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Museums air quality can be negatively affected by treatments with heavy metals compounds employed to prevent pest infestations. Among these, the past use of mercury dichloride (HgCl2) on herbaria artifacts currently produces high levels of indoor atmospheric gaseous mercury (Hg0) and possibly of particulate bound Hg (PBM), i.e., the particulate matter containing Hg. This study evaluates the PBM pollution in the Central Italian Herbarium (Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, Italy), characterizing the size range and chemical speciation with SEM-EDS microanalysis. The analysis of the total Hg concentration in the samples allowed to calculate the workers exposure risk to this pollutant. PBM is almost totally classifiable as fine particulate with a significant dimensional increase in a period of scarce attendance of the Herbarium rooms. The microanalysis indicates that Hg is essentially bound to S, highlighting the change of Hg speciation from the original association with Cl. The average Hg concentration reveals a potential health risk for workers as result of multiple Hg exposure pathways, mainly by ingestion. The study provides information for characterizing PBM pollution that could affect a workplace atmosphere and a useful basis to evaluate and correctly design solution strategies to reduce the contamination levels and protect workers’ health.
Francesco Ciani; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Valentina Rimondi. Particle-Bound Mercury Characterization in the Central Italian Herbarium of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence (Italy). Toxics 2021, 9, 141 .
AMA StyleFrancesco Ciani, Laura Chiarantini, Pilario Costagliola, Valentina Rimondi. Particle-Bound Mercury Characterization in the Central Italian Herbarium of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence (Italy). Toxics. 2021; 9 (6):141.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Ciani; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Valentina Rimondi. 2021. "Particle-Bound Mercury Characterization in the Central Italian Herbarium of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence (Italy)." Toxics 9, no. 6: 141.
In the present study, mercury (Hg) concentrations were investigated in lichens (Flavoparmelia caperata (L.) Hale, Parmelia saxatilis (L.) Ach., and Xanthoria parietina (L.) Th.Fr.) collected in the surrounding of the dismissed Abbadia San Salvatore Hg mine (Monte Amiata district, Italy). Results were integrated with Hg concentrations in tree barks and literature data of gaseous Hg levels determined by passive air samplers (PASs) in the same area. The ultimate goal was to compare results obtained by the three monitoring techniques to evaluate potential mismatches. Lichens displayed 180–3600 ng/g Hg, and Hg concentrations decreased exponentially with distance from the mine. Mercury concentration was lower than in Pinus nigra barks at the same site. There was a moderate correlation between Hg in lichen and Hg in bark, suggesting similar mechanisms of Hg uptake and residence times. However, correlation with published gaseous Hg concentrations (PASs) was moderate at best (Kendall Tau = 0.4–0.5, p > 0.05). The differences occurred because a) PASs collected gaseous Hg, whereas lichens and barks also picked up particulate Hg, and b) lichens and bark had a dynamic exchange with the atmosphere. Lichen, bark, and PAS outline different and complementary aspects of airborne Hg content and efficient monitoring programs in contaminated areas would benefit from the integration of data from different techniques.
Valentina Rimondi; Renato Benesperi; Marc W. Beutel; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Daniela Medas; Guia Morelli. Monitoring of Airborne Mercury: Comparison of Different Techniques in the Monte Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 2353 .
AMA StyleValentina Rimondi, Renato Benesperi, Marc W. Beutel, Laura Chiarantini, Pilario Costagliola, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Daniela Medas, Guia Morelli. Monitoring of Airborne Mercury: Comparison of Different Techniques in the Monte Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (7):2353.
Chicago/Turabian StyleValentina Rimondi; Renato Benesperi; Marc W. Beutel; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Daniela Medas; Guia Morelli. 2020. "Monitoring of Airborne Mercury: Comparison of Different Techniques in the Monte Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 7: 2353.
Modern sawing techniques employed in ornamental stones’ exploitation produce large amounts of slurry that can be potentially diffused into the environment by runoff water. Slurry produced by limestone and marble quarrying can impact local karst aquifers, negatively affecting the groundwater quality and generating a remarkable environmental and economic damage. A very representative case-study is that of the Apuan Alps (north-western Tuscany, Italy) because of the intensive marble quarrying activity. The Apuan Alps region extends over about 650 km2; it hosts several quarries, known all over the world for the quality of the marble extracted, and a karst aquifer producing about 70,000 m3/day of high-quality water used directly for domestic purposes almost without treatments. In addition, Apuan Alps are an extraordinary area of natural and cultural heritage hosting many caves (about 1200), karst springs and geosites of international and national interest. During intense rain events, carbonate slurry systematically reaches the karst springs, making them temporarily unsuitable for domestic uses. In addition, the deterioration of the water quality threatens all the hypogean fauna living in the caves. This paper provides preliminary insights of the hydrological and biological indicators that can offer information about the impact of the marble quarrying activities on groundwater resources, karst habitats and their biodiversity.
Leonardo Piccini; Tiziana Di Lorenzo; Pilario Costagliola; Diana Maria Paola Galassi. Marble Slurry’s Impact on Groundwater: The Case Study of the Apuan Alps Karst Aquifers. Water 2019, 11, 2462 .
AMA StyleLeonardo Piccini, Tiziana Di Lorenzo, Pilario Costagliola, Diana Maria Paola Galassi. Marble Slurry’s Impact on Groundwater: The Case Study of the Apuan Alps Karst Aquifers. Water. 2019; 11 (12):2462.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeonardo Piccini; Tiziana Di Lorenzo; Pilario Costagliola; Diana Maria Paola Galassi. 2019. "Marble Slurry’s Impact on Groundwater: The Case Study of the Apuan Alps Karst Aquifers." Water 11, no. 12: 2462.
