This page has only limited features, please log in for full access.

Prof. Stefano Loppi
Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy

Basic Info


Research Keywords & Expertise

0 Air Quality
0 Biodiversity
0 Heavy Metals
0 Plants
0 biomonitoring

Fingerprints

lichens
biomonitoring
Heavy Metals
Air Quality
Plants
Biodiversity
mosses

Honors and Awards

The user has no records in this section


Career Timeline

The user has no records in this section.


Short Biography

I am interested in the study of biological effects of pollution and the use of sensitive organisms as bioindicators of environmental quality. I am included in the list of top Italian scientists of Via-Academy and in the list of top world scientists of Plos Biology. My main current research topics are: - biodiversity and environmental quality projects: SAIPEM, HERA - biomonitoring of toxic elements and microplastics in atmospheric deposition projects: Plant bioindicators and environmental quality, European Moss survey, ADMIT-MOSS - applications of bio-based products (biochar, wood vinegar, chitin) projects: BIOCONCULTURA - agroecology and plant-soil relationships projects: VAV - Vero Aglione della Valdichiana, TRACOIL

Following
Followers
Co Authors
The list of users this user is following is empty.
Following: 0 users

Feed

Journal article
Published: 26 August 2021 in Urban Science
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In this study, the physiological response of a sensitive lichen species (Evernia prunastri) exposed for three months in a complex urban area (Milan, Italy) was evaluated in order to verify if the air pollution abatement measures adopted over the years resulted in a suitable air quality for the survival of this sensitive species. Parameters investigated rely on the photosynthetic activity of the photobiont (Fv/Fm, PIabs, and OJIP curves), damage to mycobiont (membrane damage and antiradical activity), and the production of secondary metabolites involved in the protective functions of the organisms. Results showed that although air quality in Milan still suffers from heavy pollution from PM and NOx, the overall situation is not as severe as to induce the death of this sensitive biomonitor, at least in the short term. Nevertheless, the vital status of the samples exposed in the study area showed a significant impairment compared to that of samples exposed in a control area, indicating that the current air quality in Milan still prevents the optimal survival of E. prunastri.

ACS Style

Tania Contardo; Stefano Gazzotti; Marco Aldo Ortenzi; Andrea Vannini; Stefano Loppi. Biological Effects of Air Pollution on Sensitive Bioindicators: A Case Study from Milan, Italy. Urban Science 2021, 5, 64 .

AMA Style

Tania Contardo, Stefano Gazzotti, Marco Aldo Ortenzi, Andrea Vannini, Stefano Loppi. Biological Effects of Air Pollution on Sensitive Bioindicators: A Case Study from Milan, Italy. Urban Science. 2021; 5 (3):64.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tania Contardo; Stefano Gazzotti; Marco Aldo Ortenzi; Andrea Vannini; Stefano Loppi. 2021. "Biological Effects of Air Pollution on Sensitive Bioindicators: A Case Study from Milan, Italy." Urban Science 5, no. 3: 64.

Journal article
Published: 29 July 2021 in Science of The Total Environment
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In this study we used a terricolous lichen (Cetraria islandica) as bioaccumulator of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) to explore spatial patterns of air pollutant deposition along elevational gradients in the Majella Massif (Italy). Samples of C. islandica were collected at 200 m intervals along 6 transects from 1600 to 2600 m, both along the eastern and the western slope of the Majella massif, and analyzed for their PTE content. The results supported the hypothesis that the deposition of PTEs to the Majella massif is largely influenced by elevation and slope. Two main patterns emerged connected either with local soil erosion and long-range atmospheric transport. For some PTEs, namely Al, Cr, Li, Mg, in the absence of any other data, it is supposed that the anthropogenic input is very small compared to the natural input from weathering processes. In contrast, the group of air pollutants subjected to long-range transport, as in the case of Cd, Hg, and Pb, has very limited local input and the main sources responsible for the higher concentrations on the eastern slope are probably to be searched in the Balkan area.

ACS Style

Andrea Vannini; Raffaello Tedesco; Stefano Loppi; Valter Di Cecco; Luciano Di Martino; Juri Nascimbene; Federico Dallo; Carlo Barbante. Lichens as monitors of the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements in high elevation Mediterranean ecosystems. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 798, 149369 .

AMA Style

Andrea Vannini, Raffaello Tedesco, Stefano Loppi, Valter Di Cecco, Luciano Di Martino, Juri Nascimbene, Federico Dallo, Carlo Barbante. Lichens as monitors of the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements in high elevation Mediterranean ecosystems. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 798 ():149369.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Vannini; Raffaello Tedesco; Stefano Loppi; Valter Di Cecco; Luciano Di Martino; Juri Nascimbene; Federico Dallo; Carlo Barbante. 2021. "Lichens as monitors of the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements in high elevation Mediterranean ecosystems." Science of The Total Environment 798, no. : 149369.

