PLANT BIOINDICATORS AND ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES:

The course aims to provide students with the fundamental notions of aquatic and terrestrial plant biology in relation to environmental monitoring methods and to provide them with the appropriate means to carry out scientific research on applied botany.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING ABILITY

The course aims to provide students with the ability to discuss and argue a botanical topic from a specialist point of view, based on the notions acquired during the lessons.

The student will be able to: know and understand the interactions of plants with the environment, the concept of biomonitoring for the evaluation of environmental quality, the potential of plants as bioindicators of the quality of air, water and soil; understand the role of plants in environmental monitoring; know the biology of plants in relation to environmental biomonitoring; know the main methods of biomonitoring of the different environmental matrices using lichens, bryophytes and algae.

ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:

Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired for the correct use of aquatic and terrestrial plant species in environmental biomonitoring. They will acquire the ability to use biomonitoring methods in different environmental contexts, using standardized protocols. Through field activities and practical exercises in the laboratory, students will be able to acquire the ability to use bryological, lichenlogical and algological investigation techniques, and to process and interpret data. Students will be able to apply the theoretical-practical knowledge acquired during the course to identify and analyze environmental criticalities and apply the most suitable tools to carry out an environmental biomonitoring study using plants as bioindicator organisms.

JUDGMENT ABILITY

Through personal study of the topics covered, field and laboratory experiences, as well as the preparation of the paper, students will develop the ability to independently interpret the results obtained from an environmental biomonitoring study. In particular, students will develop critical and independent thinking regarding the importance of plant biodiversity also in relation to its use in environmental biomonitoring, pushing them to suggest sustainable methodologies for environmental recovery.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Students will be able to clearly and master the skills they have acquired. Through the presentation of the paper, students will develop skills in communicating scientific topics learned using appropriate scientific terminology.

LEARNING SKILLS

Students will have the opportunity to learn a study method and organize the work to be done. They will be able to independently expand the skills acquired during the course, through access to bibliographic resources and other tools available online, to understand them and to transmit them. The acquisition of these skills will enable them to independently update their knowledge, using them for further levels of learning and for the preparation of the final exam.

If the course is delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be made to the above, in order to ensure consistency with the syllabus.

1) Pignatti S., Bianco P. M. , Fanelli G. 2001 - Le piante come indicatori ambientali. Manuale tecnico-scientifico. Manuale ANPA.

2) Sartori F. (a cura di) 1998 - Bioindicatori ambientali - http://www.fratticci.com/varie/bioindicatori.pdf

3) AA.VV. 2001 - I.B.L. Indice di Biodiversità Lichenica. Manuale ANPA.

4) Cenci R.M. 2007. Linee guida per l'utilizzo di muschi indigeni, muschi trapiantati e suoli per valutare le ricadute di contaminanti organici e inorganici. JRC European Commission. EUR 23025 IT.

ppt organized and provided by the teacher

Oral exam on topics from the program that demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topics and ppt  presentation on a case study that demonstrates applying knowledge and understanding, making judgements, communication skills and learning skills.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs.

Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).