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Museums air quality can be negatively affected by treatments with heavy metals compounds employed to prevent pest infestations. Among these, the past use of mercury dichloride (HgCl2) on herbaria artifacts currently produces high levels of indoor atmospheric gaseous mercury (Hg0) and possibly of particulate bound Hg (PBM), i.e., the particulate matter containing Hg. This study evaluates the PBM pollution in the Central Italian Herbarium (Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, Italy), characterizing the size range and chemical speciation with SEM-EDS microanalysis. The analysis of the total Hg concentration in the samples allowed to calculate the workers exposure risk to this pollutant. PBM is almost totally classifiable as fine particulate with a significant dimensional increase in a period of scarce attendance of the Herbarium rooms. The microanalysis indicates that Hg is essentially bound to S, highlighting the change of Hg speciation from the original association with Cl. The average Hg concentration reveals a potential health risk for workers as result of multiple Hg exposure pathways, mainly by ingestion. The study provides information for characterizing PBM pollution that could affect a workplace atmosphere and a useful basis to evaluate and correctly design solution strategies to reduce the contamination levels and protect workers’ health.
Francesco Ciani; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Valentina Rimondi. Particle-Bound Mercury Characterization in the Central Italian Herbarium of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence (Italy). Toxics 2021, 9, 141 .
AMA StyleFrancesco Ciani, Laura Chiarantini, Pilario Costagliola, Valentina Rimondi. Particle-Bound Mercury Characterization in the Central Italian Herbarium of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence (Italy). Toxics. 2021; 9 (6):141.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ciani; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Valentina Rimondi. 2021. "Particle-Bound Mercury Characterization in the Central Italian Herbarium of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence (Italy)." Toxics 9, no. 6: 141.
Archaeological investigations of the Colline Metallifere district (Southern Tuscany, Italy) have highlighted several Medieval sites located close to the main Cu-Pb-Fe (Ag) ore occurrences. This study is focused on the investigation of late-medieval slags from Cugnano and Montieri sites using both geochemical and mineralogical methods to understand slag heterogeneities as result of ore differences and technological processes. Matte-rich slags present in both sites (with abundant matte ± speiss and frequent relict phases) represent waste products related to primary sulphide ore smelting to obtain a raw lead bullion. The distribution of slags between the Ca-rich or Fe-rich dominant composition, and the consequent mineralogy, are tracers of the different ore–gangue association that occurred in the two sites. Silver is present only in very small matte-rich slags and ores enclosed within the mortar of the Montieri site; wastes derived from silver-rich mineral charges were probably crushed for the recovery of silver. Matte-poor slags found at Montieri represent a second smelting; raw lead bullion obtained from matte slags (both Fe- and Ca-rich) was probably re-smelted, adding silica and Al2O3-phase-rich fluxes, under more oxidizing conditions to reduce metal impurities. This second step was probably employed for Zn-rich lead ores; this process helped to segregate zinc within slags and improve the quality of the metal.
Laura Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; Giovanna Bianchi; Luisa Dallai; Vanessa Volpi; Rosarosa Manca. Medieval Pb (Cu-Ag) Smelting in the Colline Metallifere District (Tuscany, Italy): Slag Heterogeneity as a Tracer of Ore Provenance and Technological Process. Minerals 2021, 11, 97 .
AMA StyleLaura Chiarantini, Marco Benvenuti, Giovanna Bianchi, Luisa Dallai, Vanessa Volpi, Rosarosa Manca. Medieval Pb (Cu-Ag) Smelting in the Colline Metallifere District (Tuscany, Italy): Slag Heterogeneity as a Tracer of Ore Provenance and Technological Process. Minerals. 2021; 11 (2):97.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; Giovanna Bianchi; Luisa Dallai; Vanessa Volpi; Rosarosa Manca. 2021. "Medieval Pb (Cu-Ag) Smelting in the Colline Metallifere District (Tuscany, Italy): Slag Heterogeneity as a Tracer of Ore Provenance and Technological Process." Minerals 11, no. 2: 97.
The study of a huge repertory of sparse glazed ware from Donoratico (Livorno, Italy) dated back to the 9th century was carried out to investigate the production technology via petrographic, chemical and isotopic investigations. The mineralogical and chemical evidence suggested the application of a lead oxide flux to an unfired non‐calcareous ceramic body, in accordance with late Antique and early‐Medieval traditions. The isotopic investigation of the glazes also suggested different sources for PbO, that was frequently applied as a mix of different metal batches. The Pb isotopic record identified the Southern Tuscany districts (Campiglia Marittima and Colline Metallifere) and a source controlled by the Carolingian kings in the northern districts of Central Europe (either in Aquitaine or in the Middle German ore districts) as the most reliable sources. SEM‐EDS showed the presence of tin impurities in the form of secondary cassiterite agglomerates in most of the glazes obtained by the use of local lead. The presence of cassiterite veins in Southern Tuscany lead sulphide deposits was considered as the main cause for tin impurities in the glazing mixture and, thus, an important marker for the exploitation of local lead.
