Programme

The role of man in the alteration of ecosystems. Ecology of the disorder. Stress and stress. Pollution, definition and classification: origin, diffusion, nature and effects of pollutants in the main environmental compartments (atmosphere, soil, water). Resilience and Resistance. Types and levels of threats, rarity and vulnerability criteria. Diagnosis and analysis of threats: SWOT; DPSIR (determinants, pressures, state, impacts, responses) as an approach to environmental problems; BACI. Principles of meteorology in relation to climate and its changes. The greenhouse effect and global warming. Main greenhouse gases. The erosion of the ozone layer. The greenhouse effect and global warming. Consequences on species and ecosystems. Acid depositions. Hydrological cycle and water supply. Metabolic pathways and regulation of the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus: alterations caused by various types of pollution (chronic and point). Terrestrial and aquatic carbon sinks. Evaluation of the trophic load. Eutrophication process. Waste water purification technologies. Water collection systems and evaluation of minimum viable and acceptable water flows. Noise and light pollution. Erosion, salinization and desertification. Mechanical alteration of the main terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Biomanipulation of the habitat. Impact of livestock and agricultural activities. Bioturpation. Eco-friendly agriculture. Extensive, semi-intensive and intensive aquaculture. Principles of bioindication and environmental monitoring, toxicology and eco-toxicology, bioconcentration, and biological magnification. Identification of biological early warning systems for environmental and human health. Principles of environmental biotechnology: Gray biotechnology for the protection of biodiversity, protection from environmental threats and bioremediation and environmental recovery activities. Introduction of organisms into the environment and biological pollution. Causes and effects of introductions. Control of introductions and verification of the local and national socio-economic impact. Biological fight. Frankenstein effect. Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe (D.A.I.S.I.E.). Verification of the local and national socio-economic impact. Control of introductions: Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (C.I.T.E.S.). Removal of organisms. Restocking / reintroduction actions for the conservation of populations. Relationship between inbreeding and fitness. Principles of urban ecology and perception of environmental problems in society. Principles of Citizen Science. The use of smart technology in the management of natural resources. History on the exploitation of living natural resources: from Gordon's Theory to HORIZON 2020 and Agenda 2030. Uses, conflicts and sustainability of living natural resources. Natural Capital, Sustainable Development, and eco-environmental information. The impact of advanced technology societies on environmental resources and the degradation of the biosphere. Urbanization and eco-sustainable cities (Green City and Smart Economy). The Millenium Ecosystem Assessment as a context for the analysis of ecosystems and ecosystem services. Ecosystem services (A.R.C.S.): from procurement to support. Traditional and renewable energy sources. Main national institutions for environmental research. Calls and funding.

Core Documentation

BATTISTI C., CONIGLIARO M., POETA G., TEOFILI C., 2013. Biodiversità, Disturbi, Minacce – Dall’Ecologia di Base alla Gestione e Conservazione degli Ecosistemi. Forum Editrice Universitaria Udinese, 238 PP.
GALASSI S., FERRARI I., VIAROLI P. 2014. Introduzione alla Ecologia Applicata. Città Studi Edizioni.
PRIMACK R.B. & BOITANI L. 2012. Biologia della Conservazione. Zanichelli Editore
BARGAGLI R. 2018. Ecologia applicata. Per un uso consapevole dell'aria, dell'acqua e del suolo. AMON Editore.
PROVINI A., GALASSI S., MARCHETTI R. 1998. Ecologia Applicata. Città Studi Editore.

Type of delivery of the course

lessons and exercises are carried out in presence

Attendance

attendance is strongly requested

Type of evaluation

final exam will be an oral test