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Prof. Giancarlo Renella
University of Padua - DAFNAE

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Journal article
Published: 02 July 2021 in Science of The Total Environment
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A marine sediment phytoremediated and homogenized by landfarming was tested for its potential recycle as growing media in horticulture. Two strawberry cultivars, Camarosa and Monterey, were grown on remediated sediment alone (TS100), commercial peat/pumice based growing medium (TS0) and a mixture 1:1 in volume of sediment and peat (TS50). Chemical fertility and strawberry production and safety of produced food were monitored for three consecutive productive seasons on the same growing media. During the first year of cultivation, plants grown on sediment-based media showed a significantly lower biomass production and fruit yield compared with peat, mainly due to the sediment low fertility. In the subsequent two years, the plant re-cultivation improved the sediment structure and N mineralization, and on the third cultivation year both strawberry cultivars showed higher fruit productivity and no accumulation of potentially toxic trace metals. The produced fruits did non accumulate high concentrations of trace metals, and risk assessment showed no risks for human health related to the consumption of strawberry produced on sediment-based growing media. We concluded that a phytoremediated sediment could be recycled as an ingredient of soilless growing media for reducing the environmental impact of plant nursery production and posing no risks for human health. These results show that reclaimed sediments could be reconsidered as a component material category in the new EU regulation on fertilizers.

ACS Style

Francesca Tozzi; Giancarlo Renella; Macci Cristina; Grazia Masciandaro; Cristina Gonnelli; Ilaria Colzi; Laura Giagnoni; Simona Pecchioli; Stefania Nin; Edgardo Giordani. Agronomic performance and food safety of strawberry cultivated on a remediated sediment. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 796, 148803 .

AMA Style

Francesca Tozzi, Giancarlo Renella, Macci Cristina, Grazia Masciandaro, Cristina Gonnelli, Ilaria Colzi, Laura Giagnoni, Simona Pecchioli, Stefania Nin, Edgardo Giordani. Agronomic performance and food safety of strawberry cultivated on a remediated sediment. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 796 ():148803.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesca Tozzi; Giancarlo Renella; Macci Cristina; Grazia Masciandaro; Cristina Gonnelli; Ilaria Colzi; Laura Giagnoni; Simona Pecchioli; Stefania Nin; Edgardo Giordani. 2021. "Agronomic performance and food safety of strawberry cultivated on a remediated sediment." Science of The Total Environment 796, no. : 148803.

Journal article
Published: 22 March 2021 in Italian Journal of Agronomy
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The current agricultural system faces several challenges, the most important being the ability to feed the increasing world population and mitigate climate change. In this context, the improvement of fertilizers’ agronomic efficiency while reducing their cost and environmental impact is one of the biggest tasks. Available literature shows that many efforts have been made to develop innovative fertilizers defined as ‘smart fertilizers’, for which, different interpretations and definitions have been used. This paper aims to define, classify, and describe the new frontier of the so-called smart fertilizers with a particular focus on field-scale studies on herbaceous species. Most of the analysed papers associate the ‘smart’ concept to the controlled and/or slow release of nutrients, using both terms as synonymous. Some others broadened the concept, including the controlled release of nutrients to reduce the environmental impact. Based on our critical analysis of the available literature, we conclude that a fertilizer can be considered ‘smart’ when applied to the soil, it allows control over the rate, timing, and duration of nutrients release. Our new definition is: ‘Smart fertilizer is any single or composed (sub)nanomaterial, multi-component, and/or bioformulation containing one or more nutrients that, through physical, chemical, and/or biological processes, can adapt the timing of nutrient release to the plant nutrient demand, enhancing the agronomic yields and reducing the environmental impact at sustainable costs when compared to conventional fertilizers’. Highlights - A smart fertilizer allows to control the rate, timing and duration of nutrients release. - Nanofertilizers are powder or liquid formulations which involve the synthesis, design and use of materials at the nanoscale level. - Composite fertilizers are formulations containing nutrients mixed or coated with one or more materials that exploit synergy among materials. - Bioformulations are fertilizers containing active or dormant microorganisms capable to trigger physiological growth responses in plants. - Limited information is available for smart fertilizers on herbaceous crops in open field conditions.

ACS Style

Giorgia Raimondi; Carmelo Maucieri; Arianna Toffanin; Giancarlo Renella; Maurizio Borin. Smart fertilizers: What should we mean and where should we go? Italian Journal of Agronomy 2021, 16, 1 .

AMA Style

Giorgia Raimondi, Carmelo Maucieri, Arianna Toffanin, Giancarlo Renella, Maurizio Borin. Smart fertilizers: What should we mean and where should we go? Italian Journal of Agronomy. 2021; 16 (2):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giorgia Raimondi; Carmelo Maucieri; Arianna Toffanin; Giancarlo Renella; Maurizio Borin. 2021. "Smart fertilizers: What should we mean and where should we go?" Italian Journal of Agronomy 16, no. 2: 1.

Journal article
Published: 25 February 2021 in Agriculture
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Most urban greening interventions involve soil de-sealing and management to enhance fertility. Management typically requires translocating fertile topsoil to the site, which comes at great environmental costs. We hypothesized that de-sealed urban soils would undergo an increase of their fertility without exogenous topsoil application. We assessed experimental plots with de-sealed soil with topsoil, and de-sealed soil without topsoil. Both treatments were vegetated with two ornamental shrub species and irrigated. Soil fertility was analyzed by chemical (total and organic carbon) and biological indicators of soils (biological quality index and microbial activities). Since metal contamination is related to urban de-sealed soil, we also monitored the concentration of Zn, Cu and Pb in soil and detected it in plant leaves. The results demonstrate that de-sealed urban soils rapidly restore their biological quality and fertility. Restoration of de-sealing soils can contribute to the recent growing interest reclamation of urban soils for improving the urban environment quality through the restoration of soil functions and related ecosystem services. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that de-sealed soils can improve their functionality and can contribute to the recent growing interest in reclamation of urban soils for improving the urban environment quality.