Journal article
Published: 29 July 2021 in Applied Sciences
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The aim of this study was to provide, for the first time, data on the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils and bulbs of elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) cultivated in Valdichiana, a traditional agricultural area of Tuscany, Italy. Bulbs of elephant garlic and soil samples were collected in four cultivation fields and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, U, V, Zn. The concentrations of these PTEs in bulbs and cultivation soils were used to calculate geochemical, ecological and health risk indices. The results of this study suggest that, although bulbs of elephant garlic from the Valdichiana area may present slightly high concentrations of Cd, Ni and Pb, the associated health risk based on the daily intake is absolutely negligible. Cultivation soils had somewhat high Cu concentrations probably due to the diffuse use of Cu-based products in agriculture, but showed overall a very low ecological risk.

ACS Style

Andrea Vannini; Martina Grattacaso; Giulia Canali; Francesco Nannoni; Luigi Di Lella; Giuseppe Protano; Stefano Biagiotti; Stefano Loppi. Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Soils and Bulbs of Elephant Garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) Grown in Valdichiana, a Traditional Cultivation Area of Tuscany, Italy. Applied Sciences 2021, 11, 7023 .

AMA Style

Andrea Vannini, Martina Grattacaso, Giulia Canali, Francesco Nannoni, Luigi Di Lella, Giuseppe Protano, Stefano Biagiotti, Stefano Loppi. Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Soils and Bulbs of Elephant Garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) Grown in Valdichiana, a Traditional Cultivation Area of Tuscany, Italy. Applied Sciences. 2021; 11 (15):7023.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Vannini; Martina Grattacaso; Giulia Canali; Francesco Nannoni; Luigi Di Lella; Giuseppe Protano; Stefano Biagiotti; Stefano Loppi. 2021. "Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Soils and Bulbs of Elephant Garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) Grown in Valdichiana, a Traditional Cultivation Area of Tuscany, Italy." Applied Sciences 11, no. 15: 7023.

Journal article
Published: 12 April 2021 in Stresses
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study investigated the accumulation and phytotoxicity of two commercial biocides widely used for the removal of biological colonization from monuments, namely Biotin T® (3%) and Preventol RI80® (2%), on lichen and moss model species, specifically, Evernia prunastri and Brachythecium sp. The active compounds, benzalkonium chloride (BAC) for Preventol RI80 and isothiazolinone (OIT) for Biotin T, were accumulated in similar amounts in both species without significant changes for up to 21 days. Both compounds caused a severe impairment of the photosynthetic apparatus of these species, without any recovery over time, although Biotin T showed a faster and stronger action, and the moss was more sensitive than the lichen. By shedding light on the accumulation of BAC and OIT in lichens and mosses and quantifying their effectiveness to photosynthetically devitalize these organisms, the obtained results are a useful comparison for the implementation of green alternative products for the control of biodeteriogens.

ACS Style

Andrea Vannini; Giulia Canali; Sergio Favero-Longo; Stefano Loppi. Accumulation and Phytotoxicity of Two Commercial Biocides in the Lichen Evernia prunastri and the Moss Brachythecium sp. Stresses 2021, 1, 69 -77.

AMA Style

Andrea Vannini, Giulia Canali, Sergio Favero-Longo, Stefano Loppi. Accumulation and Phytotoxicity of Two Commercial Biocides in the Lichen Evernia prunastri and the Moss Brachythecium sp. Stresses. 2021; 1 (2):69-77.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Vannini; Giulia Canali; Sergio Favero-Longo; Stefano Loppi. 2021. "Accumulation and Phytotoxicity of Two Commercial Biocides in the Lichen Evernia prunastri and the Moss Brachythecium sp." Stresses 1, no. 2: 69-77.

Journal article
Published: 29 January 2021 in Atmosphere
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Although the use of moss as biomonitor of air pollution is relatively simple, the interpretation of the data needs reference values. Background values for Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn accumulated in moss samples from Switzerland, collected every five years from 1995 to 2015 in the framework of the European Moss Survey, were statistically estimated. These background values can be used as reference for the assessment of spatial and temporal trends, to be expressed in terms of bioaccumulation ratios with actual values. The use of annual background values is of great importance to identify spatial trends, while period-wide background values identify temporal trends. The latter are consistent with those reported in other comprehensive similar biomonitoring studies in Europe and are required to be updated in time, possibly every five years. The use of cutoff values to be used as benchmark for bioaccumulation ratios is invaluable in having a scale for assessing ecological quality.

ACS Style

Stefano Loppi; Zaida Kosonen; Mario Meier. Estimating Background Values of Potentially Toxic Elements Accumulated in Moss: A Case Study from Switzerland. Atmosphere 2021, 12, 177 .

AMA Style

Stefano Loppi, Zaida Kosonen, Mario Meier. Estimating Background Values of Potentially Toxic Elements Accumulated in Moss: A Case Study from Switzerland. Atmosphere. 2021; 12 (2):177.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefano Loppi; Zaida Kosonen; Mario Meier. 2021. "Estimating Background Values of Potentially Toxic Elements Accumulated in Moss: A Case Study from Switzerland." Atmosphere 12, no. 2: 177.

