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In recent decades, the environmental aspects connected to georesources management have come to the forefront. Topics such as “Sustainability”, “Responsibility”, “Eco-compatibility” are more and more important and the path towards an environmental and social sustainability of the "wise" use of georesources, leads to a "rethink" of "our" way of producing and consuming in an intergenerational perspective, also through a deeper understanding of the ethical value of the close link between socio-economic and natural systems.
The acquisition of the awareness about the necessity to move towards a more sustainable society needs a deep change of human attitude, which should involve institutions, industries and individuals. Itis fundamental to involve developed and developing countries in this new approach. A change in human attitudes starts with a proper training and education for all the subjects involved in georesource management, and in particular for students. Indeed, education for sustainable development is a strategic objective for the present and for the future of global development (UNECE, 2009). Education at all levels is the basis of the training of people able to live in current affairs with critical and conscious thinking and with a sense of legality in continuous construction (UNECE, 2011).
An example based on improving capacity building for the sustainable use of georesources is SUGERE (Sustainable Sustainability and Wise Use of Geological Resources) project, whose main objectives are the international standardization of university training and teaching activities concerning Earth Sciences and Mining Engineering, and the promotion of a more responsible and sustainable use of georesources. Thanks to SUGERE project, a strong research and training networks between European and non-European universities interested in mining issues have been set up.
SUGERE project aims to strengthen the role of the investigated discipline (earth sciences and mining engineering), to develop updated strategies for the sustainable management of natural resources, and to implement new collaboration thanks to an international network focused on local and social economic development in the geological/mining context. It has been elaborated a prototype proposal involving three representative African countries (Capo Verde, Angola and Mozambique) that can be replicated in other countries (African and not African). The key issue is the concept of Local Economic Development (LED) in the context of Mining/Geology combined with Environmental and Social Economic aspects.
The main objective is to graduate persons that are able to oppose the "Resource Curse" that strikes countries that underperform economically, despite benefitting from valuable natural resources. Furthermore, it is expected to bring new ideas back to the European Partners. Main output of the project is the implementation of five degrees covering the three levels (BSc, MSc and PhD) whose common denominator LED is new in Geology/Mining.
The culture of sustainability and the deepening of skills in the field of geomining form the basis for the development of critical thinking, which is necessary for the resolution of local problems, for the acquisition of ethical values and technical skills that underpin sustainable development.
Manuela Lasagna; Giovanna Antonella Dino; Susanna Mancini; Domenico Antonio De Luca. Sustainability in georesources management: the importance of an updated school system to face the new challenges connected to mining activities. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleManuela Lasagna, Giovanna Antonella Dino, Susanna Mancini, Domenico Antonio De Luca. Sustainability in georesources management: the importance of an updated school system to face the new challenges connected to mining activities. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleManuela Lasagna; Giovanna Antonella Dino; Susanna Mancini; Domenico Antonio De Luca. 2021. "Sustainability in georesources management: the importance of an updated school system to face the new challenges connected to mining activities." , no. : 1.
In the context of global climate change, understanding the relationships between climate and groundwater is increasingly important. This study in the NW Alps represents the first regional-scale investigation of the groundwater feature variation in mountain aquifers due to climate variability. The analysis of groundwater temperature and discharge in 28 natural mineral water springs and meteorological parameters (rainfall and air temperature) permitted us to evaluate the annual behaviour and possible trends of these parameters during the period from 2001 to 2018. The air temperature showed a positive trend almost everywhere, with a rise of up to 0.03 °C/year. In contrast, only ten springs showed a positive trend for groundwater temperature, but with the smallest rates of increase. Moreover, despite the substantial stability of the rainfall amount, 50% of the analysed springs showed a trend (29 and 21% for positive and negative trends, respectively) with low discharge variations. Finally, cross-correlation analyses proved the close relationship between air and groundwater temperatures, with a time lag between 0 and 3 months, and between spring discharge and air temperature, with a time lag between 1 and 3 months. In particular, spring discharge is closely connected to snow melting in spring and subordinate to rainfall. These results highlight the existing correlations between spring discharge and various meteorological and topographic parameters in the studied mountain area and provide a preliminary framework of the impacts of climatic variability on the availability and temperature of the exploited water resources.
Leone Bastiancich; Manuela Lasagna; Susanna Mancini; Mauro Falco; Domenico Antonio De Luca. Temperature and discharge variations in natural mineral water springs due to climate variability: a case study in the Piedmont Alps (NW Italy). Environmental Geochemistry and Health 2021, 1 -24.
AMA StyleLeone Bastiancich, Manuela Lasagna, Susanna Mancini, Mauro Falco, Domenico Antonio De Luca. Temperature and discharge variations in natural mineral water springs due to climate variability: a case study in the Piedmont Alps (NW Italy). Environmental Geochemistry and Health. 2021; ():1-24.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeone Bastiancich; Manuela Lasagna; Susanna Mancini; Mauro Falco; Domenico Antonio De Luca. 2021. "Temperature and discharge variations in natural mineral water springs due to climate variability: a case study in the Piedmont Alps (NW Italy)." Environmental Geochemistry and Health , no. : 1-24.
