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Background The increasing demand of food causes an excessive exploitation of agricultural lands, often inducing phenomena of soil sickness accompanied by the development of soilborne diseases. The use of residual biomasses together with inorganic fertilizers can be considered a good agricultural practice for controlling the inoculum density of soilborne phytopathogens since soil conditioners can release inorganic nitrogen, polyphenols and fatty acids that, especially in vitro, have demonstrated various degree of suppressiveness against such pathogens. Further, soil organic amendments can also modify the population of soil culturable bacteria and fungi that, in turn, can affect the soilborne diseases in several ways. With this study, the authors aim to evaluate the impact of the synergistic application of different biomasses and inorganic fertilizers on the soil inoculum density of Verticillium dahliae and Phytophthora spp. during two potato cycles under open-field conditions. The biomasses used for the fertilization of the potato crop were olive pomace residues (OPR), composts from municipal solid wastes (CMW), spent mushroom compost (SMC), and livestock manure-based compost (BRX). Results The inoculum density of Verticillium dahliae appeared inhibited by BRX due to its low C/N ratio that caused a quicker release of inorganic nitrogen with respect to the others soil conditioners. In contrast, OPR was conducive to the aforementioned soilborne pathogen since that biomass was characterized by a very high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids that, rather, stimulate the inoculum density of V. dahliae. Finally, polyphenols did not influence the same pathogen because they apparently turned into no toxic compounds very quickly. The inoculum density of Phytophthora spp. was reduced equally by all the biomasses used in combination with the inorganic fertilizers, regardless of their composition and quantity, mainly because of the development of general microbial suppression. Therefore, the chemical characteristics of the soil conditioners apparently did not affect the inoculum density of Phytophthora spp. Conclusions The results of this work underline the behavioral diversity of the different pathogens towards the different means adopted. Phytophthora spp. are sensitive to any kind of biomasses combined with inorganic fertilizers while the inoculum density of Verticillium dahliae should be reduced using soil conditioners characterized by low C/N ratio and low quantity of unsaturated fatty acids.
Claudio Cocozza; Emad Abdelhameed Abdeldaym; Gennaro Brunetti; Franco Nigro; Andreina Traversa. Synergistic effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the soil inoculum density of the soilborne pathogens Verticillium dahliae and Phytophthora spp. under open-field conditions. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture 2021, 8, 1 -11.
AMA StyleClaudio Cocozza, Emad Abdelhameed Abdeldaym, Gennaro Brunetti, Franco Nigro, Andreina Traversa. Synergistic effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the soil inoculum density of the soilborne pathogens Verticillium dahliae and Phytophthora spp. under open-field conditions. Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture. 2021; 8 (1):1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudio Cocozza; Emad Abdelhameed Abdeldaym; Gennaro Brunetti; Franco Nigro; Andreina Traversa. 2021. "Synergistic effect of organic and inorganic fertilization on the soil inoculum density of the soilborne pathogens Verticillium dahliae and Phytophthora spp. under open-field conditions." Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture 8, no. 1: 1-11.
The interaction of organic carbon (OC) with clay minerals and amorphous iron and aluminum oxides, especially in the finest soil fractions (<20 μm), represents a good method for its stabilization, and different tillage practices can improve or reduce the persistence of OC in soils. This study investigates the effects of conventional (CT) and no (NT) tillage and soil depth (0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm) on the soil organic carbon (SOC) in four soil size fractions and its interactions with clay minerals and amorphous oxides. To identify the mineralogical composition of the four soil size fractions isolated from each soil, the X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) technique was used with near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, while the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique was used to determine the chemical composition of soil fractions. The higher OC content found in the finest soil fraction is related to its higher content of clay minerals and amorphous oxides. The SOC content is similar among CT and NT treatments as well as the mineralogical composition and the amount of amorphous oxides, suggesting that more than ten years of different tillage did not influence those parameters.
Francesco De Mastro; Andreina Traversa; Claudio Cocozza; Mauro Pallara; Gennaro Brunetti. Soil Organic Carbon Stabilization: Influence of Tillage on Mineralogical and Chemical Parameters. Soil Systems 2020, 4, 58 .
AMA StyleFrancesco De Mastro, Andreina Traversa, Claudio Cocozza, Mauro Pallara, Gennaro Brunetti. Soil Organic Carbon Stabilization: Influence of Tillage on Mineralogical and Chemical Parameters. Soil Systems. 2020; 4 (3):58.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco De Mastro; Andreina Traversa; Claudio Cocozza; Mauro Pallara; Gennaro Brunetti. 2020. "Soil Organic Carbon Stabilization: Influence of Tillage on Mineralogical and Chemical Parameters." Soil Systems 4, no. 3: 58.
The interaction of organic matter with the finest soil fractions (250 μm) is highest in the upper soil layer, while the finest fraction is in the deepest one. The greatest OC content is observed in the topsoil layer and in the finest soil fraction. DRIFT analysis suggests that organic components are more present in the finest fraction, calcite is mainly localized in the coarse fraction, quartz is in micro-aggregates and 53–20 μm fraction, and clay minerals are in the finest fraction.
Francesco De Mastro; Claudio Cocozza; Gennaro Brunetti; Andreina Traversa. Chemical and Spectroscopic Investigation of Different Soil Fractions as Affected by Soil Management. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 2571 .