ACS Style

Anita Maienza; Fabrizio Ungaro; Silvia Baronti; Ilaria Colzi; Laura Giagnoni; Cristina Gonnelli; Giancarlo Renella; Francesca Ugolini; Costanza Calzolari. Biological Restoration of Urban Soils after De-Sealing Interventions. Agriculture 2021, 11, 190 .

AMA Style

Anita Maienza, Fabrizio Ungaro, Silvia Baronti, Ilaria Colzi, Laura Giagnoni, Cristina Gonnelli, Giancarlo Renella, Francesca Ugolini, Costanza Calzolari. Biological Restoration of Urban Soils after De-Sealing Interventions. Agriculture. 2021; 11 (3):190.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Anita Maienza; Fabrizio Ungaro; Silvia Baronti; Ilaria Colzi; Laura Giagnoni; Cristina Gonnelli; Giancarlo Renella; Francesca Ugolini; Costanza Calzolari. 2021. "Biological Restoration of Urban Soils after De-Sealing Interventions." Agriculture 11, no. 3: 190.

Viewpoint
Published: 04 February 2021 in Sustainability
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Though suggested by international conventions for a long time, there are still several technical and legislative limitations to a complete reuse and recycling of dredged sediments. In particular, reuse of unpolluted sediments can be practiced, whereas sediment recycling is still affected by several downsides, and a significant proportion of the recycled fine sediments has no practical use and must be landfilled. However, the silty clayey fraction of the recycled sediments is rich in organic matter and macro- and micronutrients useful for plant growth. Nevertheless, sediment recycling in agriculture is not possible, even in non-food agricultural sectors, due to the lack of a permissive legislation and of consolidated supply chains. In addition to plant nutrients, the silty-clay sediment fraction may also accumulate organic and inorganic pollutants, and while the organic pollutants can be effectively biodegraded, metals and metalloids may concentrate at concentrations higher than the limits set by the environmental and agricultural legislations. In this paper, I briefly summarize the scientific evidence on the potential reuse and recycling of sediments in agriculture, and I discuss the main reasons for hindrance of sediment recycling in agriculture. I also present evidence from a real industrial biodegradation process that produces bioremediated fine sediment fractions with suitable properties as a mineral ingredient for plant-growing media. I propose that nutrient-rich recycled sediments could be reconsidered as a component material category in the new EU regulation on fertilizers.

ACS Style

Giancarlo Renella. Recycling and Reuse of Sediments in Agriculture: Where Is the Problem? Sustainability 2021, 13, 1648 .

AMA Style

Giancarlo Renella. Recycling and Reuse of Sediments in Agriculture: Where Is the Problem? Sustainability. 2021; 13 (4):1648.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giancarlo Renella. 2021. "Recycling and Reuse of Sediments in Agriculture: Where Is the Problem?" Sustainability 13, no. 4: 1648.

Journal article
Published: 02 December 2020 in Agriculture
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Recovery of soil fertility after de-sealing of urban soils is still poorly known. This work studied the time-related dynamics of soil physico-chemical and biochemical endpoints of urban soil in the city in Naples (Southern Italy), de-sealed for different time during construction works, that underwent colonization by volunteer plants. The results showed de-sealing decreased the soil bulk density and the soil pH value, increased the electrical conductivity (EC), total organic C (TOC) and extractable carbohydrates (TEC), total and inorganic N contents, soil basal respiration (SBR), soil microbial biomass C (MBC) and soil microbial biomass N (MBN), the substrate induced respiration (SIR) value, and enzyme activities involved in C, N, P and S mineralization. The TEC, total and inorganic N, SBR and microbial biochemical endpoints were higher in the de-sealed soils than those of an arable soil of the same area. The results show that de-sealed urban soils rapidly increase their physical, chemical and biological fertility even with no intervention, especially when they are colonized by volunteer plants.

ACS Style

Giancarlo Renella. Evolution of Physico-Chemical Properties, Microbial Biomass and Microbial Activity of an Urban Soil after De-Sealing. Agriculture 2020, 10, 596 .

AMA Style

Giancarlo Renella. Evolution of Physico-Chemical Properties, Microbial Biomass and Microbial Activity of an Urban Soil after De-Sealing. Agriculture. 2020; 10 (12):596.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Giancarlo Renella. 2020. "Evolution of Physico-Chemical Properties, Microbial Biomass and Microbial Activity of an Urban Soil after De-Sealing." Agriculture 10, no. 12: 596.

Chapter
Published: 24 November 2020 in Organic Waste Composting through Nexus Thinking
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Co-composting is a technique that allows the aerobic degradation of organic waste mixtures, primarily aiming at obtaining compost that can be used as fertiliser or soil amendment. As compared to the typical composting activity, the main difference is not merely the use of more than one feedstock to start and sustain the biodegradation process, but also the possibility of combining various kinds of waste to obtain ‘tailored’ products with designed properties, or to reclaim and valorise natural resources, such as degraded soils or polluted soils and sediments. Set up of appropriate co-composting protocols can be a way to optimise the management of waste produced by different sectors of agriculture and industry and also from human settlements. Different formulations can not only optimise the biodegradation process through the adjustment of nutrient ratios, but also lead to the formation of products with innovative properties. Moreover, co-composting can be a technique of choice for the reclamation of soils degraded by intensive agriculture or contaminated soils and sediments. In fact, an appropriate mix of organic waste and soils can restore the soil structure and induce fertility in nutrient-depleted soils, and also remediate polluted soils and sediments through degradation of organic pollutants and stabilisation of heavy metals. While the selection of different mixes of organic waste may lead to the design of composts with specific properties and the potential valorisation of selected waste materials, there are still several factors that hamper the development of co-composting platforms, mainly insufficient knowledge of some chemical and microbiological processes, but also some legislative aspects. This chapter illustrates the progress achieved in co-composting technology worldwide, some key legislative aspects related to the co-composting process, the main scientific and technical aspects that deserve research attention to further develop co-composting technology, and successful applications of co-composting for the reclamation of soils and sediments, allowing their use for cultivation or as growing media in plant nurseries. A specific case study of the production of fertile plant-growing media from sediment co-composting with green waste is also illustrated.

