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The PARSIFAL project (Prandtlplane ARchitecture for the Sustainable Improvement of Future AirpLanes) aims to promote an innovative box-wing aircraft: the PrandtlPlane. Aircraft developed adopting this configuration are expected to achieve a payload capability higher than common single aisle analogues (e.g., Airbus 320 and Boeing 737 families), without any increase in the overall dimensions. We estimated the exhaust emissions from the PrandtlPlane and compared the corresponding impacts to those of a conventional reference aircraft, in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Global Temperature Potential (GTP), on two time-horizons and accounted for regional sensitivity. We considered carbon dioxide, carbonaceous and sulphate aerosols, nitrogen oxides and related ozone production, methane degradation and nitrate aerosols formation, contrails, and contrail cirrus. Overall, the introduction of the PrandtlPlane is expected to bring a considerable reduction of climate change in all the source regions considered, on both the time-horizons examined. Moreover, fuel consumption is expected to be reduced by 20%, as confirmed through high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Sensitivity of data, models, and metrics are detailed. Impact reduction and mitigation strategies are discussed, as well as the gaps to be addressed in order to develop a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment on aircraft emissions.
Andrea Tasca; Vittorio Cipolla; Karim Abu Salem; Monica Puccini. Innovative Box-Wing Aircraft: Emissions and Climate Change. Sustainability 2021, 13, 3282 .
AMA StyleAndrea Tasca, Vittorio Cipolla, Karim Abu Salem, Monica Puccini. Innovative Box-Wing Aircraft: Emissions and Climate Change. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (6):3282.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Tasca; Vittorio Cipolla; Karim Abu Salem; Monica Puccini. 2021. "Innovative Box-Wing Aircraft: Emissions and Climate Change." Sustainability 13, no. 6: 3282.
Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphorus insecticide, acaricide and miticide used worldwide for the control of soil-borne insect pests. It must be considered as a substance of growing concern, given its use, toxicity, environmental occurrence, and potential for regional to long-range atmospheric transport. Considering the incomplete removal attained by conventional water treatment processes, we investigated the efficiency of electrolytic radicals production and sonoelectrolysis on the degradation of the pesticide. The treatment has been conducted in a novel electrochemical reactor, equipped with a boron-doped diamond anode and a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE). Different current intensity and times have been tested and coupled with sonication at 40 kHz. Up to 69% of chlorpyrifos was completely removed in 10 min by electrolysis operated at 0.1 mA, while 12.5% and 5.4% was converted into the treatment intermediates 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) and diethyl (3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2-yl) phosphate, respectively. Ultrasound irradiation did not enhance the removal efficiency, likely due to mass transport limitations, while the energy consumption increased from 8.68∙10− 6 to 9.34∙10− 4 kWh µg− 1 removed. Further research is encouraged, given the promising processing by the SPE technology of low conductivity solutions, as pharmaceuticals streams, as well as the potential for water and in-situ groundwater remediation from different emerging pollutants as phytosanitary and personal care products.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Davide Clematis; Marco Panizza; Sandra Vitolo; Monica Puccini. Chlorpyrifos removal: Nb/boron-doped diamond anode coupled with solid polymer electrolyte and ultrasound irradiation. Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering 2020, 18, 1391 -1399.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Davide Clematis, Marco Panizza, Sandra Vitolo, Monica Puccini. Chlorpyrifos removal: Nb/boron-doped diamond anode coupled with solid polymer electrolyte and ultrasound irradiation. Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering. 2020; 18 (2):1391-1399.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Davide Clematis; Marco Panizza; Sandra Vitolo; Monica Puccini. 2020. "Chlorpyrifos removal: Nb/boron-doped diamond anode coupled with solid polymer electrolyte and ultrasound irradiation." Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering 18, no. 2: 1391-1399.