AMA StyleFrancesco De Mastro, Claudio Cocozza, Gennaro Brunetti, Andreina Traversa. Chemical and Spectroscopic Investigation of Different Soil Fractions as Affected by Soil Management. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (7):2571.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco De Mastro; Claudio Cocozza; Gennaro Brunetti; Andreina Traversa. 2020. "Chemical and Spectroscopic Investigation of Different Soil Fractions as Affected by Soil Management." Applied Sciences 10, no. 7: 2571.
Agricultural practices greatly influence soil chemical and microbiological parameters, which affect soil fertility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different tillage (conventional (CT), minimum (MT) and no tillage (NT)), fertilization (fertilization versus no fertilization), soil depth (0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm) and crops (wheat versus faba bean) on the abundance of selected microorganisms. Total culturable bacteria (TCB) were predominant in the microbial soil community, while total culturable yeasts (TCY) represented the minority. The TCB and total culturable fungi (TCF) were positively correlated with the content of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus. The minimum tillage increased significantly the size of microbial populations, representing a good compromise between soil aeration and available nutrients as well as the faba bean. In particular, the unfertilized legume resulted in a higher TCY number with respect to the fertilized one, suggesting that somehow these microorganisms lose their low ecological competition in the presence of inorganic phosphorus. Finally, all microbial populations studied reduced their size with soil depth because of the nutrients availability, even if the TCB decreased with a far lower percentage due to the major proliferation of bacteria at the expenses of the other microbial groups.
Francesco De Mastro; Andreina Traversa; Gennaro Brunetti; Giambattista Debiase; Claudio Cocozza; Franco Nigro. Soil culturable microorganisms as affected by different soil managements in a two year wheat-faba bean rotation. Applied Soil Ecology 2020, 149, 103533 .
AMA StyleFrancesco De Mastro, Andreina Traversa, Gennaro Brunetti, Giambattista Debiase, Claudio Cocozza, Franco Nigro. Soil culturable microorganisms as affected by different soil managements in a two year wheat-faba bean rotation. Applied Soil Ecology. 2020; 149 ():103533.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco De Mastro; Andreina Traversa; Gennaro Brunetti; Giambattista Debiase; Claudio Cocozza; Franco Nigro. 2020. "Soil culturable microorganisms as affected by different soil managements in a two year wheat-faba bean rotation." Applied Soil Ecology 149, no. : 103533.
Tomato is one of the most important crops in the world and its cultivation is usually based on a great use of inorganic fertilizers applied as broadcast fertilization and with several fertigations. For a more sustainable agriculture authors studied the synergistic effects of the application of two different composts, combined with an inorganic fertilizer, on the main chemical-physical soil properties and on the yield and qualitative parameters of a plum tomato variety. Two composts, obtained mixing sewage sludge or the organic fraction of the municipal solid wastes with pruning residues, grape marc, and exhausted olive pomace, were tested at 2 or 4.5 t ha−1 in a field experiment, replacing a part of the inorganic fertilization and respecting the N crop requirement. From an environmental point of view, the addition of composts to the soil caused an increase in the total and available heavy metals content, even if no soil pollution has been recorded. The yield of tomatoes resulted higher with the combined application of amendments and inorganic fertilizer with respect to the sole inorganic fertilization. The quality of tomatoes was apparently not affected by the fertilization and, although certain heavy metals tend to increase their tomato concentration with the application of composts, their concentrations did not exceed the legal thresholds.
G. Brunetti; A. Traversa; F. De Mastro; C. Cocozza. Short term effects of synergistic inorganic and organic fertilization on soil properties and yield and quality of plum tomato. Scientia Horticulturae 2019, 252, 342 -347.
AMA StyleG. Brunetti, A. Traversa, F. De Mastro, C. Cocozza. Short term effects of synergistic inorganic and organic fertilization on soil properties and yield and quality of plum tomato. Scientia Horticulturae. 2019; 252 ():342-347.
Chicago/Turabian StyleG. Brunetti; A. Traversa; F. De Mastro; C. Cocozza. 2019. "Short term effects of synergistic inorganic and organic fertilization on soil properties and yield and quality of plum tomato." Scientia Horticulturae 252, no. : 342-347.
The excessive use of fertilisers and frequent and deep tillage are not considered good agricultural practices because they increase production costs and reduce soil fertility. Water extractable organic matter (WEOM) is the fraction of soil organic matter responsible for nutrient transport and bioavailability. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of a 2-year rotation of faba bean–wheat, cultivated for a decade, and the agricultural practices (conventional vs no tillage, and fertilisation vs no fertilisation) on selected soil parameters and WEOM quality. Results showed that the soil organic carbon (SOC) and the total nitrogen (TN) content increased after the wheat and faba bean, respectively. Plots managed with conventional tillage showed WEOM with higher OC content with respect to no-tillage plots. A higher WEOM OC content was observed also in the fertilised plots. The WEOM of fertilised and faba bean plots was derived from decomposition of native SOC, but the microbial community decomposition was the main origin of WEOM after wheat.
Francesco De Mastro; Gennaro Brunetti; Andreina Traversa; Claudio Cocozza. Effect of crop rotation, fertilisation and tillage on main soil properties and its water extractable organic matter. Soil Research 2019, 57, 365 .
