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Honeybee and general pollinator decline is extensively reported in many countries, adding new concern to the general biodiversity loss. Many studies were addressed to assess the causes of pollinator decline, concluding that in most cases multi-stress effects were the most probable ones. In this research, the combined effects of two possible stress sources for bees, pesticides and electromagnetic fields (multi-stress conditions), were analyzed in the field. Three experimental sites were chosen: a control one far from direct anthropogenic stress sources, a pesticide-stress site and multi-stress one, adding to the same exposure to pesticides the presence of an electromagnetic field, coming from a high-voltage electric line. Experimental apiaries were monitored weekly for one year (from April 2017 to April 2018) by means of colony survival, queen activity, storage and brood amount, parasites and pathogens, and several biomarkers in young workers and pupae. Both exposure and effect biomarkers were analysed: among the first, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS); and among the last, DNA fragmentation (DNAFRAGM) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Results showed that bee health conditions were the worst in the multi-stress site with only one colony alive out of the four ones present at the beginning. In this site, a complex picture of adverse effects was observed, such as disease appearance (American foulbrood), higher mortality in the underbaskets (common to pesticide-stress site), behavioral alterations (queen changes, excess of honey storage) and biochemical anomalies (higher ALP activity at the end of the season). The overall results clearly indicate that the multi-stress conditions were able to induce biochemical, physiological and behavioral alterations which severely threatened bee colony survival.
Daniela Lupi; Marco Palamara Mesiano; Agnese Adani; Roberto Benocci; Roberto Giacchini; Paolo Parenti; Giovanni Zambon; Antonio Lavazza; Maria Boniotti; Stefano Bassi; Mario Colombo; Paolo Tremolada. Combined Effects of Pesticides and Electromagnetic-Fields on Honeybees: Multi-Stress Exposure. Insects 2021, 12, 716 .
AMA StyleDaniela Lupi, Marco Palamara Mesiano, Agnese Adani, Roberto Benocci, Roberto Giacchini, Paolo Parenti, Giovanni Zambon, Antonio Lavazza, Maria Boniotti, Stefano Bassi, Mario Colombo, Paolo Tremolada. Combined Effects of Pesticides and Electromagnetic-Fields on Honeybees: Multi-Stress Exposure. Insects. 2021; 12 (8):716.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Lupi; Marco Palamara Mesiano; Agnese Adani; Roberto Benocci; Roberto Giacchini; Paolo Parenti; Giovanni Zambon; Antonio Lavazza; Maria Boniotti; Stefano Bassi; Mario Colombo; Paolo Tremolada. 2021. "Combined Effects of Pesticides and Electromagnetic-Fields on Honeybees: Multi-Stress Exposure." Insects 12, no. 8: 716.
The wels catfish Silurus glanis has been constantly spreading in many European basins, outside its native range. Being a voracious predator, it is considered to have a severe impact on local fish communities. In the Ticino River (Northern Italy), bones of S. glanis were found in feces from the top predator Lutra lutra. To estimate the control capability of L. lutra for this species and to back-calculate S. glanis’ size from its bone remains, whole skeletons from 27 differently sized S. glanis specimens were analyzed. A double pharyngeal element and all caudal vertebrae emerged as significant items for species identification. The mean length of the pharyngeal element was directly related to fish mass, while for vertebrae, a K-index was proposed to identify the position of each vertebra along the spine and, from this, to calculate the original fish mass. This methodology allowed us to establish that the length of the preyed S. glanis was 85–435 mm, and the ages were between 0+ and 2+ years. The proposed methodology opens new perspectives for more detailed studies on the efficiency of predation by piscivorous species on allochthonous ones.
Renato Bacchetta; Andrea Marotta; Alessandro Nessi; Paolo Tremolada. Back-Calculation of Fish Size in Diet Analysis of Piscivorous Predators: A New Index for the Alien Silurus glanis. Sustainability 2021, 13, 4322 .
AMA StyleRenato Bacchetta, Andrea Marotta, Alessandro Nessi, Paolo Tremolada. Back-Calculation of Fish Size in Diet Analysis of Piscivorous Predators: A New Index for the Alien Silurus glanis. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (8):4322.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenato Bacchetta; Andrea Marotta; Alessandro Nessi; Paolo Tremolada. 2021. "Back-Calculation of Fish Size in Diet Analysis of Piscivorous Predators: A New Index for the Alien Silurus glanis." Sustainability 13, no. 8: 4322.
