Program Overview

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ANALYSIS OF ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS

Course Overview

The aim of the course is to deepen the knowledge acquired in the previous analytical chemistry courses, expanding the main classes of organic contaminants, both traditional and those of recent scientific interest, and the relevant methodologies for their determination, including both sample preparation and instrumental analysis.

Aims and Content

Learning Outcomes

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of the main classes of organic contaminants and their analytical determination in different matrices (environmental, food, biological, etc.).

Aims and Learning Outcomes

The course intends to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of the most important classes of organic contaminants and their analytical determination in different matrices (environmental, food, biological, etc.). In particular, different classes of organic contaminants will be considered, the ones traditionally studied (Persistent Organic Pollutants, POPs) and those of more recent scientific interest, the so-called emerging contaminants, including, among others, drugs and substances used in products for personal care, flame retardants, endocrine disruptors, perfluorinated substances.

Prerequisites

It is advisable for the student to be familiar with the knowledge acquired during the previous courses in Analytical Chemistry, particularly with regard to chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques and sample preparation.

Teaching Methods

Attending lessons is not compulsory, although strongly recommended. The course will alternate lectures in Italian with group work, favoring case studies and project teaching. Activities will also be organized to encourage an active approach for the solution of an analytical problem.

Syllabus/Content

The bibliographic research for the solution of an analytical problem.

• The "classic" organic contaminants (pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, organotin compounds ...) and their characteristics.
• Analytical techniques for their extraction, purification, preconcentration and analysis in different matrices (environmental, food, biological).
• The problem of "emerging contaminants" (drugs, personal care products, brominated flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds, ...); their characteristics and peculiarities.
• Endocrine disruptors, characteristics and their possible effect on organisms.
• Analytical techniques for their extraction, purification, preconcentration and analysis in different matrices (environmental, food, biological).

Recommended Reading/Bibliography

Slides of the lectures and further teaching material (scientific articles, regulations, different material for a detailed study) available on the Aulaweb platform.

Teachers and Exam Board

• MARINA DI CARRO
• Exam Board:
  • MARINA DI CARRO (President)
  • MARIA CARMELA IANNI
  • BARBARA BENEDETTI (President Substitute)
  • FRANCISCO ARDINI (Substitute)
  • EMANUELE MAGI (Substitute)

Lessons

Lessons Start

From March 2, 2026

Class Schedule

The timetable for this course is available.

Exams

Exam Description

• Group and/or personal paper with an in-depth study of a case study or a topic of the course, previously agreed upon with the teacher.
• Individual oral interview

Assessment Methods

The presentation of a paper allows to verify the students' learning in putting into practice the new informations, verifying skills of different types (choice of bibliographic sources, correctness of technical language, ability to synthesize and critical reflection, ability to make connections to concepts already addressed in the other analytical chemistry courses). The oral interview will allow to evaluate:

• Knowledge
• The ability to use the skills developed in different contexts Evaluation criteria are:
• The quality of the oral presentation
• The correct use of the specialist vocabulary
• The capacity for analysis and critical reflection, even on already discussed or hypothetical cases

Exam Schedule

• 04/02/2026, 09:00
• 26/02/2026, 09:00
• 27/05/2026, 09:00
• 18/06/2026, 09:00
• 17/07/2026, 09:00
• 09/09/2026, 09:00
• 01/10/2026, 09:00

Further Information

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak with the instructor and with the Department's disability liaison.

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals

• Quality education
• Gender equality

OpenBadge

• SOFT SKILLS - Personale base 1 - A
• SOFT SKILLS - Imparare a imparare base 1 - A
• SOFT SKILLS - Sociale avanzato 1 - A
• SOFT SKILLS - Alfabetica avanzato 1 - A