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A. Molinari
Department of Civil Engineering, Università della Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy

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Journal article
Published: 04 June 2021 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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The most common reactive material used for the construction of a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) is zero valent iron (ZVI), however, its processing can generate corrosive effects that reduce the efficiency of the barrier. The present study makes a major contribution to understanding new reactive materials as natural and synthetic, easy to obtain, economical and environmentally friendly as possible substitutes for the traditional ZHV to be used as filters in the removal of three transition metals (Zn, Cu, Cd). To assess the ability to remove these pollutants, a series of batch and column tests were carried out at laboratory scale with these materials. Through BACH tests, four of seven substances with a removal percentage higher than 99% were prioritized (cabuya, natural clinoptilolite zeolites, sodium mordenite and mordenite). From this group of substances, column tests were performed where it is evidenced that cabuya fiber presents the lowest absorption time (≈189 h) while natural zeolite mordenite shows the highest time (≈833 h). The latter being the best option for the PRB design. The experimental values were also reproduced by the RETRASO code; through this program, the trend between the observed and simulated values with respect to the best reactive substance was corroborated.

ACS Style

Celia Mayacela-Rojas; Antonio Molinari; José Cortina; Oriol Gibert; Carlos Ayora; Adalgisa Tavolaro; María Rivera-Velásquez; Carmine Fallico. Removal of Transition Metals from Contaminated Aquifers by PRB Technology: Performance Comparison among Reactive Materials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 6075 .

AMA Style

Celia Mayacela-Rojas, Antonio Molinari, José Cortina, Oriol Gibert, Carlos Ayora, Adalgisa Tavolaro, María Rivera-Velásquez, Carmine Fallico. Removal of Transition Metals from Contaminated Aquifers by PRB Technology: Performance Comparison among Reactive Materials. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (11):6075.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Celia Mayacela-Rojas; Antonio Molinari; José Cortina; Oriol Gibert; Carlos Ayora; Adalgisa Tavolaro; María Rivera-Velásquez; Carmine Fallico. 2021. "Removal of Transition Metals from Contaminated Aquifers by PRB Technology: Performance Comparison among Reactive Materials." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 11: 6075.

Comparative study
Published: 14 May 2018 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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A series of experimental batch tests has been carried out with the aim of improving the knowledge of fundamental processes related to the fate and behavior of heavy metals that can be of environmental concern in groundwater. The analysis of contaminants (i.e., Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) dynamics in different environmental compartments is specifically addressed by comparing the removal efficiencies of different types of reactive materials, three natural (i.e., vegetal fibers, natural limestone and natural zeolite) and one synthetic (i.e., synthetic zeolite). Results stemming from these reactive media has been compared with the outcomes related to the same test performed using zero valent iron which is the reactant usually employed for heavy metals remediation. All tested reactants exhibited important removal percentages, even larger than 90% in most cases, achieved in a contact time ranging between about 12 h and slightly longer than a day (i.e., 30 h). Maximum adsorption percentages are observed for pH ranging between 4 and 8 for all tested materials and contaminants. Our findings provided relevant evidence, to both researchers and technicians, on the competitiveness of the explored alternative mediums with respect to the classical reactants usually employed for heavy metals remediation.

ACS Style

Antonio Molinari; Celia Margarita Mayacela Rojas; Amerigo Beneduci; Adalgisa Tavolaro; Maria Fernanda Rivera Velasquez; Carmine Fallico. Adsorption Performance Analysis of Alternative Reactive Media for Remediation of Aquifers Affected by Heavy Metal Contamination. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2018, 15, 980 .

AMA Style

Antonio Molinari, Celia Margarita Mayacela Rojas, Amerigo Beneduci, Adalgisa Tavolaro, Maria Fernanda Rivera Velasquez, Carmine Fallico. Adsorption Performance Analysis of Alternative Reactive Media for Remediation of Aquifers Affected by Heavy Metal Contamination. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2018; 15 (5):980.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Molinari; Celia Margarita Mayacela Rojas; Amerigo Beneduci; Adalgisa Tavolaro; Maria Fernanda Rivera Velasquez; Carmine Fallico. 2018. "Adsorption Performance Analysis of Alternative Reactive Media for Remediation of Aquifers Affected by Heavy Metal Contamination." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 15, no. 5: 980.

Journal article
Published: 24 June 2017 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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The Zero Valent Iron (ZVI) is the material most commonly used for permeable reactive barriers (PRB). For technical and economic reasons, hoter reactive substances usable in alternative to ZVI are investigated. The present study takes into account a vegetable fibers, the cabuya, investigating its capacity to retain heavy metals. The capacity of the cabuya fibers to adsorb heavy metals was verified in laboratory, by batch and column tests. The batch tests were carried out with cabuya and ZVI, using copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The results obtained by the cabuya fibers showed a very high adsorption capacity of heavy metals and resulted very similar to those obtained for the broom fibers in a previous study. The high value of the absorption capacity of the cabuya fibers was also confirmed by the analogous comparison made with the results of the batch tests carried out with ZVI. Column tests, using copper, zinc and cadmium, allowed to determine for the cabuya fibers the maximum removal percentage of the heavy metals considered, the corresponding times and the time ranges of the release phase. For each metal considered, for a given length and three different times, the constant of degradation of cabuya fibers was determined, obtaining values very close to those reported for broom fibers. The scalar behavior of heavy metal removal percentage was verified. An electron microscope analysis allowed to compare, by SEM images, the characteristics of the cabuya and broom fibers. Finally, to investigate the chemical structure of cabuya and broom fibers, the FTIR technique was used, obtaining their respective infrared spectra.