Research article
Published: 28 January 2021 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In this study, the release of Cu2+ and Zn2+ was investigated and modeled in the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri. Samples were incubated with solutions containing these metals at ecologically relevant concentrations (10 and 100 μM) and then transplanted to a remote area and retrieved after 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The results showed that, after 12 months, all samples faced similar metal reductions of ca. 80–85%, but after this period, all the involved processes seem to be no longer capable of generating further reductions. These results suggest that the lichen E. prunastri can provide information about environmental improvements after exposure to high or very high pollution levels in a relatively short period of time.

ACS Style

Andrea Vannini; Luca Paoli; Riccardo Fedeli; Sharon Kwambai Kangogo; Massimo Guarnieri; Stefania Ancora; Fabrizio Monaci; Stefano Loppi. Modeling heavy metal release in the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2021, 28, 27392 -27397.

AMA Style

Andrea Vannini, Luca Paoli, Riccardo Fedeli, Sharon Kwambai Kangogo, Massimo Guarnieri, Stefania Ancora, Fabrizio Monaci, Stefano Loppi. Modeling heavy metal release in the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2021; 28 (21):27392-27397.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Vannini; Luca Paoli; Riccardo Fedeli; Sharon Kwambai Kangogo; Massimo Guarnieri; Stefania Ancora; Fabrizio Monaci; Stefano Loppi. 2021. "Modeling heavy metal release in the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 28, no. 21: 27392-27397.

Research article
Published: 12 January 2021 in SN Applied Sciences
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study investigated the effectiveness of foliar application of sweet chestnut wood distillate on the photosynthetic performance and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv ‘Canasta’), both alone and in combination with soybean lecithin used as biosurfactant. Seedlings of lettuce were treated with a foliar application of either mineral water (control), or 1:500 solutions of 3% soy lecithin, wood distillate and wood distillate plus 3% soy lecithin. After 1 week, the chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll reflectance and dry biomass were measured. The results showed that both wood distillate and lecithin exerted a positive effect on chlorophyll content and biomass production, but the joint use of wood distillate and lecithin quickly stimulated a ca. 50% increase in these parameters and is thus recommended.

ACS Style

Andrea Vannini; Filippo Moratelli; Fabrizio Monaci; Stefano Loppi. Effects of wood distillate and soy lecithin on the photosynthetic performance and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). SN Applied Sciences 2021, 3, 1 -6.

AMA Style

Andrea Vannini, Filippo Moratelli, Fabrizio Monaci, Stefano Loppi. Effects of wood distillate and soy lecithin on the photosynthetic performance and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). SN Applied Sciences. 2021; 3 (1):1-6.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Vannini; Filippo Moratelli; Fabrizio Monaci; Stefano Loppi. 2021. "Effects of wood distillate and soy lecithin on the photosynthetic performance and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)." SN Applied Sciences 3, no. 1: 1-6.

Journal article
Published: 24 December 2020 in Pollutants
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study investigated whether moderate soil contamination by Cd and Pb may negatively affect seed germination, photosynthesis and foliar accumulation in the medicinal plant Hypericum perforatum. Seeds were incubated with Cd and Pb solutions of 10 and 100 µM, and two-month-old plants were watered weekly for three weeks with the same solutions. Control samples were treated with deionized water. The percentage of seed germination and seedling length, as well as chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence and foliar reflectance, were measured, along with the foliar Cd and Pb concentrations. The results indicated that seed germination is not affected, while seedling length is decreased by approximately 81% by high Cd levels. Cadmium was subjected to foliar translocation from the soil depending on the supplied concentration, thus causing reductions in the chlorophyll content (−24%). It is of interest that foliar Cd levels in Cd-treated plants were close to or above the limit for the European Pharmacopoeia. Negative effects of Pb were not detected, but accumulation and blockage of this metal at the root level, although not approached experimentally, cannot be ruled out.

ACS Style

Mehriban Jafarova; Andrea Vannini; Fabrizio Monaci; Stefano Loppi. Influence of Moderate Cd and Pb Soil Pollution on Seed Development, Photosynthetic Performance and Foliar Accumulation in the Medicinal Plant Hypericum perforatum. Pollutants 2020, 1, 1 -9.

AMA Style

Mehriban Jafarova, Andrea Vannini, Fabrizio Monaci, Stefano Loppi. Influence of Moderate Cd and Pb Soil Pollution on Seed Development, Photosynthetic Performance and Foliar Accumulation in the Medicinal Plant Hypericum perforatum. Pollutants. 2020; 1 (1):1-9.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mehriban Jafarova; Andrea Vannini; Fabrizio Monaci; Stefano Loppi. 2020. "Influence of Moderate Cd and Pb Soil Pollution on Seed Development, Photosynthetic Performance and Foliar Accumulation in the Medicinal Plant Hypericum perforatum." Pollutants 1, no. 1: 1-9.