Hydrothermal carbonization offers the opportunity to reduce the issues related to the management of sewage sludge, enhancing dewaterability and avoiding thermal treatment prior landfill disposal or incineration, as water acts as a subcritical medium which catalyzes the process. The hydrochar obtained can find sustainable application as fuel, sorbent and soil amendment. Here, the effects of activation temperature (550–750 °C), time (1–4 h) and impregnation ratio potassium hydroxide: hydrochar (1–3), as well as their interactions, were investigated by Response Surface Methodology. The carbonaceous sorbent was then applied for the removal of terbuthylazine from aqueous solutions. Solid yields up to 32.31% were obtained, with corresponding ash content ranging from 13.05 to 35.06%. The combined effect of time and temperature significantly affects the ash content. An increase of impregnation ratio or temperature leads to low yields but high terbuthylazine adsorption, while the effect of the activation time on the pollutant removal is negligible. Up to 63.87% of the herbicide was adsorbed by the activated material, at terbuthylazine concentration of 2.5 mg L−1. The developed sorbent well fits the circular economy approach, offering a promising potential for sewage sludge management, as well as for water remediation.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini; Eleonora Stefanelli; Riccardo Gori; Anna Maria Raspolli Galletti; Sandra Vitolo. Investigating the activation of hydrochar from sewage sludge for the removal of terbuthylazine from aqueous solutions. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management 2020, 22, 1539 -1551.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Monica Puccini, Eleonora Stefanelli, Riccardo Gori, Anna Maria Raspolli Galletti, Sandra Vitolo. Investigating the activation of hydrochar from sewage sludge for the removal of terbuthylazine from aqueous solutions. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management. 2020; 22 (5):1539-1551.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini; Eleonora Stefanelli; Riccardo Gori; Anna Maria Raspolli Galletti; Sandra Vitolo. 2020. "Investigating the activation of hydrochar from sewage sludge for the removal of terbuthylazine from aqueous solutions." Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management 22, no. 5: 1539-1551.
Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone group. The low biodegradability of this compound enhances its accumulation in the environment, with associated interference on non-target pathogens, photosynthesis of plants, alterations in the structure of algae and increasing risk of resistant bacteria development. Production plants and hospitals are the main sources of water contamination. Hence, the development of efficient technologies for the treatment of wastewaters is recommended. Here, ultrasound irradiation coupled with the electrochemical generation of hydroxyl radicals by Nb/BDD anode were investigated to remove CIP from aqueous solutions. A solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) was used to overcome the low conductivity of the solution treated. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied with the aim to evaluate the effects of electric current, ultrasound irradiation and stirring rate on the removal and the energy requirements associated to the treatment. Up to 91.36 % of CIP disappearance was attained within 20 min. at 1.16 A and 520 rpm. Ultrasound irradiation at 40 kHz enhanced the removal of the compound only at low current intensity, while strongly affected the energy demand. A treatment time of 30 min. at 0.642 A and 660 rpm has been suggested to minimize the specific energy consumption, estimated to be <1.91 10−3 kWh mg−1. Further research is encouraged, given the promising potential of a zero-discharge removal of several emerging pollutants as phytosanitary, pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Davide Clematis; Eleonora Stefanelli; Marco Panizza; Monica Puccini. Ciprofloxacin removal: BDD anode coupled with solid polymer electrolyte and ultrasound irradiation. Journal of Water Process Engineering 2019, 33, 101074 .
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Davide Clematis, Eleonora Stefanelli, Marco Panizza, Monica Puccini. Ciprofloxacin removal: BDD anode coupled with solid polymer electrolyte and ultrasound irradiation. Journal of Water Process Engineering. 2019; 33 ():101074.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Davide Clematis; Eleonora Stefanelli; Marco Panizza; Monica Puccini. 2019. "Ciprofloxacin removal: BDD anode coupled with solid polymer electrolyte and ultrasound irradiation." Journal of Water Process Engineering 33, no. : 101074.
Two supply chains for of biomethane are here analyzed and modeled: gasification of Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) poplar wood chips and anaerobic digestion of two species of microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris and Nannochloropsis gaditana. Mass and energy balances are carried out along the whole systems, from the cultivation step to the stages of upgrading and injection into gas grid. A simulation model is employed to obtain gasification and upgrading parameters, energy requirements and CO2 emission. Harvesting of microalgae requires high inputs of energy and fertilizers, while syngas upgrading is more demanding than biogas treatment, as high volumes of water and CO2 must be separated. Yields of the supply chains are very different: 7:1 biomethane:syngas ratio and 2:1 biomethane:biogas ratio have been estimated. Both the supply chains could be optimized by using heat recovery methods. The highest removal of CO2 and steam can be attained through absorption by triethylene and monoethanolamine solution, respectively.
