The course will explain the hydrogeological processes at the origin of the availability of groundwater resources for the human consumption. Starting with the definition of the continental water cycle, skills about the recharge, the circulation and the outflow of groundwater will be achieved. The course will be provide specifications on the criteria for classification of drinking waters and mineral waters, based on the hydrogeological features. The ultimate objective of this course is to allow a better understanding of the geological and hydrogeochemical mechanisms responsible for the different chemical composition of the drinking water and the genesis of the main Italian mineral waters.
Also, the course includes educational tours in natural spring areas and in mineral water pumping and bottling plants.
Also, the course includes educational tours in natural spring areas and in mineral water pumping and bottling plants.
teacher profile teaching materials
Hydrogeology: water in the subsoil, types of aquifers; groundwater budget calculation with a focus on the issue of groundwater withdrawals.
Hydrogeochemistry: chemical characteristics of groundwater based on the water - rocks interaction. Chemical characterization of drinking water distributed by the aqueduct network and the bottled waters. Reading of mineral water bottle labels.
Social groundwater: Virtual water and water footprint.
Anthropogenic and natural contamination of groundwater: theory, laws and case studies.
Hydrogeology and Geochemistry: P. Celico – Elementi di Idrogeologia – Liquori ed.
Slides of the lessons
Programme
Geology: minerals and rocks; description of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, description of the tectonic deformations.Hydrogeology: water in the subsoil, types of aquifers; groundwater budget calculation with a focus on the issue of groundwater withdrawals.
Hydrogeochemistry: chemical characteristics of groundwater based on the water - rocks interaction. Chemical characterization of drinking water distributed by the aqueduct network and the bottled waters. Reading of mineral water bottle labels.
Social groundwater: Virtual water and water footprint.
Anthropogenic and natural contamination of groundwater: theory, laws and case studies.
Core Documentation
Geology: J.P. Grotzinger, Jordan T. – Capire la terra - Zanichelli ed.Hydrogeology and Geochemistry: P. Celico – Elementi di Idrogeologia – Liquori ed.
Slides of the lessons
Type of delivery of the course
Taught classes, seminars and one field tripType of evaluation
Evaluation of a dissertation on a topic of interest to the student among those proposed in the course, and a subsequent oral exam to assess the knowledge of the basic concepts explained during the lessons