Journal article
Published: 12 October 2020 in International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This work analyzed the influence of different application protocols on the efficacy of two biocides against the foliose lichen Xanthoparmelia tinctina on the sandstones of the Roman Archaeological site of Luni (Italy). The hypotheses that (a) biocide application tools (brush vs. poultice), (b) pre-treatment hydration, and (c) post-treatment washing may affect devitalization success were verified by monitoring chlorophyll a fluorescence of thalli, both in situ and in laboratory conditions. The hypothesis that (d) stone substrate may act as reservoir for later biocide release under repeated cycles of wetting and drying was also assayed. Analyses confirmed the importance of the application tool, with cellulose poultice being more effective than brush. Hydration influenced the biocide absorption by thalli. Moreover it modulated the metabolic activity and susceptibility to the available toxic compound, hindering lichens from entering a dormant state to tolerate stress. Depending on the preparation solvent (water vs. white spirit), the biocide application benefited from pre-treatment hydration and/or a post-treatment washing. Lastly, we showed that different sandstones variously adsorb the biocides and potentially contribute as a reservoir for their long-term release at low concentrations during successive hydration events.

ACS Style

Sergio E. Favero-Longo; Andrea Vannini; Renato Benesperi; Elisabetta Bianchi; Zuzana Fačkovcová; Paolo Giordani; Paola Malaspina; Luca Martire; Enrica Matteucci; Luca Paoli; Sonia Ravera; Ada Roccardi; Chiara Tonon; Stefano Loppi. The application protocol impacts the effectiveness of biocides against lichens. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 2020, 155, 105105 .

AMA Style

Sergio E. Favero-Longo, Andrea Vannini, Renato Benesperi, Elisabetta Bianchi, Zuzana Fačkovcová, Paolo Giordani, Paola Malaspina, Luca Martire, Enrica Matteucci, Luca Paoli, Sonia Ravera, Ada Roccardi, Chiara Tonon, Stefano Loppi. The application protocol impacts the effectiveness of biocides against lichens. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation. 2020; 155 ():105105.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Sergio E. Favero-Longo; Andrea Vannini; Renato Benesperi; Elisabetta Bianchi; Zuzana Fačkovcová; Paolo Giordani; Paola Malaspina; Luca Martire; Enrica Matteucci; Luca Paoli; Sonia Ravera; Ada Roccardi; Chiara Tonon; Stefano Loppi. 2020. "The application protocol impacts the effectiveness of biocides against lichens." International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation 155, no. : 105105.

Journal article
Published: 19 September 2020 in Biology
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study compared the ability of the lichen Evernia prunastri, chitin and chitosan to take up Cu2+ and Zn2+. It was hypothesized that chitin and chitosan have an accumulation capacity comparable to the lichen, so that these biopolymers could replace the use of E. prunastri for effective biomonitoring of Cu and Zn air pollution. Samples of the lichen E. prunastri, as well as chitin (from shrimps) and chitosan (from crabs), were incubated with Cu and Zn solutions at concentrations of 0 (control), 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µM and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Metal concentrations accumulated by lichen, chitin and chitosan samples were strongly and linearly correlated with the concentrations in the treatment solutions. The lichen always showed significantly higher accumulation values compared to chitin and chitosan, which showed similar accumulation features. The outcomes of this study confirmed the great effectiveness of the lichen Evernia prunastri for environmental biomonitoring and showed that chitin and chitosan have a lower accumulation capacity, thus suggesting that although these biopolymers have the potential for replacing E. prunastri in polluted areas, their suitability may be limited in areas with intermediate or low pollution levels.

ACS Style

Stefano Loppi; Andrea Vannini; Fabrizio Monaci; Daniel Dagodzo; Felix Blind; Michael Erler; Stefan Fränzle. Can Chitin and Chitosan Replace the Lichen Evernia prunastri for Environmental Biomonitoring of Cu and Zn Air Contamination? Biology 2020, 9, 301 .

AMA Style

Stefano Loppi, Andrea Vannini, Fabrizio Monaci, Daniel Dagodzo, Felix Blind, Michael Erler, Stefan Fränzle. Can Chitin and Chitosan Replace the Lichen Evernia prunastri for Environmental Biomonitoring of Cu and Zn Air Contamination? Biology. 2020; 9 (9):301.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefano Loppi; Andrea Vannini; Fabrizio Monaci; Daniel Dagodzo; Felix Blind; Michael Erler; Stefan Fränzle. 2020. "Can Chitin and Chitosan Replace the Lichen Evernia prunastri for Environmental Biomonitoring of Cu and Zn Air Contamination?" Biology 9, no. 9: 301.