ACS Style

Laura Giagnoni; Tania Martellini; Roberto Scodellini; Alessandra Cincinelli; Giancarlo Renella. Co-composting: An Opportunity to Produce Compost with Designated Tailor-Made Properties. Organic Waste Composting through Nexus Thinking 2020, 185 -211.

AMA Style

Laura Giagnoni, Tania Martellini, Roberto Scodellini, Alessandra Cincinelli, Giancarlo Renella. Co-composting: An Opportunity to Produce Compost with Designated Tailor-Made Properties. Organic Waste Composting through Nexus Thinking. 2020; ():185-211.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Giagnoni; Tania Martellini; Roberto Scodellini; Alessandra Cincinelli; Giancarlo Renella. 2020. "Co-composting: An Opportunity to Produce Compost with Designated Tailor-Made Properties." Organic Waste Composting through Nexus Thinking , no. : 185-211.

Original research article
Published: 07 August 2020 in Frontiers in Microbiology
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Short rotation coppice (SRC) with metal tolerant plants may attenuate the pollution of excessive elements with potential toxicity in soils, while preserving soil resources and functionality. Here, we investigated effects of 6 years phytomanagement with willow SRC on properties including heavy metal levels, toxicity tested by BioTox, microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and functional gene abundances measured by GeoChip of soils contaminated by As, Cd, Pb and Zn, as compared to the same soils under non-managed mixed grassland representing no intervention treatment (Unt). Though metal total concentrations did not differ by SRC and Unt, SRC soils had lower metal availability and toxicity, higher organic carbon, microbial biomass, phosphatase, urease and protease activities, as compared to Unt soils. Significantly reduced abundances of genes encoding resistances to various metals and antibiotics were observed in SRC, likely attributed to reduced metal selective pressure based on less heavy metal availability and soil toxicity. SRC also significantly reduced abundances of genes involved in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur cycles, possibly due to the willow induced selection. Overall, while the SRC phytomanagement did not reduce the total heavy metal concentrations in soils, it decreased the heavy metal availability and soil toxicity, which in turn led to less metal selective pressure on microbial communities. The SRC phytomanagement also reduced the abundances of nutrient cycling genes from microbial communities, possibly due to intense plant nutrient uptake that depleted soil nitrogen and phosphorus availability, and thus site-specific practices should be considered to improve the soil nutrient supply for phytomanagement plants.

ACS Style

Kai Xue; Joy D. Van Nostrand; Jizhong Zhou; Silke Neu; Ingo Müller; Laura Giagnoni; Giancarlo Renella. Phytomanagement Reduces Metal Availability and Microbial Metal Resistance in a Metal Contaminated Soil. Frontiers in Microbiology 2020, 11, 1899 .

AMA Style

Kai Xue, Joy D. Van Nostrand, Jizhong Zhou, Silke Neu, Ingo Müller, Laura Giagnoni, Giancarlo Renella. Phytomanagement Reduces Metal Availability and Microbial Metal Resistance in a Metal Contaminated Soil. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2020; 11 ():1899.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kai Xue; Joy D. Van Nostrand; Jizhong Zhou; Silke Neu; Ingo Müller; Laura Giagnoni; Giancarlo Renella. 2020. "Phytomanagement Reduces Metal Availability and Microbial Metal Resistance in a Metal Contaminated Soil." Frontiers in Microbiology 11, no. : 1899.

Journal article
Published: 18 May 2020 in Agronomy
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The chemical properties, ecotoxicity, and microbiome of leachates from phytomanaged Cu-contaminated soils were analyzed. The phytomanagement was carried out using Cu-tolerant poplar Populus trichocarpa × deltoides cv. Beaupré and black bent Agrostis gigantea L., aided by soil amendments, i.e., dolomitic limestone (DL) and compost (OM), alone and in combination (OMDL). Plants plus either DL or OMDL amendments reduced in leachates the electrical conductivity, the Cu concentration, and the concentration of total organic C except for the OMDL treatment, and decreased leachate toxicity towards bacteria. Total N concentration increased in the OM leachates. The aided phytostabilization increased the culturable bacteria numbers and the proportion of Cu-resistant bacteria in the leachates, as compared to the leachate from the untreated soil. Phytomanagement also enriched the microbial communities of the leachates with plant beneficial bacteria. Overall, the Cu stabilization and phytomanagement induced positive changes in the microbial communities of the soil leachates.

ACS Style

Laura Giagnoni; Luiz Gustavo Dos Anjos Borges; Adriana Giongo; Andressa De Oliveira Silveira; Alexandria N. Ardissone; Eric W. Triplett; Michel Mench; Giancarlo Renella. Dolomite and Compost Amendments Enhance Cu Phytostabilization and Increase Microbiota of the Leachates from a Cu-Contaminated Soil. Agronomy 2020, 10, 719 .