AMA StyleFrancesco De Mastro, Gennaro Brunetti, Andreina Traversa, Claudio Cocozza. Effect of crop rotation, fertilisation and tillage on main soil properties and its water extractable organic matter. Soil Research. 2019; 57 (4):365.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco De Mastro; Gennaro Brunetti; Andreina Traversa; Claudio Cocozza. 2019. "Effect of crop rotation, fertilisation and tillage on main soil properties and its water extractable organic matter." Soil Research 57, no. 4: 365.
The increasing food demand encourages the overuse of agricultural lands and natural resources that often is not economic, social and environmentally sustainable. This overuse can lead to the soil sickness, which causes the decline of the soil fertility through the development of soil‐borne diseases, the depletion of nutrients and the loss of soil organic matter. Addition of residual biomasses is a good agricultural practice for improving soil properties and enhancing crop production, in the framework of a sustainable development. The study was performed in a two years field experiment using olive pomace residues (OPR), composts from municipal solid wastes (CMW), spent mushroom compost (SMC), and livestock manures based compost (BRX) for the fertilization of the potato crop. The aim of the study was to test the impact of different biomasses available in Apulia region, Italy, on soil fertility and potato growth. The application of BRX showed the highest potato yield in both seasons while OPR, CMW, and SMC significantly increased soil total nitrogen and organic carbon compared to BRX and un‐amended plots (CON). All treatments, except SMC, reduced the soil exchangeable K content, therefore, the application of BRX, OPR and CMW should include the use of K based fertilizer to balance the high crop demand of K. Finally, SMC appeared the best compromise for managing soil fertility and obtaining high potato yield.
Emad Abdelhameed Abdeldaym; Andreina Traversa; Claudio Cocozza; Gennaro Brunetti. Effects of a 2-Year Application of Different Residual Biomasses on Soil Properties and Potato Yield. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water 2018, 46, 1 .
AMA StyleEmad Abdelhameed Abdeldaym, Andreina Traversa, Claudio Cocozza, Gennaro Brunetti. Effects of a 2-Year Application of Different Residual Biomasses on Soil Properties and Potato Yield. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water. 2018; 46 (12):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmad Abdelhameed Abdeldaym; Andreina Traversa; Claudio Cocozza; Gennaro Brunetti. 2018. "Effects of a 2-Year Application of Different Residual Biomasses on Soil Properties and Potato Yield." CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water 46, no. 12: 1.
In recent years, the massive exploitation of agricultural land intended to meet growing food demand has led to a reduction in soil fertility through the depletion of nutrients and organic matter. To implement sustainable agriculture, it is necessary to reduce soil tillage and use residual biomasses that are easily available in the region as soil amendments. Furthermore, it is important to test these residual biomasses in order to exclude a possible increase of heavy metals in soils due to the incorporation of the aforementioned biomasses. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects on soil fertility and health following the application of organic fertilizers combined with different soil tillage practices and the agronomic response of Brassica carinata A. (Braun). The soil tillage treatments consisted of conventional (CT) and minimum tillage (MT), whereas the fertilization treatments were mineral fertilizer (Nmin), municipal solid waste compost (Ncomp), mixed compost and mineral fertilizer (Nmix), and sewage sludge (Nss). These treatments were compared with an unfertilized control (N0). The Ncomp and Nss treatments enhanced soil fertility, increasing the organic carbon and available phosphorus concentrations compared with N0 and Nmin, whereas no significant difference was showed between the soil tillage treatments in terms of soil fertility. In addition, Nss did not show any significant difference compared to Nmin in terms of crop biomass, whereas this parameter appeared higher in CT compared with MT. A principal component analysis showed that the concentrations of toxic elements applied by the organic amendments did not change the dynamic equilibrium of the soil–plant system. Over the short term, the replacement of CT and Nmin with MT and Nss can be achieved, thus guaranteeing the sustainable cultivation of Brassica, without significant changes in heavy metal concentration in soil.
Giambattista DeBiase; Andreina Traversa; Francesco Montemurro; Marcello Mastrangelo; Angelo Fiore; Gianrocco Ventrella; Gennaro Brunetti. Minimum tillage and organic fertilization for the sustainable management of Brassica carinata A. (Braun) in the Mediterranean environment. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2018, 25, 33556 -33565.
AMA StyleGiambattista DeBiase, Andreina Traversa, Francesco Montemurro, Marcello Mastrangelo, Angelo Fiore, Gianrocco Ventrella, Gennaro Brunetti. Minimum tillage and organic fertilization for the sustainable management of Brassica carinata A. (Braun) in the Mediterranean environment. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2018; 25 (33):33556-33565.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiambattista DeBiase; Andreina Traversa; Francesco Montemurro; Marcello Mastrangelo; Angelo Fiore; Gianrocco Ventrella; Gennaro Brunetti. 2018. "Minimum tillage and organic fertilization for the sustainable management of Brassica carinata A. (Braun) in the Mediterranean environment." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25, no. 33: 33556-33565.
