Programme

The course provides students with tools and methods to identify and interpret the anthropogenic impact on the natural geochemical cycles of elements. The course is organised into the following thematic units:

Fundamentals and case studies. Analysis of soil and groundwater contamination caused by Cr(VI) and acetone cyanohydrin; environmental monitoring, delineation of contamination, and remediation techniques.

Processes controlling mobility. Adsorption onto clay minerals, organic matter, and hydrous oxides of Fe, Mn, and Al; cation exchange; parameters controlling geochemical mobility; natural background levels, geochemical anomalies, and thematic mapping.

Contaminants in soils and water. Behaviour and environmental impact of heavy metals, with particular reference to Pb and Hg; contamination by non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs); principles of environmental monitoring and remediation.

Atmospheric geochemistry. The greenhouse effect, stratospheric ozone depletion, urban pollution, acid rain, and photochemical smog; comparison between anthropogenic forcing and natural variability documented in the geological record.

Environmental radiogeochemistry. Natural and anthropogenic radioactivity; nuclear energy production and radioactive waste management; environmental consequences of the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents and the use of depleted uranium; radon risk and the use of radon as a geological and hydrogeological tracer.

Medical geochemistry and waste. Interactions between the human body and the geochemical cycles of elements; environmental impact of municipal solid-waste landfills; leachate geochemistry and the role of biogeochemical processes in the degradation and transformation of contaminants.

Case studies and the guided interpretation of data and thematic maps are used to integrate theoretical knowledge, interpretative skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Core Documentation

BAIRD C. CHIMICA AMBIENTALE. ZANICHELLI EDITORE, 2001- IN ITALIANO
DONGARRA' G., VARRICA D. GEOCHIMICA E AMBIENTE, EDISES, 2004 - IN ITALIANO
DREVER J.I. THE GEOCHEMISTRY OF NATURAL WATERS - SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER ENVIRONMENT, PRENTICE-HALL, 1997 - CAPITOLI 4, 5, 9 - ADSORBIMENTO, SCAMBIO CATIONICO, METALLI PESANTI NATHANAIL C.P., BARDOS R.P. RECLAMATION OF CONTAMINATED LAND, WILEY, 2004
SHERWOOD LOLLAR B. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY. VOLUME 9 DEL TREATISE ON GEOCHEMISTRY. ELSEVIER B.V. 2004
TUCCIMEI P. MATERIALE DIDATTICO VARIO, IN FORMATO ELETTRONICO E CARTACEO

Attendance

Attendance is governed by the Academic Regulations of the Degree Programme, which should be consulted for any attendance requirements, minimum attendance percentages, and specific provisions.

Type of evaluation

Learning outcomes are assessed through an oral examination. The examination includes questions on the main topics covered in the course and a discussion of one or more environmental case studies or problems. Students are required to apply the concepts and methods acquired to specific data, scenarios, or processes. The examination assesses: • The accuracy and completeness of subject-specific knowledge. • The ability to establish connections between natural geochemical processes and anthropogenic impacts. • The ability to apply concepts to real cases and develop well-supported interpretations. • The ability to critically evaluate monitoring and remediation strategies. • Clarity of presentation and appropriate use of scientific terminology. Students pass the examination when they demonstrate at least an adequate knowledge of the fundamental topics and the ability to apply this knowledge, through coherent reasoning, to the interpretation of straightforward environmental problems. Higher marks require progressively greater completeness, independence of judgement, ability to integrate different topics, and precision in the use of scientific language. Honours are awarded for an outstanding performance demonstrating comprehensive mastery of the subject, critical reasoning, and the ability to apply knowledge independently to new situations.