The Montevecchio-Ingurtosu district (SW Sardinia) was among the largest historical Pb-Zn producers of Italy, with significant Ag output, and yields of metallic byproducts such as Cd, Co, Cu, Bi, Sb, Ge, In, and Ga. Despite this importance, detailed descriptions of orebodies and mineral assemblages are surprisingly scarce and old. Here we summarize all previously available information and contribute new textural, microchemical, fluid inclusion, and C-O isotopic data deriving from a recent sampling of currently exposed orebodies. Mineralization occurs as steeply dipping veins extending for almost 20 km at the northern and western flanks of the Variscan Arbus pluton; veins are hosted in phyllites of the Arburese Unit close to the thermometamorphic aureole. Ore enrichments range from massive to coarsely nodular, stockwork and brecciated. Vein filling consists of siderite (locally Zn-rich), quartz, sphalerite, galena (remarkably rich in micro-inclusions), with accessory chalcopyrite, fahlore, bournonite, barite, and Ni-Co sulfarsenides. Vein assemblages may vary, even within a single vein, from sphalerite- to galena-dominated. Cu-rich assemblages (fahlore+chalcopyrite) were locally observed. Wallrock is affected by silicification, sericitization and pyrite dissemination. Sphalerite shows a complex mineral chemistry, with marked variations in Fe (0.08 to 8.9 mol% FeS) and in Cd contents (from 1 wt%). Trace element analyses (LA-ICP-MS) document the presence of measurable amounts of Ga, Ge, In, Ag, Ni, Co, Tl and Mo. Fahlore varies from the Sb (tetrahedrite) and the As (tennantite) endmembers, with Ag-rich compositions corresponding to Sb endmembers. The occurrence of Cd-rich tetrahedrite (up to 14.5 wt%) is remarkable. Fluid inclusion studies on sphalerite and quartz are in agreement with previous literature data, and indicate comparatively low (in the range 90°-130°C) homogenization temperatures (Th) and high salinities (14 to 25 equiv. mass % NaCl); both microthermometric data and SEM/EDS analyses of decrepitated inclusions indicate the presence of Ca and K beside Na. Pressure correction to Th is presumably low (in the order of 10°C), considering a hydrostatic pressure regime. Application of the sphalerite-based GGIMFiS thermometer provided temperatures in excellent agreement with fluid inclusion data for the Montevecchio mineralization. Isotopic data on Montevecchio carbonates define mildy negative δ13CPDB values (between -1 and -5 per mil), and a larger spread of δ18OSMOW values, between +14 and +20 per mil. Other isotopic data from literature include a limited set of δ34S values for galena, sphalerite and pyrite, and a fairly large body of Pb isotopic data on galena. Comparatively narrow ranges for sulfur isotope signatures suggest a homogeneous, possibly igneous, sulfur source, whereas the large spread in Pb isotope signatures reflects the large-scale character of the hydrothermal process and indicates that the Arbus pluton may have...
Marilena Moroni; S. Naitza; Giovanni Ruggieri; A. Aquino; Pilario Costagliola; G. De Giudici; Stefano Caruso; E. Ferrari; M.L. Fiorentini; Pierfranco Lattanzi; M.E. Fiorentini. The Pb-Zn-Ag vein system at Montevecchio-Ingurtosu, southwestern Sardinia, Italy: A summary of previous knowledge and new mineralogical, fluid inclusion, and isotopic data. Ore Geology Reviews 2019, 115, 103194 .
AMA StyleMarilena Moroni, S. Naitza, Giovanni Ruggieri, A. Aquino, Pilario Costagliola, G. De Giudici, Stefano Caruso, E. Ferrari, M.L. Fiorentini, Pierfranco Lattanzi, M.E. Fiorentini. The Pb-Zn-Ag vein system at Montevecchio-Ingurtosu, southwestern Sardinia, Italy: A summary of previous knowledge and new mineralogical, fluid inclusion, and isotopic data. Ore Geology Reviews. 2019; 115 ():103194.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarilena Moroni; S. Naitza; Giovanni Ruggieri; A. Aquino; Pilario Costagliola; G. De Giudici; Stefano Caruso; E. Ferrari; M.L. Fiorentini; Pierfranco Lattanzi; M.E. Fiorentini. 2019. "The Pb-Zn-Ag vein system at Montevecchio-Ingurtosu, southwestern Sardinia, Italy: A summary of previous knowledge and new mineralogical, fluid inclusion, and isotopic data." Ore Geology Reviews 115, no. : 103194.
This paper reports the results of a joint project carried out by three regional environmental agencies of Italy to evaluate long-range mercury (Hg) transport from the abandoned Mt. Amiata Hg district in southern Tuscany (the third largest worldwide site for Hg production) to the fluvial ecosystems of the Paglia and Tiber rivers. Most of the work focused on stream sediments, surface waters and soils. A preliminary survey of Hg0 content in air was also conducted. Data obtained by public health authorities on Hg in vegetables and fish were also included. The highest Hg concentrations (up to thousands of μg/g Hg) were observed in stream sediments and soils directly impacted by Hg mine runoff. Although progressive Hg dilution was observed from north to south along the river, sediments and soils show anomalous Hg levels for over 200 km downstream of Mt. Amiata, testifying to an extreme case of long-range Hg contamination. A pervasive redistribution of Hg is observed in all sediment compartments. Presumably, the width of the impacted fluvial corridor corresponds to the entire alluvial plains of the rivers. The floodplains can be considered new sources for downstream Hg redistribution, especially during large flood events. On the other hand, results from water, air, and vegetable sampling indicate low potential for human exposure to Hg. The extent and distribution of the contamination make remediation not viable. Therefore, people and human activities must coexist with such an anomaly. On the technical side, the most urgent action to be taken is a better definition of the exact extent of the contaminated area. On the management side, it is necessary to identify which public institution(s) can best deal with such a widespread phenomenon. According to the precautionary principle, the impact of the contamination on human activities in the affected areas should be considered.
