E1220 Environmental Pollutants

Faculty of Science
Autumn 2023
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 2 credit(s) (plus extra credits for completion). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Lisa Emily Melymuk, Ph.D. (lecturer)
prof. RNDr. Jana Klánová, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
prof. RNDr. Jana Klánová, Ph.D.
RECETOX – Faculty of Science
Contact Person: Lisa Emily Melymuk, Ph.D.
Supplier department: RECETOX – Faculty of Science
Timetable
Tue 13:00–14:50 D29/252-RCX1
Prerequisites
A basic understanding of environmental chemistry (physical-chemical properties, environmental compartments) is required (recommended: E5040, E6050). For an introductory overview of all concepts in environmental chemistry, students are recommended to take C2003.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The goal of this course is to give students an overall understanding of pollutants present in the environment, including sources of pollutants and their relationship to human health and the quality of the natural environment.
Learning outcomes
After this couse, students should be able to: - understand problems related to their pollution from natural and anthropogenic sources;
- characterize the main types of pollutants and describe the basic properties of these chemicals, occurrence, sources, environmental transport, and hazard;
- explain the relationships between the pollution sources and primary and secondary types of pollution of environmental compartments;
- characterize and discuss environmental and health impacts of pollution;
- describe how to assess pollution sources, study exposure pathways and fate, and evaluate consequences of pollution for human exposure and environmental quality.
Syllabus
  • Course outline:
  • 1. Introduction to environmental pollution; chemicals in the environment – definitions, basic approaches, classifications of types of environmental pollutants (e.g., PBT, POP, EDC); pollution on different scales – global vs. regional vs. local
  • 2. Air pollution (criteria air pollutants, particulate matter, air pollution in developing countries)
  • 3. Global pollution issues (e.g., climate change, ozone depletion, microplastics)
  • 4. Water pollution, with a focus on water pollution in European surface waters
  • 5. Soil pollution; pesticides
  • 6. Persistent organic pollutants – basic properties, occurrence, sources, long-range transport, toxicological properties. Case studies on PCBs and DDT.
  • 7. Combustion by-products – PAHs and PCDD/Fs
  • 8. Metals (especially lead, mercury)
  • 9. Introducing pollution from consumer products, indoor sources and human exposure
  • 10. Plastic additives - Flame retardants, plasticizers and polymer stabilizers
  • 11. Chemicals in personal care products
  • 12. Horizon scanning for new pollutants, links to policy, green chemistry
Literature
    recommended literature
  • HILL, Marquita K. Understanding environmental pollution : a primer. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004, xvi, 468. ISBN 0521527260. info
  • Environmental & pollution science. Edited by Mark L. Brusseau - Charles P. Gerba - Ian L. Pepper. 2nd ed. Boston: Elsevier/Academic Press, 2006, xx, 532 p. ISBN 9780125515030. info
  • Environmental pollution and control. Edited by J. Jeffrey Peirce - Ruth F. Weiner - P. Aarne Vesilind. 4th ed. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998, xiv, 392 p. ISBN 0750698993. info
Teaching methods
The course is given as lectures with Powerpoint presentation. Small group discussion on focussed problems is also included within the lecture format. Students are frequently asked questions and to participate in discussion about the lecture topics. They are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the lecturer.
Assessment methods
Attendance of the lectures is not mandatory but strongly recommended for complete understanding of the lecture topics. Assessment is based on weekly discussion, short assignments and final written examination.
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
The course is taught annually.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2019, Autumn 2020, autumn 2021, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2023, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/sci/autumn2023/E1220