APPLIED ECOLOGY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
a) Acquire, study in depth and use a store of scientific and methodological knowledge peculiar to ecology
b) Identify the key factor or factors that influence the functioning of an ecosystem
c) Identify the space-time scale consistent with the processes being studied
d) Identify procedures for adjusting and validating environmental indices
e) Tend towards problem solving through vertical and lateral thinking
f) Acquire an emotional maturity that will extend the boundaries of the ecological self to a wide time horizon, which contains all living forms
g) The ability to interact on equal terms, and offering proposals, with other professional figures dealing with the environment
Course contents summary
a) Biological and ecological aspects in national and European legislation (D.Lgv.152/99 Italian Legislative Decree; directive 2000/60/EC; law 92/99) (macrodescriptors, biological indices, river functionality index, index of germinability, outline of toxicology-glossary) (6 hours)
b) Heterotrophic systems (purification plant) and autotrophic/heterotrophic systems (phytopurification): hydraulic characteristics and biological processes; biogeochemical cycles; structure of communities; functionality indicators and indices; glossary (6 hours)
c) Multiple Criteria Analysis: an approach for the evaluation of systems and the elaboration of indices (naturality, risk, naturalistic value, glossary); evaluative criteria within the scope of Natura 2000 Network and Bioitaly (6 hours)
d) Minimum Vital Flow (MVF): history and evolution of methods; exclusively hydraulic approaches (duration curves) and biological-hydraulic approaches (suitability curves, weighted available area, wet perimeter); additional ecological considerations (fragmentation of habitats, isolation, density dependent factors, variations in physico-chemical characteristics) glossary (6 hours)
e) Simulation of a basin investigation for water reclamation in order to reintroduce the barbel: the modelling of an ecological system in excel environment (flow rates, temperature, dilution effect, offtakes for irrigation purposes, removal of loads) (6 hours)
f) Energy production: environmental costs of using fuels (example of a gas power station with combined cycle and of a renewable biomass power station); analysis of risks and benefits; renewable sources and impact on the landscape (2 hours)
g) North/South imbalances: ecology and economy compared - the predictivity of complex systems; ecological imprint (4 hours);
h) Field and laboratory analyses: macrodescriptors, EBI (Extended Biotic Index) application, IFF (river/fluvial functionality index) application; flow rate measurements (8 hours)
Recommended readings
multimedia material provided by the professor
Teaching methods
classroom lectures, study of cases and exercises