C. Fornacelli; A. Briano; L. Chiarantini; G. Bianchi; M. Benvenuti; M. Giamello; J. S. Kang; I. M. Villa; F. M. Talarico; R. Hodges. Archaeometric Provenance Constraints for Early Medieval Sparse Glazed Pottery from Donoratico (Livorno, Italy). Archaeometry 2020, 63, 549 -576.
AMA StyleC. Fornacelli, A. Briano, L. Chiarantini, G. Bianchi, M. Benvenuti, M. Giamello, J. S. Kang, I. M. Villa, F. M. Talarico, R. Hodges. Archaeometric Provenance Constraints for Early Medieval Sparse Glazed Pottery from Donoratico (Livorno, Italy). Archaeometry. 2020; 63 (3):549-576.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Fornacelli; A. Briano; L. Chiarantini; G. Bianchi; M. Benvenuti; M. Giamello; J. S. Kang; I. M. Villa; F. M. Talarico; R. Hodges. 2020. "Archaeometric Provenance Constraints for Early Medieval Sparse Glazed Pottery from Donoratico (Livorno, Italy)." Archaeometry 63, no. 3: 549-576.
In the present study, mercury (Hg) concentrations were investigated in lichens (Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale, Parmelia saxatilis (L.) Ach., and Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th.Fr.) collected in the surrounding of the dismissed Abbadia San Salvatore Hg mine (Monte Amiata district, Italy). Results were integrated with Hg concentrations in tree barks and literature data of gaseous Hg levels determined by passive air samplers (PASs) in the same area. The ultimate goal was to compare results obtained by the three monitoring techniques to evaluate potential mismatches. Lichens displayed 180–3600 ng/g Hg, and Hg concentrations decreased exponentially with distance from the mine. Mercury concentration was lower than in Pinus nigra barks at the same site. There was a moderate correlation between Hg in lichen and Hg in bark, suggesting similar mechanisms of Hg uptake and residence times. However, correlation with published gaseous Hg concentrations (PASs) was moderate at best (Kendall Tau = 0.4–0.5, p > 0.05). The differences occurred because a) PASs collected gaseous Hg, whereas lichens and barks also picked up particulate Hg, and b) lichens and bark had a dynamic exchange with the atmosphere. Lichen, bark, and PAS outline different and complementary aspects of airborne Hg content and efficient monitoring programs in contaminated areas would benefit from the integration of data from different techniques.
Valentina Rimondi; Renato Benesperi; Marc W. Beutel; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Daniela Medas; Guia Morelli. Monitoring of Airborne Mercury: Comparison of Different Techniques in the Monte Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 2353 .
AMA StyleValentina Rimondi, Renato Benesperi, Marc W. Beutel, Laura Chiarantini, Pilario Costagliola, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Daniela Medas, Guia Morelli. Monitoring of Airborne Mercury: Comparison of Different Techniques in the Monte Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (7):2353.
Chicago/Turabian StyleValentina Rimondi; Renato Benesperi; Marc W. Beutel; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Daniela Medas; Guia Morelli. 2020. "Monitoring of Airborne Mercury: Comparison of Different Techniques in the Monte Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 7: 2353.
Red stains are a common discolouration on stone cultural heritage all over the world.
Emma Cantisani; Oana Adriana Cuzman; Silvia Vettori; Laura Chelazzi; Samuele Ciattini; Marilena Ricci; Rachele Manganelli Del Fá; Laura Chiarantini; Carlo Alberto Garzonio. A multi-analytical approach for the study of red stains on heritage marble. The Analyst 2019, 144, 2375 -2386.
AMA StyleEmma Cantisani, Oana Adriana Cuzman, Silvia Vettori, Laura Chelazzi, Samuele Ciattini, Marilena Ricci, Rachele Manganelli Del Fá, Laura Chiarantini, Carlo Alberto Garzonio. A multi-analytical approach for the study of red stains on heritage marble. The Analyst. 2019; 144 (7):2375-2386.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmma Cantisani; Oana Adriana Cuzman; Silvia Vettori; Laura Chelazzi; Samuele Ciattini; Marilena Ricci; Rachele Manganelli Del Fá; Laura Chiarantini; Carlo Alberto Garzonio. 2019. "A multi-analytical approach for the study of red stains on heritage marble." The Analyst 144, no. 7: 2375-2386.
