84513 - Contaminated Sites

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student acquires knowledge about basic principles and potential applications of: geochemical dynamics of soil and groundwater contamination by metals, metalloids (either of natural or anthropic origin) and man-made organic compounds (hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, pesticides, emerging contaminants); contaminant fate and transport processes from a contamination source to receptors along pathway in groundwater and air; geological, hyrogeological and geochemical characterization of a contaminated site; sampling strategies and monitoring approach in contaminated sites. One credit of field activity will integrate the lessons with practical activity on real cases of contaminated sites due to mining or industrial activity.

Course contents

The course is divided in 3 Modules

Module I – Geochemistry of contaminated sites held by Enrico Dinelli.

Sampling procedures on water, soil, sediment, air. Sampling strategy. Sample conditioning in relation to the sampled medium. Main instrumentations for geochemical characterization, with particular emphasis on inorganic components. Geochimical maps, threshold values and natural background levels. Migration and partition of inorganic contaminants in the hydrosphere: origin, toxicity and mobility.

Module II – Contaminant hydrogeology, held by Alessandro Gargini.

Physico-chemical properties and mobility of organic contaminants in air, soil and groundwater. Non Aqueous Phase Liquids. Transport of contaminants in the unsaturated zone and in groundwater (advection, diffusion, dispersion, retardation, degradation). Legislation on contaminated sites. Well-head and spring-head protection zones. Characterization and remediation of contaminated sites. Forensic hydrogeology and identification of the polluter.

Module III - Risk assessment with exercises, held by Maria Filippini

Theory of sanitary risk assessment and computer-based exercises with use of analytical models to perform risk assessment and map migration of plume in contaminated sites

Readings/Bibliography

Module 1 –Geochemistry of contaminated sites

Calace N., Fratini M., Guerra M., Pascarella F., Zampetti F., 2006. Manuale per le indagini ambientali nei siti contaminati. APAT, Manuali e linee guida 43/2006

Manuale per la movimentazione di sedimenti marini, 2009. APAT-ICRAM

Linee guida per la determinazione dei valori di fondo per i suoli e per le acque sotterranee. ISPRA

Manuali e linee guida 174/2018

Module 2 and Module 3 –Contaminant Hydrogeology and Risk Assessment

Lessons (slides) of the teachers uploaded on IOL the day before each lesson.

The teaching material provided by the teachers , along with the notes taken by the student and the attendance to the exercise in class, is to be considered adequate for the preparation of the exam

To integrate:

C.W.Fetter-T.Boving-D.Kreamer "Contaminant Hydrogeology" Waveland Press

Teaching methods

Oral presentations, generally organized as a general overview and case studies as examples. Field trips are planned at sites of interest to complement classroom teaching

For module 3 exercitations in classroom by PC will be performed for risk assessment through freeware codes.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] online, while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme”

Assessment methods

The exam is based upon a multiple-choice/open answer written test.

The student can refuse the votation only once

The votation is expressed in 30/30 quote and is the average of the votation taken in two tests (one per Module 1 and one for Module 2/3).

Teaching tools

Videoprojector, PC, blackboard, demonstration of the use of instruments (in the lab and on the field). PC exercise to perform risk assessment

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Gargini

See the website of Maria Filippini

See the website of Enrico Dinelli