Journal article
Published: 11 September 2020 in Plants
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Treatments of crops with additives to increase their productivity may pose environmental risks and induce negative effects also on non-target organisms. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of chestnut wood distillate (pyroligneous acid) used in agriculture, on the accumulation of trace elements in aquatic plants. As a model species, the common water fern Azolla filiculoides Lam. was selected, being often used also in phytoremediation processes. The content of selected elements of toxicological concern (As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) was assessed in the fern after short-term treatments (1–3 days) over a range of wood distillate concentrations 1:300 (3.33 mL/L), 1:500 (2.00 mL/L), 1:700 (1.43 mL/L). A statistically significant accumulation of Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn (1:700) and Pb (1:300) was recorded after three days of incubation, despite the concentrations remained overall low. Using treatment vs. control ratios, a trend of increasing temporal uptake was detected for As, Ba, Fe, Mn, Pb (1:700); Mn, Pb (1:500), and only Pb at 1:300. The results suggested that, under the experimental conditions, element uptake is positively influenced by time and negatively by increasing concentrations of wood distillate, likely due to the acidification of the medium. On the whole, the element concentrations measured in A. filiculoides were low and did not pose any toxicological concern.

ACS Style

Zuzana Fačkovcová; Andrea Vannini; Fabrizio Monaci; Martina Grattacaso; Luca Paoli; Stefano Loppi. Uptake of Trace Elements in the Water Fern Azolla filiculoides after Short-Term Application of Chestnut Wood Distillate (Pyroligneous Acid). Plants 2020, 9, 1179 .

AMA Style

Zuzana Fačkovcová, Andrea Vannini, Fabrizio Monaci, Martina Grattacaso, Luca Paoli, Stefano Loppi. Uptake of Trace Elements in the Water Fern Azolla filiculoides after Short-Term Application of Chestnut Wood Distillate (Pyroligneous Acid). Plants. 2020; 9 (9):1179.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zuzana Fačkovcová; Andrea Vannini; Fabrizio Monaci; Martina Grattacaso; Luca Paoli; Stefano Loppi. 2020. "Uptake of Trace Elements in the Water Fern Azolla filiculoides after Short-Term Application of Chestnut Wood Distillate (Pyroligneous Acid)." Plants 9, no. 9: 1179.

Journal article
Published: 18 August 2020 in Science of The Total Environment
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Abandoned mine sites are a cause of great environmental concern, being potential sources of toxic elements for adjacent aquatic ecosystems with intrinsic difficulties for their management (i.e. episodic nature of pollution, technical difficulties and high costs of monitoring, remoteness). Aquatic macrophytes can find effective application in these situations, providing cost-effective data for instream water quality assessment. In this study, native and transplanted specimens of the aquatic moss Platyhypnidium riparioides were used to evaluate metal(loid) contamination in a river receiving multiple acidic and metalliferous drainages from sulphide mineralized areas and derelict mines. Analysis of native P. riparioides thalli was used to identify, in the upland course of the river, the pattern of contamination (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) which was related to the geo-environmental features of the watershed and the nearby historical mining areas. Attenuation of metal(loid) availability in the lowland river, apparently due to eco-hydrological and physic-chemical processes, was also highlighted by spatial trends of concentrations data of native and transplanted moss. The latter, deployed for 21 days at specific stretches of the river and in a tributary hydrologically connected with a dismissed mine, supported the identification of point sources (i.e. mine effluents, metallurgical waste piles amassed on the banks of the river) and the reckoning of their quantitative impact on different segments of the watercourse. By exploring multi-elemental and native-to-transplant relationships, differences in metal(loid) accumulative capacities were recognized between sampled thalli and exposed moss bags in relation to the severity of the contamination. The observed discrepancy in the accumulation of As, Fe, Ni and Pb in highly contaminated areas between native and transplanted moss of P. riparioides raises questions on the possible competing mechanisms of element uptake and retention. These findings prompt studies to discern possible limitations of the transplanting moss technique under extreme stream-quality conditions.

ACS Style

Fabrizio Monaci; Stefania Ancora; Nicola Bianchi; Ilaria Bonini; Luca Paoli; Stefano Loppi. Combined use of native and transplanted moss for post-mining characterization of metal(loid) river contamination. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 750, 141669 .

AMA Style

Fabrizio Monaci, Stefania Ancora, Nicola Bianchi, Ilaria Bonini, Luca Paoli, Stefano Loppi. Combined use of native and transplanted moss for post-mining characterization of metal(loid) river contamination. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 750 ():141669.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fabrizio Monaci; Stefania Ancora; Nicola Bianchi; Ilaria Bonini; Luca Paoli; Stefano Loppi. 2020. "Combined use of native and transplanted moss for post-mining characterization of metal(loid) river contamination." Science of The Total Environment 750, no. : 141669.

