Studying at the University of Verona
Here you can find information on the organisational aspects of the Programme, lecture timetables, learning activities and useful contact details for your time at the University, from enrolment to graduation.
Study Plan
This information is intended exclusively for students already enrolled in this course.If you are a new student interested in enrolling, you can find information about the course of study on the course page:
Laurea magistrale in Biotecnologie per le biorisorse e lo sviluppo ecosostenibile - Enrollment from 2025/2026The Study Plan includes all modules, teaching and learning activities that each student will need to undertake during their time at the University.
Please select your Study Plan based on your enrollment year.
1° Year
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1 module among the following1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following1 module between the following2° Year activated in the A.Y. 2022/2023
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1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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1 module among the following1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following1 module between the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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1 module among the following1 module between the following1 module between the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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Legend | Type of training activity (TTA)
TAF (Type of Educational Activity) All courses and activities are classified into different types of educational activities, indicated by a letter.
Environmental microbiology and bioremediation (2022/2023)
Teaching code
4S008298
Academic staff
Coordinator
Credits
6
Language
Italian
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
AGR/16 - AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY
Period
Semester 1 dal Oct 3, 2022 al Jan 27, 2023.
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing students with an in-depth knowledge of microbially catalyzed reactions in different environmental contexts in order to understand the potential that microbial populations have in influencing ecological niches with their own metabolism and to be, in turn, conditioned by the physical-chemical and tropho-edaphic parameters of the habitats which they live in. All that above with the objective of transferring competences for the exploitation microbial biocatalysis in actions aimed at clean up of polluted sites, as a consequence of human activities. Furthermore, different processes of phytoremediation for the reclamation of soils and waters polluted with heavy metals and organic compounds will be analysed and plant species suitable for this goal will be described. The role of plant-microorganism interactions as well as the potential of biotechnological applications for the environmental reclamation will be explained.
Prerequisites and basic notions
No specific prerequisites are required
Program
Main sources/causes of environmental pollution by toxic organic compounds of either natural or synthetic origin (xenobiotic compounds) and heavy metals/metalloids. Type of contamination: hot spot/ chronic; environmental conditions: aerobic/ anaerobic.
Bioremediation techniques. Main strategies for bioremediation of soils, sediments, superficial and deep waters: in situ and ex situ (off site/ on site) techniques. Bioremediation of soils and sediments: biostimulation, bioaugmentation, natural attenuation, bioventing, land-farming and transformation in bioreactor
Bioremediation of environmental matrices polluted by organic toxic compounds of either natural or synthetic origin. Analysis of case studies regarding contamination by: i) aliphatic hydrocarbons; ii) aromatic hydrocarbons; iii) PCB; iv) PFAS.
Bioremediation of environmental matrices polluted by heavy metals and metalloids. Analysis of case sudies regarding contamination by: i) arsenic; ii) selenium; iii) cadmium.
Biological techniques for the remediation of co-contaminated soils
Analysis of microbial communities through culture-dependent and culture-independent approach in complex environmental matrices: soil, sediment, water (Prof Lampis).
Use of plants for in situ removal of contaminants. Phyto-remediation: advantages and limitations.
Analysis of metal hyperaccumulator plants.
Different processes of phytoremediation: degradation, stabilization, volatilization, stimulation, extraction of contaminants from soils and waters.
Phytoremediation of inorganic compounds: role of chelators and membrane transporters.
Phytoremediation of organic compounds: role of plant-microorganism interactions for the phytodegradation.
Uptake and transport of organic compounds, their degradation and accumulation in plant cell wall. Transgenic plants for the reclamation of soils contaminated with heavy metals and organic compounds.
Biomonitoring of environmental pollution: assay available, methods and applications (Prof. Furini)
Bibliography
Didactic methods
Lectures will be delivered in-person only, without the use of video lectures and online teaching. Those who, due to Covid cannot attend in person (to be demonstrated by presenting the appropriate certificate), will be able to take advantage of the recorded video lectures.
Learning assessment procedures
The exam will include an oral presentation of a scientific article at the end of the course (chosen by the student among a list of articles proposed by the teachers), followed by an oral examination focused on the course program.
Evaluation criteria
Completeness of the content;
Competence in the use of specialized lexicon;
grade out of thirty.
Criteria for the composition of the final grade
The final score is given by the averages of the two votes.
Exam language
italiano
