LABORATORIO DI TECNICHE ANALITICHE AMBIENTALI - COSTITUZIONE CHIMICA DELLE MATRICI AMBIENTALI

Module -

The course comprises lectures supported by multimedia presentations, complemented by guided discussions of environmental examples and issues. Lectures provide knowledge of the chemistry and pollution of air, water and soil, sampling and analytical methods, sensors, and relevant legislation. Interactive activities encourage students to apply their knowledge to the selection of monitoring strategies and the interpretation of analytical results, developing critical thinking, the ability to connect topics, and the appropriate use of scientific terminology. Interaction with the lecturer allows students to assess and consolidate their understanding of the course content.

Attendance is mandatory, as required by the degree programme regulations. Absences may not exceed 30% of the total teaching hours, across all modes of delivery. https://www.dsf.unict.it/it/corsi/l-29_sfa/regolamento-didattico

The course takes into account the aspects related to the chemical characterization of environmental systems, the analytical and sensor techniques for monitoring and determining the main pollutants.

Program

Introduction. Environmental chemistry and main sources of environmental pollution.

Pollution of the atmosphere. Chemistry and pollution of the atmosphere. Mechanisms of ozone formation and destruction, photochemical smog, greenhouse effect and global warming. Particulate matter and asbestos fibers.

Water pollution. Chemistry and water pollution. Waters for civil, industrial and agro-zootechnical use. Main inorganic and organic pollutants in water, acidity and oxygen demand.

Soil pollution. Soil chemistry and pollution. Heavy metals and pesticides. Waste: nature, sources and classification of hazardous waste.

Principles of Statistics. Statistical treatment of data and main analytical parameters.

Sampling and analysis methods. Main methods of sampling and environmental chemical analysis. Monitoring of volatile organic substances (BTEX, IPA etc.), inorganic oxides (NOx, SOx) and heavy metals. Sampling and main analysis techniques of particulate matter (PM10 and PM 2.5) in the atmosphere. Sampling and main analysis techniques of asbestos fibers. Sampling of microplastics in water and main analysis techniques.

Sources of Renewable Energy. Hydroelectric energy, wind energy, Nuclear energy (fission and fusion), solar energy, solar cells

Sensors. Introduction to Sensors. Characteristic parameters of the Sensors (Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, stability and reversibility). Main chemical sensors and environmental biosensors.

Regulations. Italian legislation on environmental pollution. Waste legislation.

According to Article 12 of the University Teaching Regulations (RDA), “University Credits (CFU)”, the standard workload of 25 hours of total student effort corresponding to one credit may comprise:

a) 7 hours of lectures or equivalent teaching activities, with the remaining hours devoted to independent study;

b) a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 15 hours of classroom exercises or equivalent supervised activities (laboratory sessions), with the remaining hours devoted to independent study and consolidation of learning.

Students will have to take an oral test with questions relating to the topics of the program covered in the lessons.

Assessment criteria

The final examination will be assessed using equally weighted indicators, consistent with the intended learning outcomes (Dublin Descriptors). The final grade therefore takes into account the following factors.

Quality of the knowledge, skills and competences acquired and/or demonstrated:

a) Appropriateness, accuracy and relevance of knowledge;
b) Appropriateness, accuracy and relevance of skills;
c) Appropriateness, accuracy and relevance of competences.

Presentation skills:

a) Ability to communicate clearly;
b) Appropriate use of subject-specific terminology;
c) Logical reasoning and coherence in connecting topics;
d) Ability to identify connections between different topics and integrate them into a coherent overall framework, ensuring a well-structured, organised and logically connected presentation;
e) Ability to summarise, including through subject-specific notation and graphical representations of concepts, such as formulae, diagrams and equations.

Interpersonal skills:

a) Willingness to engage in discussion and interact with the examiner during the oral examination.

Personal qualities:

a) Critical thinking;
b) Self-assessment skills;
c) Problem-solving skills;
d) Decision-making skills.

Based on the above criteria, performance may be assessed as follows:

Fail

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: significant gaps and inaccuracies.
Analysis and synthesis: negligible ability, with frequent generalisations.
Use of references: entirely inappropriate.

Grade: 18–20

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: very limited, with evident inaccuracies.
Analysis and synthesis: barely sufficient.
Use of references: barely appropriate.

Grade: 21–23

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: slightly above the minimum required standard.
Analysis and synthesis: satisfactory ability, with logical and coherent reasoning.
Use of references: use of standard references.

Grade: 24–26

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: good.
Analysis and synthesis: good ability, with coherent presentation of topics.
Use of references: use of standard references.

Grade: 27–29

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: very good.
Analysis and synthesis: strong ability.
Use of references: evidence of further study of the topics.

Grade: 30–30 with honours

Knowledge and understanding of the subject: excellent.
Analysis and synthesis: strong ability.
Use of references: evidence of substantial in-depth study.

Assessment may also be conducted remotely, should circumstances require it.

Exam dates are published on the degree programme website.: https://www.dsf.unict.it/it/corsi/l-
29_sfa/calendario-esami

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a
personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on
educational objectives and specific needs.
Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le
Disabilità e/o i DSA, (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti) and referring teacher (prof.ssa
Santina Chiechio email: santina.chiechio@unict.it) within of department.

Chapman cycle 

Mechanism of ozone destruction by pollutants

Methods of sampling and measurement PM10 and PM2.5

The greenhouse effect

Biosensors Methods of sampling and measurement of asbestos fibers