Riccardo Bacci di Capaci; Andrea Luca Tasca; Gabriele Pannocchia; Claudio Scali; Leonardo Tognotti; Elisabetta Brunazzi; Cristiano Nicolella; Monica Puccini. Biomethane Production: Mass and Energy Balances of Alternative Supply Chains. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2019, 58, 10951 -10962.
AMA StyleRiccardo Bacci di Capaci, Andrea Luca Tasca, Gabriele Pannocchia, Claudio Scali, Leonardo Tognotti, Elisabetta Brunazzi, Cristiano Nicolella, Monica Puccini. Biomethane Production: Mass and Energy Balances of Alternative Supply Chains. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. 2019; 58 (25):10951-10962.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRiccardo Bacci di Capaci; Andrea Luca Tasca; Gabriele Pannocchia; Claudio Scali; Leonardo Tognotti; Elisabetta Brunazzi; Cristiano Nicolella; Monica Puccini. 2019. "Biomethane Production: Mass and Energy Balances of Alternative Supply Chains." Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 58, no. 25: 10951-10962.
Increasing environmental awareness is pushing towards sustainable approaches to the design and management of transport infrastructures. A life cycle assessment of low noise pavements is carried out here, with the aim to evaluate and compare the use of warm mix asphalts containing crumb rubber (CR) from end-of-life tires (ELTs) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). Different scenarios have been considered, taking into account production, construction, maintenance activities, and end-of-life of the pavement, according to a cradle to grave approach. Hot mix asphalt (HMA) was used as a reference wearing course. Results show that the simultaneous implementation of warm asphalt technologies and recycled materials can lead to a 50% reduction of the environmental burdens, compared to the standard scenario. The difference is mainly ascribed to the material depletion, the energy consumption, and the emissions associated with the frequency of maintenance of the wearing course. The use of asphalt rubber is environmentally advantageous, if compared to polymer modified binders (PMB); moreover, rubberized open-graded mixtures require the lowest bitumen content and maintenance. The findings of this research support the use of recycled materials and warm technologies as a way to improve the environmental sustainability of low noise pavements.
Monica Puccini; Pietro Leandri; Andrea Luca Tasca; Lavinia Pistonesi; Massimo Losa. Improving the Environmental Sustainability of Low Noise Pavements: Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Reclaimed Asphalt and Crumb Rubber Based Warm Mix Technologies. Coatings 2019, 9, 343 .
AMA StyleMonica Puccini, Pietro Leandri, Andrea Luca Tasca, Lavinia Pistonesi, Massimo Losa. Improving the Environmental Sustainability of Low Noise Pavements: Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Reclaimed Asphalt and Crumb Rubber Based Warm Mix Technologies. Coatings. 2019; 9 (5):343.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMonica Puccini; Pietro Leandri; Andrea Luca Tasca; Lavinia Pistonesi; Massimo Losa. 2019. "Improving the Environmental Sustainability of Low Noise Pavements: Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Reclaimed Asphalt and Crumb Rubber Based Warm Mix Technologies." Coatings 9, no. 5: 343.
Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sewage sludge reduces the waste volume and can be source of energy and valuable products. Furthermore, HTC offers several advantages over conventional dry-thermal pre-treatments, as no prior drying is requested, and the high quality of the char produced promotes applications as energy production and storage, wastewater remediation, and soil amendment. Relationships between char yields, physicochemical properties and process parameters are here analysed, with the aim to provide insight into the choice of the process severity required to fit the desired application. Moreover, presence and fate of heavy metals and organic contaminants are discussed. The highest reaction temperature is the main parameter affecting the physicochemical characteristics of the char produced, while the heating rate governs the heat mass transfer and the rate of intermediates formation. Depolymerization of the biomass results in a reduction of the oxygen to carbon ratio and, therefore, in augmented high heating values, further increased by deposition of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural. Recirculation of process water may enhance dehydration reactions and the deposition of degraded polymers, increasing dewaterability and yield, but field trials are recommended to assess the feasibility of this option. An overuse of chars for energy generation purposes would be deleterious for the environmental life cycle. Further research is encouraged to assess the pollutants abatement and their degradation pathways when incorporated in the carbonaceous product, to promote the application of hydrochars as soil amendment, as well as for environmental remediation purposes.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini; Riccardo Gori; Ilaria Corsi; Anna Maria Raspolli Galletti; Sandra Vitolo. Hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge: A critical analysis of process severity, hydrochar properties and environmental implications. Waste Management 2019, 93, 1 -13.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Monica Puccini, Riccardo Gori, Ilaria Corsi, Anna Maria Raspolli Galletti, Sandra Vitolo. Hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge: A critical analysis of process severity, hydrochar properties and environmental implications. Waste Management. 2019; 93 ():1-13.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini; Riccardo Gori; Ilaria Corsi; Anna Maria Raspolli Galletti; Sandra Vitolo. 2019. "Hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge: A critical analysis of process severity, hydrochar properties and environmental implications." Waste Management 93, no. : 1-13.
Terbuthylazine (TBA) has replaced atrazine in many EU countries, becoming one of the most frequently detected pesticides in natural waters. TBA is a compound of emerging concern, due to its persistence, toxicity and proven endocrine disruption activity to wildlife and humans. Techniques applied in water treatment plants remove only partially this herbicide and poor attention is given to the generation and fate of by-products, although some of them have demonstrated an estrogenic activity comparable to atrazine. This paper summarizes the environmental occurrence of TBA and its main metabolite desethylterbuthylazine and reports the performance of an innovative electrochemical cell equipped with a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) sandwiched between a Ti/RuO2 cathode and a Boron-Doped Diamond anode, operating at constant current, in the treatment of an aqueous solution of TBA. The herbicide removal in the first 30 min of treatment increases from 42% to 92% as the applied current is increased from 100 to 500 mA. The rate of degradation at 500 mA decreases between 30 and 60 min, with a final abatement of 97%. An 89% removal was reached at 100 mA when the initial TBA concentration was raised from 0.1 to 4 mg L−1 and less than 1% of the herbicide was converted in desethylterbuthylazine and minor metabolites. No chemicals are needed, no sludge is produced. Further research is encouraged, as this technology may be promising for the achievement of a zero-discharge removal of different emerging pollutants as pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini; Davide Clematis; Marco Panizza. Electrochemical removal of Terbuthylazine:Boron-Doped Diamond anode coupled with solid polymer electrolyte. Environmental Pollution 2019, 251, 285 -291.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Monica Puccini, Davide Clematis, Marco Panizza. Electrochemical removal of Terbuthylazine:Boron-Doped Diamond anode coupled with solid polymer electrolyte. Environmental Pollution. 2019; 251 ():285-291.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini; Davide Clematis; Marco Panizza. 2019. "Electrochemical removal of Terbuthylazine:Boron-Doped Diamond anode coupled with solid polymer electrolyte." Environmental Pollution 251, no. : 285-291.