Fluvial sediments of the Paglia River, a tributary of Tiber River (Central Italy), are contaminated by mercury (Hg) as a consequence of past mining activity (1846–1981, with main production 1900–1970) in the Monte Amiata district (the 3rd largest Hg producer worldwide). In this study, we combine a geomorphological analysis with geochemical data to try and understand the influence of fluvial dynamics on the spatial distribution of Hg in fluvial sediments over a 43 km segment of the river. By considering the evolution of the river course between 1883 and 2013, eight different geomorphic units (GUs) were recognised, including the active channel bed (baseflow channel and bar), the floodplain, and five orders of terraces. The distribution of Hg in sediments of these GUs reflects the timing of their formation with respect to evolution of the mining activity. In GUs formed before the main peak of mining activity, or after mine closure, sediments show mean Hg contents comparable to, or slightly higher than, the local background, estimated at 2–6 mg/kg; in GUs formed during the peak production, Hg mean contents are definitely higher (up to 26 mg/kg). The current floodplain also shows high contents (mean 19 mg/kg), because of continuous reworking and transport of older contaminated sediments during major flood events. Therefore, the point contaminant sources represented by mining centres evolved into a diffuse source spread over several tens of kilometres. By combining geochemical data with calculated sediment volumes, we estimate that not less than 63 tonnes of Hg are currently contained in the sediments of the investigated river stretch. Such amount of Hg will probably limit for the near future a full land use along the Paglia–Tiber course.
Antonella Colica; Marco Benvenuti; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Valentina Rimondi; Massimo Rinaldi. From point source to diffuse source of contaminants: The example of mercury dispersion in the Paglia River (Central Italy). CATENA 2018, 172, 488 -500.
AMA StyleAntonella Colica, Marco Benvenuti, Laura Chiarantini, Pilario Costagliola, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Valentina Rimondi, Massimo Rinaldi. From point source to diffuse source of contaminants: The example of mercury dispersion in the Paglia River (Central Italy). CATENA. 2018; 172 ():488-500.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonella Colica; Marco Benvenuti; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Valentina Rimondi; Massimo Rinaldi. 2018. "From point source to diffuse source of contaminants: The example of mercury dispersion in the Paglia River (Central Italy)." CATENA 172, no. : 488-500.
Giulia Atzori; Violetta Aru; Flaminia Cesare Marincola; Laura Chiarantini; Daniela Medas; Giorgia Sarais; Serenella Cabiddu. Sediments distribution of trace metals in a coastal lagoon (Southern Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea): assessment of contamination and ecological risk. Chemistry and Ecology 2018, 34, 727 -746.
AMA StyleGiulia Atzori, Violetta Aru, Flaminia Cesare Marincola, Laura Chiarantini, Daniela Medas, Giorgia Sarais, Serenella Cabiddu. Sediments distribution of trace metals in a coastal lagoon (Southern Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea): assessment of contamination and ecological risk. Chemistry and Ecology. 2018; 34 (8):727-746.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiulia Atzori; Violetta Aru; Flaminia Cesare Marincola; Laura Chiarantini; Daniela Medas; Giorgia Sarais; Serenella Cabiddu. 2018. "Sediments distribution of trace metals in a coastal lagoon (Southern Sardinia, Mediterranean Sea): assessment of contamination and ecological risk." Chemistry and Ecology 34, no. 8: 727-746.
The Etruscan site of Populonia-Baratti (Southern Tuscany, Italy) became in the first millennium BCE one of the most important iron metalworking sites in the Mediterranean region thanks to the exploitation of nearby Elba Island iron ores. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that, before iron, copper was smelted therein (9th–8th century BCE). The ancient Hellenistic text De mirabilibus auscultationibus by Pseudo-Aristotle states that the ancient inhabitants of Elba Island firstly exploited copper and that, later in, iron was won from the same mines by the inhabitants of Populonia. However, copper occurrences are extremely scanty on the island, while mainland southern Tuscany hosts a number of copper-rich deposits which could have been profitably exploited since Eneolithic. In order to investigate if, and to what extent, copper mining and smelting/working was practiced in this area in Final Bronze Age (FBA) to Early Iron Age (EIA), we have thus compared the lead isotope composition of copper slags found in the Populonia-Baratti area and dated to the 9th–8th century BCE with those of copper-rich ore deposits of southern Tuscany and Elba Island. In addition, few copper-based items from to FBA-EIA hoards of Elba Island have been investigated as well. All copper slag from Baratti-Populonia have lead isotope composition fully comprised within the nearby Campiglia Marittima district, but the ophiolitic copper (either form Tuscan mainland or the neighboring island of Elba) was never worked in this site. Differently, all items from the island of Elba do not show clear genetic relationship neither with Elban nor with the Tuscan mainland copper ores but display a “foreign” Pb signature, suggesting that, even before iron exploitation started, the island of Elba - one of the main crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea - was probably involved in metal trading (rather than metal working) with other regions.
L. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; A. Dini; M. Firmati; S. Guideri; Igor M Villa; A. Corretti. Copper metallurgy in ancient Etruria (southern Tuscany, Italy) at the Bronze-Iron Age transition: a lead isotope provenance study. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 2018, 19, 11 -23.
AMA StyleL. Chiarantini, Marco Benvenuti, Pilario Costagliola, A. Dini, M. Firmati, S. Guideri, Igor M Villa, A. Corretti. Copper metallurgy in ancient Etruria (southern Tuscany, Italy) at the Bronze-Iron Age transition: a lead isotope provenance study. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. 2018; 19 ():11-23.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; A. Dini; M. Firmati; S. Guideri; Igor M Villa; A. Corretti. 2018. "Copper metallurgy in ancient Etruria (southern Tuscany, Italy) at the Bronze-Iron Age transition: a lead isotope provenance study." Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 19, no. : 11-23.