AMA Style

Laura Giagnoni, Luiz Gustavo Dos Anjos Borges, Adriana Giongo, Andressa De Oliveira Silveira, Alexandria N. Ardissone, Eric W. Triplett, Michel Mench, Giancarlo Renella. Dolomite and Compost Amendments Enhance Cu Phytostabilization and Increase Microbiota of the Leachates from a Cu-Contaminated Soil. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (5):719.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Giagnoni; Luiz Gustavo Dos Anjos Borges; Adriana Giongo; Andressa De Oliveira Silveira; Alexandria N. Ardissone; Eric W. Triplett; Michel Mench; Giancarlo Renella. 2020. "Dolomite and Compost Amendments Enhance Cu Phytostabilization and Increase Microbiota of the Leachates from a Cu-Contaminated Soil." Agronomy 10, no. 5: 719.

Journal article
Published: 05 November 2019 in Journal of Hazardous Materials
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Woodlice and the earthworm alone or in combination were used to improve physical properties, nutrient release, and heavy metals stabilization during composting of sewage sludge. Chemical properties of raw sludge (IS) were compared to those of composted sludge (CS), sludge + earthworms (VS), sludge + woodlice (WS), and sludge + earthworms + woodlice (VWS) after 50 and 100 days of composting. Physical properties and heavy metals accumulation by the studied fauna was determined after 100 days of composting. Highest proportions of fine particles, porosity and water holding capacity were in the VWS treatment, electrical conductivity, ash content, inorganic N and the total concentrations of P, K, Ca and Mg increased, whereas the pH value, the organic C, C:N ratio and humic acids content decreased in following order: VWS > VC > WS > CS > IS. Total concentrations of Pb, Cd and Ni in composted sludge were lower whereas concentrations of Zn, Cu and Mn were higher than in raw sludge, and woodlice showed higher bioconcentration factor (BCFs) than earthworm for all heavy metals in all treatments. We concluded that woodlice and earthworms synergistically improved the physicochemical properties of the compost and enhanced its potential use as amendment in agricultural soils.

ACS Style

Nesa Ahadi; Zahed Sharifi; Sayd M.T. Hossaini; Amin Rostami; Giancarlo Renella. Remediation of heavy metals and enhancement of fertilizing potential of a sewage sludge by the synergistic interaction of woodlice and earthworms. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2019, 385, 121573 .

AMA Style

Nesa Ahadi, Zahed Sharifi, Sayd M.T. Hossaini, Amin Rostami, Giancarlo Renella. Remediation of heavy metals and enhancement of fertilizing potential of a sewage sludge by the synergistic interaction of woodlice and earthworms. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2019; 385 ():121573.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Nesa Ahadi; Zahed Sharifi; Sayd M.T. Hossaini; Amin Rostami; Giancarlo Renella. 2019. "Remediation of heavy metals and enhancement of fertilizing potential of a sewage sludge by the synergistic interaction of woodlice and earthworms." Journal of Hazardous Materials 385, no. : 121573.

Journal article
Published: 16 March 2019 in Geoderma
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The agronomic management of vineyards, aimed at the maximization of grape yields, is intensive and includes repeated tillage, crop residues removal, strict weed and pest control treatments. In viticulture, healthy soils and a suitable climate are the key factors that influence the quality of the produced wine. Even under intensive agronomic practices, typical of conventional viticulture, the choice of appropriate soil management strategies can preserve soil quality in the long term. The use of biochar as soil amendment has been suggested as a potential practice that allows restoration of the functionality of degraded soils in terms of water retention, chemical and biological fertility. In this paper we report the results of a long field trial on biochar amendment of a vineyard, assessing the impact on soil functionality, VOC emission and fertility. Our results show that biochar effects on soil functions and fertility are maintained in the long term (seven years) after a one-time application.

ACS Style

Laura Giagnoni; Anita Maienza; Silvia Baronti; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Genesio; Cosimo Taiti; Tania Martellini; Roberto Scodellini; Alessandra Cincinelli; Corrado Costa; Stefano Mancuso; Giancarlo Renella. Long-term soil biological fertility, volatile organic compounds and chemical properties in a vineyard soil after biochar amendment. Geoderma 2019, 344, 127 -136.

AMA Style

Laura Giagnoni, Anita Maienza, Silvia Baronti, Francesco Primo Vaccari, Lorenzo Genesio, Cosimo Taiti, Tania Martellini, Roberto Scodellini, Alessandra Cincinelli, Corrado Costa, Stefano Mancuso, Giancarlo Renella. Long-term soil biological fertility, volatile organic compounds and chemical properties in a vineyard soil after biochar amendment. Geoderma. 2019; 344 ():127-136.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Giagnoni; Anita Maienza; Silvia Baronti; Francesco Primo Vaccari; Lorenzo Genesio; Cosimo Taiti; Tania Martellini; Roberto Scodellini; Alessandra Cincinelli; Corrado Costa; Stefano Mancuso; Giancarlo Renella. 2019. "Long-term soil biological fertility, volatile organic compounds and chemical properties in a vineyard soil after biochar amendment." Geoderma 344, no. : 127-136.

Journal article
Published: 01 November 2018 in Environmental Pollution
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Trace elements (TEs) availability, biochemical activity and functional gene diversity was studied in a Cu-contaminated soil, revegetated for six years with a mixed stand of willow, black poplar, and false indigo-bush, and amended or not with compost plus dolomitic limestone (OMDL). The OMDL amendment significantly reduced Cu and As availability and soil toxicity, and increased the biochemical activity and microbial functional diversity assessed with the GEOCHIP technique, as compared to the unamended soil (Unt). The OMDL soil showed significantly higher abundance of 25 functional genes involved in decomposition organic compounds, and 11, 3 and 11 functional genes involved in the N, P and S biogeochemical cycles. Functional gene abundance was positively correlated with nutrient contents but negatively correlated with Cu availability and soil toxicity. The abundance of microbial functional genes encoding for resistance to various TEs also increased, possibly due to the microbial proliferation and lower Cu exposure in the presence of high total soil Cu concentration. Genes encoding for antibiotic resistance due to the co-occurrence of TEs and antibiotic resistant genes on genetic mobile elements. Overall, phytomanagement confirmed its potential to restore the biological fertility and diversity of a severely Cu-contaminated soil, but the increase of TEs and antibiotic resistant gene abundances deserve attention in future studies.