Four hundred hectares of the inland and hilly part of Apulia Region (Southern Italy) were contaminated by using low-quality composts for many years. That territory now belongs to a national park and needs a sustainable soil restoration. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was carried out to test the phytoremediation potential of the frugal Helichrysum italicum (Roth) Don, alone and mycorrhized by Septoglomus viscosum. The aims of the research were (a) to test if the H. italicum can reduce the soil content of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn; (b) to identify in which part of the plant those metals are mainly accumulated; (c) to check the role of S. viscosum in promoting the plant growth and the soil phytoremediation. The results showed better plant growth in contaminated soils in comparison to control soils, regardless of the presence of mycorrhiza, probably due to the better soil fertility parameters in contaminated soils. In addition, non-mycorrhized plants from contaminated soil accumulated greater amounts of heavy metals, especially Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, in their root system. According to the translocation and bioconcentration factors, the mechanism by which H. italicum incorporated heavy metals was ascribable to a phytostabilization process. In contrast, the application of mycorrhiza in the contaminated soil reduced the uptake of heavy metals by the roots, possibly through an exclusion mechanism, reducing the phytoremediation potential of H. italicum.
Gennaro Brunetti; Claudia Ruta; Andreina Traversa; Giuseppe D'ambruoso; Waed Tarraf; Francesco De Mastro; Giuseppe De Mastro; Claudio Cocozza. Remediation of a heavy metals contaminated soil using mycorrhized and non-mycorrhizedHelichrysum italicum(Roth) Don. Land Degradation & Development 2017, 29, 91 -104.
AMA StyleGennaro Brunetti, Claudia Ruta, Andreina Traversa, Giuseppe D'ambruoso, Waed Tarraf, Francesco De Mastro, Giuseppe De Mastro, Claudio Cocozza. Remediation of a heavy metals contaminated soil using mycorrhized and non-mycorrhizedHelichrysum italicum(Roth) Don. Land Degradation & Development. 2017; 29 (1):91-104.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGennaro Brunetti; Claudia Ruta; Andreina Traversa; Giuseppe D'ambruoso; Waed Tarraf; Francesco De Mastro; Giuseppe De Mastro; Claudio Cocozza. 2017. "Remediation of a heavy metals contaminated soil using mycorrhized and non-mycorrhizedHelichrysum italicum(Roth) Don." Land Degradation & Development 29, no. 1: 91-104.
This study focuses on the relationship between soil mineralogy and soil organic matter stabilization along a Terra Rossa soil profile in Southern Italy. This soil profile is characterized by three horizons: namely Ap, 2AB and 2Bt, where the clay, silt and sand size fractions were isolated and their mineralogical composition and the different forms of iron, silicon and aluminum were determined. Humic acids (HAs) were isolated from clay-size (C-HA) and silt-size (S-HA) fractions and characterized by chemical and physico-chemical techniques. The clay fraction had the largest amount of amorphous and crystalline oxides, kaolinite and chlorite. In all fractions the 2AB horizon differed from the other two horizons showing a very high content of iron and aluminum bound to organic matter (Fep and Alp). Chemical and spectroscopic analyses of humic acids indicated the presence of macromolecules with larger size and polycondensation degree in S-HAs, apparently less susceptible to degradation than simpler hydrophilic compounds occurring in the clay-size HAs. A good correlation was found between Fep and Alp contents and HA organic carbon. These properties are expected to slow down OM dynamics in Terra Rossa Mediterranean soils even in the presence of a fast turnover of aggregates.
Gennaro Brunetti; Giuseppe Natale Mezzapesa; Andreina Traversa; Eleonora Bonifacio; Karam Farrag; Nicola Senesi; Valeria D'orazio. Characterization of Clay- and Silt-Sized Fractions and Corresponding Humic Acids Along a Terra Rossa Soil Profile. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water 2016, 44, 1375 -1384.
AMA StyleGennaro Brunetti, Giuseppe Natale Mezzapesa, Andreina Traversa, Eleonora Bonifacio, Karam Farrag, Nicola Senesi, Valeria D'orazio. Characterization of Clay- and Silt-Sized Fractions and Corresponding Humic Acids Along a Terra Rossa Soil Profile. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water. 2016; 44 (10):1375-1384.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGennaro Brunetti; Giuseppe Natale Mezzapesa; Andreina Traversa; Eleonora Bonifacio; Karam Farrag; Nicola Senesi; Valeria D'orazio. 2016. "Characterization of Clay- and Silt-Sized Fractions and Corresponding Humic Acids Along a Terra Rossa Soil Profile." CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water 44, no. 10: 1375-1384.
The aim of this study was to elucidate the heterogeneous structural and functional composition of humic acids (HAs) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) isolated from two Alfisol profiles with different soil texture, in order to develop a better understanding of the organic matter dynamics. Soil samples were collected at different depths from three (Ap, 2AB and 2Bt) and eight (A1, A2, A3, E1, E2, 2Bt1, 2Bt2 and 2Bt3) soil horizons of two Alfisols located in the south (PR1) and north (PR2) of Italy, with a clay texture and a silt loam to loam ones, respectively. Chemical and spectroscopic methods were used to characterize the HAs and the DOM isolated from different soil horizons, including Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Fluorescence spectroscopies. The HAs and the DOM isolated from the two Alfisols apparently showed significant differences in their compositional, structural and functional characteristics. In particular, the HAs isolated from the PR1 featured a higher degree of humification and molecular complexity with respect to those isolated from the PR2. On the contrary, the DOM samples isolated from the PR2 showed a more marked aromatic character and polycondensation degree. Both the HAs and the DOM obtained from the PR1 presented a greater qualitative homogeneity with respect to those obtained from the PR2. These results could be reasonably ascribed to the different texture and horizons of the two Alfisols, and to a greater pedogenesis occurred in the PR1. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd
Andreina Traversa; Valeria D'Orazio; Giuseppe Natale Mezzapesa; Eleonora Bonifacio; Karam Farrag; Nicola Senesi; Gennaro Brunetti. Chemical and spectroscopic characteristics of humic acids and dissolved organic matter along two Alfisol profiles. Chemosphere 2014, 111, 184 -194.