Tanneries boost the local economic development, but lead to severe environmental pollution; hence, improving the environmental assessment of this sector is essential. In this paper, the Life Cycle Assessment method was applied to estimate impacts on the environment and human health of retanning, fatliquoring and dyeing. The analysis was performed from a “gate to gate” perspective. Moreover, sulpho chlorinated paraffin and epoxidized vegetable oil have been evaluated as alternative fatliquoring agents. The production of electricity required for the rotation of drums gives the main contribute to most of the impact categories, followed by the azo-dye production. Emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, manganese, vanadium and nickel associated to power plants are the main sources of terrestrial acidification and particulate matter formation, as well as of human and marine toxicity (4.48·10−1 and 1.09·10−2 kg of 1,4-DBeq kg−1 crust leather, respectively). Nitrate loads from wastewater treatment and oxidative treatments affect heavily marine eutrophication (6.9·10−1 g N eq kg−1 crust leather). The use of epoxidized vegetable oil would affect human toxicity, ecosystem, metal and water resources depletion more than the use of sulpho chlorinated paraffin, mainly due to pesticides distribution and other cultivation practices. Phosphate and nitrate releases due to fertilization determine the high impact on the categories freshwater and marine eutrophication. Progress in increasing the conversion efficiency is demanded, but overall focus must be made on the substitution of fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives. The transition towards a circular economy is encouraged; increasing rates of reduction, reuse, recycle and recover of solid waste and tannery effluents are recommended. Agricultural practices with a reduced consumption of phytosanitary products and mineral fertilizers, alternative to conventional farming, would strongly contribute to increase the sustainability of epoxidized vegetable oil as alternative fatliquoring agent.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini. Leather tanning: Life cycle assessment of retanning, fatliquoring and dyeing. Journal of Cleaner Production 2019, 226, 720 -729.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Monica Puccini. Leather tanning: Life cycle assessment of retanning, fatliquoring and dyeing. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2019; 226 ():720-729.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini. 2019. "Leather tanning: Life cycle assessment of retanning, fatliquoring and dyeing." Journal of Cleaner Production 226, no. : 720-729.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Ashleigh J. Fletcher; Farnaz Ghajeri; Fernando Maya Alejandro; Gemma Turnes Palomino; Fernando Maya; Gemma Turnes. ORGANICS ADSORPTION ON NOVEL AMORPHOUS SILICA AND SILICA XEROGELS: MICROCOLUMN RAPID BREAKTHROUGH TEST COUPLED WITH SEQUENTIAL INJECTION ANALYSIS. Journal of Porous Media 2019, 22, 1001 -1014.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Ashleigh J. Fletcher, Farnaz Ghajeri, Fernando Maya Alejandro, Gemma Turnes Palomino, Fernando Maya, Gemma Turnes. ORGANICS ADSORPTION ON NOVEL AMORPHOUS SILICA AND SILICA XEROGELS: MICROCOLUMN RAPID BREAKTHROUGH TEST COUPLED WITH SEQUENTIAL INJECTION ANALYSIS. Journal of Porous Media. 2019; 22 (8):1001-1014.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Ashleigh J. Fletcher; Farnaz Ghajeri; Fernando Maya Alejandro; Gemma Turnes Palomino; Fernando Maya; Gemma Turnes. 2019. "ORGANICS ADSORPTION ON NOVEL AMORPHOUS SILICA AND SILICA XEROGELS: MICROCOLUMN RAPID BREAKTHROUGH TEST COUPLED WITH SEQUENTIAL INJECTION ANALYSIS." Journal of Porous Media 22, no. 8: 1001-1014.
Gasification of Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) poplar wood chips and anaerobic digestion of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris have been analyzed as alternative supply chains for the production of biomethane. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed from the biomass cultivation to the upgrading stages. Process simulation of gasification and upgrading was carried out, environmental impacts of the entire supply chains have been estimated and discussed. The highest CO2 removal has been reached by absorption on monoethanolamine. Electricity requirements heavily affect the SRF chain, while productions of carbon dioxide and fertilizers are the main sources of impact of the microalgae cultivation. The recycle of non-absorbed fertilizers, as well as integration of microalgae digestion in wastewater plants, are recommended. Capture and re-injection of the CO2 lost during the upgrading stages would result, simultaneously, in an 8.53% reduction of the atmospheric emission, and in a minor demand to promote algal growth.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Riccardo Bacci di Capaci; Leonardo Tognotti; Monica Puccini. Biomethane from Short Rotation Forestry and Microalgal Open Ponds: System Modeling and Life Cycle Assessment. Bioresource Technology 2018, 273, 468 -477.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Riccardo Bacci di Capaci, Leonardo Tognotti, Monica Puccini. Biomethane from Short Rotation Forestry and Microalgal Open Ponds: System Modeling and Life Cycle Assessment. Bioresource Technology. 2018; 273 ():468-477.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Riccardo Bacci di Capaci; Leonardo Tognotti; Monica Puccini. 2018. "Biomethane from Short Rotation Forestry and Microalgal Open Ponds: System Modeling and Life Cycle Assessment." Bioresource Technology 273, no. : 468-477.
