ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

Academic Year 2024/2025 - Teacher: ALESSANDRO GIUFFRIDA

Expected Learning Outcomes

The course is designed to provide knowledge of typical and innovative analytical methods for the analysis of different environmental matrices with particular focus on the air, water and soil matrices.

At the end of the course, the student will acquire adequate skills aimed at being able to assess which chemical analyzes require and / or perform for the resolution of an environmental problem related also to cultural heritage;

Knowledge and understanding:

Knowing how to evaluate which chemical analyzes to request and / or perform for the resolution of an environmental problem also referred to cultural heritage;

Applying knowledge and understanding:

Be able to plan and possibly conduct group experiments;

Making judgements:

Knowing how to correctly analyze the data from a chemical analysis as per current legislation;

Communication skills:

Knowing how to communicate correctly through reports and multimedia presentations the insights of the course using objective data and the results of international scientific research.

Learning skills:

Ability to tackle advanced studies with a high degree of autonomy.

Course Structure

Classes, active lerning, TEAL and laboratoy. Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

Knowledge of the basics related to: General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.

Attendance of Lessons

Mandatory, as stated in the University Teaching Regulations and Course Regulations.

Detailed Course Content

Introduction to environmental problems. Main correlations between environmental issues and cultural heritage.

Environmental matrices (air, water, soil). Sampling techniques and reference legislation. Air pollution and atmospheric chemistry. The ozone layer.

CFC, Halon; sampling techniques and quantitative analysis.

ISO and ASTM standards and EPA methods. The Environmental Consolidation Act (Legislative Decree 152/06).

Chemistry of air pollution at ground level. Urban ozone and photochemical smog. VOC and NOx emissions. Main air pollutants: impact on health, the environment and the BBCC. Greenhouse effect, Powders and aerosols. Acid rain.

Analysis of indoor pollutants: Instrumentation, methods and analytical parameters. Air quality standards. Olfactory harassment and dynamic olfactometry.

Air pollution and implications on museum environments. Case studies.

Textbook Information

C. Baird, M. Cann, Chimica Ambientale, Zanichelli.

S. Manahan, Environmental Chemistry, CRC Press.

R. Cozzi, P. Protti, T. Ruaro, Elementi di analisi chimica strumentale, Zanichelli.

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Introduzione ai problemi ambientali.
2 Principali correlazioni tra le problematiche ambientali e i beni culturali.
3 Matrici ambientali (aria, acqua, suolo).
4Tecniche di campionamento e normativa di riferimento.
5 Inquinamento dell’aria e chimica atmosferica.
6Lo strato dell’ozono. CFC, Halon.
7Tecniche di campionamento e analisi quantitative. Norme ISO e ASTM e metodiche EPA.
8 Il Testo Unico Ambientale (D.Lgs 152/06) (cenni).
9 Chimica dell’inquinamento dell’aria a livello del suolo.
10 Ozono urbano e smog fotochimico.
11Emissioni di VOC e NOx. Principali inquinanti atmosferici: impatto sulla salute, l’ambiente e i BBCC.
12Effetto serra, Polveri e aerosol. Piogge acide. Analisi di inquinanti indoor: Strumentazione, metodi e parametri analitici.
13 Standard di qualità dell’aria. Molestie olfattive e olfattometria dinamica. Inquinamento dell’aria e implicazioni sugli ambienti museali.

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Oral Examination. Verification of learning may also be conducted electronically, should conditions require it.

Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA:

As a guarantee of equal opportunity and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview so as to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.

It is also possible to contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration-Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) contact teacher in our Department, Prof. Vera Muccilli.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Describe the phenomena and reactions that produce photochemical smog;

The environmental text (EIA, SEA procedures);

Sampling techniques of environmental matrices;

Effects of pollution on the BBCC.