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ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY OF THE ATMOSPHERE

Degree course: 
Corso di Second cycle degree in ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2020/2021
Year: 
1
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2020/2021
Course type: 
Compulsory subjects, characteristic of the class
Credits: 
6
Period: 
First Semester
Standard lectures hours: 
48
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (48 hours)
Requirements: 

Basic knowledge of analytical chemistry

Written exam (2 hours) based on two questions:
1- Describe a technical specification, theoretical bases, applications.
2- Propose an analytical approach for the analysis of a specific group of gas molecules or for a specific environmental problem.

The two questions have the same weight for the final evaluation.
The first question will evaluate both absolute knowledge and scientific rigor in the presentation of the theoretical bases, as well as the ability to organize a logical discourse that makes it possible to understand how to use these instrumental analytical techniques in the field of atmospheric analysis.
For the second question we will evaluate both the organizational capacity in proposing a rigorous analytical protocol and the originality of the proposal itself.

Assessment: 
Voto Finale

TRAINING OBJECTIVES
The aim of the course is to present some aspects of the analytical problems inherent in atmospheric chemistry and possible anthropic effects.
The course is divided into theoretical parts where the physical principles underlying the analytical techniques and the presentation of case studies, the result of a multidisciplinary approach to "problem solving", will be addressed in a simplified way, as examples of how to apply the knowledge acquired in a way. to develop personal understanding and skills in solving and / or having a critical look at solving real problems.
The first part of the course will be dedicated to a brief introduction to the chemistry of the atmosphere, with particular attention to anthropic aspects and the evolution of photo-reactive and climate-altering species.

EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
At the end of the course, the student will be able to understand the application possibilities of the different analysis techniques presented, in order to allow the student to apply these techniques also to real cases, discussing the possible alternatives and complementarity between the information. obtained from techniques in order to propose a rigorous and complete analytical protocol.

The course aims to offer an overview of the main analytical techniques used in chemical analyzes in the atmosphere. The initial part of the introduction to the chemistry of the atmosphere is intended to point out the subject of the analyzes, highlighting the variability and complexity of the atmosphere.

1. introduction of atmospheric chemistry
1.1. chemical-physical characteristics of the atmosphere
1.2. bio- geo- chemical cycles in the atmosphere
1.3. atmospheric reactions of oxygen
1.4. atmospheric reactions of nitrogen
1.5. atmospheric carbon dioxide
1.6. photochemical smog
2. analytical application
2.1. Field measurement of atmospheric composition
2.2. Fundamentals of infrared absorption spectroscopy
2.2.1. Trace gases in the atmosphere
2.2.2. In situ measurements
2.2.3. Remote measurements
2.2.4. examples of applications.
2.3. UV-Visible Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS)
2.3.1. Principles
2.3.2. Applications
2.4. Fluorescence Methods
2.4.1. Basic aspects of fluorescence measurements
2.4.2. Applications
2.5. Mass Spectrometric Methods for Atmospheric Trace Gases
2.5.1. Atmospheric pressure ionisation-chemical ionisation mass spectrometer (API-CIMS)
2.5.2. The use of CIMS for radical measurement (OH)
2.5.3. Online aerosol mass spectrometry
2.5.4. Particle sizing methods
2.5.5. Ablation techniques
2.6. Chromatographic Methods
2.6.1. Gascromatography
2.6.2. HPLC

3. Applications in the field of tropospheric ozone production and the impact of climate-altering gases. (6h)

1. introduction of atmospheric chemistry
1.1. chemical-physical characteristics of the atmosphere
1.2. bio- geo- chemical cycles in the atmosphere
1.3. atmospheric reactions of oxygen
1.4. atmospheric reactions of nitrogen
1.5. atmospheric carbon dioxide
1.6. photochemical smog
2. analytical application
2.1. Field measurement of atmospheric composition
2.2. Fundamentals of infrared absorption spectroscopy
2.2.1. Trace gases in the atmosphere
2.2.2. In situ measurements
2.2.3. Remote measurements
2.2.4. examples of applications.
2.3. UV-Visible Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS)
2.3.1. Principles
2.3.2. Applications
2.4. Fluorescence Methods
2.4.1. Basic aspects of fluorescence measurements
2.4.2. Applications
2.5. Mass Spectrometric Methods for Atmospheric Trace Gases
2.5.1. Atmospheric pressure ionisation-chemical ionisation mass spectrometer (API-CIMS)
2.5.2. The use of CIMS for radical measurement (OH)
2.5.3. Online aerosol mass spectrometry
2.5.4. Particle sizing methods
2.5.5. Ablation techniques
2.6. Chromatographic Methods
2.6.1. Gascromatography
2.6.2. HPLC

3. Applications in the field of tropospheric ozone production and the impact of climate-altering gases. (6h)

Slides: see-e-learning

Analytical Techniques for Atmospheric Measurement
Edited by
Dwayne E. Heard, University of Leeds
Blackwell Publishing Lt

Frontal lessons (48h), supported by slides which include both the theoretical and the applicative part; all slides are present on e-learning, divided into theoretical lessons and supplementary material which includes the case studies presented during the course.

Student reception:
2nd floor studio, Cubo building, via Valleggio 9, Como
appointment by e-mail, andrea.pozzi@uninsubria.it

Professors

POZZI ANDREA

Borrowers