Fluid–rock interaction experiments between a biotite-rich schist (from Mt. Calamita Formation, Elba Island, Italy) and B-bearing aqueous fluids were carried out at 500–600 °C and 100–130 MPa. The experiments have been carried out in order to reproduce the reaction, which would have produced tourmalinisation of the biotite schist, supposedly by circulation of magmatic fluids issued from leucogranitic dykes. The reacting fluids were either NaCl-free or NaCl-bearing (20 wt %) aqueous solutions, with variable concentration of H3BO3 (0.01–3.2 M). The experimental results show that tourmaline (belonging to the alkali group) crystallise under high-temperature and upper crustal conditions (500–600 °C, 100–130 MPa) when H3BO3 concentration in the system is greater than 1.6 M. The composition of tourmaline is either dravitic (Mg-rich) or schorlitic (Fe-rich), depending if an NaCl-bearing or NaCl-free aqueous solution is used. In the first case, a significant amount of Fe released from biotite dissolution remains in the Cl-rich solution resulting from the experiment. By contrast, when pure water is used, Na/K exchange in feldspars makes Na available for tourmaline crystallisation. The high concentration of Fe in the residual fluid has an important metallogenic implication because it indicates that the interaction between the saline B-rich fluid of magmatic derivation and biotite-rich schists, besides producing tourmalinisation, is capable of mobilising significant amounts of Fe. This process could have produced, in part or totally, the Fe deposits located close to the quartz–tourmaline veins and metasomatic bodies of the Mt. Calamita Formation. Moreover, the super-hot reservoir that likely occurs in the deepest part of the Larderello–Travale geothermal field would also be the site of an extensive reaction between the B-rich fluid and biotite-bearing rocks producing tourmaline. Thus, tourmaline occurrence can be a useful guide during deep drilling toward a super-hot reservoir.
Andrea Orlando; Giovanni Ruggieri; Laura Chiarantini; Giordano Montegrossi; Valentina Rimondi. Experimental Investigation of Biotite-Rich Schist Reacting with B-Bearing Fluids at Upper Crustal Conditions and Correlated Tourmaline Formation. Minerals 2017, 7, 155 .
AMA StyleAndrea Orlando, Giovanni Ruggieri, Laura Chiarantini, Giordano Montegrossi, Valentina Rimondi. Experimental Investigation of Biotite-Rich Schist Reacting with B-Bearing Fluids at Upper Crustal Conditions and Correlated Tourmaline Formation. Minerals. 2017; 7 (9):155.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Orlando; Giovanni Ruggieri; Laura Chiarantini; Giordano Montegrossi; Valentina Rimondi. 2017. "Experimental Investigation of Biotite-Rich Schist Reacting with B-Bearing Fluids at Upper Crustal Conditions and Correlated Tourmaline Formation." Minerals 7, no. 9: 155.
This study determined, by means of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, the speciation of mercury (Hg) in black pine (Pinus nigra) barks from Monte Amiata, that were previously shown to contain exceptionally high (up to some mg kg) Hg contents because of the proximity to the former Hg mines and roasting plants. Linear fit combination (LCF) analysis of the experimental spectra compared to a large set of reference compounds showed that all spectra can be fitted by only four species: β-HgS (metacinnabar), Hg-cysteine, Hg bound to tannic acid, and Hg. The first two are more widespread, whereas the last two occur in one sample only; the contribution of organic species is higher in deeper layers of barks than in the outermost ones. We interpret these results to suggest that, during interaction of barks with airborne Hg, the metal is initially mechanically captured at the bark surface as particulate, or physically adsorbed as gaseous species, but eventually a stable chemical bond is established with organic ligands of the substrate. As a consequence, we suggest that deep bark Hg may be a good proxy for long term time-integrated exposure, while surface bark Hg is more important for recording short term events near Hg point sources.
Laura Chiarantini; Valentina Rimondi; Fabrizio Bardelli; Marco Benvenuti; Claudia Cosio; Pilario Costagliola; Francesco Di Benedetto; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Géraldine Sarret. Mercury speciation in Pinus nigra barks from Monte Amiata (Italy): An X-ray absorption spectroscopy study. Environmental Pollution 2017, 227, 83 -88.
AMA StyleLaura Chiarantini, Valentina Rimondi, Fabrizio Bardelli, Marco Benvenuti, Claudia Cosio, Pilario Costagliola, Francesco Di Benedetto, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Géraldine Sarret. Mercury speciation in Pinus nigra barks from Monte Amiata (Italy): An X-ray absorption spectroscopy study. Environmental Pollution. 2017; 227 ():83-88.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Chiarantini; Valentina Rimondi; Fabrizio Bardelli; Marco Benvenuti; Claudia Cosio; Pilario Costagliola; Francesco Di Benedetto; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Géraldine Sarret. 2017. "Mercury speciation in Pinus nigra barks from Monte Amiata (Italy): An X-ray absorption spectroscopy study." Environmental Pollution 227, no. : 83-88.