Journal article
Published: 12 August 2020 in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Wood distillate (pyroligneous acid) can be successfully applied in agriculture to increase crop quality and productivity with a lower risk for the environment respect to synthetic chemical herbicides, pesticides or fertilizers. However, the effects of wood distillate on the environment and biota are still under investigation, depending on biological attributes of potentially influenced organisms. The potential toxicological effects of wood distillate on sensitive non-target organisms, lichens and mosses, are studied for the first time. The physiological parameters (chlorophyll a fluorescence emission FV/FM and PI(ABS), chlorophyll content, spectral reflectance, antioxidant power, and dehydrogenase activity) and eventual bioaccumulation of selected elements (As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) were investigated in the lichen Xanthoria parietina and the moss Hypnum cupressiforme after short-term treatments over a range of wood distillate solutions (1:300, 1:500, 1:700) to detect potential early stress responses. Overall, the lichen did not show changes after the treatments, while in the moss wood distillate caused only modest alterations in FV/FM and PI(ABS) and progressive increasing of antioxidant activity according to the dose supplied. The bioaccumulation of toxic elements was low and did not show any pattern of uptake with increasing concentrations of wood distillate.

ACS Style

Zuzana Fačkovcová; Andrea Vannini; Fabrizio Monaci; Martina Grattacaso; Luca Paoli; Stefano Loppi. Effects of wood distillate (pyroligneous acid) on sensitive bioindicators (lichen and moss). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2020, 204, 111117 .

AMA Style

Zuzana Fačkovcová, Andrea Vannini, Fabrizio Monaci, Martina Grattacaso, Luca Paoli, Stefano Loppi. Effects of wood distillate (pyroligneous acid) on sensitive bioindicators (lichen and moss). Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2020; 204 ():111117.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Zuzana Fačkovcová; Andrea Vannini; Fabrizio Monaci; Martina Grattacaso; Luca Paoli; Stefano Loppi. 2020. "Effects of wood distillate (pyroligneous acid) on sensitive bioindicators (lichen and moss)." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 204, no. : 111117.

Journal article
Published: 16 July 2020 in Ecological Indicators
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Species translocation can be considered as a primary conservation strategy with reference to in situ conservation. In the case of lichens, translocations often risk to fail due stress factors associated with unsuitable receptor sites. Considering the bioecological characteristics of lichens, air pollution is among the most limiting stress factors. In this study, the forest macrolichen Lobaria pulmonaria was used as a model to test the hypothesis that the translocation of sensitive lichens is effective only in unpolluted environments. At purpose, 500 fragments or whole thalli were translocated in selected beech forests of Central Europe (the Western Carpathians, Slovakia) where the species disappeared in the past and in oak forests of Southern Europe (Tuscany, Central Italy) where native populations are present. Prior to the translocation (May 2016) and after one year, morphological and ultrastructural features, trace elements as well as chlorophyll a fluorescence emission were analysed. Four years later, the effectiveness of lichen translocation was further evaluated as presence of the transplants and of newly formed individuals. After one year, the translocation ensured an effective survival of the thalli in remote oak and beech forests characterized by a negligible or low contamination by heavy metals. The transplants were considered successful and developed new lobules and rhizines, attaching by themselves to the bark of the host trees, looking overall healthy, without evident signs of alteration also at ultrastructural level. Moreover, in a few cases newly formed individuals were observed after four years. On the other hand, the results highlighted the link between the unsuccess of the translocation and air pollution in other areas of the Western Carpathians and suggested that current air quality still limits the possibility of recolonization in areas where the model species disappeared.

ACS Style

Luca Paoli; Anna Guttová; Sergio Sorbo; Anna Lackovičová; Sonia Ravera; Sara Landi; Marco Landi; Adriana Basile; Luigi Sanità di Toppi; Andrea Vannini; Stefano Loppi; Zuzana Fačkovcová. Does air pollution influence the success of species translocation? Trace elements, ultrastructure and photosynthetic performances in transplants of a threatened forest macrolichen. Ecological Indicators 2020, 117, 106666 .

AMA Style

Luca Paoli, Anna Guttová, Sergio Sorbo, Anna Lackovičová, Sonia Ravera, Sara Landi, Marco Landi, Adriana Basile, Luigi Sanità di Toppi, Andrea Vannini, Stefano Loppi, Zuzana Fačkovcová. Does air pollution influence the success of species translocation? Trace elements, ultrastructure and photosynthetic performances in transplants of a threatened forest macrolichen. Ecological Indicators. 2020; 117 ():106666.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Luca Paoli; Anna Guttová; Sergio Sorbo; Anna Lackovičová; Sonia Ravera; Sara Landi; Marco Landi; Adriana Basile; Luigi Sanità di Toppi; Andrea Vannini; Stefano Loppi; Zuzana Fačkovcová. 2020. "Does air pollution influence the success of species translocation? Trace elements, ultrastructure and photosynthetic performances in transplants of a threatened forest macrolichen." Ecological Indicators 117, no. : 106666.