Weathering and erosion of asbestos-bearing rocks, such as meta-ophiolites (e.g. serpentinite rocks and metabasites), is the principal natural cause of asbestos water dispersion in Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) rich settings. Water pollution by asbestos may occur as a consequence of superficial and groundwater flow through natural rock formations with NOA, depending on several characteristics of either the rocks (e.g. mineralogical composition, fracture grade) and hence the water (e.g. pH, speed).
Given the importance of groundwater resources for both drinking water and agricultural and industrial activities, groundwater asbestos pollution represents an environmental problem and could even constitute a risk for human health. In fact, waterborne asbestos can come into contact with human beings as airborne fibres after water vaporization, or by ingestion, especially if they are present in drinking water. While a lot is known about diseases caused by airborne asbestos respiration, not enough has been yet understood about potential noxiousness of its ingestion. For this reason, the necessity to set a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for asbestos in potentially usable water is still debated.
As the North-Western and Central Alps are rich in NOA and also in naturally occurring asbestiform minerals non-asbestos classified, it’s essential to understand if, how and which type of mineral fibres can eventually be released into water and to correlate them to the geolithological and hydrogeological characteristics of the area.
The results of a surface water and groundwater sampling and analysis campaign, settled in the North-Western Alps, will be presented. The main aim is to investigate the principal aspects related to asbestos and asbestiform fibres presence in water, in particular their natural occurrence in groundwater, linked to hydrological and geolithological characteristics of the reservoir. Furthermore, laboratory test to study the flow of polluted water through a packed column will be designed and observations on the methodology to evaluate waterborne mineral fibres behaviour into porous media will be presented.
These data are fundamental to monitor asbestos (and asbestiform) fibres transportation due to water flowing into NOA and to better understand the relationship among geology, hydrogeology and mineral fibres presence in water.
Chiara Avataneo; Elena Belluso; Silvana Capella; Manuela Lasagna; Domenico Antonio De Luca. Groundwater flow in Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) rich settings: new findings on the relation among concentration, types and mobility of mineral fibres, and geological characteristics of aquifer formations. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleChiara Avataneo, Elena Belluso, Silvana Capella, Manuela Lasagna, Domenico Antonio De Luca. Groundwater flow in Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) rich settings: new findings on the relation among concentration, types and mobility of mineral fibres, and geological characteristics of aquifer formations. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiara Avataneo; Elena Belluso; Silvana Capella; Manuela Lasagna; Domenico Antonio De Luca. 2021. "Groundwater flow in Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) rich settings: new findings on the relation among concentration, types and mobility of mineral fibres, and geological characteristics of aquifer formations." , no. : 1.
In arid and semi-arid areas, human health and economic development depend on water availability, which can be greatly compromised by droughts. In some cases, the presence of natural contaminants may additionally reduce the availability of good quality water. This research analyzed the water resources and hydrochemical characteristics in a rural area of the central Main Ethiopian Rift Valley, particularly in the districts of Shashemene, Arsi Negelle, and Siraro. The study was developed using a census of the main water points (springs and wells) in the area and the sampling and physico-chemical analysis of the water, with particular regard to the fluoride concentration. In many cases, fluoride content exceeded the drinking water limits set by the World Health Organization, even in the absence of anthropogenic contamination. Two different aquifers were recognized: A shallow aquifer related to the eastern escarpment and highlands, and a deep aquifer in the lowland areas of the rift valley on the basis of compositional changes from Ca–Mg/HCO3 to Na–HCO3. The distribution of fluoride, as well as pH and EC values, showed a decrease from the center of the lowlands to the eastern highlands, with similar values closely aligned along an NNE/SSW trend. All these data contribute to creating awareness among and sharing information on the risks with rural communities and local governments to support the adequate use of the available water resources and to plan appropriate interventions to increase access to fresh water, aimed at the sustainable human and rural local development of the region.
Sabrina Bonetto; Chiara Caselle; Domenico de Luca; Manuela Lasagna. Groundwater Resources in the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley: An Overview for a Sustainable Development. Sustainability 2021, 13, 1347 .
AMA StyleSabrina Bonetto, Chiara Caselle, Domenico de Luca, Manuela Lasagna. Groundwater Resources in the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley: An Overview for a Sustainable Development. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (3):1347.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSabrina Bonetto; Chiara Caselle; Domenico de Luca; Manuela Lasagna. 2021. "Groundwater Resources in the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley: An Overview for a Sustainable Development." Sustainability 13, no. 3: 1347.
This research gives an overview of the status of water resources in the western Aosta Valley (Italy). Surface water, groundwater and precipitation were sampled during five sampling campaigns, and chemical analyses were performed and interpreted. Stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H) were evaluated. This study highlights the relationships between water quality and quantity and local conditions (i.e., aquifer lithology, mixing into the aquifer, proximity to towns, contribution of snowmelt and ice melt to groundwater recharge, amount of rain, and season and altitude of the sampling location). A relationship between dust dispersed in the atmosphere as aerosols from the nearby Piedmont Region and the precipitation chemistry was identified, highlighting the presence of interregional conditions. Furthermore, isotopic analyses allowed the identification of aquifer feeding by both rainwater and glacial meltwater. Additionally, two origins for rainfall were identified: the Mediterranean Sea in winter and the Atlantic Ocean in summer. Finally, a local meteoric water line was calibrated for the study area. This research highlights the importance of implementing both traditional and isotopic techniques for water analysis to achieve optimal and sustainable management of water resources.