V. Rimondi; P. Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Guia Morelli; G. Cara; C. Cencetti; C. Fagotti; A. Fredduzzi; G. Marchetti; A. Sconocchia; S. Torricelli. A 200 km-long mercury contamination of the Paglia and Tiber floodplain: Monitoring results and implications for environmental management. Environmental Pollution 2019, 255, 113191 .
AMA StyleV. Rimondi, P. Costagliola, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Guia Morelli, G. Cara, C. Cencetti, C. Fagotti, A. Fredduzzi, G. Marchetti, A. Sconocchia, S. Torricelli. A 200 km-long mercury contamination of the Paglia and Tiber floodplain: Monitoring results and implications for environmental management. Environmental Pollution. 2019; 255 ():113191.
Chicago/Turabian StyleV. Rimondi; P. Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Guia Morelli; G. Cara; C. Cencetti; C. Fagotti; A. Fredduzzi; G. Marchetti; A. Sconocchia; S. Torricelli. 2019. "A 200 km-long mercury contamination of the Paglia and Tiber floodplain: Monitoring results and implications for environmental management." Environmental Pollution 255, no. : 113191.
Up to 1980s, the most used preservative for herbaria specimens was HgCl2, sublimating at ambient air conditions; ionic Hg then reduces to Hg0 (gaseous elemental mercury, GEM) and diffuses throughout poor ventilated environments. High GEM levels may indeed persist for decades, representing a health hazard. In this study, we present new GEM data from the Central Italian Herbarium and Tropical Herbarium Studies Centre of the University of Florence (Italy). These herbaria host one of the largest collection of plants in the world. Here, HgCl2 was documented as plant preservative up to the 1920s. GEM surveys were conducted in July 2013 and July and December 2017, to account for temporal and seasonal variations. Herbaria show GEM concentrations well above those of external locations, with peak levels within specimen storage cabinets, exceeding 50,000 ng/m3. GEM concentrations up to ~ 7800 ng/m3 were observed where the most ancient collections are stored and no ventilation systems were active. On the contrary, lower GEM concentrations were observed at the first floor. Here, lower and more homogeneously distributed GEM concentrations were measured in 2017 than in 2013 since the air-conditioning system was updated in early 2017. GEM concentrations were similar to other herbaria worldwide and lower than Italian permissible exposure limit of 20,000 ng/m3 (8-hr working day). Our results indicate that after a century from the latest HgCl2 treatment GEM concentrations are still high, i.e., the treatment itself is almost irreversible. Air conditioning and renewing is probably the less expensive and more effective method for GEM lowering.
Jacopo Cabassi; Valentina Rimondi; Zhang Yeqing; Antonella Vacca; Orlando Vaselli; Antonella Buccianti; Pilario Costagliola. 100 years of high GEM concentration in the Central Italian Herbarium and Tropical Herbarium Studies Centre (Florence, Italy). Journal of Environmental Sciences 2019, 87, 377 -388.
AMA StyleJacopo Cabassi, Valentina Rimondi, Zhang Yeqing, Antonella Vacca, Orlando Vaselli, Antonella Buccianti, Pilario Costagliola. 100 years of high GEM concentration in the Central Italian Herbarium and Tropical Herbarium Studies Centre (Florence, Italy). Journal of Environmental Sciences. 2019; 87 ():377-388.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJacopo Cabassi; Valentina Rimondi; Zhang Yeqing; Antonella Vacca; Orlando Vaselli; Antonella Buccianti; Pilario Costagliola. 2019. "100 years of high GEM concentration in the Central Italian Herbarium and Tropical Herbarium Studies Centre (Florence, Italy)." Journal of Environmental Sciences 87, no. : 377-388.
Fluvial sediments of the Paglia River, a tributary of Tiber River (Central Italy), are contaminated by mercury (Hg) as a consequence of past mining activity (1846–1981, with main production 1900–1970) in the Monte Amiata district (the 3rd largest Hg producer worldwide). In this study, we combine a geomorphological analysis with geochemical data to try and understand the influence of fluvial dynamics on the spatial distribution of Hg in fluvial sediments over a 43 km segment of the river. By considering the evolution of the river course between 1883 and 2013, eight different geomorphic units (GUs) were recognised, including the active channel bed (baseflow channel and bar), the floodplain, and five orders of terraces. The distribution of Hg in sediments of these GUs reflects the timing of their formation with respect to evolution of the mining activity. In GUs formed before the main peak of mining activity, or after mine closure, sediments show mean Hg contents comparable to, or slightly higher than, the local background, estimated at 2–6 mg/kg; in GUs formed during the peak production, Hg mean contents are definitely higher (up to 26 mg/kg). The current floodplain also shows high contents (mean 19 mg/kg), because of continuous reworking and transport of older contaminated sediments during major flood events. Therefore, the point contaminant sources represented by mining centres evolved into a diffuse source spread over several tens of kilometres. By combining geochemical data with calculated sediment volumes, we estimate that not less than 63 tonnes of Hg are currently contained in the sediments of the investigated river stretch. Such amount of Hg will probably limit for the near future a full land use along the Paglia–Tiber course.
