B006898 - CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY OF WATERS

Italian

The course provides an overview of the chemistry of natural waters, with microbiological aspects. The main problems of altering the natural state of a water body are also treated. The main approaches to the physical, chemical and biological treatment of waste water are discussed. The cornerstones of water are treated, with particular reference to the legislation on discharges, the classification of water bodies and drinking water.

Educational material supplied by the Professor

Knowledge. Characteristics of water and its importance for humans and the environment in general. Hydrological classification and use classification. Water cycle and distribution of water masses on the planet. Availability and consumption. The hydrogen bond and the resulting properties of water. Contamination and pollution concept. Natural composition of water. Natural state of a water body and main alterations: natural pH of the water and acidity of the precipitations; hardness and softening processes; Langelier index; oxygen-consuming substances; eutrophication; nitrogen cycle. Organic substances and their toxicity: Directive 2000/60 and the concept of priority and priority dangerous substance. An overview of European watch lists. Complexation and bioavailability of metals in water. Microorganisms in natural waters. Oxic and anoxic degradations. Biomass fermentation and methane formation. Water purification: legislation on discharges. Characterization parameters of a wastewater. Treatments of waste water: physical, chemical and biological processes. Water purification treatments and related legislation.
Competences acquired. Interpretation of phenomena concerning environmental contamination of water, both in relation to the quality of the data obtained and possible environmental consequences. Knowing how to evaluate wastewater purification processes.
Skills acquired at the end of the course. Ability to critically evaluate the data available in light of current regulations and available technological solutions.

None

Lectures in the classroom and technical visits to companies operating in the field of the water and wastewater treatment.

Students are continuously stimulated during the lesson in order to provide active participation in the lesson. Critical reading and drafting of a report on a scientific article. Oral exam on topics covered during the course.. Written exam on the topics covered during the course, followed by an oral exam on the topics covered in the written exam.

Water characteristics and its importance for humans and the environment in general. Hydrological and use classification. Water cycle and distribution of water masses on the planet. Availability and consumption. The hydrogen bond and the water properties. Contamination and pollution concept. Natural composition of the environmental waters. Natural state of a water body and main alterations: natural pH of water and acidity of precipitation; hardness and softening processes; Langelier index; oxygen-consuming substances; excess of phosphorus in the environment and eutrophication. Organic substances and their toxicity: Directive 2000/60 and the concept of priority and dangerous priority substance. An overview of the European watch lists. Complexation and bioavailability of metals in water. Microorganisms in natural waters. Oxy and anoxic degradations. Biomass fermentation and methane formation. Nitrogen cycle. Wastewater treatment: legislation on discharges. Characterization parameters of a wastewater. Wastewater treatments: physical, chemical and biological processes. Water purification treatments and related legislation.
Technical visits to wastewater treatment plant and potabilization facilities.

Health and wellness.
Clean water and sanitation.
Sustainable cities and communities.