ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY

The course aims to deepen the knowledge covered in the Environmental Chemistry - Modules 1 and 2 course, exploring several topics in greater depth. Laboratory work will include studying the distribution of model molecules in different environmental compartments, their concentration and potential degradation, and the determination of some key environmental nutrients that contribute to eutrophication. Building on the knowledge acquired in the ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY - PRACTICAL LABORATORY ACTIVITIES [CT0366] course, this laboratory experience will allow students to understand the complexity of environmental chemistry issues, addressing aspects related to biogeochemical cycles, contaminants and pollutants, the most relevant chemical-physical characteristics of environmental matrices, and their behavior in the environment. The module will provide fundamental laboratory skills for the analysis of contaminants and pollutants in environmental matrices, contributing to the training of professionals capable of performing and interpreting environmental measurements according to scientific and regulatory standards.

- Knowledge and Understanding:
Know the basic principles and processes of environmental fate and behavior of chemicals.
Become familiar with analytical techniques and procedures of interest.

- Ability to apply knowledge and understanding:
Acquire the ability to correctly use scientific terminology within the laboratory, with particular reference to the consumable material and analytical techniques that will be used during the course

- Judgment Skills:
Know how to evaluate the significance and validity of the data collected in the field of environmental chemistry.
Know how to choose the most appropriate procedures for each laboratory operation.

- Learning skills:
Acquire the ability to rework the concepts covered in class and how to adequately connect the topics covered;
Understand simple analytical procedures for the determination of the most common physicochemical analyses and environmental variables.

- Communication Skills:
Acquire the ability to present topics with appropriate terminology and to draft a technical-scientific report of the laboratory activities carried out

Fundamental courses for the three-year period: GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY - COURSE 1 [CT0410]; ORGANIC CHEMISTRY [CT0443]; ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY - LABORATORY MOD. [CT0366]; ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY - MOD. 1 [CT0590]; GENERAL PHYSICS [CT0583].

Laboratory exercises in groups:
- Estimation of the octanol-water partition constant (Kow) of some contaminants/pollutants to determine their hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic characteristics. The value of this constant is a fundamental parameter indicating the tendency of a chemical compound to partition between an organic phase (simulated by octanol) and an aqueous phase, at equilibrium. Knowing the Kow of a compound allows us to evaluate the behavior and effects of chemicals in the environment and on living organisms.
- Determination of the concentration of pesticides in environmental matrices with the aim of assessing the extent of pollution compared to current regulations and identifying potential sources to implement remediation and/or mitigation interventions.
- Determination of nutrients in environmental matrices with the aim of assessing their concentration compared to legal limits. Nutrients play a crucial role in environmental chemistry, influencing water quality, the health of aquatic ecosystems, and living organisms.
All activities are conducted in small groups and guided by the teacher. Each experience is repeated by each group to ensure consistent learning.

Presentations, document with guidelinses for the preparation of the report of the activities carried out in the laboratory and supplementary teaching materials will be provided by the professor.

Drafting of a summary paper, divided into an introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, and conclusions (max 2000 words), relating to the experiments carried out in the laboratory. Assessment criteria will include accuracy, organization, and correct use of technical and scientific terminology.

written

The laboratory report will contribute 20% of the final grade in the ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY - MOD. 2 exam [CT0590]. The report will be evaluated on a scale of 0 to 6 based on the following criteria:
- completeness (max 2 points);
- scientific accuracy (max 2 points);
- clarity of presentation and use of technical language (max 2 points)

Laboratory exercises, in small groups, will be conducted on real samples sampled during the laboratory experience and/or provided by the professor. The module includes three exercises of 4 hours each, to be carried out in small groups of 3-4 students, with constant supervision by the teacher.

Accommodations and Support Services for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disabilities: Ca' Foscari applies Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) to support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities. If you have a motor, visual, hearing, or other disability (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disability (Law 170/2010) and require support (classroom assistance, technological aids for exams or individualized exams, accessible materials, note-taking, specialized study support, interpreters, or other assistance), please contact the Disability and DSA Office: disabili@unive.it.

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