Journal article
Published: 25 May 2020 in Biologia
Reads 0
Downloads 0

This study investigated the uptake and release of Cu ions in the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri, a species widely used to monitor trace metal pollution. A cross transplant experiment from a background area to a polluted one and then back to an unpolluted one was simulated by incubating lichen thalli with 10 and 100 µM Cu2+ solutions and subsequently in deionized water to induce metal release. The working hypothesis was that after the accumulation of Cu ions, a forced release brings the concentration back to the original values. Copper treatment caused a significant uptake, proportional to the concentrations in the solution. Accumulation occurred mostly extracellularly (90% after incubation with Cu 10 µM and 60% with Cu 100 µM). The subsequent induced release was evident only in samples treated with 100 µM, and was determined by the loss from intracellular compartments. Lichen vitality, expressed in terms of photosynthetic efficiency, was not affected by Cu treatment. It is concluded that while ionic uptake is a fast process, metal release requires a much longer time. In addition, it is confirmed that the cell wall is a buffer between the outer environment and the cell interior.

ACS Style

Stefano Loppi; Alessio Di Lucia; Andrea Vannini; Stefania Ancora; Fabrizio Monaci; Luca Paoli. Uptake and release of copper ions in epiphytic lichens. Biologia 2020, 75, 1547 -1552.

AMA Style

Stefano Loppi, Alessio Di Lucia, Andrea Vannini, Stefania Ancora, Fabrizio Monaci, Luca Paoli. Uptake and release of copper ions in epiphytic lichens. Biologia. 2020; 75 (10):1547-1552.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefano Loppi; Alessio Di Lucia; Andrea Vannini; Stefania Ancora; Fabrizio Monaci; Luca Paoli. 2020. "Uptake and release of copper ions in epiphytic lichens." Biologia 75, no. 10: 1547-1552.

Journal article
Published: 23 May 2020 in Chemosphere
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In this study we investigated the bioaccumulation of selected trace elements in lichen samples transplanted for three months in Milan, Italy, with the aim of assessing the main environmental contaminants and the overall pollution load, and of disentangling the main air pollution sources as well as of estimating fluxes of element deposition. The results highlighted Cu and Sb as important contaminants and suggested a common origin for these two elements from railways and non-exhaust sources of vehicular traffic such as brake abrasion. High or very high global air pollution emerged for all study sites. Source apportionment outlined three main factors, that found reliable correlation with distance from major roads and railways, an industrial plant, and soil resuspension. Ranges of estimated mean annual element deposition rates in the study area were similar to those reported for other cities.

ACS Style

Tania Contardo; Andrea Vannini; Kunal Sharma; Paolo Giordani; Stefano Loppi. Disentangling sources of trace element air pollution in complex urban areas by lichen biomonitoring. A case study in Milan (Italy). Chemosphere 2020, 256, 127155 .

AMA Style

Tania Contardo, Andrea Vannini, Kunal Sharma, Paolo Giordani, Stefano Loppi. Disentangling sources of trace element air pollution in complex urban areas by lichen biomonitoring. A case study in Milan (Italy). Chemosphere. 2020; 256 ():127155.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Tania Contardo; Andrea Vannini; Kunal Sharma; Paolo Giordani; Stefano Loppi. 2020. "Disentangling sources of trace element air pollution in complex urban areas by lichen biomonitoring. A case study in Milan (Italy)." Chemosphere 256, no. : 127155.

Journal article
Published: 27 April 2020 in Biology
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of lichens (Evernia prunastri) and mosses (Brachythecium sp.) to short-term (1 h), acute (1 ppm) O3 fumigation under different hydration states (dry, 200% water content, metabolism fully active). We hypothesized that stronger damage would occur following exposure under wet conditions. In addition, we checked for the effect of recovery (1 week) after the exposure. Ozone fumigation negatively affected the content of chlorophyll only in wet samples, but in the moss, such a difference was no longer evident after one week of recovery. Photosynthetic efficiency was always impaired by O3 exposure, irrespective of the dry or wet state, and also after one week of recovery, but the effect was much stronger in wet samples. The antioxidant power was increased in wet moss and in dry lichen, while a decrease was found for wet lichens after 1 week. Our results confirm that the tolerance to O3 of lichens and mosses may be determined by their low water content, which is the case during the peaks of O3 occurring during the Mediterranean summer. The role of antioxidant power as a mechanism of resistance to high O3 concentrations needs to be further investigated.

ACS Style

Andrea Vannini; Giulia Canali; Mario Pica; Cristina Nali; Stefano Loppi. The Water Content Drives the Susceptibility of the Lichen Evernia prunastri and the Moss Brachythecium sp. to High Ozone Concentrations. Biology 2020, 9, 90 .

AMA Style

Andrea Vannini, Giulia Canali, Mario Pica, Cristina Nali, Stefano Loppi. The Water Content Drives the Susceptibility of the Lichen Evernia prunastri and the Moss Brachythecium sp. to High Ozone Concentrations. Biology. 2020; 9 (5):90.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Andrea Vannini; Giulia Canali; Mario Pica; Cristina Nali; Stefano Loppi. 2020. "The Water Content Drives the Susceptibility of the Lichen Evernia prunastri and the Moss Brachythecium sp. to High Ozone Concentrations." Biology 9, no. 5: 90.

