The course will be devoted to provide information about the geochemical processes acting in urban areas and zones characterized by intense industrialization. Environmental problematics related to air quality and water supply. Processes for the treatment of solid waste: landfill and recycling. Recovering of dismissed industrial areas. Moreover, topics related to the modeling of the geochemical parameters utilized for these studies will be discussed.
Power point presentation and papers published on international journals
Learning Objectives
The main aims of the course is to prepare the student on environmental problematics affecting anthropized areas and on possible remediation actions.
Prerequisites
no
Teaching Methods
Frontal lessons. Excursions in areas near to florence and official GAG fieldtrip
Further information
6CFU Attending the course is not mandatory but highly recommended.
Type of Assessment
Oral exam: the student should answer to several questions related to the main topics of the course. The critical capability of the course topics will be evaluated.
Course program
The course provides basic concepts of geochemical processes regulating the chemical and isotopic composition of fluids from anthropogenic environments. The main potential primary sources of fluids will be investigated, as well as the effects on their chemistry of secondary processes. The course will take into account the behaviour of environmental tracers for themes concerning the contamination of air and natural waters, for a correct utilization of the geochemical parameters to investigate and individuate the pollutant sources. The impact of urbanization on the biogeochemical cycles and the aquatic ecosystems will be illustrated. Methods of intervention and remediation in areas affected by anthropogenic contamination and practices devoted to ensure urban sustainability and resilience with respect to climate changes will be depicted. Description of the features of solid waste disposal sites in urban areas. Methods for the construction of models for the spatial and temporal representation of atmospheric and water resource contaminants. Key studies on environmental topics will be presented: Geochemical investigation at Nisyros Island, (Greece); recover of the mining area at Mt. Amiata (Abbadia S. Salvatore); the landfill of Case Passerini (Florence); greenhouse gas monitoring in Florence (Italy).