Barbara Grappein; Manuela Lasagna; Pietro Capodaglio; Chiara Caselle; Domenico Luca. Hydrochemical and Isotopic Applications in the Western Aosta Valley (Italy) for Sustainable Groundwater Management. Sustainability 2021, 13, 487 .
AMA StyleBarbara Grappein, Manuela Lasagna, Pietro Capodaglio, Chiara Caselle, Domenico Luca. Hydrochemical and Isotopic Applications in the Western Aosta Valley (Italy) for Sustainable Groundwater Management. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (2):487.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBarbara Grappein; Manuela Lasagna; Pietro Capodaglio; Chiara Caselle; Domenico Luca. 2021. "Hydrochemical and Isotopic Applications in the Western Aosta Valley (Italy) for Sustainable Groundwater Management." Sustainability 13, no. 2: 487.
The economic activities of South Sudan (East-Central Africa) are predominantly agricultural. However, food insecurity due to low agricultural production, connected with weather conditions and lack of water infrastructure and knowledge, is a huge problem. This study reports the results of a qualitative and quantitative investigation of underground and surface water in the area of Gumbo (east of Juba town) that aims to assure sustainable water management, reducing diseases and mortality and guaranteeing access to irrigation and drinking water. The results of the study demonstrate the peculiarity of surface and groundwater and the critical aspects to take into account for the water use, particularly due to the exceeding of limits suggested by the WHO and national regulation. The outcomes provide a contribution to the scientific overview on lithostratigraphic, hydrochemical and hydrogeological setting of a less-studied area, characterized by sociopolitical instability and water scarcity. This represents a first step for the improvement of water knowledge and management, for sustainable economic development and for social progress in this African region.
Manuela Lasagna; Sabrina Bonetto; Laura Debernardi; Domenico De Luca; Carlo Semita; Chiara Caselle. Groundwater Resources Assessment for Sustainable Development in South Sudan. Sustainability 2020, 12, 5580 .
AMA StyleManuela Lasagna, Sabrina Bonetto, Laura Debernardi, Domenico De Luca, Carlo Semita, Chiara Caselle. Groundwater Resources Assessment for Sustainable Development in South Sudan. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (14):5580.
Chicago/Turabian StyleManuela Lasagna; Sabrina Bonetto; Laura Debernardi; Domenico De Luca; Carlo Semita; Chiara Caselle. 2020. "Groundwater Resources Assessment for Sustainable Development in South Sudan." Sustainability 12, no. 14: 5580.
The present study proposes an analytical investigation of the natural resources and social framework of the Hodh el Chargui region (Mauritania), aiming to offer a useful instrument for planning and management to the local authorities. The situation of the region was evaluated by means of a participatory survey carried out among the local inhabitants. The obtained results include a collection of data about population, territorial organization, access to basic education and health services, infrastructure, main economic activities, and natural resources (in terms of water, both surface and groundwater, duration and intensity of rainfalls, soil types, and vegetal resources). The survey outcomes were completed with an integrated approach based on Earth Observation (EO) data supports, such as digital elevation models (DEMs) and Landsat8 imagery. The interdependence among the different data was evaluated and discussed, with regard to the influence of the availability of natural resources on the development of agricultural activities and on the general social welfare. The results are organized in the form of digital maps and a user-friendly webmap platform to facilitate access for all the technical and nontechnical actors involved in the project.
Chiara Caselle; Sabrina Bonetto; Domenico De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; Luigi Perotti; Arianna Bucci; Stefano Bechis. An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Sustainable Management of Territorial Resources in Hodh el Chargui, Mauritania. Sustainability 2020, 12, 5114 .
AMA StyleChiara Caselle, Sabrina Bonetto, Domenico De Luca, Manuela Lasagna, Luigi Perotti, Arianna Bucci, Stefano Bechis. An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Sustainable Management of Territorial Resources in Hodh el Chargui, Mauritania. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (12):5114.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiara Caselle; Sabrina Bonetto; Domenico De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; Luigi Perotti; Arianna Bucci; Stefano Bechis. 2020. "An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Sustainable Management of Territorial Resources in Hodh el Chargui, Mauritania." Sustainability 12, no. 12: 5114.
Rainfall and temperature variability causes changes in groundwater recharge that can also influence groundwater quality by different processes. The aim of this study is the analysis of the hydrogeochemical variations over time due to meteorological variability in two different study areas in Italy: an alluvial aquifer in the Piedmont Po plain and an alluvial-pyroclastic aquifer in the Campanian plain. The examined plains show groundwater with natural quality not satisfying the European drinking water standards, or anthropogenic contamination. The peculiar natural quality is due, in the Campanian plain, to the closeness of volcanic areas, and to the presence of reducing conditions. In Piedmont plain a test site is characterized by a point-source contamination by heavy metals, due to the presence of past industrial activities. In all the examined areas there is a diffuse nitrate contamination. The fluctuations of the ions As, F, Fe, Mn, Cr VI, NO3, and Cl were analyzed and compared, using statistical methods, with the variations over time in precipitation, temperature, and piezometric levels, sometimes significant. Results highlight the importance of the groundwater and meteorological monitoring and the key role of the recharge variation in the hydrogeochemical processes. The linking degree between rainfall/temperature variability and hydrogeochemistry is variable, in function of the typology of chemical species, their origin, and of the aquifer characteristics. The fluctuation of climate variables determines sudden changes in the geochemistry of shallow unconfined aquifers (e.g., in the Piedmont plain), while semiconfined or confined aquifers (e.g., in the Volturno-Regi Lagni plain) react with a greater delay to these variations. Moreover, natural quality is more affected by climatic variations than anthropogenic contamination, which is the result of multiple environmental and anthropic factors.