The Mt. Amiata area hosts the 3rd largest Hg district in the world, overlapping with a present-day geothermal system that is exploited for energy production. Mining activity ceased in 1980; remediation of mining areas was only partial, and is still under way. A significant transport of mercury is documented in the streams draining the district. By far the largest output occurs to the southeast in the Paglia River catchment; this river is tributary of Tiber River, the largest river of central Italy. A much smaller transport occurs to the north, in the Orcia-Ombrone catchment. Most transport is in particulate form; mercury is temporarily stored in stream and overbank sediments, and can be significantly mobilized and redistributed by extreme events such as flash floods. Transfer to the biosphere and food chain is not negligible, as some fish in Paglia and Tiber Rivers show Hg contents that may be harmful for human consumption. The overall output from the Monte Amiata district represents a significant contribution to the Mediterranean Sea budget of this metal.
Pierfranco Lattanzi; Valentina Rimondi; Laura Chiarantini; Antonella Colica; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; Giovanni Ruggieri. Mercury Dispersion through Streams Draining The Mt. Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science 2017, 17, 468 -471.
AMA StylePierfranco Lattanzi, Valentina Rimondi, Laura Chiarantini, Antonella Colica, Marco Benvenuti, Pilario Costagliola, Giovanni Ruggieri. Mercury Dispersion through Streams Draining The Mt. Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science. 2017; 17 ():468-471.
Chicago/Turabian StylePierfranco Lattanzi; Valentina Rimondi; Laura Chiarantini; Antonella Colica; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; Giovanni Ruggieri. 2017. "Mercury Dispersion through Streams Draining The Mt. Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy." Procedia Earth and Planetary Science 17, no. : 468-471.
Tree barks are relevant interfaces between plants and the external environment, and can effectively retain airborne particles and elements at their surface. In this paper we have studied the distribution of mercury (Hg) in soils and in black pine (Pinus nigra) barks from the Mt. Amiata Hg district in southern Tuscany (Italy), where past Hg mining and present-day geothermal power plants affect local atmospheric Hg concentration, posing serious environmental concerns. Barks collected in heavily Hg-polluted areas of the district display the highest Hg concentration ever reported in literature (8.6mg/kg). In comparison, barks of the same species collected in local reference areas and near geothermal power plants show much lower (range 19-803μg/kg) concentrations; even lower concentrations are observed at a "blank" site near the city of Florence (5-98μg/kg). Results show a general decrease of Hg concentration from bark surface inwards, in accordance with a deposition of airborne Hg, with minor contribution from systemic uptake from soils. Preliminary results indicate that bark Hg concentrations are comparable with values reported for lichens in the same areas, suggesting that tree barks may represent an additional useful tool for biomonitoring of airborne Hg.
Laura Chiarantini; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; Marc W. Beutel; Pilario Costagliola; Cristina Gonnelli; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Mario Paolieri. Black pine (Pinus nigra) barks as biomonitors of airborne mercury pollution. Science of The Total Environment 2016, 569-570, 105 -113.
AMA StyleLaura Chiarantini, Valentina Rimondi, Marco Benvenuti, Marc W. Beutel, Pilario Costagliola, Cristina Gonnelli, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Mario Paolieri. Black pine (Pinus nigra) barks as biomonitors of airborne mercury pollution. Science of The Total Environment. 2016; 569-570 ():105-113.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Chiarantini; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; Marc W. Beutel; Pilario Costagliola; Cristina Gonnelli; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Mario Paolieri. 2016. "Black pine (Pinus nigra) barks as biomonitors of airborne mercury pollution." Science of The Total Environment 569-570, no. : 105-113.
The Orcia River basin lies north of the Mt. Amiata mining district and may receive potentially harmful/toxic elements such as mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) therefrom. The Orcia River eventually flows to the Ombrone River, which in turn flows to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The analysis of stream sediments collected in the Orcia River and its main tributaries, as well as in the Ombrone River, indicates moderate concentrations of both Hg and As (median values, Hg 118 μg/kg and As 5.25 mg/kg), rarely exceeding Italian environmental quality standards. Exceptionally high values for both elements are observed only in close proximity to the former Pietrineri Hg mine (Hg 195 mg/kg and As 35 mg/kg). Travertine and unconsolidated deposits associated with thermal springs in the area generally exhibit low Hg concentrations (4–320 μg/kg), with a significant exception of 23 mg/kg at Bagni San Filippo. Arsenic concentration in the same deposits is more variable with a peak level of 358 mg/kg. Surface waters collected at the same sites as stream sediments show Hg and As concentrations below the Italian mandatory limits for drinking waters (1 μg/L for Hg and 10 μg/L for As). Likewise, in thermal springs, Hg concentrations are low, whereas As concentrations are relatively high (up to 23.4 μg/L), which is in agreement with previous studies. At present, the input of toxic elements from the mining district into the Orcia and Ombrone watersheds is lower than inputs documented in the Paglia and Tiber catchments south of Mt. Amiata and does not pose an immediate environmental threat. However, the possible remobilization of Hg-contaminated sediments during flash flood events cannot be dismissed.
L. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; M. Beutel; Pilario Costagliola; S. Covelli; G. Gabbani; Pierfranco Lattanzi; E. Pandeli; M. Paolieri; E. Petranich; Valentina Rimondi. Mercury and Arsenic in Stream Sediments and Surface Waters of the Orcia River Basin, Southern Tuscany, Italy. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 2016, 227, 408 .
AMA StyleL. Chiarantini, Marco Benvenuti, M. Beutel, Pilario Costagliola, S. Covelli, G. Gabbani, Pierfranco Lattanzi, E. Pandeli, M. Paolieri, E. Petranich, Valentina Rimondi. Mercury and Arsenic in Stream Sediments and Surface Waters of the Orcia River Basin, Southern Tuscany, Italy. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 2016; 227 (11):408.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; M. Beutel; Pilario Costagliola; S. Covelli; G. Gabbani; Pierfranco Lattanzi; E. Pandeli; M. Paolieri; E. Petranich; Valentina Rimondi. 2016. "Mercury and Arsenic in Stream Sediments and Surface Waters of the Orcia River Basin, Southern Tuscany, Italy." Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 227, no. 11: 408.
Iron deposits from Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago) were extensively exploited since the 1st millennium BC: both raw iron ore and smelted blooms were extensively traded through the Mediterranean region. Within the frame of the multidisciplinary research Project “AITHALE” (from the Greek name for Elba Island), we have performed a series of archaeometallurgical experiments primarily to investigate the traceability of Elban iron ores during the various steps of the chaîne opératoire of bloomery iron production. Results of experiments performed both in the field (reconstruction of a bloomery furnace) and in the laboratory (smelting experiments carried out in a gas mixing furnace) are discussed in the text. Slags produced by smelting of W-Sn-rich iron (hematite) ores, like those from Elba island, show the presence of these elements in phases of their own, either relic (scheelite, ferberite, cassiterite) and/or newly formed (iron-tin alloys). Iron bloom obtained from this kind of iron ore could also bear evidence of the peculiar geochemistry of smelted ore, with tungsten preferentially associated with slag inclusions and tin eventually enriched in the metallic phase.
M. Benvenuti; A. Orlando; D. Borrini; L. Chiarantini; P. Costagliola; C. Mazzotta; V. Rimondi. Experimental smelting of iron ores from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy): Results and implications for the reconstruction of ancient metallurgical processes and iron provenance. Journal of Archaeological Science 2016, 70, 1 -14.
AMA StyleM. Benvenuti, A. Orlando, D. Borrini, L. Chiarantini, P. Costagliola, C. Mazzotta, V. Rimondi. Experimental smelting of iron ores from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy): Results and implications for the reconstruction of ancient metallurgical processes and iron provenance. Journal of Archaeological Science. 2016; 70 ():1-14.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Benvenuti; A. Orlando; D. Borrini; L. Chiarantini; P. Costagliola; C. Mazzotta; V. Rimondi. 2016. "Experimental smelting of iron ores from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy): Results and implications for the reconstruction of ancient metallurgical processes and iron provenance." Journal of Archaeological Science 70, no. : 1-14.
Dolia are large pottery containers used in Roman times for the storage and fermentation of wine. They were produced in specialized pottery workshops (figlinae) and were typically marked with specific epigraphical stamps, which represent a major tool to unravel their provenance and trade. In this work we present the preliminary results of a study of two dolia defossa, recently found at San Giovanni (Portoferraio, island of Elba, Italy) during 2012–2014 archaeological excavations in a Roman farm (late 2nd cent. BC-1st cent. AD), devoted to wine production and probably constituting the antecedent archaeological phase of the adjacent “Villa delle Grotte”. Based on archaeological (epigraphic) evidence, five different production areas have been hypothesized: 1) Elba island, where the dolia have been found; 2) the municipal figlinae in the Pisa territory; 3) the middle catchment of the Tiber river (central Latium) where “urban” figlinae occurred; 4) the figlinae of Minturno (southern Latium), a locality known both for wine production and exportation and for the presence of ancient figlinae; 5) the municipal figlinae in the Volterra territory. Archaeometric analysis of tempering agents intentionally added to the clay for the manufacturing of the dolia, particularly magmatic lithic fragments and clinopyroxene crystals, allowed us to suggest that the watershed of the central Tiber Valley - including different volcanic centres belonging to both Tuscany Magmatic Province (Monti Cimini) and Roman Magmatic Province (Monti Vulsini and Vico volcano) - could have been the most likely sites of production of the dolia found at San Giovanni. Alternatively, the site of Minturno (southern Latium) could be proposed.
Rosarosa Manca; Laura Pagliantini; Elena Pecchioni; Alba Santo; Franco Cambi; Laura Chiarantini; Alessandro Corretti; Pilario Costagliola; Andrea Orlando; Marco Benvenuti. The island of Elba (Tuscany, Italy) at the crossroads of ancient trade routes: an archaeometric investigation of dolia defossa from the archaeological site of San Giovanni. Mineralogy and Petrology 2016, 110, 693 -711.