AMA StyleAndreina Traversa, Valeria D'Orazio, Giuseppe Natale Mezzapesa, Eleonora Bonifacio, Karam Farrag, Nicola Senesi, Gennaro Brunetti. Chemical and spectroscopic characteristics of humic acids and dissolved organic matter along two Alfisol profiles. Chemosphere. 2014; 111 ():184-194.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndreina Traversa; Valeria D'Orazio; Giuseppe Natale Mezzapesa; Eleonora Bonifacio; Karam Farrag; Nicola Senesi; Gennaro Brunetti. 2014. "Chemical and spectroscopic characteristics of humic acids and dissolved organic matter along two Alfisol profiles." Chemosphere 111, no. : 184-194.
There is a need for a reliable sustainable option to effectively manage the landfill leachate generation. This study presents a simple procedure for the revegetation of the walls of closed landfills, employing the leachate as a fertirrigant. The native plants Lepidium sativum, Lactuca sativa, and Atriplex halimus, which suit the local climate, were chosen for this study in Southern Italy. The methodology was structured into three phases (i) early stage toxicity assessment phase (apical root length and germination tests), (ii) adult plant resistance assessment phase, and (iii) soil properties verification phase. The rationale of the proposed approach was first to look at the distinctive qualities and the potential toxicity in landfill leachates for fertigation purposes. Afterwards, through specific tests, the plants used were ranked in terms of resistance to the aqueous solution that contained leachate. Finally, after long-term irrigation, any possible worsening of soil properties was evaluated. The results demonstrated the real possibility of using blended leachate as a fertigant for the revegetation of the walls of closed landfills. In particular, the plants maintained good health when leachate was blended at concentrations of lower than 25 and 5 %, respectively for A. halimus and Lepidium sativum. Irrigation tests showed good resistance of the plants, even at dosages of 112 and 133.5 mm m−2, at maximum concentrations of 25 and 5 %, respectively, for A. halimus and Lepidium sativum. The analysis of the total chlorophyll content and of aerial parts dried weight confirmed the results reported above.
G. Del Moro; Emanuele Barca; D. Cassano; Claudio Di Iaconi; G. Mascolo; Gennaro Brunetti. Landfill wall revegetation combined with leachate recirculation: a convenient procedure for management of closed landfills. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2014, 21, 9366 -9375.
AMA StyleG. Del Moro, Emanuele Barca, D. Cassano, Claudio Di Iaconi, G. Mascolo, Gennaro Brunetti. Landfill wall revegetation combined with leachate recirculation: a convenient procedure for management of closed landfills. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2014; 21 (15):9366-9375.
Chicago/Turabian StyleG. Del Moro; Emanuele Barca; D. Cassano; Claudio Di Iaconi; G. Mascolo; Gennaro Brunetti. 2014. "Landfill wall revegetation combined with leachate recirculation: a convenient procedure for management of closed landfills." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 21, no. 15: 9366-9375.
A phytosociological study was conducted in the National Park of Alta Murgia in the Apulia region (Southern Italy) to determine the adverse effects of metal contamination of soils on the distribution of plant communities. The phytosociological analyses have shown a na, remarkable biodiversity of vegetation on non-contaminated soils, while biodiversity appeared strongly reduced on metal-contaminated soils. The area is naturally covered by a wide steppic grassland dominated by Stipa austroitalica Martinovsky subsp, austroitalica. Brassicaceae such as Sinapis arvensis L. are the dominating species on moderated contaminated soils, whereas spiny species of Asteraceae such as Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. and Carduus pycnocephalus L. subsp, pycnocephalus are the dominating vegetation on heavily metal-contaminated soils. The presence of these spontaneous species on contaminated soils suggest their potential for restoration of degraded lands by phytostabilization strategy.
Enrico Vito Perrino; Gennaro Brunetti; Karam Farrag. Plant Communities in Multi-Metal Contaminated Soils: A Case Study in the National Park of Alta Murgia (Apulia Region - Southern Italy). International Journal of Phytoremediation 2014, 16, 871 -888.
AMA StyleEnrico Vito Perrino, Gennaro Brunetti, Karam Farrag. Plant Communities in Multi-Metal Contaminated Soils: A Case Study in the National Park of Alta Murgia (Apulia Region - Southern Italy). International Journal of Phytoremediation. 2014; 16 (9):871-888.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEnrico Vito Perrino; Gennaro Brunetti; Karam Farrag. 2014. "Plant Communities in Multi-Metal Contaminated Soils: A Case Study in the National Park of Alta Murgia (Apulia Region - Southern Italy)." International Journal of Phytoremediation 16, no. 9: 871-888.