Manuela Lasagna; Daniela Ducci; Mariangela Sellerino; Susanna Mancini; Domenico Antonio De Luca. Meteorological Variability and Groundwater Quality: Examples in Different Hydrogeological Settings. Water 2020, 12, 1297 .
AMA StyleManuela Lasagna, Daniela Ducci, Mariangela Sellerino, Susanna Mancini, Domenico Antonio De Luca. Meteorological Variability and Groundwater Quality: Examples in Different Hydrogeological Settings. Water. 2020; 12 (5):1297.
Chicago/Turabian StyleManuela Lasagna; Daniela Ducci; Mariangela Sellerino; Susanna Mancini; Domenico Antonio De Luca. 2020. "Meteorological Variability and Groundwater Quality: Examples in Different Hydrogeological Settings." Water 12, no. 5: 1297.
A 3-year high-resolution monitoring of shallow subsurface temperature (unsaturated and saturated zones) was performed in the experimental site of Mezzi Po (Po River plain, NW Italy) to investigate the thermal behaviour of subsurface and the dependency with the atmospheric (air) temperature. The unsaturated zone of the test site is mainly constituted by sands and silts, and the unconfined aquifer below is hosted in coarse sediments (mainly sands and gravels) with shallow depth to water table (5 m b.g.l). The monitoring results allowed for identifying two main phenomena correlated with the propagation of the atmospheric heat through the subsurface. First, the amplitude of temperature fluctuation during the year, calculated as the difference between maximum and minimum temperature value, reduces with increasing depth, with a maximum range (31.1 °C) in air and a minimum (2.0 °C) in the saturated zone, at 7.00 m below ground level (b.g.l.). Furthermore, a lag of mean temperatures in the subsurface respect to air occurs. The delay is as much longer as the depth increases. Mainly, the time shift ranges between 1 week in the shallow soil (at 0.60 m b.g.l.) and 17 weeks in the saturated zone (7 m b.g.l.). These results are consistent with a 1-D heat diffusion model, through which the thermal subsoil properties were derived for 0.60–7 m depth interval. More specifically, thermal diffusivity is 8.12 × 10–7 m2/s, and thermal conductivity is 1.40 W/mK.
Arianna Bucci; Manuela Lasagna; Domenico A. De Luca; Fiorella Acquaotta; Diego Barbero; Simona Fratianni. Time series analysis of underground temperature and evaluation of thermal properties in a test site of the Po plain (NW Italy). Environmental Earth Sciences 2020, 79, 1 -15.
AMA StyleArianna Bucci, Manuela Lasagna, Domenico A. De Luca, Fiorella Acquaotta, Diego Barbero, Simona Fratianni. Time series analysis of underground temperature and evaluation of thermal properties in a test site of the Po plain (NW Italy). Environmental Earth Sciences. 2020; 79 (8):1-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArianna Bucci; Manuela Lasagna; Domenico A. De Luca; Fiorella Acquaotta; Diego Barbero; Simona Fratianni. 2020. "Time series analysis of underground temperature and evaluation of thermal properties in a test site of the Po plain (NW Italy)." Environmental Earth Sciences 79, no. 8: 1-15.
Water pollution by asbestos may result from anthropogenic sources, such as water passing in cement-asbestos aqueduct pipes, or natural sources. Referring to this second case, pollution could be due to the flow of superficial water or groundwater into naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) in rock formations like green stones and serpentinites.
Asbestos-bearing rocks weathering is the principal natural cause of fibres water-dispersion. Despite the abundant occurrence of NOA rocks where water can flow (underground and superficially) in the North-Western part of the Alps, a few is known about the mechanism of fibres release in water and the correlation with the geolithological and hydrogeological characteristics of the area.
Moreover, the knowledge on the eventual noxiousness of waterborne fibres have still to be deepened: in fact, they can come into contact with human being as airborne fibres after water vaporization, or by ingestion, especially if fibres are present in drinking water. While a lot is known about disease caused by airborne asbestos fibres high-dose respiration, not enough has been yet comprehended about potential noxiousness of fibre ingestion. Following some in vivo studies, US-EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) defined a maximum contaminant level of 7x106 ff/l in drinking water, but this limit is not fully shared by the whole scientific community.
Against this background, it has become fundamental to clarify the main aspects related to waterborne fibres, in particular their natural occurrence in water and their transportation due to water flowing into NOA. Consequently, decision has been made to conduct a study on the former chrysotile mine of Balangero, in Piedmont (Italy), which was selected as a reference case study for its great significance in the North-Western Alps context. The case study was developed in collaboration with R.S.A. s.r.l., the company that is in charge of the site remediation.
A sampling and analysis campaign regarding the superficial hydrographic network of the area was settled: 5 different sampling points were selected, 2 of them inside the principal site perimeter and 3 in the villages situated downstream of the site. They have been monitored for about one year, to evaluate the seasonal variability.
The main aims of the research are:
Finally, an attempt to relate the number of waterborne fibres to those that can eventually be released in air is still ongoing.