AMA StyleRosarosa Manca, Laura Pagliantini, Elena Pecchioni, Alba Santo, Franco Cambi, Laura Chiarantini, Alessandro Corretti, Pilario Costagliola, Andrea Orlando, Marco Benvenuti. The island of Elba (Tuscany, Italy) at the crossroads of ancient trade routes: an archaeometric investigation of dolia defossa from the archaeological site of San Giovanni. Mineralogy and Petrology. 2016; 110 (6):693-711.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRosarosa Manca; Laura Pagliantini; Elena Pecchioni; Alba Santo; Franco Cambi; Laura Chiarantini; Alessandro Corretti; Pilario Costagliola; Andrea Orlando; Marco Benvenuti. 2016. "The island of Elba (Tuscany, Italy) at the crossroads of ancient trade routes: an archaeometric investigation of dolia defossa from the archaeological site of San Giovanni." Mineralogy and Petrology 110, no. 6: 693-711.
Valentina Rimondi; Laura Chiarantini; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Marco Benvenuti; Marc Beutel; Stefania Venturi; Antonella Colica; Pilario Costagliola; Giuliano Gabbani; John E. Gray; Enrico Pandeli; Giulia Pattelli; Mario Paolieri; Giovanni Ruggieri. Metallogeny, exploitation and environmental impact of the Mt. Amiata mercury ore district (Southern Tuscany, Italy). Italian Journal of Geosciences 2015, 134, 323 -336.
AMA StyleValentina Rimondi, Laura Chiarantini, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Marco Benvenuti, Marc Beutel, Stefania Venturi, Antonella Colica, Pilario Costagliola, Giuliano Gabbani, John E. Gray, Enrico Pandeli, Giulia Pattelli, Mario Paolieri, Giovanni Ruggieri. Metallogeny, exploitation and environmental impact of the Mt. Amiata mercury ore district (Southern Tuscany, Italy). Italian Journal of Geosciences. 2015; 134 (2):323-336.
Chicago/Turabian StyleValentina Rimondi; Laura Chiarantini; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Marco Benvenuti; Marc Beutel; Stefania Venturi; Antonella Colica; Pilario Costagliola; Giuliano Gabbani; John E. Gray; Enrico Pandeli; Giulia Pattelli; Mario Paolieri; Giovanni Ruggieri. 2015. "Metallogeny, exploitation and environmental impact of the Mt. Amiata mercury ore district (Southern Tuscany, Italy)." Italian Journal of Geosciences 134, no. 2: 323-336.
The Naples Yellow pigment was apparently used for the first time by the Egyptians, as a glass‐colouring agent. Also known in the Mesopotamian and Roman cultures, the recipe was lost in Western Europe between the fourth and the 16th centuries ad. The recipe for the production of lead antimonate recently discovered in the ‘Codice Calabranci’ (second half of the 15th century) at Montelupo, a small town near Florence (Italy) known for its large‐scale ceramic production, possibly represents the very first evidence of the reintroduction of Naples Yellow in Western Europe after a long period of absence. The major‐element composition of the lead antimonate pigment in the Montelupo ceramics of the 15th and 16th centuries is in accordance with the ‘Codice Calabranci’ recipes. Lead isotope analyses indicate that the lead used to produce the yellow pigments and the underlying glaze of the Montelupo majolica did not come from the Tuscan mining districts, but was possibly imported via Venice from more distant lead sources in Turkey.
L. Chiarantini; F. Gallo; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; P. Costagliola; A. Dini. Early Renaissance Production Recipes for Naples Yellow Pigment: A Mineralogical and Lead Isotope Study of Italian Majolica from Montelupo (Florence). Archaeometry 2014, 57, 879 -896.
AMA StyleL. Chiarantini, F. Gallo, Valentina Rimondi, Marco Benvenuti, P. Costagliola, A. Dini. Early Renaissance Production Recipes for Naples Yellow Pigment: A Mineralogical and Lead Isotope Study of Italian Majolica from Montelupo (Florence). Archaeometry. 2014; 57 (5):879-896.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL. Chiarantini; F. Gallo; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; P. Costagliola; A. Dini. 2014. "Early Renaissance Production Recipes for Naples Yellow Pigment: A Mineralogical and Lead Isotope Study of Italian Majolica from Montelupo (Florence)." Archaeometry 57, no. 5: 879-896.
The Mount Amiata mining district (southern Tuscany, Italy) was, for decades, one of the world’s largest mercury (Hg) producing regions, where mining activity lasted until the 1980s. The Paglia River drains the eastern part of the district and is also the main western tributary of the Tiber River. Recent studies show that, still today, high total Hg contents severely affect the downstream ecosystems of these rivers. In November 2012, a major flood event occurred in the Paglia River basin, which drastically changed the river morphology and, possibly, the Hg concentrations. In the present work, stream sediment was sampled before and after the flood to evaluate possible changes in sediment total Hg concentrations as a consequence of this event. The comparison between pre- and post-flood Hg concentrations shows that Hg content increased up to an order of magnitude after the flood, suggesting that this event triggered Hg mobilization in the basin rather than its dilution.