The diet of the kingfisher Alcedo atthis is usually studied by collecting pellet pools from the nest after breeding. This collecting method is very efficient but has some drawbacks which include invasiveness and restriction to the reproductive period. To overcome these limits, here we propose the collection of pellets under resting sites. Although requiring a large number of surveys to find suitable resting sites and obtain sufficient sample size, this method is minimally invasive and allows a precise estimate of the relative frequency of prey items per pellet and the assessment of kingfisher diet also outside the breeding period. The methodology was applied to an Italian kingfisher population (River Ticino, northern Italy) between March and October 2019. Resting sites were identified in 15 out of 54 sampling stations, from which 133 pellets were collected. By comparing diagnostic remains, 478 preyed individuals were identified including mainly fish (94.4%) ranging in total length between 21 and 105 mm. Fish availability of the River was assessed. The fish community included 49 species, of which 22 (45%) were non-native. Kingfishers preyed on the most widespread and abundant native species, while the contribution of exotic fish was lower than expected. However, the overall consistency of prey use and availability suggests that the analysis of kingfisher pellets represents an additional method for monitoring the composition of freshwater fish communities and man-induced changes across broad geographical scales.
Alessandro Nessi; Alessandro Balestrieri; Anna Winkler; Andrea Guglielmo Casoni; Paolo Tremolada. Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) diet and prey selection as assessed by the analysis of pellets collected under resting sites (River Ticino, north Italy). Aquatic Ecology 2021, 55, 135 -147.
AMA StyleAlessandro Nessi, Alessandro Balestrieri, Anna Winkler, Andrea Guglielmo Casoni, Paolo Tremolada. Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) diet and prey selection as assessed by the analysis of pellets collected under resting sites (River Ticino, north Italy). Aquatic Ecology. 2021; 55 (1):135-147.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandro Nessi; Alessandro Balestrieri; Anna Winkler; Andrea Guglielmo Casoni; Paolo Tremolada. 2021. "Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) diet and prey selection as assessed by the analysis of pellets collected under resting sites (River Ticino, north Italy)." Aquatic Ecology 55, no. 1: 135-147.
The effects of pesticide mixtures and electric and magnetic fields on honeybees were evaluated in three experimental sites located in northern Italy: a control site far from anthropogenic-stress sources, a semi-natural site close to a high-voltage electric line and an agricultural site with intensive pesticide use. From each experimental site, young workers and foraging bees were taken monthly from May to October and analyzed for four enzymatic biomarkers: acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results revealed time- and site-specific effects in respect to control site, confirming the role of biomarkers as diagnostic and early-warning tools for multi-stress sources on honeybees. In the electromagnetic-stress site, the effect of an over-activation of all analyzed biomarkers was observed at the end of the season. According to other literature findings, this event was related to a behavioral over-activation in a period in which bees should prepare themselves for overwintering. This finding poses potential problems for winter survival. In the pesticide-stress site, different pesticide-induced responses were identified. We demonstrated in the field that pesticide mixtures currently used in agriculture could greatly affect the biochemical parameters of bees (with both enzymatic under- and over-activations).
Daniela Lupi; Paolo Tremolada; Mario Colombo; Roberto Giacchini; Roberto Benocci; Paolo Parenti; Marco Parolini; Giovanni Zambon; Marco Vighi. Effects of Pesticides and Electromagnetic Fields on Honeybees: A Field Study Using Biomarkers. International Journal of Environmental Research 2020, 14, 107 -122.
AMA StyleDaniela Lupi, Paolo Tremolada, Mario Colombo, Roberto Giacchini, Roberto Benocci, Paolo Parenti, Marco Parolini, Giovanni Zambon, Marco Vighi. Effects of Pesticides and Electromagnetic Fields on Honeybees: A Field Study Using Biomarkers. International Journal of Environmental Research. 2020; 14 (1):107-122.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Lupi; Paolo Tremolada; Mario Colombo; Roberto Giacchini; Roberto Benocci; Paolo Parenti; Marco Parolini; Giovanni Zambon; Marco Vighi. 2020. "Effects of Pesticides and Electromagnetic Fields on Honeybees: A Field Study Using Biomarkers." International Journal of Environmental Research 14, no. 1: 107-122.
Amphibians form a major component of the diet of the otter Lutra lutra in several areas of its wide geographic range. Yet, amphibian remains are rarely identified to species level and therefore information on the diversity of this food resource is generally scarce. The aims of this study were: 1) to assess the overall pattern and trends in the use of amphibians as a resource by otters at the range scale, and 2) to highlight current knowledge on the diversity of amphibians taken as prey by otters. Additionally, we carried out osteological identification of amphibian remains in otter spraints (faeces) from southern Italy, with the aim of demonstrating how this method may improve our knowledge on predator–prey relationships. The frequency of occurrence of amphibians in 64 dietary studies averaged 12%. Predation of amphibians by otters increased with longitude and was the highest in the Alpine biogeographical region. Predation by otters was reported on 28 amphibian species (35% of European species). Peaks in their frequency of use were reported for all seasons, mostly in winter and spring. In southern Italy, we identified 355 individuals belonging to at least seven amphibian taxa (64% of available species; Rana italica, Rana dalmatina/italica, Pelophylax kl. bergeri/hispanicus, Hyla intermedia, Bufo bufo, Bufotes balearicus, and Lissotriton italicus), and pointed out male‐biased predation within the Order Anura (frogs). We conclude that the contribution of amphibians to the richness of the otter's prey community is far higher than commonly perceived, and that osteological analyses allow the detailed investigation of the feeding behaviour of this top predator of freshwater habitats.
