Methods in Applied Ecology
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The teaching aims to provide to students the basics to evaluate the main problems related to anthropic pollution and the potential critical issues regarding natural ecosystems. The focus will be mainly on the problems of the main compartments that characterize natural ecosystems.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the teaching the student will be able to learn about the main issues related to contamination and environmental pollution, the main methodological and instrumental approaches for the correct management of environmental contamination and critical skills to face environmental problems related to pollution.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Atmosphere: Effects of natural emissions and anthropic activity on the atmosphere composition and the dynamics that regulate its components. Detailed study of air pollution, diffusion, transport and deposition of airborne pollutants. Effects of air pollution at the global scale: acid rain, smog, greenhouse effect alteration and global warming, thinning of the ozone layer. Urban pollution and effects on humans and living organisms. Indoor pollution.
Hydrosphere: Water pollution, sources and processes that regulate the distribution of contaminants. Eutrophication and chemical pollution, emerging contaminants (pharmaceutical and personal care products, drugs of abuse). Effects of contaminants on aquatic organisms (Extended biotic index, ecotoxicological tests, biomarkers). Techniques of wastewater treatment, phytodepuration and biofiltration. Biomanipulation of eutrophic ecosystems. Marine pollution (oil spills, plastics and warfare residual).
Lithosphere: Factors and processes of pedogenesis. Sources of degradation and pollution of the soil. Green Revolution and Sustainable Agriculture. Biological pest control. The problem of solid waste.
Biosphere and biodiversity conservation: Biodiversity, alien species and loss of biodiversity.
Hydrosphere: Water pollution, sources and processes that regulate the distribution of contaminants. Eutrophication and chemical pollution, emerging contaminants (pharmaceutical and personal care products, drugs of abuse). Effects of contaminants on aquatic organisms (Extended biotic index, ecotoxicological tests, biomarkers). Techniques of wastewater treatment, phytodepuration and biofiltration. Biomanipulation of eutrophic ecosystems. Marine pollution (oil spills, plastics and warfare residual).
Lithosphere: Factors and processes of pedogenesis. Sources of degradation and pollution of the soil. Green Revolution and Sustainable Agriculture. Biological pest control. The problem of solid waste.
Biosphere and biodiversity conservation: Biodiversity, alien species and loss of biodiversity.
Prerequisites for admission
Good knowledge of ecology is required.
Teaching methods
Course delivery methods will be based on interactive lectures supported by projected material (Slides).
The slides will be provided on the ARIEL website of the teaching. The students will be involved in the discussion of the topics of the teaching to improve their critical skills, reworking the concepts acquired and communicating the concepts appropriately.
The slides will be provided on the ARIEL website of the teaching. The students will be involved in the discussion of the topics of the teaching to improve their critical skills, reworking the concepts acquired and communicating the concepts appropriately.
Teaching Resources
Reference Material:
1) Provini, Galassi, Marchetti. Ecologia Applicata (CittàStudi Edizioni)
2) Cunningham, Cunningham, Saigo. Ecologia Applicata (Mc Graw Hill Eds.)
3) Galassi, Ferrari, Viaroli. Introduzione all'Ecologia Applicata (CittàStudi Edizioni)
1) Provini, Galassi, Marchetti. Ecologia Applicata (CittàStudi Edizioni)
2) Cunningham, Cunningham, Saigo. Ecologia Applicata (Mc Graw Hill Eds.)
3) Galassi, Ferrari, Viaroli. Introduzione all'Ecologia Applicata (CittàStudi Edizioni)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Verification of student preparation consists of an oral exam whereby some questions related to the diverse topics covered during the teaching course will be asked.
Professor(s)
Reception:
to be agreed by prior appointment via e-mail