Antonella Colica; Marco Benvenuti; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Valentina Rimondi; Massimo Rinaldi. From point source to diffuse source of contaminants: The example of mercury dispersion in the Paglia River (Central Italy). CATENA 2018, 172, 488 -500.
AMA StyleAntonella Colica, Marco Benvenuti, Laura Chiarantini, Pilario Costagliola, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Valentina Rimondi, Massimo Rinaldi. From point source to diffuse source of contaminants: The example of mercury dispersion in the Paglia River (Central Italy). CATENA. 2018; 172 ():488-500.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonella Colica; Marco Benvenuti; Laura Chiarantini; Pilario Costagliola; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Valentina Rimondi; Massimo Rinaldi. 2018. "From point source to diffuse source of contaminants: The example of mercury dispersion in the Paglia River (Central Italy)." CATENA 172, no. : 488-500.
Stone-built Cultural Heritage is subjected to decay in urban environment over the centuries, due to surface interaction and reaction with natural atmospheric agents and, particularly in the last centuries, air pollutants. The Short wave Infrared (SWIR) characterisation of stone surface through portable instruments is attracting increasing interest in the field of Cultural Heritage. In this study, SWIR hyperspectral investigation of carbonate rocks, undergoing acid attack under laboratory conditions was performed with the aim of providing useful quantitative information on the degree of sulfation of the surfaces of carbonate stone. Six marble and six travertine specimens were attacked by aqueous solutions of H2SO4 at variable acid concentrations leading to the formation of gypsum. The reacted surfaces of stones were then investigated by a portable SWIR spectroradiometer. The resulting spectra were thus modelled through a full profile approach, in order to obtain a reliable and efficient fitting procedure. Thus, the SWIR characterisation of sulfated carbonate surfaces seems to be a promising, ready-to-use technique for monitoring the conservation state of carbonate stone monuments (e.g. facades, statues). This method could provide valuable support both for restoration practices and for continuous monitoring of stone alteration over time, when assessing the best strategy of intervention and conservation against sulfation processes of historical buildings.
Amelia Suzuki; Silvia Vettori; Silvia Giorgi; Emiliano Carretti; Francesco Di Benedetto; Luigi Dei; Marco Benvenuti; Sandro Moretti; Elena Pecchioni; Pilario Costagliola. Laboratory study of the sulfation of carbonate stones through SWIR hyperspectral investigation. Journal of Cultural Heritage 2018, 32, 30 -37.
AMA StyleAmelia Suzuki, Silvia Vettori, Silvia Giorgi, Emiliano Carretti, Francesco Di Benedetto, Luigi Dei, Marco Benvenuti, Sandro Moretti, Elena Pecchioni, Pilario Costagliola. Laboratory study of the sulfation of carbonate stones through SWIR hyperspectral investigation. Journal of Cultural Heritage. 2018; 32 ():30-37.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAmelia Suzuki; Silvia Vettori; Silvia Giorgi; Emiliano Carretti; Francesco Di Benedetto; Luigi Dei; Marco Benvenuti; Sandro Moretti; Elena Pecchioni; Pilario Costagliola. 2018. "Laboratory study of the sulfation of carbonate stones through SWIR hyperspectral investigation." Journal of Cultural Heritage 32, no. : 30-37.
The Etruscan site of Populonia-Baratti (Southern Tuscany, Italy) became in the first millennium BCE one of the most important iron metalworking sites in the Mediterranean region thanks to the exploitation of nearby Elba Island iron ores. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that, before iron, copper was smelted therein (9th–8th century BCE). The ancient Hellenistic text De mirabilibus auscultationibus by Pseudo-Aristotle states that the ancient inhabitants of Elba Island firstly exploited copper and that, later in, iron was won from the same mines by the inhabitants of Populonia. However, copper occurrences are extremely scanty on the island, while mainland southern Tuscany hosts a number of copper-rich deposits which could have been profitably exploited since Eneolithic. In order to investigate if, and to what extent, copper mining and smelting/working was practiced in this area in Final Bronze Age (FBA) to Early Iron Age (EIA), we have thus compared the lead isotope composition of copper slags found in the Populonia-Baratti area and dated to the 9th–8th century BCE with those of copper-rich ore deposits of southern Tuscany and Elba Island. In addition, few copper-based items from to FBA-EIA hoards of Elba Island have been investigated as well. All copper slag from Baratti-Populonia have lead isotope composition fully comprised within the nearby Campiglia Marittima district, but the ophiolitic copper (either form Tuscan mainland or the neighboring island of Elba) was never worked in this site. Differently, all items from the island of Elba do not show clear genetic relationship neither with Elban nor with the Tuscan mainland copper ores but display a “foreign” Pb signature, suggesting that, even before iron exploitation started, the island of Elba - one of the main crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea - was probably involved in metal trading (rather than metal working) with other regions.
L. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; A. Dini; M. Firmati; S. Guideri; Igor M Villa; A. Corretti. Copper metallurgy in ancient Etruria (southern Tuscany, Italy) at the Bronze-Iron Age transition: a lead isotope provenance study. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 2018, 19, 11 -23.