Synthetic amorphous silicas with high porosity (94–97%) are introduced and various pathways for their synthesis are presented. The materials have structures with high surface area (300–750 m2/g) and are commercialised under the name of Quartzene®. Low cost silica sources and ambient pressure drying enable production in large scale with approximately 70% cost reduction as compared to conventional method silica aerogels. The structure is analysed, properties are reported as low density (0.04–0.15 g/ml), low thermal conductivity (24–26 mW/m·K), etc. Formaldehyde gas adsorption tests reveal that the uptake level of samples made by Quartzene® is significantly increased as compared to commercially available adsorbents. Thermal conductivity at elevated temperatures for mixtures of Quartzene® and stone wool shows a 23% reduction at 650 °C as compared to pure stone wool. Scaling up process for this green material meeting environmental sustainability demands in industrial manufacturing is discussed and challenges/current developments are presented.
Farnaz Ghajeri; Zareh Topalian; Andrea Tasca; Syed Hassan Mujtaba Jafri; Klaus Leifer; Peter Norberg; Christer Sjöström. Case study of a green nanoporous material from synthesis to commercialisation: Quartzene®. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 2018, 12, 101 -109.
AMA StyleFarnaz Ghajeri, Zareh Topalian, Andrea Tasca, Syed Hassan Mujtaba Jafri, Klaus Leifer, Peter Norberg, Christer Sjöström. Case study of a green nanoporous material from synthesis to commercialisation: Quartzene®. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry. 2018; 12 ():101-109.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFarnaz Ghajeri; Zareh Topalian; Andrea Tasca; Syed Hassan Mujtaba Jafri; Klaus Leifer; Peter Norberg; Christer Sjöström. 2018. "Case study of a green nanoporous material from synthesis to commercialisation: Quartzene®." Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry 12, no. : 101-109.
Thallium is an emerging contaminant, which can be retained in scale encrustation within the pipeline and then released to drinking water. It is included in the Priority Pollutant List of the U.S. EPA. In this study, a sample from the water pipeline of Pietrasanta (Italy), affected by the contamination of thallium, is characterized by SEM-EDS, TGA, and FT-IR. Fluorescence spectroscopy is then proposed as the optimal technique for the detection of the contaminant. The functionality of a previously reported fluorescent calix[4]arene-based chemosensor is verified first on a standard solution of thallium nitrate and then on the sample under investigation. The quenching of the fluorescence of the sensor during the complexation of thallium is confirmed, identifying an ON-OFF sensor with high sensitivity, able to detect concentrations as low as 10−6 M and with high potential of development for the in situ and fast monitoring of the pollutant in the water network.
Monica Puccini; Lorenzo Guazzelli; Andrea Luca Tasca; Andrea Mezzetta; Christian Silvio Pomelli. Development of a Chemosensor for the In Situ Monitoring of Thallium in the Water Network. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 2018, 229, 239 .
AMA StyleMonica Puccini, Lorenzo Guazzelli, Andrea Luca Tasca, Andrea Mezzetta, Christian Silvio Pomelli. Development of a Chemosensor for the In Situ Monitoring of Thallium in the Water Network. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 2018; 229 (7):239.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMonica Puccini; Lorenzo Guazzelli; Andrea Luca Tasca; Andrea Mezzetta; Christian Silvio Pomelli. 2018. "Development of a Chemosensor for the In Situ Monitoring of Thallium in the Water Network." Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 229, no. 7: 239.
