Ateneo - UPO

Study of environmental and anthropogenic impacts. In particular, will be addressed topics concerning protective and non-protective responses induced by environmental stressors and global climate change . Ecotoxicology. Impacts in agricultural ecosystems.

Ecologia applicata. 1st edition. Bargagli R., Amon Ed. 2020. ISBN-13-978-8866031710

Principles of ecotoxicology. 4th edition. C.H. Walker, R.M. Sibly. Crc press, 2012. ISBN-13 978-1439862667

Introduzione all’Ecologia applicata. 1st edition. Galassi S., Città Studi, 2014. ISBN-13-978-8825173925

Ecologia vegetale agraria. 1st edition. C. Vazzana. Patron Ed., 1998. ISBN-13 978-8855524421

Provide basic and critical tools for understanding the complexity of ecosystems and the mechanisms and consequences of environmental global changes. Provide the most current theoretical and practical tools of ecotoxicology. Provide basic tools for the study of agro-ecosystems

A good knowledge of basic ecology, botany, zoology and cell biology.

Classroom lessons
Lectures by experts on specific topics.
Experimental laboratory

Experimental laboratory. The experimentation will concern the application and use of biomarkers

Tests in progress; discussion of topics during the lessons; practical exercises.
The final examination is generally oral and consists of at least 3 questions covering the respective macro-topics.
The examination will be successful with the grade at least of 18/30.
The student must know at least the basis of ecology and show an understanding of the analytical method. The overall grade will take the use of appropriate scientific terminology and the ability to make connections between topics.

Part I: Applied Ecology.
Generalities, anthropogenic impact, alterations in biogeochemical cycles, acid rain, effects of acid rain, eutrophication, effects of eutrophication, greenhouse effect, global warming, climate change, biodiversity, biodiversity indexes, biodiversity loss, alterations of habitat, invasive species, species interactions, overexploitation of resources, safeguarding of biodiversity, protected parks and marine areas.

Part II: Ecotoxicology and biomonitoring.
General part, pollutants, types of pollutants (heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, pcb, dioxins, PFAS, endocrine disruptors, microplastics), natural and anthropogenic sources of pollutants, transport and dispersion, matrixes, concept of toxicity, fate of a chemical compound in a biological system, transfer of pollutants along trophic chains, bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, biomagnification, intercorrelation of pollutant effects, toxicological assays, toxicity curve, toxicity thresholds. Ecotoxicological assays, bioavailability, environmental biomonitoring generalities, triad approach, bioindication, bioindicator organisms, generalities on biomarkers, lysosomal membrane destabilisation, neutral red retention assay, morphometric alterations of immune system cells, cytoskeleton modifications, antioxidant enzymes, metallothioneins, acetylcholinesterase activity, genotoxicity, micronuclei, comet assay, biomonitoring programmes, mussel watch.

Part III: Analysis of environmental impacts.
Italian environmental normative, environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, impact assessment
Ecological Risk Assessment: management objectives, conceptual model, analytical phase, risk characterisation, management phase, environmental damage, cause-effect relationships, reclamation, bioremediation.

Part IV: Ecology of agricultural systems.
Generalities, agroecosystem, agricultural landscapes, soil, soil profile, texture, humification, mineralisation, soil water, porosity, permeability, soil pH and temperature, unsustainable use of soil: compaction, erosion, sealing, salinisation, desertification, energy flow in agricultural systems, biotope, biocenosis, agroecosystem interactions, photosynthetic performance, fertilisers, pesticides,
Biological control: history, integrated pest management, concept of biological control, use of entomophages, parasitoids, predators, microbiological control, biological control methodologies, advantages of biological control.

In order to reach the level of sufficiency, the student must demonstrate:
- to know the theoretical bases and the application of the main applied ecology themes
- to know the bases of ecotoxicology and environmental assessment
- to know the bases of agro-ecosystems functioning

For the attainment of an advanced level, the student must demonstrate that he/she
- to be able to apply the basis of applied ecology to current environmental topics
- to be able to deal and manage topics related to anthropogenic impact
- to be able to communicate clearly (also to non-specialist public) the main ecological concepts