ACS Style

Celia Margarita Mayacela Rojas; María Fernanda Rivera Velásquez; Adalgisa Tavolaro; Antonio Molinari; Carmine Fallico. Use of Vegetable Fibers for PRB to Remove Heavy Metals from Contaminated Aquifers—Comparisons among Cabuya Fibers, Broom Fibers and ZVI. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 684 .

AMA Style

Celia Margarita Mayacela Rojas, María Fernanda Rivera Velásquez, Adalgisa Tavolaro, Antonio Molinari, Carmine Fallico. Use of Vegetable Fibers for PRB to Remove Heavy Metals from Contaminated Aquifers—Comparisons among Cabuya Fibers, Broom Fibers and ZVI. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (7):684.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Celia Margarita Mayacela Rojas; María Fernanda Rivera Velásquez; Adalgisa Tavolaro; Antonio Molinari; Carmine Fallico. 2017. "Use of Vegetable Fibers for PRB to Remove Heavy Metals from Contaminated Aquifers—Comparisons among Cabuya Fibers, Broom Fibers and ZVI." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 7: 684.

Journal article
Published: 01 April 2014 in Science of The Total Environment
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The estimation of natural background levels (NBLs) of dissolved concentrations of target chemical species in subsurface reservoirs relies on a proper assessment of the effects of forcing terms driving flow and transport processes taking place within the system and whose dynamics drive background concentration values. We propose coupling methodologies based on (a) global statistical analyses and (b) numerical modeling of system dynamics to distinguish between the impacts of different types of external forcing components influencing background concentration values. We focus on the joint application of a statistical methodology based on Component Separation and experimental/numerical modeling studies of groundwater flow and transport for the NBL estimation of selected chemical species in potentially contaminated coastal aquifers. We consider a site which is located in Calabria, Italy, and constitutes a typical example of a Mediterranean coastal aquifer which has been subject to intense industrial development. Our study is keyed to the characterization of NBLs of manganese and sulfate and is geared to the proper identification of the importance of a natural external forcing (i.e., seawater intrusion) on NBL assessment. Results from the Component Separation statistical approach are complemented by numerical simulations of the advective-dispersive processes that could influence the distribution of chemical species (i.e., sulfate) within the system. Estimated NELs for manganese are consistent with the geochemical composition of soil samples. While Component Separation ascribes the largest detected sulfate concentrations to anthropogenic sources, our numerical modeling analysis suggests that they are mainly related to the natural process of seawater intrusion. Our results indicate that the use of statistical methodologies in complex groundwater systems should be assisted by a detailed characterization of the dynamics of natural (and/or induced) processes to distinguish effective anthropogenic contamination from natural conditions and to define realistic environmental clean-up goals

ACS Style

A. Molinari; F. Chidichimo; S. Straface; A. Guadagnini. Assessment of natural background levels in potentially contaminated coastal aquifers. Science of The Total Environment 2014, 476-477, 38 -48.

AMA Style

A. Molinari, F. Chidichimo, S. Straface, A. Guadagnini. Assessment of natural background levels in potentially contaminated coastal aquifers. Science of The Total Environment. 2014; 476-477 ():38-48.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Molinari; F. Chidichimo; S. Straface; A. Guadagnini. 2014. "Assessment of natural background levels in potentially contaminated coastal aquifers." Science of The Total Environment 476-477, no. : 38-48.

Journal article
Published: 16 August 2013 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research
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Dissolved As concentrations detected in groundwater bodies of the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy) exhibit values which are above the regulation limit and could be related to the natural composition of the host porous matrix. To support this hypothesis we present the results of a geochemical modeling study reproducing the main trends of the dynamics of As, Fe, and Mn concentrations as well as redox potential and pH observed during batch tests performed under alternating redox conditions. The tests were performed on a natural matrix extracted from a deep aquifer located in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy). The solid phases implemented in the model were selected from the results of selective sequential extractions performed on the tested matrix. The calibrated model showed that large As concentrations have to be expected in solution for low crystallinity phases subject to dissolution. The role of Mn oxides on As concentration dynamics seem significant in strongly reducing environments, particularly for large water-solid matrix interaction times. Modeled data evidenced that As is released firstly from the outer surface of Fe-oxihydroxides minerals exhibiting large concentrations in water when persistent reducing conditions trigger the dissolution of the crystalline structure of the binding minerals. The presence of organic matter was found to strongly affect pH and redox conditions, thus influencing As mobility

ACS Style

A. Molinari; C. Ayora; M. Marcaccio; L. Guadagnini; Xavier Sánchez-Vila; A. Guadagnini. Geochemical modeling of arsenic release from a deep natural solid matrix under alternated redox conditions. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2013, 21, 1628 -1637.