ACS Style

Kai Xue; Jizhong Zhou; Joy Van Nostrand; Michel Mench; Clemence Bes; Laura Giagnoni; Giancarlo Renella. Functional activity and functional gene diversity of a Cu-contaminated soil remediated by aided phytostabilization using compost, dolomitic limestone and a mixed tree stand. Environmental Pollution 2018, 242, 229 -238.

AMA Style

Kai Xue, Jizhong Zhou, Joy Van Nostrand, Michel Mench, Clemence Bes, Laura Giagnoni, Giancarlo Renella. Functional activity and functional gene diversity of a Cu-contaminated soil remediated by aided phytostabilization using compost, dolomitic limestone and a mixed tree stand. Environmental Pollution. 2018; 242 ():229-238.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kai Xue; Jizhong Zhou; Joy Van Nostrand; Michel Mench; Clemence Bes; Laura Giagnoni; Giancarlo Renella. 2018. "Functional activity and functional gene diversity of a Cu-contaminated soil remediated by aided phytostabilization using compost, dolomitic limestone and a mixed tree stand." Environmental Pollution 242, no. : 229-238.

Regular article
Published: 25 October 2018 in Plant and Soil
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Study of the microbial expression profile in the rhizosphere of two contrasting maize lines, differing in the Nitrogen Use efficiency (NUE). The Lo5 and T250 inbred maize characterized by high and low NUE, respectively, were grown in rhizoboxes allowing precise sampling of rhizosphere and bulk soils. We conducted metatranscriptomic of rhizosphere and bulk soil by m-RNA sequencing. High activity of bacteria was observed compared to archaea and fungi in both rhizosphere and bulk soils of both maize lines. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were involved in all processes, while significant shifts occurred in the expression of Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Acidobacteria, Cyanobacteria, archaea and fungi, indicating their possible role in specific processes occurring in rhizosphere of two maize lines. Maize plants with different NUE induced changes in microbial processes, especially in N cycling, with high NUE maize favouring ammonification and nitrification processes and low NUE maize inducing expression of genes encoding for denitrifying process, likely favoured by longer N residence time in the rhizosphere. Overall our results showed that maize lines with different NUE shaped not only microbial communities but also conditioned the microbial functions and the N cycle in their rhizosphere. While the plant NUE is genetically determined and an inherent plant physiological trait, it also stimulates changes in the microbial community composition and gene expression in the rhizosphere, favouring microbial processes that mineralize and oxidize N in the high NUE maize. These results can improve our understanding on plant-microbe interaction in the rhizosphere of crop plants with potential applications for improving the management practices of the agro-ecosystems.

ACS Style

Shamina Imran Pathan; Tomáš Větrovský; Laura Giagnoni; Rahul Datta; Petr Baldrian; Paolo Nannipieri; Giancarlo Renella. Microbial expression profiles in the rhizosphere of two maize lines differing in N use efficiency. Plant and Soil 2018, 433, 401 -413.

AMA Style

Shamina Imran Pathan, Tomáš Větrovský, Laura Giagnoni, Rahul Datta, Petr Baldrian, Paolo Nannipieri, Giancarlo Renella. Microbial expression profiles in the rhizosphere of two maize lines differing in N use efficiency. Plant and Soil. 2018; 433 (1-2):401-413.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Shamina Imran Pathan; Tomáš Větrovský; Laura Giagnoni; Rahul Datta; Petr Baldrian; Paolo Nannipieri; Giancarlo Renella. 2018. "Microbial expression profiles in the rhizosphere of two maize lines differing in N use efficiency." Plant and Soil 433, no. 1-2: 401-413.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2018 in Journal of Geochemical Exploration
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the kinetic release (0.5–88 h extraction) and fractionation of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in a soil amended with sewage sludge (SS) from Arak (SA), Rasht (SR) and Shiraz (SSh), in presence of zeolite and bentonite modified clays (MCs) and ZnO and MgO nanoparticles (NPs). The initial release of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) occurred rapidly during 1 to 4 h followed by a slower rate. The amount of Cd released in the soil + SA, soil + SR and soil + SSh was 2.44, 2.61 and 2.53 mg kg−1, respectively while when the adsorbents were added to this mixtures it was in the range of 1.33–2.07, 1.52–2.49 and 1.5–2.08 mg kg−1, respectively. The amount of Cu released decreased from 5.07, 6.06 and 5.11 mg kg−1 in the soil + SA, soil + SR and soil + SSh to the ranges of 2.72–2.07, 3.51–5.06, 2.68–3.24 mg kg−1 in presence of adsorbents. Also, the release of Ni and Zn was significantly affected by the presence of MCs and NPs. The release kinetics of Cd, Cu and Ni were described well by pseudo-second-order equation. Also, the exchangeable fraction of the PTEs in the SS-amended soil was reduced in presence of NPs and MCs as the MgO NP had the greatest effect. According to the results, using all the MCs and NPs for keeping the mobility of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn low in soil amended with SS is suggested.

ACS Style

Morteza Feizi; Mohsen Jalali; Giancarlo Renella. Effects of nanoparticles and modified clays on Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn release from sewage sludge-amended soil assessed through a kinetic study. Journal of Geochemical Exploration 2018, 192, 60 -71.

AMA Style

Morteza Feizi, Mohsen Jalali, Giancarlo Renella. Effects of nanoparticles and modified clays on Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn release from sewage sludge-amended soil assessed through a kinetic study. Journal of Geochemical Exploration. 2018; 192 ():60-71.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Morteza Feizi; Mohsen Jalali; Giancarlo Renella. 2018. "Effects of nanoparticles and modified clays on Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn release from sewage sludge-amended soil assessed through a kinetic study." Journal of Geochemical Exploration 192, no. : 60-71.

