Learning objectives
At the end of the course we expect the student to
- have acquired instruments and insights into possible phytoremediation techniques for contaminated substrates;
- be able to understand experimental different experimental procedures for lab and in situ experiments optimized according to environmental conditions;
- be able to Interpret the results obtained using plant physiology and biochemistry perspectives in order to produce a positive feedback aimed at improving phytoremediation applications;
- be able to read critically and understand scientific publications on the topic of Phytoremediation.
Prerequisites
Plant Genetics and Biology
Soil and water chemistry
Course unit content
Origins of phytoremediation, legislative aspects and relevant scientific literature.
The Superfunds in the US
The SIN in Italy.
Polluted substrates, old and new types of contaminants: the e-waste
Phytoremediation of organic compounds: the green liver model. Chemical, molecular and physiological basis.
Experimental approaches to Phytoremediation: from lab to field
Example of remediation of TCE in different types of soil and climate conditions.
How soil properties influence the outcome of Phytoremediation
Inorganics Phytoremediations: metals and nutrients
Types of inorganics phytoremediation: Phytoextraction - phytotransformation -
bioremediation in the rhizosphere - phytovolatilisation - phytostabilisation -
Phtoremediations of metals and semimetals: genetics and molecular mechanisms
utilised by plants to deal with metals, oxidative stress.
Examples and types of Hyperaccumulator plants.
Chemical and Microscopic techniques to study metals in plants.
Reactive Oxigen Species (ROS) and Oxidative stress
Constructed wetland: types and functions. Case studies and examples.
Full programme
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Bibliography
PHYTOREMEDIATION Transformation and Control of Contaminants
Edited by S. C. McCutcheon and J.L. Schnoor
Wiley-Interscience
ISBN 0-471-39435-1
Scientific papers from the teacher
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons will be either student-engaging within an active learning dialogue on specific topics or heuristics descriptions and explanations by the teacher on broader aspects of phytoremediation.
For each topic under study many applicative examples will be provided and interactively discussed during the frontal lessons. When necessary the teacher will utilize computer aids such as programs and databases to show specific points of interest.
Power point slides used by the teacher during the lessons will be provided directly to the students weekly, when possible.
Moreover, scientific papers of relevance that are discussed during the lessons will be provided to the students ad pdf. Files
Assessment methods and criteria
The student will chose with the help of the teacher a scientific paper on the topic of phytoremediation. The exam will be a critical review of the paper carried on by the student, in the form of a dialogue and interaction with the teacher.
Other information
It is warmly suggested to attend classes
2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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