Almost all processes in the environment are reigned by physico-chemistry influences. Thus- deep understanding of such influences is essential in order to overcome severe environmental hazards. The course will deal with the basic chemical-physical aspects of environmental chemistry, with reference to problems of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics applied to ecosystems. The effect of pollutants on the environment is described, dealing with the modeling of the atmosphere, water systems, adsorption into the soil. Atmosphere: structure and composition. Ozone. Gaseous inorganic pollutants CO, CO2, SO2, NOx. Organic pollutants from natural sources. Greenhouse effect, acid rain, photochemical smog, atmospheric particulate matter. Soil: chemical-physical characteristics of the geosphere. Soil and its constituents. Organic matter in the soil (humic and fulvic acids).
A second part of the course will deal with natural resources and their use in the production and consumption of energy, starting from the historical framework of the development of human activities, and exploring possible future scenarios. Global climate change will also be addressed.