Chiara Avataneo; Elena Belluso; Massimo Bergamini; Silvana Capella; Domenico Antonio De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; Francesco Turci. Waterborne Naturally Occurring Asbestos: a case study from Piedmont (NW Italy). 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleChiara Avataneo, Elena Belluso, Massimo Bergamini, Silvana Capella, Domenico Antonio De Luca, Manuela Lasagna, Francesco Turci. Waterborne Naturally Occurring Asbestos: a case study from Piedmont (NW Italy). . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiara Avataneo; Elena Belluso; Massimo Bergamini; Silvana Capella; Domenico Antonio De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; Francesco Turci. 2020. "Waterborne Naturally Occurring Asbestos: a case study from Piedmont (NW Italy)." , no. : 1.
This paper aims at the systematization of knowledge related to geodiversity assessment for water resources and its evaluation within high mountain areas. In this environmental context, geological features, landforms and geomorphological processes, soils and water too are particularly sensitive to climatic and environmental changes, thus giving geodiversity a particularly dynamic character.
A multidimensional (regional, local; present, past) approach was developed for analyzing components of geomorphological and hydrogeological systems, both at superficial and underground level, in order to establish a conceptual model and a specific procedure for the evaluation of geodiversity.
Spatial and temporal dimensions of glaciated mountain landscapes of the Italian Western Alps (Monte Rosa, Maggiore Lake, Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark) and the Coast Mountains of Canada (Mount Meager, Lillohet Valley, Sea-to-Sky Corridor) were mapped and interpreted by means of: 1) detailed interpretation of DEM-derived data, 2) proper selection of Geomatics survey and monitoring tools and 3) targeted application of GIS analytical methods. The selection and processing operations of the elements considered for this evaluation led to the identification of areas characterized by greater values of hydrogeodiversity. Here, the link between surface and underground hydrodynamics becomes closer and intense, thus conditioning the local landscape setting and the interactions of its natural and human components.
The conceptual model and related workflow proved to be useful for both a) enhanced accuracy of models of a diversity of geomorphological and hydrogeological elements and processes of mountain regions and b) improved “targeted” knowledge on hydrogeodiversity and increased awareness on related geoheritage.
The proposed GIS and Geomatics framework allowed the hydrogeodiversity assessment going well beyond the limit of classical geomorphological and hydrogeological techniques. Difficulty of quantitative analysis over large areas was overcome, and small landscape features and other “hidden” hydrogeological markers could be taken into account. The results of the research strengthened the possibility of strategic management of geological, geomorphological and hydrological heritages within the study areas. In fact, we identified different landscapes and local peculiarities determined by mutual influences between geology and hydrological dynamics and mapped their possible interaction with human activities and infrastructures within areas of enhanced climate change effects.
Luigi Perotti; Manuela Lasagna; Gilda Carraro; Cristina Viani; Federico Tognetto; De Luca Dominico Antonio; Gioachino Roberti; Marco Giardino. GIS and geomatics for hydrogeodiversity assessment of glaciated mountains: examples from the Western Alps (Italy) and the Coast Mountains (Canada). 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleLuigi Perotti, Manuela Lasagna, Gilda Carraro, Cristina Viani, Federico Tognetto, De Luca Dominico Antonio, Gioachino Roberti, Marco Giardino. GIS and geomatics for hydrogeodiversity assessment of glaciated mountains: examples from the Western Alps (Italy) and the Coast Mountains (Canada). . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuigi Perotti; Manuela Lasagna; Gilda Carraro; Cristina Viani; Federico Tognetto; De Luca Dominico Antonio; Gioachino Roberti; Marco Giardino. 2020. "GIS and geomatics for hydrogeodiversity assessment of glaciated mountains: examples from the Western Alps (Italy) and the Coast Mountains (Canada)." , no. : 1.
Increased variability in precipitation and more extreme weather events caused by climate change can lead to more extended periods of droughts and floods, which directly affects the availability of groundwater. The consequent fluctuation of the water table can also affect groundwater quality. Particularly, a higher recharge, and the resultant increase of the piezometric level, can have, as a positive result, the dilution of the contaminants in aquifers and a decrease of the concentrations. On the other side, water that infiltrates can leach pollutants that are present in the unsaturated zone, with an increase of groundwater pollution. Even, the rise of the piezometric level can have negative consequences on groundwater quality, also due to groundwater that leach the capillary fringe and the previously unsaturated zone; if a contaminant is present in these sectors, it can lead to an increase of the aquifer pollution.
The increase or decrease in contaminants levels depend on a complex balance between all the described phenomena, and contaminant behaviour. This study wants to analyse the hydrogeochemical variations in time due to climate variability to define the role of different processes.
Two different hydrogeological environments were chosen as test fields: an alluvial aquifer in the Piedmont Po Plain (NW Italy) and an alluvial-pyroclastic aquifer in the Campanian plain (S Italy).
Piedmont Po plain shows a diffuse nitrate contamination, due to intensive agricultural and livestock activities. A nickel contamination is locally present, due to natural causes, namely the presence of basic and ultrabasic rocks debris in the supply basins, containing high amount of nickel-bearing femic minerals. Consequently, nitrate and nickel fluctuation were analysed and compared with precipitation and piezometric levels.