AMA Style

A. Molinari, C. Ayora, M. Marcaccio, L. Guadagnini, Xavier Sánchez-Vila, A. Guadagnini. Geochemical modeling of arsenic release from a deep natural solid matrix under alternated redox conditions. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2013; 21 (3):1628-1637.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Molinari; C. Ayora; M. Marcaccio; L. Guadagnini; Xavier Sánchez-Vila; A. Guadagnini. 2013. "Geochemical modeling of arsenic release from a deep natural solid matrix under alternated redox conditions." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 21, no. 3: 1628-1637.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2013 in Science of The Total Environment
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We investigated the role of iron (Fe) on arsenic (As) release from two samples of a natural deep soil collected in an aquifer body in the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy. Each sample was representative of a different solid matrix, i.e., sand and vegetal matter. Batch experiments were performed by applying alternating aerobic/anaerobic conditions to the samples under a range of redox and pH conditions, consistent with the corresponding values measured in the field. Arsenic mobilization was triggered by abrupt and rapid changes of redox conditions and displayed a clear correlation with oxidation/reduction potential for both solid matrices. Vegetal matter showed high binding capacity and large As concentration release. Arsenic release was also correlated with Fe released from the solid matrices. Our results suggest that the environmentally critical As concentrations detected in some aquifers in the Emilia-Romagna Region are consistent with the occurrence of high natural As content in the vegetal matter component of the host porous medium and the effect of possible sharp localized (and temporally oscillating) variations of redox conditions

ACS Style

A. Molinari; L. Guadagnini; M. Marcaccio; S. Straface; X. Sanchez-Vila. Arsenic release from deep natural solid matrices under experimentally controlled redox conditions. Science of The Total Environment 2013, 444, 231 -240.

AMA Style

A. Molinari, L. Guadagnini, M. Marcaccio, S. Straface, X. Sanchez-Vila. Arsenic release from deep natural solid matrices under experimentally controlled redox conditions. Science of The Total Environment. 2013; 444 ():231-240.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Molinari; L. Guadagnini; M. Marcaccio; S. Straface; X. Sanchez-Vila. 2013. "Arsenic release from deep natural solid matrices under experimentally controlled redox conditions." Science of The Total Environment 444, no. : 231-240.

Journal article
Published: 15 May 2012 in Science of The Total Environment
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We analyze natural background levels (NBLs) and threshold values (TVs) of spatially distributed chemical species (NH_4 , B and As) which may be a potential pressure and concern in three large scale alluvial and fluviodeltaic aquifers at different depths of the Apennines and Po river plains in Emilia–Romagna, Northern Italy. Our results are based on statistical methodologies designed to separate the natural and anthropogenic contributions in monitored concentrations by modeling the empirical distribution of the detected concentration with a mixture of probability density functions. Available chemical observations are taken over a 20 years period and are associated with different depths and cover planar investigation scales of the order of hundreds of kilometers. High concentration values detected for NH_4 and B appear to be related to high natural background levels. Due to interaction with the host rock in different geochemical environments we observed that concentration vary in time and space (including in depth) consistently with the hydrogeochemical features and the occurrence of natural attenuation mechanisms in the analyzed reservoirs. Conversely, estimated As NBLs are not consistent with the conceptual model of the hydrogeochemical behavior of the systems analyzed and experimental evidences of As content in aquifer cores. This is due to the inability of these techniques to incorporate the complex dynamics of the processes associated with the specific hydrogeochemical setting. Statistical analyses performed upon aggregating the concentration data according to different time observation windows allow identifying temporal dynamics of NBLs and TVs of target compounds within the observation time frame. Our results highlight the benefit of a dynamic monitoring process and analysis of well demarcated groundwater bodies to update the associated NBLs as a function of the temporal dependence of natural processes occurring in the subsurface. Monitoring protocols could also include the detailed evaluation of the geochemistry (redox) of the aquifers

ACS Style

Antonio Molinari; Laura Guadagnini; Marco Marcaccio; Alberto Guadagnini. Natural background levels and threshold values of chemical species in three large-scale groundwater bodies in Northern Italy. Science of The Total Environment 2012, 425, 9 -19.

AMA Style

Antonio Molinari, Laura Guadagnini, Marco Marcaccio, Alberto Guadagnini. Natural background levels and threshold values of chemical species in three large-scale groundwater bodies in Northern Italy. Science of The Total Environment. 2012; 425 ():9-19.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Antonio Molinari; Laura Guadagnini; Marco Marcaccio; Alberto Guadagnini. 2012. "Natural background levels and threshold values of chemical species in three large-scale groundwater bodies in Northern Italy." Science of The Total Environment 425, no. : 9-19.