Journal article
Published: 19 March 2020 in Applied Sciences
Reads 0
Downloads 0

The concentration of selected trace elements and the magnetic properties of samples of the lichen Evernia prunastri exposed for 3 months in Milan (Italy) were investigated to test if magnetic properties can be used as a proxy for the bioaccumulation of chemical elements in airborne particulate matter. Magnetic analysis showed intense properties driven by magnetite-like minerals, leading to significant correlations between magnetic susceptibility and the concentration of Fe, Cr, Cu, and Sb. Selected magnetic particles were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy Dispersion System microanalyses, and their composition, morphology and grain size supported their anthropogenic, non-exhaust origin. The overall combination of chemical, morphoscopic and magnetic analyses strongly suggested that brake abrasion from vehicles is the main source of the airborne particles accumulated by lichens. It is concluded that magnetic susceptibility is an excellent parameter for a simple, rapid and cost-effective characterization of atmospheric trace metal pollution using lichens.

ACS Style

Aldo Winkler; Tania Contardo; Andrea Vannini; Sergio Sorbo; Adriana Basile; Stefano Loppi. Magnetic Emissions from Brake Wear are the Major Source of Airborne Particulate Matter Bioaccumulated by Lichens Exposed in Milan (Italy). Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 2073 .

AMA Style

Aldo Winkler, Tania Contardo, Andrea Vannini, Sergio Sorbo, Adriana Basile, Stefano Loppi. Magnetic Emissions from Brake Wear are the Major Source of Airborne Particulate Matter Bioaccumulated by Lichens Exposed in Milan (Italy). Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (6):2073.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aldo Winkler; Tania Contardo; Andrea Vannini; Sergio Sorbo; Adriana Basile; Stefano Loppi. 2020. "Magnetic Emissions from Brake Wear are the Major Source of Airborne Particulate Matter Bioaccumulated by Lichens Exposed in Milan (Italy)." Applied Sciences 10, no. 6: 2073.

Journal article
Published: 23 July 2019 in Urban Science
Reads 0
Downloads 0

Air quality monitoring in many urban areas is based on sophisticated and costly equipment to check for the respect of environmental quality standards, but capillary monitoring is often not feasible due to economic constraints. In such cases, the use of living organisms may be very useful to complement the sparse data obtained by physico-chemical measurements. In this study, the bioaccumulation of selected trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, S, Sb, Zn) in lichen samples (Evernia prunastri) transplanted for three months at an urban area of Central Italy was investigated to assess the main environmental contaminants, their sources, and the fluxes of element depositions. The results pinpointed Cu and Sb as the main contaminants and suggested a common origin for these two elements from non-exhaust sources of vehicular traffic, such as brake abrasion. Most study sites were, however, found to be subjected to low or moderate environmental contamination, and the lowest contamination corresponded to the main green areas, confirming the important protective role of urban forests against air pollution. Ranges of estimated mean annual element deposition rates in the study area were similar or lower than those reported for other urban areas.

ACS Style

Stefano Loppi; Adelmo Corsini; Luca Paoli. Estimating Environmental Contamination and Element Deposition at an Urban Area of Central Italy. Urban Science 2019, 3, 76 .

AMA Style

Stefano Loppi, Adelmo Corsini, Luca Paoli. Estimating Environmental Contamination and Element Deposition at an Urban Area of Central Italy. Urban Science. 2019; 3 (3):76.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefano Loppi; Adelmo Corsini; Luca Paoli. 2019. "Estimating Environmental Contamination and Element Deposition at an Urban Area of Central Italy." Urban Science 3, no. 3: 76.

Articles
Published: 12 June 2019 in Environmental Forensics
Reads 0
Downloads 0

In the assessment of atmospheric deposition using lichen transplants, coping with uncertainty is mandatory in cases of environmental forensics, when understanding whether an area is polluted or not, or tracing a given pollution source is of paramount importance. In this article, we have suggested a method based on the calculation of exposed-to-control ratios of element concentrations and on the quantification of the overall uncertainty associated with such calculation, which proved to be very robust and can be applied in most cases using a minimum of three replicates. The method allowed the selection of significantly accumulated elements i.e. those polluting the site under study, as well as the evaluation of whether a site is significantly polluted or not. We recommend the use of this evaluation method in biomonitoring studies based on transplanted samples.

ACS Style

Stefano Loppi; Sonia Ravera; Luca Paoli. Coping with uncertainty in the assessment of atmospheric pollution with lichen transplants. Environmental Forensics 2019, 20, 228 -233.

AMA Style

Stefano Loppi, Sonia Ravera, Luca Paoli. Coping with uncertainty in the assessment of atmospheric pollution with lichen transplants. Environmental Forensics. 2019; 20 (3):228-233.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Stefano Loppi; Sonia Ravera; Luca Paoli. 2019. "Coping with uncertainty in the assessment of atmospheric pollution with lichen transplants." Environmental Forensics 20, no. 3: 228-233.