Journal article
Published: 07 July 2018 in Geoderma
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Addition of organic amendments is a common practice to restore fertility and to increase productivity of degraded soils. Long-term effects of this practice on Mediterranean soils are controversial, with previous works showing contrasting results about the durability of the organic material added and its effects on the structure of microbial communities. This article presents results from a long-term soil remediation experiment, where a range of soil chemical and biochemical indicators, as well as indices of microbial diversity and community structure, were analysed 13 years after the first application of two organic amendments (leonardite and biosolid compost) at different doses, in an area contaminated by trace elements. In general, differences in chemical and biochemical properties and trace element availability between control and treated soils were still very evident, mainly in those soils treated with the highest amendment dose. The structure and composition of the soil microbial community was significantly affected by the type of management. The addition of both amendments favoured the increase of the fungal/bacterial ratio in the soil community, although a correlation with the C/N ratio of amendments was not found. The abiotic factors that acted as main drivers of the belowground communities differed between bacteria (more sensitive to Zn and Cd contamination) and fungi (soil pH and nitrogen content). Organic amendments had a direct positive effect on these abiotic factors, especially on the soil pH, a key factor in achieving long-term remediation. The results revealed that the effect of both amendments on the soil is maintained years after their application, although it is necessary to repeat their application to maintain soil pH within appropriate ranges and achieve a long-lasting recovery of soil functions.

ACS Style

María M. Montiel-Rozas; Maria T. Dominguez; Engracia Madejón; Paula Madejón; Roberta Pastorelli; Giancarlo Renella. Long-term effects of organic amendments on bacterial and fungal communities in a degraded Mediterranean soil. Geoderma 2018, 332, 20 -28.

AMA Style

María M. Montiel-Rozas, Maria T. Dominguez, Engracia Madejón, Paula Madejón, Roberta Pastorelli, Giancarlo Renella. Long-term effects of organic amendments on bacterial and fungal communities in a degraded Mediterranean soil. Geoderma. 2018; 332 ():20-28.

Chicago/Turabian Style

María M. Montiel-Rozas; Maria T. Dominguez; Engracia Madejón; Paula Madejón; Roberta Pastorelli; Giancarlo Renella. 2018. "Long-term effects of organic amendments on bacterial and fungal communities in a degraded Mediterranean soil." Geoderma 332, no. : 20-28.

Journal article
Published: 01 June 2018 in Chemosphere
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Sediments dredged by an industrial port, slightly contaminated by heavy metals and petroleoum hydrocarbons, were phytoremediated and used as peat-free growing media for the red robin photinia (Photinia x fraseri L.). Plants were grown on sediment only (S), sediment mixed with composted pruning residues (S+PR), sediment fertilized with controlled release fertilizers (S+F) and peat-based growing media as control (C). Plant elongation and dry weight, leaf contents of chlorophyll, malondialdehyde (MDA), macronutrients and heavy metals were determined at the end of one growing season. Environmental impact related to the use of sediment-based as compared to peat-based growing media was assessed by the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). Sediment-based growing media presented significantly higher bulk density, pH and electrical conductivity values, lower C and N contents, and significantly higher total and available P. Red robin photinia grown on S+F growing media showed morphological and chemical parameters similar to those of control plants (C), whereas plants grown on S and S+PR showed lower growth. Leaf concentration of nutrients and heavy metals varied depending on the considered element and growing media, but were all within the common values for ornamental plants, whereas the highest MDA concentrations were found in plants grown on traditional growing media. The LCA indicated the use of sediments as growing media reduced the C footprint of ornamental plant production and the contribute of growing media to the environmental impact per produced plant. We concluded that sediments phytoremediation and use in plant nursery is a practical alternative re-use option for dredged sediments.

ACS Style

Paola Mattei; Alessandro Gnesini; Cristina Gonnelli; Chiara Marraccini; Grazia Masciandaro; Cristina Macci; Serena Doni; Renato Iannelli; Stefano Lucchetti; Francesco P. Nicese; Giancarlo Renella. Phytoremediated marine sediments as suitable peat-free growing media for production of red robin photinia (Photinia x fraseri). Chemosphere 2018, 201, 595 -602.

AMA Style

Paola Mattei, Alessandro Gnesini, Cristina Gonnelli, Chiara Marraccini, Grazia Masciandaro, Cristina Macci, Serena Doni, Renato Iannelli, Stefano Lucchetti, Francesco P. Nicese, Giancarlo Renella. Phytoremediated marine sediments as suitable peat-free growing media for production of red robin photinia (Photinia x fraseri). Chemosphere. 2018; 201 ():595-602.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paola Mattei; Alessandro Gnesini; Cristina Gonnelli; Chiara Marraccini; Grazia Masciandaro; Cristina Macci; Serena Doni; Renato Iannelli; Stefano Lucchetti; Francesco P. Nicese; Giancarlo Renella. 2018. "Phytoremediated marine sediments as suitable peat-free growing media for production of red robin photinia (Photinia x fraseri)." Chemosphere 201, no. : 595-602.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2018 in Soil Biology and Biochemistry
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Gram-negative bacteria in soil rapidly adapt to various stresses, including nutrient limitation and desiccation, by adopting the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state as a survival strategy. Due to the physico-chemical and microbiological complexity of soils, little is understood on the effects of nutrient availability and moisture level on the transition from the VBNC state to culturability in soil. We evaluated the effects of gluconate or water on the transition of the soil borne bacterium C. metallidurans strain CH34 from the VBNC state to culturability by experiments of inoculation into artificial soils and bacterial metaproteomic analysis. Incubation without water or nutrients reduced the bacterial culturability to zero in 12 d, and addition of both water or gluconate restored the bacterial culturability to high levels within 24 h. The proteomic analysis showed that under water and nutrient limitation, proteins related to the cell shape and protein synthesis were rapidly down-regulated and stress-related proteins were quickly up-regulated during the transition from culturability to VBNC state. Reversion from the VBNC state to a culturable state with water or gluconate led to highly different bacterial proteomic profiles of C. metallidurans. Gluconate availability restored main protein biosynthesis and energy metabolic pathways, whereas water addition led to up-regulation of only six proteins, one of which degrade sigma factors involved in expression of genes controlling bacterial resistance under nutrient limitation. Proteins regulated during the transition between culturable and VBNC states could also be involved in the phenotypic VBNC for other soil bacteria, and can highlight some of the microbial genetic mechanisms allowing the entering and exiting from the VBNC state. Implications of the VBNC in microbial diversity and soil functionality are discussed.