In Puglia, Italy, deep tillage and rock fragmentation are common agricultural practices to prepare land for vineyards or orchards. Unfortunately, little is known about how these practices influence soil structure and quality. There is a lack of information on the consequences of these practices on the soil fractions coarser than 2 mm, which are known as rock fragments or skeletal material, the focus of this study. Soil samples were obtained from depths of 0‐20 and 20–40 cm and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, and total and active calcium carbonate. For each soil depth, we determined the amount of fine earth and skeletal material by volume. The results indicate that rock fragmentation and/or deep ploughing cause a major change in soils, leading to the progressive reduction in total organic carbon and nitrogen, and to an increase in total and active calcium carbonate. In addition, there was a marked increase in skeletal material compared to undisturbed soil. The results confirm that rock fragmentation causes significant changes in soil physical properties and increases greatly the amount of skeletal material.
G. Ferrara; Karam Farrag; Gennaro Brunetti. The effects of rock fragmentation and / or deep tillage on soil skeletal material and chemical properties in a Mediterranean climate. Soil Use and Management 2012, 28, 394 -400.
AMA StyleG. Ferrara, Karam Farrag, Gennaro Brunetti. The effects of rock fragmentation and / or deep tillage on soil skeletal material and chemical properties in a Mediterranean climate. Soil Use and Management. 2012; 28 (3):394-400.
Chicago/Turabian StyleG. Ferrara; Karam Farrag; Gennaro Brunetti. 2012. "The effects of rock fragmentation and / or deep tillage on soil skeletal material and chemical properties in a Mediterranean climate." Soil Use and Management 28, no. 3: 394-400.
In the framework of a phytoremediation project in the Apulia region (Italy) a field experiment was carried out in multi-metal contaminated soils. The accumulation and distribution of metals in different plant parts of durum wheat and barley were studied. Further, the application of Bacillus licheniformis strain BLMB1 to soil was evaluated as a means to enhance metal accumulation in plants. The translocation and the bioconcentration factors indicated that wheat and barley do not act as metal accumulators in the field conditions tested, thus phytoextraction by these species would not be recommended as a soil remediation alternative. Application of B. licheniformis improved the accumulation of all metals in roots of wheat and barley, and increased Cd, Cr, and Pb contents in the shoots of barley. Low health risk for humans and animals was evaluated to exist if straw and grain from both cereal crops grown in these contaminated sites are consumed.
Gennaro Brunetti; Karam Farrag; Pedro Soler-Rovira; Massimo Ferrara; Franco Nigro; Nicola Senesi. Heavy metals accumulation and distribution in durum wheat and barley grown in contaminated soils under Mediterranean field conditions. Journal of Plant Interactions 2012, 7, 160 -174.
AMA StyleGennaro Brunetti, Karam Farrag, Pedro Soler-Rovira, Massimo Ferrara, Franco Nigro, Nicola Senesi. Heavy metals accumulation and distribution in durum wheat and barley grown in contaminated soils under Mediterranean field conditions. Journal of Plant Interactions. 2012; 7 (2):160-174.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGennaro Brunetti; Karam Farrag; Pedro Soler-Rovira; Massimo Ferrara; Franco Nigro; Nicola Senesi. 2012. "Heavy metals accumulation and distribution in durum wheat and barley grown in contaminated soils under Mediterranean field conditions." Journal of Plant Interactions 7, no. 2: 160-174.
Greenhouse and field studies were performed to examine the growth responses and possible phytoremediation capacity towards heavy metals of several Brassicaceae (Brassica alba, Brassica carinata, Brassica napus and Brassica nigra) and Poaceae (durum wheat and barley). Soils used featured total concentrations of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn largely exceeding the maximum levels permitted by the Italian laws. Different organic amendments were tested such as a compost and the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Bacillus licheniformis. In the greenhouse experiment, plant length, leaf area index and shoots dry matter were evaluated periodically for the Brassicaceae examined. Whereas plant length, grains production, weight of 1,000 seeds, ear fertility and tiller density were determined under field conditions at the end of the crop cycle for wheat and barley. In general, the species tested appeared to be tolerant to high heavy metal concentrations in soil, and slightly significant differences were found for all parameters considered. A marked growth increase was shown to occur for Brassicaceae cultivated on compost- and bacillus-amended contaminated soils, with respect to non-amended contaminated soils. With some exception, higher growth parameters were measured for wheat and barley plants cropped from contaminated soils in comparison to non-contaminated soils. Further, bacillus amendment enhanced the length of wheat and barley plants in both non-contaminated and contaminated soils, while different effects were observed for the other parameters evaluated.
Karam Farrag; Nicola Senesi; Franco Nigro; Angelo Petrozza; Achille Palma; Samar Shaarawi; Gennaro Brunetti. Growth responses of crop and weed species to heavy metals in pot and field experiments. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2012, 19, 3636 -3644.
AMA StyleKaram Farrag, Nicola Senesi, Franco Nigro, Angelo Petrozza, Achille Palma, Samar Shaarawi, Gennaro Brunetti. Growth responses of crop and weed species to heavy metals in pot and field experiments. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2012; 19 (8):3636-3644.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKaram Farrag; Nicola Senesi; Franco Nigro; Angelo Petrozza; Achille Palma; Samar Shaarawi; Gennaro Brunetti. 2012. "Growth responses of crop and weed species to heavy metals in pot and field experiments." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 19, no. 8: 3636-3644.
The objective of this work was to assess the effect of severe drought conditions on the characteristics of semiarid soil humic acids (HAs) as well as the effect of organic amendment on such changes.