AMA StyleL. Chiarantini, Marco Benvenuti, Pilario Costagliola, A. Dini, M. Firmati, S. Guideri, Igor M Villa, A. Corretti. Copper metallurgy in ancient Etruria (southern Tuscany, Italy) at the Bronze-Iron Age transition: a lead isotope provenance study. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports. 2018; 19 ():11-23.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; A. Dini; M. Firmati; S. Guideri; Igor M Villa; A. Corretti. 2018. "Copper metallurgy in ancient Etruria (southern Tuscany, Italy) at the Bronze-Iron Age transition: a lead isotope provenance study." Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 19, no. : 11-23.
Tiziano Catelani; Brunella Perito; Francesco Bellucci; Sang Soo Lee; Paul Fenter; Matthew Newville; Valentina Rimondi; Giovanni Pratesi; Pilario Costagliola. Arsenic uptake in bacterial calcite. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 2018, 222, 642 -654.
AMA StyleTiziano Catelani, Brunella Perito, Francesco Bellucci, Sang Soo Lee, Paul Fenter, Matthew Newville, Valentina Rimondi, Giovanni Pratesi, Pilario Costagliola. Arsenic uptake in bacterial calcite. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 2018; 222 ():642-654.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTiziano Catelani; Brunella Perito; Francesco Bellucci; Sang Soo Lee; Paul Fenter; Matthew Newville; Valentina Rimondi; Giovanni Pratesi; Pilario Costagliola. 2018. "Arsenic uptake in bacterial calcite." Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 222, no. : 642-654.
Alluvial sediments from the coastal area in southern Tuscany (Italy) characterized by a significant As anomaly (As >500 mg/kg) are subjected to seawater intrusion due to groundwater exploitation. Sequential extractions and kinetic experiments were carried out on Quaternary alluvial sediments to quantify the interaction between As oxianions (adsorbed on mineral surfaces) and Clâ\u88\u92in solutions and to establish if this mechanism may contribute to the release of As in groundwater. The natural water-rock interaction in the aquifer was simulated in two experiments by saturating the samples with four solutions with increasing chlorinity for different time. Firstly, a rapid change in the aquifer salinity (e.g. fast seawater intrusion, groundwater over pumping) was simulated by an interaction sediment/solution of 24 h. Solutions with Clâ\u88\u92â\u89¤2000 mg/L extracted up to 76 μg/kg of As, while seawater (Sol 4(24): Clâ\u88\u92â\u88¼18,500 mg/L) extracted up to 161 μg/kg of As. In a second experiment, the ingression of water with increasing salinity in the acquifer, followed by the withdrawal of the water after progressively longer interaction times with the aquifer sediments, was simulated. The timing of the As-Cl reaction was constrained by saturating the samples with four solutions with increasing salinity (Sol1(84): Clâ\u88\u92â\u88¼0 mg/L; Sol2(84)Clâ\u88\u92= 250 mg/L; Sol3(84)Clâ\u88\u92= 2000 mg/L; Sol4(84): Clâ\u88\u92= 15,886 mg/L) that interacted with the sediment samples for longer saturation times (up to 21 days for each solution). After saturation with the previous three solutions up to 62 μg/kg of As were extracted by seawater, following a salinity increase from 2000 mg/L Cl to a chlorinity close to seawater, representing â\u88¼60% of the exchangable As fraction in the sediments. Our results constrained the timing of sediment/solution interaction of As desorption and showed that after a rapid intrusion of seawater or after a relatively long period of interaction with saline solutions an aquifer with similar geology releases in groundwater concentrations of As exeeding the 10 μg/L limit for drinking water. Also, this study estimated the potential effects caused by the ingression of seawater in lowland alluvial coastal areas induced by groundwaters exploitation or by extreme weather events. Such information is crucial for management authorities to mitigate and predict the effects of As hazard in groundwater driven by changes in the environmental aquifer conditions (e.g. seasonal fluctuations of the water table and/or changes in salinity of coastal aquifers), which are becoming increasingly frequent as consequence of climate change
Guia Morelli; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; Daniela Medas; Pilario Costagliola; Massimo Gasparon. Experimental simulation of arsenic desorption from Quaternary aquifer sediments following sea water intrusion. Applied Geochemistry 2017, 87, 176 -187.
AMA StyleGuia Morelli, Valentina Rimondi, Marco Benvenuti, Daniela Medas, Pilario Costagliola, Massimo Gasparon. Experimental simulation of arsenic desorption from Quaternary aquifer sediments following sea water intrusion. Applied Geochemistry. 2017; 87 ():176-187.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGuia Morelli; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; Daniela Medas; Pilario Costagliola; Massimo Gasparon. 2017. "Experimental simulation of arsenic desorption from Quaternary aquifer sediments following sea water intrusion." Applied Geochemistry 87, no. : 176-187.
This study determined, by means of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, the speciation of mercury (Hg) in black pine (Pinus nigra) barks from Monte Amiata, that were previously shown to contain exceptionally high (up to some mg kg) Hg contents because of the proximity to the former Hg mines and roasting plants. Linear fit combination (LCF) analysis of the experimental spectra compared to a large set of reference compounds showed that all spectra can be fitted by only four species: β-HgS (metacinnabar), Hg-cysteine, Hg bound to tannic acid, and Hg. The first two are more widespread, whereas the last two occur in one sample only; the contribution of organic species is higher in deeper layers of barks than in the outermost ones. We interpret these results to suggest that, during interaction of barks with airborne Hg, the metal is initially mechanically captured at the bark surface as particulate, or physically adsorbed as gaseous species, but eventually a stable chemical bond is established with organic ligands of the substrate. As a consequence, we suggest that deep bark Hg may be a good proxy for long term time-integrated exposure, while surface bark Hg is more important for recording short term events near Hg point sources.
