The training objective of the course is to provide students with the ability
to operate in a laboratory of geochemical analysis, to plan and to choose
the most appropriate methodology in the analysis of different
environmental matrices, to support the data quality.
D1 - Knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course, the student
must be able to set up an analytical methodology, to elaborate and
understand the analytical results.
D2 - Ability knowledge and understanding:
The student must be able to independently evaluate the most
appropriate analytical techniques in order quantify the major and trace
elements in different environmental matrices.
D3 - Making judgment
The student must be able to manage the analytical steps in a
geochemical laboratory from sample preparation to data analysis.
D4 - Communication skills:
At the end of the course the student must be able to explain the
analytical approach and communicate the results to professionals and
non-specialists.
D5 - Learning skills:
The student must be able to independently deal with the analytical
problems of an environmental geochemistry laboratory.

Basic knowledge of the main physico-chemical and geological processes.

1) Preparation of samples belonging to different environmental matrices to physical and chemical analysis
2) Determination of basic physico-chemical parameters in solid samples
3) Analytical determination of major and trace elements in matrices of environmental interest
4) Focus on a Hazardous Priority substance: Mercury
5) Processing of the analytical data
6) References to environmental legislation

PowerPoint slideshows of the lectures and the following textbooks
available in consultation:
Giannì B., 2004. Le Analisi Chimiche Ambientali. Manuale Applicativo,
Ranieri Editore, Milano, pp. 143.
Beaty R.D, Kerber J.D., 2005. Spettrofotmetria di Assorbimento Atomico:
Concetti, Strumentazioni, Tecniche. Morgan Edizioni Tecniche, pp. 86.
Beretta G.P., 2004. Il trattamento e l’interpretazione dei dati ambientali.
Qualità dei suoli e delle acque sotterranee nella bonifica dei siti
contaminati. Pitagora Editrice Bologna, pp. 372

1) Preparation of solid environmental samples (soils/sediments) for physical and chemical analysis: sample drying methods (air drying, oven drying, freeze drying), sample homogenization (manual and mechanical sieving and grinding), total matrix destruction techniques and selective extraction techniques in sediments, soils, plants and biota. Extractions of labile fractions by weak dissolution and selective sequential extraction techniques.
2) Determination of basic physico-chemical parameters in solid environmental samples: water content, organic matter (LOI), carbonates (calcimetry), elemental analysis (total and organic carbon and total nitrogen)
3) Analytical determination of major and trace elements by means of ion cromatohraphy and inductively coupled plasma mass and optical emission spectrometry: principle of operation of analytical techniques and examples of application on environmental samples
4) Focus on a Hazardous Priority substance: Mercury. Determination of mercury in matrices of environmental interest (solid, liquid, gas) by means of direct mercury analyser, cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectroscopy and atomic absorption spectroscopy: principle of operation of analytical techniques and examples of application on environmental samples
5) Processing of the analytical data through exercises in excel and R
6) References to environmental legislation with particular focus on contaminants and environmental matrices taken into account in the present course

Lectures in the classroom and demonstrations in the
geochemistry laboratories. The active participation of students in
laboratory activities is essential for learning the learning objectives

Available upon request to the professor (covelli@units.it, epavoni@units.it)

The final oral evaluation consists on a final project presentation and
discussion based on the entire teaching program. The examination is scored by means of a grade expressed in thirtieths calculated on the basis of the presentation and discussion given by the student. In order to pass the examination (18/30), the student must demonstrate, through the methods described above, that he/she has acquired sufficient knowledge of the topics covered in this teaching.