Sara Hueso; Gennaro Brunetti; Nicola Senesi; Karam Farrag; Teresa Hernández; Carlos Garcia. Semiarid soils submitted to severe drought stress: influence on humic acid characteristics in organic-amended soils. Journal of Soils and Sediments 2012, 12, 503 -512.
AMA StyleSara Hueso, Gennaro Brunetti, Nicola Senesi, Karam Farrag, Teresa Hernández, Carlos Garcia. Semiarid soils submitted to severe drought stress: influence on humic acid characteristics in organic-amended soils. Journal of Soils and Sediments. 2012; 12 (4):503-512.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Hueso; Gennaro Brunetti; Nicola Senesi; Karam Farrag; Teresa Hernández; Carlos Garcia. 2012. "Semiarid soils submitted to severe drought stress: influence on humic acid characteristics in organic-amended soils." Journal of Soils and Sediments 12, no. 4: 503-512.
The selection of appropriate plant species is critical in the successful application of phytoremediation techniques.\ud The present study is an attempt to assess the capability of three brassicaceae, Brassica alba (L.) Rabenh, Brassica carinata A. Braun and Brassica nigra (L.) Koch, for the phytoextraction of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn from an unpolluted and polluted silty loamy soil added with either Bacillus licheniformis BLMB1 or compost or both. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse in pots filled with the soils. In all experiments metals were shown to accumulate in shoots and roots of plants grown on polluted soils, and both compost and B. licheniformis BLMB1 strain were able to enhance the accumulation of metals, especially Cr. In particular, Cr accumulation in B. alba resulted higher than the Cr threshold for hyperaccumulator plants\ud (1000 mg kg−1). This result provides a new plant resource that may have a potential use for phytoextraction\ud of Cr from contaminated soil. However, because of the low bioconcentration factors (b1) for all studied metals, these species cannot be regarded as suitable for the phytoextraction of excessive Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn from polluted soils. Thus, these species may be used with success only for low metal polluted soils
Gennaro Brunetti; Karam Farrag; Pedro Soler-Rovira; Massimo Ferrara; Franco Nigro; Nicola Senesi. The effect of compost and Bacillus licheniformis on the phytoextraction of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn by three brassicaceae species from contaminated soils in the Apulia region, Southern Italy. Geoderma 2012, 170, 322 -330.
AMA StyleGennaro Brunetti, Karam Farrag, Pedro Soler-Rovira, Massimo Ferrara, Franco Nigro, Nicola Senesi. The effect of compost and Bacillus licheniformis on the phytoextraction of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn by three brassicaceae species from contaminated soils in the Apulia region, Southern Italy. Geoderma. 2012; 170 ():322-330.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGennaro Brunetti; Karam Farrag; Pedro Soler-Rovira; Massimo Ferrara; Franco Nigro; Nicola Senesi. 2012. "The effect of compost and Bacillus licheniformis on the phytoextraction of Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn by three brassicaceae species from contaminated soils in the Apulia region, Southern Italy." Geoderma 170, no. : 322-330.
Phytoremediation is a well-known promising alternative to conventional approaches used for the remediation of diffused and moderated contaminated soils. The evaluation of the accumulation, availability, and interactions of heavy metals in soil is a priority objective for the possible use of phytoremediation techniques such as phytoextraction and phytostabilization. The soils used in this work were collected from a number of sites inside a protected area in the Apulia region (Southern Italy), which were contaminated by various heavy metals originated from the disposal of wastes of different sources of origin. Soils examined contained Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in amounts exceeding the critical limits imposed by EU and Italian laws. However, the alkaline conditions, high organic matter content, and silty to silty loamy texture of soils examined would suggest a reduced availability of heavy metals to plants. Due to the high total content but the low available fraction of heavy metals analyzed, especially Cr, phytoextraction appears not to be a promising remediation approach in the sites examined, whereas phytostabilization appears to be the best technique for metal decontamination in the studied areas.
Karam Farrag; N. Senesi; Pedro Soler-Rovira; G. Brunetti. Effects of selected soil properties on phytoremediation applicability for heavy-metal-contaminated soils in the Apulia region, Southern Italy. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 2011, 184, 6593 -6606.
AMA StyleKaram Farrag, N. Senesi, Pedro Soler-Rovira, G. Brunetti. Effects of selected soil properties on phytoremediation applicability for heavy-metal-contaminated soils in the Apulia region, Southern Italy. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 2011; 184 (11):6593-6606.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKaram Farrag; N. Senesi; Pedro Soler-Rovira; G. Brunetti. 2011. "Effects of selected soil properties on phytoremediation applicability for heavy-metal-contaminated soils in the Apulia region, Southern Italy." Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 184, no. 11: 6593-6606.