The hydrogeochemistry of the Campanian plain is influenced by the closeness of volcanic active areas (Phlegrean Fields and Vesuvius), bringing high As and F values, and by the presence of reducing conditions, bringing high Fe and Mn values. Moreover, there is a widespread nitrate contamination, prevalently due to intensive agricultural and livestock activities. The fluctuations of these 5 ions (As, F, Fe, Mn and NO3) have been observed during almost twenty years and compared with the differences in recharge, sometimes significant due to the climate change.
The monitoring and analyses of the chemical concentrations of ions of anthropogenic and natural origin in a context of climate variability represent a key element to offer a new and different research perspective in the field of groundwater chemistry.
Manuela Lasagna; Daniela Ducci; Mariangela Sellerino; Susanna Mancini; Domenico De Luca. Chemical variations in time in a context of climate variability: examples in different hydrogeological settings. 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleManuela Lasagna, Daniela Ducci, Mariangela Sellerino, Susanna Mancini, Domenico De Luca. Chemical variations in time in a context of climate variability: examples in different hydrogeological settings. . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleManuela Lasagna; Daniela Ducci; Mariangela Sellerino; Susanna Mancini; Domenico De Luca. 2020. "Chemical variations in time in a context of climate variability: examples in different hydrogeological settings." , no. : 1.
This paper describes the hydrogeological map of the western Po Plain, located in Piedmont (north-western Italy). Po plain represents a hydrogeological system of European relevance, and the Piedmont Plain is the most important groundwater reservoir of the Region. The 1:300,000 scale map was realised using previous and new data to update the knowledge of this area. The map provides information about the hydrogeological complexes and their type and degree of permeability, water table levels and depth, piezometric level fluctuation, lithostratigraphic cross-sections, thickness, and percentage of the permeable deposits between 0 and 50 m from the ground surface. All this information is essential to public administrations, stakeholders, researchers, and professionals for defining possible tools for groundwater protection and management and for planning new groundwater exploitation (i.e. municipal drinking water supplies).
Domenico Antonio De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; Laura Debernardi; De Luca Domenico Antonio; Lasagna Manuela; Debernardi Laura. Hydrogeology of the western Po plain (Piedmont, NW Italy). Journal of Maps 2020, 16, 265 -273.
AMA StyleDomenico Antonio De Luca, Manuela Lasagna, Laura Debernardi, De Luca Domenico Antonio, Lasagna Manuela, Debernardi Laura. Hydrogeology of the western Po plain (Piedmont, NW Italy). Journal of Maps. 2020; 16 (2):265-273.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDomenico Antonio De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; Laura Debernardi; De Luca Domenico Antonio; Lasagna Manuela; Debernardi Laura. 2020. "Hydrogeology of the western Po plain (Piedmont, NW Italy)." Journal of Maps 16, no. 2: 265-273.
Water table level monitoring and analysis are among the tools available to identify variations in the quantitative state of groundwater. Moreover, these levels highlight the response of groundwater to climate change and other global change drivers, including land use changes. In this study, water table level (37 monitoring wells) and rainfall (30 rain gauges) data analyses were performed in an alluvial unconfined aquifer in the Piedmont Plain (NW Italy) for the 2002–2017 period. The aim of this study was to identify possible trends in the time series and classify the groundwater hydrodynamic behaviours, as well as their spatial distributions and the main drivers of change in the plain. Moreover, two different sub-periods (2002–2008 and 2009–2017), which were identified with a change point analysis, were analysed to highlight possible variations in the groundwater hydrodynamic behaviours. The results of this study highlighted the lack of a trend in the rainfall time series, while a trend was detected for the water table. To explain this inconsistency, water table behaviours were analysed during the year, highlighting different groundwater hydrodynamic behaviours. Over time, the groundwater hydrodynamic behaviour generally showed the dependence of the water table level on rainfall occurrence. This correlation was also underscored by analysing the standardised anomalies of rainfall and groundwater levels. A different behaviour was observed in the paddy field areas, where the main driver of water level modification is the agricultural technique of rice cultivation. Furthermore, a reduction in the maximum water table level period was observed in 2009–2017 in this area. More specifically, the high water table period passes from 4 to 3 months, which could be the result of changes in irrigation methods. In this study, by analysing the present resource status, a first step is made to obtain future insights into flow dynamics and trends in storage.
Manuela Lasagna; Susanna Mancini; Domenico Antonio De Luca. Groundwater hydrodynamic behaviours based on water table levels to identify natural and anthropic controlling factors in the Piedmont Plain (Italy). Science of The Total Environment 2020, 716, 137051 .
AMA StyleManuela Lasagna, Susanna Mancini, Domenico Antonio De Luca. Groundwater hydrodynamic behaviours based on water table levels to identify natural and anthropic controlling factors in the Piedmont Plain (Italy). Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 716 ():137051.
Chicago/Turabian StyleManuela Lasagna; Susanna Mancini; Domenico Antonio De Luca. 2020. "Groundwater hydrodynamic behaviours based on water table levels to identify natural and anthropic controlling factors in the Piedmont Plain (Italy)." Science of The Total Environment 716, no. : 137051.
D. Ducci; M. Lasagna. Groundwater stress and vulnerability. Sustainable Water Resources Management 2019, 5, 1379 -1380.
AMA StyleD. Ducci, M. Lasagna. Groundwater stress and vulnerability. Sustainable Water Resources Management. 2019; 5 (4):1379-1380.
