ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

The course Environmental Analytical Chemistry is part of the related/integrative educational activities within the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Engineering for the Ecological Transition. It contributes to the training of professionals with multidisciplinary skills capable of intervening in the prevention, diagnosis, and operational resolution of environmental issues.
Specifically, the course aims to build knowledge and skills in the principles of environmental analytical chemistry, the main analytical techniques for the chemical characterisation of environmental matrices, the fundamentals of quality management systems in analytical laboratories, and the approaches for planning and conducting environmental monitoring and control programmes. The course represents the natural applied continuation of the Environmental Chemistry course (Year 2).

Students will acquire knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles and terminology of analytical chemistry applied to environmental contexts; of classical and instrumental analytical techniques for the characterisation of environmental matrices (air, water, soil, waste); of key concepts related to the quality of analytical data; and of quality management systems in the laboratory. They will also understand the theoretical foundations of sampling methodologies, sample preparation, and interpretation of analytical data in the context of environmental monitoring.

Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be able to use appropriate scientific terminology related to analytical methodologies and instrumentation for environmental chemical characterisation; to identify the most suitable analytical techniques according to the matrix and the objectives of the investigation; to apply their knowledge in designing and implementing sampling plans; to perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses of environmental matrices using appropriate techniques; and to critically interpret experimental data and assess the reliability of results.

Making judgements
Students will develop the ability to autonomously analyse complex analytical problems in environmental contexts, critically assessing both the methods used and the results obtained. They will be able to select appropriate analytical strategies according to specific needs and regulatory constraints.

Communication skills
Students will acquire the ability to communicate clearly, using appropriate technical and scientific terminology, the principles and results related to environmental chemical analysis, both in written form (technical reports, analytical documents) and orally, including in multidisciplinary contexts.

Learning skills
Students will develop the ability to independently learn new analytical techniques and methodologies, staying up to date with scientific and technological developments in the field of environmental analysis. They will be able to use the scientific method to tackle new analytical challenges with a critical and rigorous approach.

Basic knowledge of Environmental Chemistry and Mathematics.

Generation and processing of analytical data: significant digits; theory and propagation of errors; quality of analytical data; calibration. Review of chemical equilibria.
Sampling methods for environmental matrices.
Analytical techniques: classical methods for environmental analysis (gravimetry, titrations); instrumental analytical techniques: principles of interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter; atomic absorption and emission spectrometry; molecular electronic and vibrational spectrometry.
Sample preparation: liquid–liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction.
Introduction to chromatography: gas chromatography; liquid chromatography.
Elements of electroanalytical methods: potentiometry; basic notions of mass spectrometry.
Quality control in the analytical laboratory: control samples, blanks, and replicates; validation, control charts and monitoring of analytical performance; interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency testing schemes; management of analytical data, records, forms, and measurement traceability; standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality management systems and accreditation.
Environmental monitoring: methods and detectable parameters; design of environmental monitoring programmes; applied case studies.

Lecture notes, slides presented during the lessons, publications/case studies provided by the lecturer.
Christian, Dasgupta, Schug, Chimica analitica, Piccin, 2024
Zhang, Chunlong, Fundamentals of environmental sampling and analysis. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley-Interscience, 2007

Assessment is carried out through an oral examination.
The oral exam will assess:
- theoretical knowledge of analytical techniques;
- technical understanding in approaching the resolution of analytical problems;
- theoretical and technical knowledge in the processing and evaluation of analytical data.

oral

Assessment criteria:
27–30: Full mastery of the topics covered in the course; ability to independently reorganise acquired knowledge in order to adapt analytical strategies to specific applications; appropriate use of technical terminology.
23–26: Good knowledge of the course topics; fair ability to organise information and effectively present analytical solutions discussed during the course; general familiarity with technical terminology.
18–22: Superficial knowledge of the topics covered; partially structured oral presentation with occasional need for guidance; use of technical terminology not always accurate.
Honours (cum laude) will be awarded in cases where the student demonstrates the ability to reinterpret analytical solutions presented in the course in a personal, original, and critical way.

Frontal lectures and classroom discussion.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development