Laura Chiarantini; Valentina Rimondi; Fabrizio Bardelli; Marco Benvenuti; Claudia Cosio; Pilario Costagliola; Francesco Di Benedetto; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Géraldine Sarret. Mercury speciation in Pinus nigra barks from Monte Amiata (Italy): An X-ray absorption spectroscopy study. Environmental Pollution 2017, 227, 83 -88.
AMA StyleLaura Chiarantini, Valentina Rimondi, Fabrizio Bardelli, Marco Benvenuti, Claudia Cosio, Pilario Costagliola, Francesco Di Benedetto, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Géraldine Sarret. Mercury speciation in Pinus nigra barks from Monte Amiata (Italy): An X-ray absorption spectroscopy study. Environmental Pollution. 2017; 227 ():83-88.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Chiarantini; Valentina Rimondi; Fabrizio Bardelli; Marco Benvenuti; Claudia Cosio; Pilario Costagliola; Francesco Di Benedetto; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Géraldine Sarret. 2017. "Mercury speciation in Pinus nigra barks from Monte Amiata (Italy): An X-ray absorption spectroscopy study." Environmental Pollution 227, no. : 83-88.
The characterization of artistic and historical surfaces in a wide, fast, low-expense, and noninvasive way is a necessity for the conservation of these cultural assets. Hyperspectral sensors having bands in the visible-near infrared and short-wave infrared (VNIR-SWIR) regions are commonly used for determining the characteristics and properties of many materials (such as soils, minerals, rocks, water, vegetation) because of their ability to provide information in a fast and nondestructive way. Among the existing VNIR-SWIR techniques, field spectroscopy and imaging spectroscopy (remote sensing) have a crucial part in the characterization of different kinds of surfaces. In this work, the potentialities of hyperspectral sensors (working in the range 0.35–2.5 μm) for cultural heritage applications are discussed. The attention is focused both on field spectroscopy as a method for accurate characterization of small, confined, and highly heterogeneous surfaces and on imaging spectrometry obtained through field sensors. A few case studies where both techniques were employed are also reported.
Mara Camaiti; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; Francesco Di Benedetto; Sandro Moretti. Hyperspectral Sensors for the Characterization of Cultural Heritage Surfaces. GIS and Environmental Monitoring 2017, 289 -311.
AMA StyleMara Camaiti, Marco Benvenuti, Pilario Costagliola, Francesco Di Benedetto, Sandro Moretti. Hyperspectral Sensors for the Characterization of Cultural Heritage Surfaces. GIS and Environmental Monitoring. 2017; ():289-311.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMara Camaiti; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; Francesco Di Benedetto; Sandro Moretti. 2017. "Hyperspectral Sensors for the Characterization of Cultural Heritage Surfaces." GIS and Environmental Monitoring , no. : 289-311.
The Mt. Amiata area hosts the 3rd largest Hg district in the world, overlapping with a present-day geothermal system that is exploited for energy production. Mining activity ceased in 1980; remediation of mining areas was only partial, and is still under way. A significant transport of mercury is documented in the streams draining the district. By far the largest output occurs to the southeast in the Paglia River catchment; this river is tributary of Tiber River, the largest river of central Italy. A much smaller transport occurs to the north, in the Orcia-Ombrone catchment. Most transport is in particulate form; mercury is temporarily stored in stream and overbank sediments, and can be significantly mobilized and redistributed by extreme events such as flash floods. Transfer to the biosphere and food chain is not negligible, as some fish in Paglia and Tiber Rivers show Hg contents that may be harmful for human consumption. The overall output from the Monte Amiata district represents a significant contribution to the Mediterranean Sea budget of this metal.
Pierfranco Lattanzi; Valentina Rimondi; Laura Chiarantini; Antonella Colica; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; Giovanni Ruggieri. Mercury Dispersion through Streams Draining The Mt. Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science 2017, 17, 468 -471.
AMA StylePierfranco Lattanzi, Valentina Rimondi, Laura Chiarantini, Antonella Colica, Marco Benvenuti, Pilario Costagliola, Giovanni Ruggieri. Mercury Dispersion through Streams Draining The Mt. Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science. 2017; 17 ():468-471.
Chicago/Turabian StylePierfranco Lattanzi; Valentina Rimondi; Laura Chiarantini; Antonella Colica; Marco Benvenuti; Pilario Costagliola; Giovanni Ruggieri. 2017. "Mercury Dispersion through Streams Draining The Mt. Amiata District, Southern Tuscany, Italy." Procedia Earth and Planetary Science 17, no. : 468-471.
Tree barks are relevant interfaces between plants and the external environment, and can effectively retain airborne particles and elements at their surface. In this paper we have studied the distribution of mercury (Hg) in soils and in black pine (Pinus nigra) barks from the Mt. Amiata Hg district in southern Tuscany (Italy), where past Hg mining and present-day geothermal power plants affect local atmospheric Hg concentration, posing serious environmental concerns. Barks collected in heavily Hg-polluted areas of the district display the highest Hg concentration ever reported in literature (8.6mg/kg). In comparison, barks of the same species collected in local reference areas and near geothermal power plants show much lower (range 19-803μg/kg) concentrations; even lower concentrations are observed at a "blank" site near the city of Florence (5-98μg/kg). Results show a general decrease of Hg concentration from bark surface inwards, in accordance with a deposition of airborne Hg, with minor contribution from systemic uptake from soils. Preliminary results indicate that bark Hg concentrations are comparable with values reported for lichens in the same areas, suggesting that tree barks may represent an additional useful tool for biomonitoring of airborne Hg.