The herbicide terbuthylazine (TBA) has displaced atrazine in most of EU countries, becoming one of the most regularly used pesticides and, therefore, frequently detected in natural waters. The affinity of TBA for soil organic matter suggests prolonged contamination; degradation leads to the release of the metabolite desethylterbuthylazine (DET), which has higher water solubility and binds more weakly to organic matter compared to the parent compound, resulting in higher associated risk for contamination of groundwater resources. Additionally, TBA and DET are chemicals of emerging concern because of their persistence and toxicity towards aquatic organisms; moreover, they are known to have significant endocrine disruption capacity to wildlife and humans. Conventional treatments applied during drinking water production do not lead to the complete removal of these chemicals; activated carbon provides the greatest efficiency, whereas ozonation can generate by-products with comparable oestrogenic activity to atrazine. Hydrogen peroxide alone is ineffective to degrade TBA, while UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation and photocatalysis are the most effective processes for oxidation of TBA. It has been determined that direct photolysis gives the highest degradation efficiency of all UV/H2O2 treatments, while most of the photocatalytic degradation is attributed to OH radicals, and TiO2 solar-photocatalytic ozonation can lead to almost complete TBA removal in ∼30 min. Constructed wetlands provide a valuable buffer capacity, protecting downstream surface waters from contaminated runoff. TBA and DET occurrence are summarized and removal techniques are critically evaluated and compared, to provide the reader with a comprehensive guide to state-of-the-art TBA removal and potential future treatments.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini; Ashleigh Fletcher. Terbuthylazine and desethylterbuthylazine: Recent occurrence, mobility and removal techniques. Chemosphere 2018, 202, 94 -104.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Monica Puccini, Ashleigh Fletcher. Terbuthylazine and desethylterbuthylazine: Recent occurrence, mobility and removal techniques. Chemosphere. 2018; 202 ():94-104.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Monica Puccini; Ashleigh Fletcher. 2018. "Terbuthylazine and desethylterbuthylazine: Recent occurrence, mobility and removal techniques." Chemosphere 202, no. : 94-104.
In recent years, the presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in wastewater discharges from agricultural and industrial sources, [1] fresh- and estuarine-waters, as well as soils, has been reported in the literature. [2] Studies of adverse changes in wildlife, linked to environmental exposure to these substances, and the suggestion that humans could also be at similar risk of adverse health effects, [3-5] have raised concern for urgent action to understand and reduce such risks. 3,4-Dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) has been recognized as an EDC, with regards to endocrine disruption data for both wildlife populations and human health. [5] 3,4-DCA is present in the environment as a product of the biodegradation of phenylurea and phenylcarbamate pesticides [6,7] ; furthermore, it can be introduced from industrial and municipal wastewater that is insufficiently purified, or via accidental spills. [8-10] Increasing concentrations of 3,4-DCA in soil and water are the result of its high persistence and accumulation, as well as its low biodegradability. [11,12] Hence, remediation techniques require in-depth study, especially when considering the low removal achieved by traditional activated sludge treatments, and the generation of carcinogenic trihalomethanes as a consequence of the chlorine oxidation methods frequently used in drinking water plants. [13] Fe0/H2O2 systems, photodegradation using doped TiO2, and the use of dielectric barrier discharge reactors, seem to be the most promising techniques for the removal of 3,4-DCA from water.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Ashleigh Fletcher. State of the art of the environmental behaviour and removal techniques of the endocrine disruptor 3,4-dichloroaniline. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A 2017, 53, 260 -270.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Ashleigh Fletcher. State of the art of the environmental behaviour and removal techniques of the endocrine disruptor 3,4-dichloroaniline. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A. 2017; 53 (3):260-270.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Ashleigh Fletcher. 2017. "State of the art of the environmental behaviour and removal techniques of the endocrine disruptor 3,4-dichloroaniline." Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A 53, no. 3: 260-270.
Very few studies have investigated the adsorption performance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic silicas with dissolved organics in water, which is a required final step during produced water treatment. The cost of functionalization also hinders the use of hydrophobic materials as sorbents. Novel hydrophilic silicas, prepared at low temperature and ambient pressure, were characterised by SEM, FTIR and BET analysis, and studied for the adsorption of aqueous phase organic compounds at concentrations below their solubility limits. Adsorption capacities were found to be up to 264 mg/g for benzene and 78.8 mg/g for toluene. Direct comparison is made with the analogous hydrophobic version of one of the silica materials, demonstrating comparable uptakes for benzene concentrations lower than 50 mg/L. This finding supports the hypothesis that, at very low aqueous phase organic concentrations, hydrophobicization has no discernible effect on access of the pollutants to the internal porosity of the material.
