Analytical techniques for environmental sustainability
University of Calabria
Reference Teacher: Mauro Francesco La Russa
Teacher(s): Mauro Francesco La Russa, Silvestro Antonio Ruffolo, Michela Ricca
Pollutants of different nature (gases, plastics, microplastics, NOX etc.) in environmental matrices (air, soil, water) and Agenda 2030. Principles and characteristics of the main analytical techniques used in the environmental field with particular reference to microscopic techniques; Molecular techniques, chromatographic and spectrometric techniques, mineralogical analysis. Portable equipment and sampling methodologies.
Master’s degree course in Biology (Environment and human health)
The students will acquire knowledge of the main analytical techniques used to evaluate the presence of pollutants in different environmental matrices, as well as their correlation with human health and the environment itself. Furthermore, students will become familiar with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its objectives relating to the protection of the environment and human health, as well as with the relevant Italian and European legislation.
Students will acquire practical skills and abilities in the use of different instruments, both laboratory and portable, and in the autonomous acquisition, re-elaboration and discussion of scientific data. In addition, students will acquire practical experience with optical microscopy, electron microscopy, mineralogical and molecular analyses, useful for identifying and studying various pollutants, including micro- and nano-plastics, and asbestos.
The students will be able to apply descriptive methods in concrete situations with appropriate knowledge of the procedures. In particular, they will develop the ability to critically evaluate the effectiveness of different analytical techniques for studying environmental pollutants. They will evaluate the reliability and accuracy of data obtained from various methods and make decisions on the most appropriate techniques for specific environmental investigations.
Students will enhance their ability to communicate complex information about environmental pollutants and analytical techniques. They will practice presenting research findings, laboratory results, and case studies, effectively conveying the significance of their work in addressing environmental sustainability.
Students will be able to work in teams, operate independently and adapt easily to the laboratory. Additionally, the course will encourage students to develop the ability to research independently and stay up to date with advances in analytical techniques and environmental sustainability. They will improve their problem-solving skills by addressing challenges encountered when analyzing and interpreting environmental data.
Basic knowledge of Chemistry and Physics.
Lectures, seminars, field excursions, laboratory.
The learning assessment takes place through an oral exam which allows the acquisition of credits related to teaching and expressed in thirtieths. The exam consists of 3-5 questions, one for each part of the program. The evaluation of the exam will take into consideration the property of the scientific language, the level of in-depth analysis of the acquired notions, the clarity of the exposition and the ability to link the thematic units and the case studies. All questions contribute to the definition of the final evaluation. The exam is considered passed if a sufficient evaluation (18/30) on the three parts of the program is achieved. By sufficient evaluation it is meant that the student has acquired the minimum contents of the program and exhibits them in a simple and correct way and with language properties. An excellent evaluation (30/30 cum laude) will be given to students who demonstrate that they know the contents of the program with excellent synthesis and connection skills between the thematic units and the case studies.
This course covers several key topics related to the 2030 Agenda on Environment and Human Health. Environmental and sustainability assessments aim to help research quantify and understand the actual impact on nature, society, and the economy, as well as the room for maneuver available for human development based on available resources and nature’s capacity to absorb pollutants. Furthermore, to accurately assess the environmental risks of microplastics for terrestrial and marine environments and the health risks they pose to humans, it is essential to accurately know their concentration, composition and morphology in different environmental matrices. During the course, students will acquire knowledge of this peculiar field of research, in which particular attention is also dedicated to this topic.
The expected learning outcomes can contribute to the achievement of the following goals: Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being; Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; Goal 13: Climate Action; Goal 14: Life Below Water; Goal 15: Life on Land; Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
To attend the course “Analytical techniques for environmental sustainability” at the University of Calabria, there are two options:
– Enroll in the Master’s Degree Program
The course is part of the Master’s Degree in Biology (2-year) offered by the Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science (DiBEST). To attend it, you must apply and be admitted to the relevant Master’s degree, then include the course in your study plan.
More information at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/ammissione-1-anno/ammissione-lauree-magistrali/?lang=en
– Register for the Individual Course
If you already hold a university degree, you can apply to take this course as a single learning activity without enrolling in the full degree program. You will attend classes, take the exam, and earn credits (CFU), which may be recognized later if you enroll in the full program.
More information at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/iscrizioni-anni-successivi/?lang=en
Foreign students, both EU and non-EU, can find detailed admission requirements and procedures in the “Guidebook for Foreign Students”: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/ammissione-1-anno/guidebook_foreign_students_aa2425/?lang=en
For further information or specific inquiries, you may contact the “Educational Services Area” of the University of Calabria using the contact details and methods provided at the following link: https://www.unical.it/didattica/iscriversi-studiare-laurearsi/contatta-i-servizi-didattici/?lang=en
2030 Agenda and goals related to environment and human health. Principles Environmental pollution (NOX Vox aliphatic compounds, etc.). Atmospheric particle and sampling methods; Heavy metals, Plastics and microplastics and their degradation process. Italian and European Legislation related to environmental issues.
Infrared spectroscopic and Raman spectroscopy for the study of organic matter with particular reference to issues such as landfills, plastics and microplastics;
Mass spectrometric analysis and chromatographic techniques aimed to solve problems such as environmental pollution through the study of both solid and liquid samples.
– UV fluorescence optical microscopy analysis for the determination of foreign residues in the analyzed samples and correlation with problems related to human health;
– Mineralogical analysis applied to environmental investigations such as asbestos and correlations with problems related to human health;
– Observation in scanning and transmission electron microscopy with particular reference to analyze different pollutants (micro and nano-plastics, asbestos, etc.)
– Portable equipment for in-situ study of pollutants of different nature and sampling methods.
- Analisi Mineralogiche in Ambito Forense, Aracne Editrice, Chimica dell’ambiente, Zanichelli.