ACS Style

Laura Giagnoni; Mariarita Arenella; Erica Galardi; Paolo Nannipieri; Giancarlo Renella. Bacterial culturability and the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state studied by a proteomic approach using an artificial soil. Soil Biology and Biochemistry 2018, 118, 51 -58.

AMA Style

Laura Giagnoni, Mariarita Arenella, Erica Galardi, Paolo Nannipieri, Giancarlo Renella. Bacterial culturability and the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state studied by a proteomic approach using an artificial soil. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 2018; 118 ():51-58.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Laura Giagnoni; Mariarita Arenella; Erica Galardi; Paolo Nannipieri; Giancarlo Renella. 2018. "Bacterial culturability and the viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state studied by a proteomic approach using an artificial soil." Soil Biology and Biochemistry 118, no. : 51-58.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2018 in Journal of Hazardous Materials
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We comparatively assessed the effect of modified clays (MCs) (zeolite and bentonite) and nanoparticles (NPs) (ZnO and MgO) on the distribution of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) fractions in a light-textured soil amended with five sewage sludges (SSs) differed in chemical properties during a 92-day incubation experiment in the laboratory. Results indicated that presence of adsorbents and incubation time were critical parameters in stabilizing metals in SS-amended soil. The adsorbents that significantly decreased the easily soluble and exchangeable of metals in SS-amended soil (rate 2%) were bentonite, ZnO and MgO for Cd and Cu, ZnO and MgO for Ni, and bentonite and MgO for Zn. The calculated mobility factor of the metals at five incubation times (5, 15, 29, 57 and 92days) was found in the range of 34.7-51.8 for Cd, 16.7-20.0 for Cu, 15.0-27.7 for Ni, and 35.3-40.7 for Zn indicating a higher mobility of Cd. The addition of MCs and NPs decreased the available fraction of metals, and among them, we suggest bentonite and MgO as novel, promising and feasible adsorbents with the unique characteristics in ameliorating the toxic effects of metals by converting their form from labile to non-labile phases in the SS-amended soil.

ACS Style

Morteza Feizi; Mohsen Jalali; Giancarlo Renella. Nanoparticles and modified clays influenced distribution of heavy metals fractions in a light-textured soil amended with sewage sludges. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2018, 343, 208 -219.

AMA Style

Morteza Feizi, Mohsen Jalali, Giancarlo Renella. Nanoparticles and modified clays influenced distribution of heavy metals fractions in a light-textured soil amended with sewage sludges. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2018; 343 ():208-219.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Morteza Feizi; Mohsen Jalali; Giancarlo Renella. 2018. "Nanoparticles and modified clays influenced distribution of heavy metals fractions in a light-textured soil amended with sewage sludges." Journal of Hazardous Materials 343, no. : 208-219.

Journal article
Published: 01 December 2017 in Environmental Pollution
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Gentle remediation options (GRO) are based on the combined use of plants, associated microorganisms and soil amendments, which can potentially restore soil functions and quality. We studied the effects of three GRO (aided-phytostabilisation, in situ stabilisation and phytoexclusion, and aided-phytoextraction) on the soil microbial biomass and respiration, the activities of hydrolase enzymes involved in the biogeochemical cycles of C, N, P, and S, and bacterial community structure of trace element contaminated soils (TECS) from six field trials across Europe. Community structure was studied using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting of Bacteria, α- and β-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Streptomycetaceae, and sequencing of DGGE bands characteristic of specific treatments. The number of copies of genes involved in ammonia oxidation and denitrification were determined by qPCR. Phytomanagement increased soil microbial biomass at three sites and respiration at the Biogeco site (France). Enzyme activities were consistently higher in treated soils compared to untreated soils at the Biogeco site. At this site, microbial biomass increased from 696 to 2352 mg ATP kg soil, respiration increased from 7.4 to 40.1 mg C-CO kg soil d, and enzyme activities were 2-11-fold higher in treated soils compared to untreated soil. Phytomanagement induced shifts in the bacterial community structure at both, the total community and functional group levels, and generally increased the number of copies of genes involved in the N cycle (nirK, nirS, nosZ, and amoA). The influence of the main soil physico-chemical properties and trace element availability were assessed and eventual site-specific effects elucidated. Overall, our results demonstrate that phytomanagement of TECS influences soil biological activity in the long term.

ACS Style

M. Touceda-González; Á. Prieto-Fernández; G. Renella; Laura Giagnoni; A. Sessitsch; G. Brader; J. Kumpiene; Ioannis Dimitriou; J. Eriksson; W. Friesl-Hanl; R. Galazka; J. Janssen; M. Mench; I. Müller; S. Neu; Markus Puschenreiter; Grzegorz Siebielec; Jaco Vangronsveld; P.S. Kidd. Microbial community structure and activity in trace element-contaminated soils phytomanaged by Gentle Remediation Options (GRO). Environmental Pollution 2017, 231, 237 -251.