Laura Chiarantini; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; Marc W. Beutel; Pilario Costagliola; Cristina Gonnelli; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Mario Paolieri. Black pine (Pinus nigra) barks as biomonitors of airborne mercury pollution. Science of The Total Environment 2016, 569-570, 105 -113.
AMA StyleLaura Chiarantini, Valentina Rimondi, Marco Benvenuti, Marc W. Beutel, Pilario Costagliola, Cristina Gonnelli, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Mario Paolieri. Black pine (Pinus nigra) barks as biomonitors of airborne mercury pollution. Science of The Total Environment. 2016; 569-570 ():105-113.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Chiarantini; Valentina Rimondi; Marco Benvenuti; Marc W. Beutel; Pilario Costagliola; Cristina Gonnelli; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Mario Paolieri. 2016. "Black pine (Pinus nigra) barks as biomonitors of airborne mercury pollution." Science of The Total Environment 569-570, no. : 105-113.
The Orcia River basin lies north of the Mt. Amiata mining district and may receive potentially harmful/toxic elements such as mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) therefrom. The Orcia River eventually flows to the Ombrone River, which in turn flows to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The analysis of stream sediments collected in the Orcia River and its main tributaries, as well as in the Ombrone River, indicates moderate concentrations of both Hg and As (median values, Hg 118 μg/kg and As 5.25 mg/kg), rarely exceeding Italian environmental quality standards. Exceptionally high values for both elements are observed only in close proximity to the former Pietrineri Hg mine (Hg 195 mg/kg and As 35 mg/kg). Travertine and unconsolidated deposits associated with thermal springs in the area generally exhibit low Hg concentrations (4–320 μg/kg), with a significant exception of 23 mg/kg at Bagni San Filippo. Arsenic concentration in the same deposits is more variable with a peak level of 358 mg/kg. Surface waters collected at the same sites as stream sediments show Hg and As concentrations below the Italian mandatory limits for drinking waters (1 μg/L for Hg and 10 μg/L for As). Likewise, in thermal springs, Hg concentrations are low, whereas As concentrations are relatively high (up to 23.4 μg/L), which is in agreement with previous studies. At present, the input of toxic elements from the mining district into the Orcia and Ombrone watersheds is lower than inputs documented in the Paglia and Tiber catchments south of Mt. Amiata and does not pose an immediate environmental threat. However, the possible remobilization of Hg-contaminated sediments during flash flood events cannot be dismissed.
L. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; M. Beutel; Pilario Costagliola; S. Covelli; G. Gabbani; Pierfranco Lattanzi; E. Pandeli; M. Paolieri; E. Petranich; Valentina Rimondi. Mercury and Arsenic in Stream Sediments and Surface Waters of the Orcia River Basin, Southern Tuscany, Italy. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 2016, 227, 408 .
AMA StyleL. Chiarantini, Marco Benvenuti, M. Beutel, Pilario Costagliola, S. Covelli, G. Gabbani, Pierfranco Lattanzi, E. Pandeli, M. Paolieri, E. Petranich, Valentina Rimondi. Mercury and Arsenic in Stream Sediments and Surface Waters of the Orcia River Basin, Southern Tuscany, Italy. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 2016; 227 (11):408.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL. Chiarantini; Marco Benvenuti; M. Beutel; Pilario Costagliola; S. Covelli; G. Gabbani; Pierfranco Lattanzi; E. Pandeli; M. Paolieri; E. Petranich; Valentina Rimondi. 2016. "Mercury and Arsenic in Stream Sediments and Surface Waters of the Orcia River Basin, Southern Tuscany, Italy." Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 227, no. 11: 408.
Iron deposits from Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago) were extensively exploited since the 1st millennium BC: both raw iron ore and smelted blooms were extensively traded through the Mediterranean region. Within the frame of the multidisciplinary research Project “AITHALE” (from the Greek name for Elba Island), we have performed a series of archaeometallurgical experiments primarily to investigate the traceability of Elban iron ores during the various steps of the chaîne opératoire of bloomery iron production. Results of experiments performed both in the field (reconstruction of a bloomery furnace) and in the laboratory (smelting experiments carried out in a gas mixing furnace) are discussed in the text. Slags produced by smelting of W-Sn-rich iron (hematite) ores, like those from Elba island, show the presence of these elements in phases of their own, either relic (scheelite, ferberite, cassiterite) and/or newly formed (iron-tin alloys). Iron bloom obtained from this kind of iron ore could also bear evidence of the peculiar geochemistry of smelted ore, with tungsten preferentially associated with slag inclusions and tin eventually enriched in the metallic phase.
M. Benvenuti; A. Orlando; D. Borrini; L. Chiarantini; P. Costagliola; C. Mazzotta; V. Rimondi. Experimental smelting of iron ores from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy): Results and implications for the reconstruction of ancient metallurgical processes and iron provenance. Journal of Archaeological Science 2016, 70, 1 -14.
AMA StyleM. Benvenuti, A. Orlando, D. Borrini, L. Chiarantini, P. Costagliola, C. Mazzotta, V. Rimondi. Experimental smelting of iron ores from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy): Results and implications for the reconstruction of ancient metallurgical processes and iron provenance. Journal of Archaeological Science. 2016; 70 ():1-14.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Benvenuti; A. Orlando; D. Borrini; L. Chiarantini; P. Costagliola; C. Mazzotta; V. Rimondi. 2016. "Experimental smelting of iron ores from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy): Results and implications for the reconstruction of ancient metallurgical processes and iron provenance." Journal of Archaeological Science 70, no. : 1-14.