The treatment of medium-age landfill leachate was investigated by employing several set-ups including a sequencing batch biofilter granular reactor (SBBGR) step, with or without ozone enhancement, followed or not by a polishing stage with solar photo-Fenton (SphF). Objectives of the investigation were to compare different treatment strategies in order to achieve the lowest operating cost and to reduce the toxicity of the final effluent, evaluated by three different tests (respirometry, Vibrio fischeri and Lepidium sativum phytotoxicity). These objectives were addressed for two different target COD values, namely 160 and 500 mg/L, to be met in the final effluent for disposing of to water bodies and to sewers, respectively, requested by Italian environmental regulation. The different treatment strategies have demonstrated to be technically suitable for achieving the requested COD (160 or 500 mg/L) and reduction of the initial toxicity goals. For the COD target of 500 mg/L, the investigated treatment set-ups proposed in this paper showed to have comparable operating cost ( 3.2 € / m inf. 3 ). Instead, when the target COD is 160 mg/L, the combination SBBGR + SphF is economically more convenient ( 4.1 € / m inf. 3 ) being the operating cost of the other two investigated treatment set-ups (SBBGR/O 3 and SBBGR/O 3 + SphF) 5.7 and 4.8 € / m inf. 3 , respectively. As far as toxicity reduction is concerned, for both the COD target of 500 and 160 mg/L, the SBBGR/O 3 set-up gave better results than other investigated treatment options. Keywords Landfill leachate treatment SBBGR system Solar photo-Fenton Ozonation Operating costs Toxicity reduction 1 Introduction Sanitary landfilling is currently the most widely used method throughout the world for municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal [1] . Up to 95% total MSW collected worldwide is disposed of in landfill [2] and in 2007 a total of 102 million tons of MSW were disposed of to landfill in the European Union [3] . Unfortunately, municipal landfill leachates, resulting from the percolation of water through solid waste, are considered one of the types of wastewater with the greatest environmental impact. The composition of the landfill leachates varies depending on the nature of the wastes disposed of, on soil characteristics, rainfall patterns and on the “age” of the landfill [4,5] . Leachate contains substantial amounts of dissolved organics (BOD and COD), xenobiotic organic compound, inorganic salts, ammonia, heavy metals and other toxicants [6,7] . More than 200 organic compounds have been identified in municipal landfill leachate [8,9] with upwards of 35 of them having the potential to cause threat to the environment and human health [8,10] . Usually, “young landfill leachates”, containing high amounts of volatile fatty acids (i.e., a high BOD/COD ratio), are easier to be treated than “old and medium-age leachates”, since the latter contains a fraction of organic compounds ecalcitrant to biological treatments. Such refractory compounds are dominated by humic-like and fulvic acid-like organics that consequently lead to a reduction of BOD/COD ratio [11] . It follows that stabilized landfill leachates compared to young ones are more difficult to treat for several reasons. First, the potential toxic effect due to high levels of ammonia makes the conventional nitrification–denitrification biological process not very suitable for removing ammonia from old leachates unless very long hydraulic residence times are adopted. Moreover, the high salinity and lack of sufficient electron donors, featured of stabilized leachates, are additional obstacles to nitrification–denitrification biological treatment. Second, the significant presence of recalcitrant pollutants in old leachates makes difficult to meet the COD discharge limit since these compounds pass unaltered through the biological stage of the treatment plant. Conventional biological treatments (mainly based on activated sludge system) followed by classical physic-chemical methods, aimed at removing the recalcitrant substances, have been considered for many years as the most appropriate technologies for treating stabilized leachates [12] . However, problems with the high concentration of suspended solids in the effluent of activated sludge systems have been observed owing to dispersed growth phenomena of biomass as result of high salinity of leachates [13] . Such phenomena cause the loss of slow-growing organisms such as nitrifiers or organisms that are able to slowly remove the biodegradable pollutants. It follows that more robust biological treatment systems are required. In this context, systems employing a sequencing batch biofilter granular reactor (SBBGR) already proved to have higher performance [14] . In SBBGR system the biomass grows mainly as granules entrapped in the pores produced by packing the reactor with a filling material allowing a very high biomass concentration to be achieved. This leads to high treatment capability and low sludge production. Nevertheless, due to low BOD/COD values characterizing medium-old leachate, the biological treatment usually results in low treatment efficiencies. Therefore, a combination of biological and physical/chemical methods is usually required for effective treatment of such leachates. The most common physical/chemical treatments are coagulation–flocculation, flotation, adsorption and chemical oxidation [12] . Among the latter, particularly interesting are the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), widely recognized as highly efficient for recalcitrant wastewater treatment [15–17] . Some interesting reviews have been recently published considering the application of AOPs for the treatment of landfill leachate [18–20] . These methods rely on the formation of highly reactive chemical species which degrade even the most recalcitrant molecules into biodegradable compounds....
D. Cassano; A. Zapata; Gennaro Brunetti; G. Del Moro; Claudio DI Iaconi; I. Oller; Sixto Malato; G. Mascolo. Comparison of several combined/integrated biological-AOPs setups for the treatment of municipal landfill leachate: Minimization of operating costs and effluent toxicity. Chemical Engineering Journal 2011, 172, 250 -257.
AMA StyleD. Cassano, A. Zapata, Gennaro Brunetti, G. Del Moro, Claudio DI Iaconi, I. Oller, Sixto Malato, G. Mascolo. Comparison of several combined/integrated biological-AOPs setups for the treatment of municipal landfill leachate: Minimization of operating costs and effluent toxicity. Chemical Engineering Journal. 2011; 172 (1):250-257.
Chicago/Turabian StyleD. Cassano; A. Zapata; Gennaro Brunetti; G. Del Moro; Claudio DI Iaconi; I. Oller; Sixto Malato; G. Mascolo. 2011. "Comparison of several combined/integrated biological-AOPs setups for the treatment of municipal landfill leachate: Minimization of operating costs and effluent toxicity." Chemical Engineering Journal 172, no. 1: 250-257.