Ateneo - UPO

This course describes the fundamental chemical principles which
underpin the natural processes occurring within and between the
atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the soil. The effect of human activities
on these processes is also discussed, with special focus on the effects of
the increasing global demand of energy produced by non-renewable
sources. Finally, the main classes of pollutants are discussed in terms of
relationships between their physico-chemical properties and their
interactions with the environmental spheres.

Lecture notes and presentation will be made available on the online
learning platform. Recommended textbooks:
-G.W. van Loon, S.J. Duffy “Environmental Chemistry”, 3rd edition,
Oxford, 2010 (in English)
-C. Baird, M. Cann “Chimica Ambientale” terza ed. italiana, Zanichelli,
2013 (in Italian)
-C. Baird, M. Cann “Environmental Chemistry” 5th ed. 2015 (in English)

- To build a solid knowledge foundation about the concepts underlying
the chemistry of atmosphere, hydrosphere and pollution; to link the
chemical properties of pollutants with i) their mobility/availability within
and between the environmental compartments, ii) their bio-availability
and iii) their ecotoxicological potential.
- To foster the ability of applying knowledge to assess critically and
autonomously the potential environmental impact of chemical processes
linked to human activities or chemical species that are released into the
environment - To develop communications skills by addressing the
appropriate chemical language to describe environmental chemistry
themes.

Fundamentals of general chemistry and analytical chemistry.

Classroom lectures

A number of “Fermi questions” will be asked to the students and
discussed in the classroom at selected turning points. Such questions aim
at using the fundamental concepts learnt during the course to make
approximate estimations about global consequences of environmental
perturbations. For instance, a scenario for the global increase of
atmospheric carbon dioxide will be worked out by considering i) the
increasing world energy demand (from survey tables), ii) the share of
energy production by fossil and renewable fuels, and iii) by applying the
concepts about the environmental carbon cycle and sinks.

Written exam, with a total of six to eight questions spanning any of the
arguments treated in the course. Questions can be multiple choice (four
options) or open questions, as specified below:
-a minimum of four questions (mixed amongst open and multiple choice
questions) to assess knowledge and understanding
-a minimum of one question to assess the ability to apply knowledge and
understanding. This question takes the form of a numerical exercise such
as those discussed during the course (thermochemistry, units in solution
and the gas phase, or solution equilibrium).
-a minmum of one question to assess communication skill (strictly an
open question).
A model exam paper is given at the end of the course.

Chemistry of the atmosphere.
Chemical composition and structure of the atmosphere, principles of
reaction kinetics and photochemistry; chemical and photochemical
reactions in the atmosphere; the stratosphere and the ozone layer;
sources and reactions of inorganic (CO, SO2, NOx, ammonia,
halogencontaining compounds) and organic (hydrocarbons, VOCs, CFC)
pollutants in the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect and global climate
changes. Biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur. Nonrenewable
energy resources and their impact on atmospheric pollution;
photochemical smog. Renewable energy resources and the hydrogen
economy
Chemistry of the hydrosphere.
Fundamentals, acid-base equilibria and the carbonate system, solubility
equilibria, colloids, dissolved organic matter, dissolved oxygen, redox
reactions, two-variables pE-pH diagrams.
Chemistry of pollution.
Organic environmental pollutants and their chemico-physical properties:
solubility, biodegradation, bioconcentration, bioavailability,
biomagnification, speciation, persistency, ecotoxicology. Transition
metals and organometallics: relationship between chemical properties,
speciation, mobility between environmental compartments and
bioavailability. Environmental classification of transition metals.
Biogeochemical cycles, natural and antropogenic sources. Inertisation,
sequestration and mobility of pollutants. Chemical remediation strategies
(principles).

Students are expected i) to be familiar with the basic concepts in
environmental chemistry; ii) to be able to apply such concepts for the
assessment of the potential environmental impact of human activities; iii)
to be able to discuss enviromental chemistry themes with appropriate
technical language; iv) to be familiar with bibliographic resources for a
future, autonomous deeper learning of specific aspects in environmental
chemistry.