Andrea Luca Tasca; Farnaz Ghajeri; Ashleigh Fletcher. Novel hydrophilic and hydrophobic amorphous silica: Characterization and adsorption of aqueous phase organic compounds. Adsorption Science & Technology 2017, 36, 327 -342.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Farnaz Ghajeri, Ashleigh Fletcher. Novel hydrophilic and hydrophobic amorphous silica: Characterization and adsorption of aqueous phase organic compounds. Adsorption Science & Technology. 2017; 36 (1-2):327-342.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Farnaz Ghajeri; Ashleigh Fletcher. 2017. "Novel hydrophilic and hydrophobic amorphous silica: Characterization and adsorption of aqueous phase organic compounds." Adsorption Science & Technology 36, no. 1-2: 327-342.
Alternative cultivation practices such as organic and integrated farming are generally proposed as a mean to reduce environmental impacts associated with food production and consumption. For the same reason, various schemes of direct sale or distribution of local agricultural products have been increasingly developed as an alternative to large-scale distribution of nationally or globally sourced products. However, for a variety of vegetable crops such as salads and leaves, there is few scientific evidence about the relative environmental performance of alternative farming techniques. Similarly, alternative distribution systems have mainly been investigated only in terms of their energy and climate change performance, and mostly within the debate on domestic/local versus imported/delocalised food supply. In this paper, life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to compare the potential environmental impacts of two agricultural supply chains, with the primary aim of testing the expected benefits of vegetable organic farming and of alternative forms of distribution promoting packaging reduction and a shortened supply chain. Organic and integrated production of endive (Cichorium endivia) in Lombardia (northern Italy) were firstly compared, according to a cradle-to-farm gate approach. The comparison was then extended to the whole supply chain, considering the direct distribution of raw organic endive to local networks of ethical purchasing groups by means of returnable crates, and the large-scale retailing of conventional endive as a ready-to-use product after its industrial cutting, washing and packing. Fourteen environmental and human health impact categories were considered as terms of comparison, along with the cumulative energy demand. Results revealed that none of the examined farming techniques has a better overall environmental profile. In fact, when impacts are expressed per hectare of cultivated area, nearly half impact categories (7/15) are favourable to organic farming, with impact reductions ranging from 13% to 55%. However, organic fertilisation practices are responsible for higher impacts of this cultivation form in terms of acidification (+16%), terrestrial eutrophication (+32%) and non-carcinogenic human toxicity (+127%). Per kg of harvested product, impact categories favourable to organic farming are reduced to five, while six are favourable to integrated farming (which achieves higher yields). Organic farming techniques thus need to be further improved in terms of fertilisation practices and achievable yields in order to achieve a more sustainable production system. Considering the whole supply chain, the direct distribution of the raw organic product loose at the local level is preferable for all impact categories except one, where the impact of the farming stage is dominant and against organic production. This exception however disappears if farming is excluded from the comparison (i.e. only distribution and consumption are considered). Observed reductions in overall supply chain impacts range mostly between 20% and 48% and are mainly enabled by the absence of disposable packaging items and industrial processing
Andrea Luca Tasca; Simone Nessi; Lucia Rigamonti. Environmental sustainability of agri-food supply chains: An LCA comparison between two alternative forms of production and distribution of endive in northern Italy. Journal of Cleaner Production 2017, 140, 725 -741.
AMA StyleAndrea Luca Tasca, Simone Nessi, Lucia Rigamonti. Environmental sustainability of agri-food supply chains: An LCA comparison between two alternative forms of production and distribution of endive in northern Italy. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2017; 140 ():725-741.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Luca Tasca; Simone Nessi; Lucia Rigamonti. 2017. "Environmental sustainability of agri-food supply chains: An LCA comparison between two alternative forms of production and distribution of endive in northern Italy." Journal of Cleaner Production 140, no. : 725-741.