Giulia Pattelli; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; Laura Chiarantini; Antonella Colica; Pilario Costagliola; Francesco Di Benedetto; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Mario Paolieri; Massimo Rinaldi. Effects of the November 2012 Flood Event on the Mobilization of Hg from the Mount Amiata Mining District to the Sediments of the Paglia River Basin. Minerals 2014, 4, 241 -256.
AMA StyleGiulia Pattelli, Valentina Rimondi, Marco Benvenuti, Laura Chiarantini, Antonella Colica, Pilario Costagliola, Francesco Di Benedetto, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Mario Paolieri, Massimo Rinaldi. Effects of the November 2012 Flood Event on the Mobilization of Hg from the Mount Amiata Mining District to the Sediments of the Paglia River Basin. Minerals. 2014; 4 (2):241-256.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiulia Pattelli; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; Laura Chiarantini; Antonella Colica; Pilario Costagliola; Francesco Di Benedetto; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Mario Paolieri; Massimo Rinaldi. 2014. "Effects of the November 2012 Flood Event on the Mobilization of Hg from the Mount Amiata Mining District to the Sediments of the Paglia River Basin." Minerals 4, no. 2: 241-256.
The present paper deals with compositional and microstructural features of 26 pre‐Islamic, South Arabian coins recently unearthed during archaeological excavations. Most of the investigated coins come from Sumhuram (Khor Rori, southern Oman), and were minted by the Hadramawt kingdom (fourth century bc to third century ad); only a few of them belong to the Himyarite kingdom's coinage (first to fourth centuries ad). In addition, some coins of both the Hadramawt and the Himyarite kingdoms found at Qani' (B'ir ‘Ali, Republic of Yemen) have been analysed for comparison. Our main focus was to provide new hints towards the comprehension of the chronological evolution in South Arabian coinage in terms of both metal composition and minting techniques. In addition, some melting crucibles found at Sumhuram have been examined in an attempt to make a comparison with the coins’ composition and to test the hypothesis that they were used for minting operations.
L. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti. The Evolution of Pre-Islamic South Arabian Coinage: A Metallurgical Analysis of Coins Excavated InSumhuram(Khor-Rori, Sultanate of Oman). Archaeometry 2013, 56, 625 -650.
AMA StyleL. Chiarantini, Marco Benvenuti. The Evolution of Pre-Islamic South Arabian Coinage: A Metallurgical Analysis of Coins Excavated InSumhuram(Khor-Rori, Sultanate of Oman). Archaeometry. 2013; 56 (4):625-650.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti. 2013. "The Evolution of Pre-Islamic South Arabian Coinage: A Metallurgical Analysis of Coins Excavated InSumhuram(Khor-Rori, Sultanate of Oman)." Archaeometry 56, no. 4: 625-650.
The mineralogy, petrography and major‐ and trace‐element composition of iron ores from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy), one of the most important iron sources in the Mediterranean area since the first millennium bc, revealed that hematite‐rich ores display prominent enrichments in W and Sn (up to 4950 μg g−1 and 8400 μg g−1, respectively). These two elements are hosted by tiny grains of W–Sn mineral phases (ferberite, scheelite and cassiterite) that are disseminated throughout the hematite matrix. A comparison with iron ores from many Italian and European localities (most of which were exploited in ancient times) suggests the uniqueness of the geochemical pattern of Elba Island hematite‐rich ores (i.e., high W and Sn, low Mo and low Cu, Pb and Zn). We suggest that this geochemical signature may represent a new provenance marker not only for discarded ore at smelting/smithing sites, but, possibly, also for metallurgical slag and smelted metal produced in the chaîne opératoire of the iron process.
Marco Benvenuti; A. Dini; Massimo D'orazio; L. Chiarantini; A. Corretti; P. Costagliola. THE TUNGSTEN AND TIN SIGNATURE OF IRON ORES FROM ELBA ISLAND (ITALY): A TOOL FOR PROVENANCE STUDIES OF IRON PRODUCTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION. Archaeometry 2012, 55, 479 -506.
AMA StyleMarco Benvenuti, A. Dini, Massimo D'orazio, L. Chiarantini, A. Corretti, P. Costagliola. THE TUNGSTEN AND TIN SIGNATURE OF IRON ORES FROM ELBA ISLAND (ITALY): A TOOL FOR PROVENANCE STUDIES OF IRON PRODUCTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION. Archaeometry. 2012; 55 (3):479-506.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarco Benvenuti; A. Dini; Massimo D'orazio; L. Chiarantini; A. Corretti; P. Costagliola. 2012. "THE TUNGSTEN AND TIN SIGNATURE OF IRON ORES FROM ELBA ISLAND (ITALY): A TOOL FOR PROVENANCE STUDIES OF IRON PRODUCTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION." Archaeometry 55, no. 3: 479-506.