Chicago/Turabian StyleD. Ducci; M. Lasagna. 2019. "Groundwater stress and vulnerability." Sustainable Water Resources Management 5, no. 4: 1379-1380.
This paper aims at systemizing knowledge related to geodiversity assessment for water resources and its evaluation. The novel aspect connected to geodiversity of this paper is the analysis of the components of hydrological system, both at the superficial and underground level, in the territory of the Sesia Val Grande United Nations educational, scientific, and cultural organization (UNESCO) Global Geopark (Northwest Italy). More specifically, the research establishes a conceptual model and a specific procedure for the evaluation of geodiversity connected to water resources on a regional scale, by means of a qualitative-quantitative geographic information system (GIS) process, renamed here as hydro-geodiversity assessment. For these purposes, a targeted ecosystem approach is applied to consider the assets of the Geopark territory that has been derived from the interaction between water and other components of geodiversity, i.e., the hydro-geosystemic services. The element selection and processing operations led to the identification of areas characterized by greater values of hydrological geodiversity, in which the link between surface and underground hydrodynamics became closer and intense. The single geodiversity factor maps that were obtained from partial data aggregations were added together in map algebra operations, then subjected to weighing to formulate the hydro-geodiversity map of the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark. The results of the present study strengthen the strategic management of geological, geomorphological, and hydrological heritages of the study area by identifying different landscapes and local peculiarities determined by mutual influences between geology and hydrological dynamics.
Luigi Perotti; Gilda Carraro; Marco Giardino; Domenico Antonio De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; De Luca. Geodiversity Evaluation and Water Resources in the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Geopark (Italy). Water 2019, 11, 2102 .
AMA StyleLuigi Perotti, Gilda Carraro, Marco Giardino, Domenico Antonio De Luca, Manuela Lasagna, De Luca. Geodiversity Evaluation and Water Resources in the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Geopark (Italy). Water. 2019; 11 (10):2102.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuigi Perotti; Gilda Carraro; Marco Giardino; Domenico Antonio De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; De Luca. 2019. "Geodiversity Evaluation and Water Resources in the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Geopark (Italy)." Water 11, no. 10: 2102.
This study investigated the thermal regime of shallow groundwater in the Turin area (NW Italy), where the large energy demand has driven a new interest for ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs). The strongest vertical variability of groundwater temperature is found within 10-20 m below ground surface. In spring, deeper temperatures are higher than shallow temperatures, while in autumn the trend is reversed. These variations are connected with the heating and cooling cyclesof the ground surface due to seasonal air temperature oscillation, propagating into the aquifer.The areal temperature distribution shows an increase from the foothill sectors close to the Alps towards the central Po Plain, driven by the progressive warming along the flow path. In the Turin city aquifer temperatures are 0.6 ÷1.6 °C higher than rural sectors. This groundwater warming is linked to the urban heat island effect, mainly driven by the typical artificial land use. Sparse warmer outliers (16-20°C) are in some cases connected to documented point heat sources, such as GSHP systems, industrial districts and landfills.
Arianna Bucci; Diego Barbero; Manuela Lasagna; Maria Gabriella Forno; Domenico Antonio De Luca. Modellazione numerica dell'acquifero della Piana di Empoli. Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana 2019, 48, 85 -95.
AMA StyleArianna Bucci, Diego Barbero, Manuela Lasagna, Maria Gabriella Forno, Domenico Antonio De Luca. Modellazione numerica dell'acquifero della Piana di Empoli. Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana. 2019; 48 ():85-95.
Chicago/Turabian StyleArianna Bucci; Diego Barbero; Manuela Lasagna; Maria Gabriella Forno; Domenico Antonio De Luca. 2019. "Modellazione numerica dell'acquifero della Piana di Empoli." Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana 48, no. : 85-95.
Alpine areas, with normally fissured bedrock outcrops, do not typically contain important hydrologic reservoirs, except for small aquifers located in Quaternary sediments. By contrast, mountainous areas affected by deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSD), especially if covered by glacial sediments, contain large aquifers and are consequently promising for water exploitation. This last geological setting is observed, for example, in the lower Dora Baltea Valley (near the confluence with the Renanchio Basin) in which the Montellina Spring is located and exhibits a very high discharge. A multidisciplinary approach (detailed geological survey of the bedrock and Quaternary cover, as well as hydrogeological research based on tracer tests, hydrochemical analyses, and water balance studies) was used, allowing for a reconstruction of the geological and hydrogeological setting of the investigated area, also considering its environmental implications. The consequent hydrogeological model derives from the coexistence of some factors. In detail, the thick glacial cover, widespread in the intermediate sector of the slope, represents an important aquifer with a slow groundwater flow to the spring. The buried glacial valley floor, hosting this cover, can convey the groundwater from the high Renanchio Basin zone towards the low sector. The loosened bedrock of the low sector, consequent to DSGSD phenomena, favors the concentration of groundwater along the contact with the underlying normal fissured bedrock outcropping at the base of the slope. Finally, the flow until the spring essentially takes place through N100° trend open fractures and trenches. Part of the Montellina Spring discharge is also fed by the low Renanchio Stream, as highlighted by fluorescein tests, essentially using NE-SW oriented open fractures on the bedrock. The results of the investigation on the Montellina Spring can provide some insight regarding the hydrological potential of other alpine areas with a similar geological setting.