AMA Style

M. Touceda-González, Á. Prieto-Fernández, G. Renella, Laura Giagnoni, A. Sessitsch, G. Brader, J. Kumpiene, Ioannis Dimitriou, J. Eriksson, W. Friesl-Hanl, R. Galazka, J. Janssen, M. Mench, I. Müller, S. Neu, Markus Puschenreiter, Grzegorz Siebielec, Jaco Vangronsveld, P.S. Kidd. Microbial community structure and activity in trace element-contaminated soils phytomanaged by Gentle Remediation Options (GRO). Environmental Pollution. 2017; 231 ():237-251.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M. Touceda-González; Á. Prieto-Fernández; G. Renella; Laura Giagnoni; A. Sessitsch; G. Brader; J. Kumpiene; Ioannis Dimitriou; J. Eriksson; W. Friesl-Hanl; R. Galazka; J. Janssen; M. Mench; I. Müller; S. Neu; Markus Puschenreiter; Grzegorz Siebielec; Jaco Vangronsveld; P.S. Kidd. 2017. "Microbial community structure and activity in trace element-contaminated soils phytomanaged by Gentle Remediation Options (GRO)." Environmental Pollution 231, no. : 237-251.

Evaluation study
Published: 01 July 2017 in Journal of Hazardous Materials
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Dredged sediments have currently no broad reuse options as compared to other wastes due to their peculiar physico-chemical properties, posing problems for the management of the large volumes of sediments dredged worldwide. In this study we evaluated the performance of sediment (S) co-composted with green waste (GW) as growing medium for ornamental plants. Analysis of the microbial community structure, eco-toxicological tests, were conducted on sediments at 1:1 and 3:1S:GW composting ratios. Sediment-based growing media were then reused to growth the ornamental plant Photina x fraseri in a pilot-scale experiment and plants' physiological and chemical parameters were measured. The results showed that co-composting with green waste increased the diversity of bacteria, fungi and archaea as compared to the untreated sediments, and that both the 1:1 and 3:1 S:GW composted sediments had no substantial eco-toxicological impacts, allowing an excellent plant growth. We concluded that co-composted of sediment with green waste produce a growing medium with suitable properties for growing ornamental plants, and represent a sustainable option for beneficial use of dredged sediments.

ACS Style

Paola Mattei; Roberta Pastorelli; Gabriele Rami; Stefano Mocali; Laura Giagnoni; Cristina Gonnelli; Giancarlo Renella. Evaluation of dredged sediment co-composted with green waste as plant growing media assessed by eco-toxicological tests, plant growth and microbial community structure. Journal of Hazardous Materials 2017, 333, 144 -153.

AMA Style

Paola Mattei, Roberta Pastorelli, Gabriele Rami, Stefano Mocali, Laura Giagnoni, Cristina Gonnelli, Giancarlo Renella. Evaluation of dredged sediment co-composted with green waste as plant growing media assessed by eco-toxicological tests, plant growth and microbial community structure. Journal of Hazardous Materials. 2017; 333 ():144-153.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Paola Mattei; Roberta Pastorelli; Gabriele Rami; Stefano Mocali; Laura Giagnoni; Cristina Gonnelli; Giancarlo Renella. 2017. "Evaluation of dredged sediment co-composted with green waste as plant growing media assessed by eco-toxicological tests, plant growth and microbial community structure." Journal of Hazardous Materials 333, no. : 144-153.

Review
Published: 01 June 2017 in Pedosphere
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Trace element-contaminated soils (TECSs) are one of the consequences of the past industrial development worldwide. Excessive exposure to trace elements (TEs) represents a permanent threat to ecosystems and humans worldwide owing to the capacity of metal(loid)s to cross the cell membranes of living organisms and of human epithelia, and their interference with cell metabolism. Quantification of TE bioavailability in soils is complicated due to the polyphasic and reactive nature of soil constituents. To unravel critical factors controlling soil TE bioavailability and to quantify the ecological toxicity of TECSs, TEs are pivotal for evaluating excessive exposure or deficiencies and controlling the ecological risks. While current knowledge on TE bioavailability and related cumulative consequences is growing, the lack of an integrated use of this concept still hinders its utilization for a more holistic view of ecosystem vulnerability and risks for human health. Bioavailability is not generally included in models for decision making in the appraisal of TECS remediation options. In this review we describe the methods for determining the TE bioavailability and technological developments, gaps in current knowledge, and research needed to better understand how TE bioavailability can be controlled by sustainable TECS management altering key chemical properties, which would allow policy decisions for environmental protection and risk management

ACS Style

Jurate Kumpiene; Laura Giagnoni; Bernd Marschner; Sébastien Denys; Michel Mench; Kristin Adriaensen; Jaco Vangronsveld; Markus Puschenreiter; Giancarlo Renella. Assessment of Methods for Determining Bioavailability of Trace Elements in Soils: A Review. Pedosphere 2017, 27, 389 -406.

AMA Style

Jurate Kumpiene, Laura Giagnoni, Bernd Marschner, Sébastien Denys, Michel Mench, Kristin Adriaensen, Jaco Vangronsveld, Markus Puschenreiter, Giancarlo Renella. Assessment of Methods for Determining Bioavailability of Trace Elements in Soils: A Review. Pedosphere. 2017; 27 (3):389-406.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jurate Kumpiene; Laura Giagnoni; Bernd Marschner; Sébastien Denys; Michel Mench; Kristin Adriaensen; Jaco Vangronsveld; Markus Puschenreiter; Giancarlo Renella. 2017. "Assessment of Methods for Determining Bioavailability of Trace Elements in Soils: A Review." Pedosphere 27, no. 3: 389-406.