Dolia are large pottery containers used in Roman times for the storage and fermentation of wine. They were produced in specialized pottery workshops (figlinae) and were typically marked with specific epigraphical stamps, which represent a major tool to unravel their provenance and trade. In this work we present the preliminary results of a study of two dolia defossa, recently found at San Giovanni (Portoferraio, island of Elba, Italy) during 2012–2014 archaeological excavations in a Roman farm (late 2nd cent. BC-1st cent. AD), devoted to wine production and probably constituting the antecedent archaeological phase of the adjacent “Villa delle Grotte”. Based on archaeological (epigraphic) evidence, five different production areas have been hypothesized: 1) Elba island, where the dolia have been found; 2) the municipal figlinae in the Pisa territory; 3) the middle catchment of the Tiber river (central Latium) where “urban” figlinae occurred; 4) the figlinae of Minturno (southern Latium), a locality known both for wine production and exportation and for the presence of ancient figlinae; 5) the municipal figlinae in the Volterra territory. Archaeometric analysis of tempering agents intentionally added to the clay for the manufacturing of the dolia, particularly magmatic lithic fragments and clinopyroxene crystals, allowed us to suggest that the watershed of the central Tiber Valley - including different volcanic centres belonging to both Tuscany Magmatic Province (Monti Cimini) and Roman Magmatic Province (Monti Vulsini and Vico volcano) - could have been the most likely sites of production of the dolia found at San Giovanni. Alternatively, the site of Minturno (southern Latium) could be proposed.
Rosarosa Manca; Laura Pagliantini; Elena Pecchioni; Alba Santo; Franco Cambi; Laura Chiarantini; Alessandro Corretti; Pilario Costagliola; Andrea Orlando; Marco Benvenuti. The island of Elba (Tuscany, Italy) at the crossroads of ancient trade routes: an archaeometric investigation of dolia defossa from the archaeological site of San Giovanni. Mineralogy and Petrology 2016, 110, 693 -711.
AMA StyleRosarosa Manca, Laura Pagliantini, Elena Pecchioni, Alba Santo, Franco Cambi, Laura Chiarantini, Alessandro Corretti, Pilario Costagliola, Andrea Orlando, Marco Benvenuti. The island of Elba (Tuscany, Italy) at the crossroads of ancient trade routes: an archaeometric investigation of dolia defossa from the archaeological site of San Giovanni. Mineralogy and Petrology. 2016; 110 (6):693-711.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRosarosa Manca; Laura Pagliantini; Elena Pecchioni; Alba Santo; Franco Cambi; Laura Chiarantini; Alessandro Corretti; Pilario Costagliola; Andrea Orlando; Marco Benvenuti. 2016. "The island of Elba (Tuscany, Italy) at the crossroads of ancient trade routes: an archaeometric investigation of dolia defossa from the archaeological site of San Giovanni." Mineralogy and Petrology 110, no. 6: 693-711.
G. Barone; P. Mazzoleni; R.A. Corsaro; P. Costagliola; F. Di Benedetto; E. Ciliberto; D. Gimeno; C. Bongiorno; C. Spinella. Nanoscale surface modification of Mt. Etna volcanic ashes. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 2016, 174, 70 -84.
AMA StyleG. Barone, P. Mazzoleni, R.A. Corsaro, P. Costagliola, F. Di Benedetto, E. Ciliberto, D. Gimeno, C. Bongiorno, C. Spinella. Nanoscale surface modification of Mt. Etna volcanic ashes. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. 2016; 174 ():70-84.
Chicago/Turabian StyleG. Barone; P. Mazzoleni; R.A. Corsaro; P. Costagliola; F. Di Benedetto; E. Ciliberto; D. Gimeno; C. Bongiorno; C. Spinella. 2016. "Nanoscale surface modification of Mt. Etna volcanic ashes." Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 174, no. : 70-84.
Valentina Rimondi; Laura Chiarantini; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Marco Benvenuti; Marc Beutel; Stefania Venturi; Antonella Colica; Pilario Costagliola; Giuliano Gabbani; John E. Gray; Enrico Pandeli; Giulia Pattelli; Mario Paolieri; Giovanni Ruggieri. Metallogeny, exploitation and environmental impact of the Mt. Amiata mercury ore district (Southern Tuscany, Italy). Italian Journal of Geosciences 2015, 134, 323 -336.
AMA StyleValentina Rimondi, Laura Chiarantini, Pierfranco Lattanzi, Marco Benvenuti, Marc Beutel, Stefania Venturi, Antonella Colica, Pilario Costagliola, Giuliano Gabbani, John E. Gray, Enrico Pandeli, Giulia Pattelli, Mario Paolieri, Giovanni Ruggieri. Metallogeny, exploitation and environmental impact of the Mt. Amiata mercury ore district (Southern Tuscany, Italy). Italian Journal of Geosciences. 2015; 134 (2):323-336.
Chicago/Turabian StyleValentina Rimondi; Laura Chiarantini; Pierfranco Lattanzi; Marco Benvenuti; Marc Beutel; Stefania Venturi; Antonella Colica; Pilario Costagliola; Giuliano Gabbani; John E. Gray; Enrico Pandeli; Giulia Pattelli; Mario Paolieri; Giovanni Ruggieri. 2015. "Metallogeny, exploitation and environmental impact of the Mt. Amiata mercury ore district (Southern Tuscany, Italy)." Italian Journal of Geosciences 134, no. 2: 323-336.