Domenico Antonio De Luca; Elena Cerino Abdin; Maria Gabriella Forno; Marco Gattiglio; Franco Gianotti; Manuela Lasagna. The Montellina Spring as an Example of Water Circulation in an Alpine DSGSD Context (NW Italy). Water 2019, 11, 700 .
AMA StyleDomenico Antonio De Luca, Elena Cerino Abdin, Maria Gabriella Forno, Marco Gattiglio, Franco Gianotti, Manuela Lasagna. The Montellina Spring as an Example of Water Circulation in an Alpine DSGSD Context (NW Italy). Water. 2019; 11 (4):700.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDomenico Antonio De Luca; Elena Cerino Abdin; Maria Gabriella Forno; Marco Gattiglio; Franco Gianotti; Manuela Lasagna. 2019. "The Montellina Spring as an Example of Water Circulation in an Alpine DSGSD Context (NW Italy)." Water 11, no. 4: 700.
Abandoned mines can pose serious pressure on local water sources. Analyses of the possible water related environmental problems connected to past mining activities was performed in two mining areas, Campello Monti and Gorno in NW Italy. To study impacts on local water sources water sampling campaigns and analyses were performed. The samples were analyzed to measure alkalinity, electrical conductivity, pH, chemical elements: Hg, Tl, Cd, Cr (total), Cr (VI), Ag, As, Pb, Se, Ni, Co, Mn, Al, Fe, Cu, Zn, B and other analytes: CN-, Fl-, Mg2+, Na+, SO4 2-, NO3-,Cl-.The water samples collected in Campello Monti area showed nickel contamination. The water samples collected at Gorno showed no contamination. Both Gorno and Campello Monti are two areas that were affected by intense mining activity in past. The absence of contamination in water (groundwater and rivers) in Gorno compared to Campello Monti may be due to several concomitant factors apartfrom the different geological context: in Gorno the higher pH of groundwater, which facilitates the precipitation of heavy metals and the increased flow velocity in the karst limestone rocks.
Domenico Antonio De Luca; Neha Mehta; Manuela Lasagna; Giovanna Antonella Dino; Arianna Bucci. Quality of water in two areas affected by past mining activities in alpine context. Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana 2019, 47, 68 -72.
AMA StyleDomenico Antonio De Luca, Neha Mehta, Manuela Lasagna, Giovanna Antonella Dino, Arianna Bucci. Quality of water in two areas affected by past mining activities in alpine context. Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana. 2019; 47 ():68-72.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDomenico Antonio De Luca; Neha Mehta; Manuela Lasagna; Giovanna Antonella Dino; Arianna Bucci. 2019. "Quality of water in two areas affected by past mining activities in alpine context." Rendiconti Online della Società Geologica Italiana 47, no. : 68-72.
Deep aquifers typically serve as a key source of drinking water due to their good groundwater quality. Then the identification of deep aquifers recharge areas provides the local administration with a management tool to protect groundwater, through the implementation of legislative measures for the control of pollution sources. However, the location and size of recharge areas of deep aquifers are often difficult to define and generally require a large amount of data. The aim of this paper is to propose a method to identify potential recharge, throughflow and discharge areas of deep aquifers on a regional scale, due to their hydrodynamic features. As the proposed method identifies where deep-aquifer recharge can occur, but not the recharge rate, delimited areas are defined as “potential”. Particularly, the method analyses piezometric level differences between shallow and deep aquifers to understand groundwater flow direction. The areas where groundwater flow is downward are delimited as potential recharge areas of deep aquifers (PRADAs). The method represents a qualitative approach to the identification of PRADAs, because it permits to narrow down large plain areas extension, highlighting where potentially recharge areas are located. Then PRADAs location and shape can be defined effectively, expanding data sets and furthering analyses (hydrogeological reconstruction, hydraulic connectivity, hydro-chemical and isotopic methods…) in the identified areas. The hydrogeological setting investigated by this method is representative of many anthropized and groundwater-demanding plains around the world that require to be protected. Thus, the method represents a suitable approach for PRADAs’ identification in such settings, especially in low-income countries, where resource availability for studies and analyses is scarce. This method was then applied to a plain area of Northwest Italy, and the locations and sizes of potential recharge, throughflow and discharge areas of deep aquifers were identified on a regional scale.
Domenico A. De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; Alice Gisolo; Andrea Morelli Di Popolo E Ticineto; Mauro Falco; Cesare Cuzzi. Potential recharge areas of deep aquifers: an application to the Vercelli–Biella Plain (NW Italy). Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali 2019, 30, 137 -153.
AMA StyleDomenico A. De Luca, Manuela Lasagna, Alice Gisolo, Andrea Morelli Di Popolo E Ticineto, Mauro Falco, Cesare Cuzzi. Potential recharge areas of deep aquifers: an application to the Vercelli–Biella Plain (NW Italy). Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali. 2019; 30 (1):137-153.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDomenico A. De Luca; Manuela Lasagna; Alice Gisolo; Andrea Morelli Di Popolo E Ticineto; Mauro Falco; Cesare Cuzzi. 2019. "Potential recharge areas of deep aquifers: an application to the Vercelli–Biella Plain (NW Italy)." Rendiconti Lincei. Scienze Fisiche e Naturali 30, no. 1: 137-153.