ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY

Course objectives

The aims of the lectures is to provide the basic knowledge on the distribution and mobility of the chemical elements in the lithosphere, in the atmosphere and waters. Skills to be developed and expected learning outcomes: Knowledge on the basic concepts of geochemistry. In particular, the student should have acquired familiarity on the main laws that govern the distribution and the mobility of the elements in the natural environments. Skill on the identification of geochemical anomalies caused by toxic elements and their relationship with the natural threshold.

Channel 1
MARIO GAETA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
1) Introductive concepts of geochemistry: cosmochemical laws, mineralogy and chemistry of the crust and mantle; geochemical behavior and geochemical classification of the elements. 2) Igneous geochemistry: structure of silicate melts, physic-chemical properties of silicate melts; magma definition; thermodynamics applied to magmas; crystal-melt equilibrium; distribution coefficients; Onuma diagrams; generation and differentiation of magmas. 3) Volcanic eruptions and gas geochemistry. 4) Sedimentary geochemistry: weathering of rocks, solubility, hydrolysis, ion exchange and oxidation; factors affecting the geochemical mobility of elements in the sedimentary environment (ionic potential, pH, Eh, colloidal processes); clay minerals (ion exchange, adsorption / desorption); organic substance. 5) Water cycle: the chemical composition of sea water; chemical composition of rains, continental waters, mineral springs and hydrothermal waters. 6) Geochemistry of pollutants: toxic elements for the human health, natural sources, anthropogenic sources, speciation in the environment and their mobility, air pollutants, the effect of volcanic eruptions.
Prerequisites
The students should have followed the chemistry, mineralogy, petrology and geology lectures.
Books
DEGANELLO S., LONGINELLI A. (1999) - Introduzione alla Geochimica. Ed. UTET . G. OTTONELLO (1991) – Principi di geochimica. Zanichelli W. M. WHITE (2013) – Geochemistry. Wiley-Blackwell
Frequency
Optional in the classroom Mandatory in the field
Exam mode
Written exam in 2 h consisting in 30 open-ended questions
Lesson mode
Classroom lectures with the help of slides. 1 or 2 field exercises.
  • Lesson code1010062
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • Coursecorso|33589
  • CurriculumSingle curriculum
  • Year3rd year
  • Semester1st semester
  • SSDGEO/08
  • CFU6
  • Subject areaAttività formative affini o integrative