Giorgio Smiroldo; Andrea Villa; Paolo Tremolada; Pasquale Gariano; Alessandro Balestrieri; Massimo Delfino. Amphibians in Eurasian otter Lutra lutra diet: osteological identification unveils hidden prey richness and male‐biased predation on anurans. Mammal Review 2019, 49, 240 -255.
AMA StyleGiorgio Smiroldo, Andrea Villa, Paolo Tremolada, Pasquale Gariano, Alessandro Balestrieri, Massimo Delfino. Amphibians in Eurasian otter Lutra lutra diet: osteological identification unveils hidden prey richness and male‐biased predation on anurans. Mammal Review. 2019; 49 (3):240-255.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiorgio Smiroldo; Andrea Villa; Paolo Tremolada; Pasquale Gariano; Alessandro Balestrieri; Massimo Delfino. 2019. "Amphibians in Eurasian otter Lutra lutra diet: osteological identification unveils hidden prey richness and male‐biased predation on anurans." Mammal Review 49, no. 3: 240-255.
A growing number of studies have highlighted the contamination and the effects towards organisms of diverse microplastics (μPs) in the marine environment. Surprisingly, although the main sources of μPs for marine environments are inland surface waters, the information on the occurrence and the effects of μPs in freshwater ecosystems is still scant. Thus, the aim of the present work is to investigate the ingestion and possible adverse effects due to the exposure to polystyrene μPs (PSμPs; Ø = 3 μm) on tadpoles of the Amphibian Xenopus laevis. Larvae at the developmental stage 36, prior to mouth opening, were exposed under semi-static conditions to 0.125, 1.25, and 12.5 μg mL−1 of PSμPs, and allowed to develop until stage 46. At the end of the exposure, the digestive tract and the gills from exposed and control tadpoles were microscopically examined, as well as changes in body growth and swimming activity. PSμPs were observed in tadpoles’ digestive tract, but not in the gills, from each tested concentration. However, neither body growth nor swimming activity were affected by PSμPs exposure. Our results demonstrated that PSμPs can be ingested by tadpoles, but they did not alter X. laevis development and swimming behavior at least during early-life stages, also at high, unrealistic concentrations.
Beatrice De Felice; Renato Bacchetta; Nadia Santo; Paolo Tremolada; Marco Parolini. Polystyrene microplastics did not affect body growth and swimming activity in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2018, 25, 34644 -34651.
AMA StyleBeatrice De Felice, Renato Bacchetta, Nadia Santo, Paolo Tremolada, Marco Parolini. Polystyrene microplastics did not affect body growth and swimming activity in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2018; 25 (34):34644-34651.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeatrice De Felice; Renato Bacchetta; Nadia Santo; Paolo Tremolada; Marco Parolini. 2018. "Polystyrene microplastics did not affect body growth and swimming activity in Xenopus laevis tadpoles." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 25, no. 34: 34644-34651.
The acute toxicity of three differently shaped carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) was studied on Daphnia magna, comparing the induced effects and looking for the toxic mechanisms. We used carbon nano-powder (CNP), with almost spherical primary particle morphology, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), tubes of multi-graphitic sheets, and cubic-shaped carbon nanoparticles (CNCs), for which no ecotoxicological data are available so far. Daphnids were exposed to six suspensions (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 mg L−1) of each CNM, and then microscopically analyzed. Ultrastructural analyses evidenced cellular uptake of nanoparticle in CNP and CNT exposed groups, but not in samples exposed to CNCs. Despite this difference, very similar effects were observed in tissues exposed to the three used CNMs: empty spaces between cells, cell detachment from the basal lamina, many lamellar bodies and autophagy vacuoles. These pathological figures were qualitatively similar among the three groups, but they differed in frequency and severity. CNCs caused the most severe effects, such as partial or complete dissolution of the brush border and thinning of the digestive epithelium. Being the cubic shape not allowed to be internalized into cells, but more effective than others in determining physical damages, we can conclude that shape is an important factor for driving nanoparticle uptake by cells and for determining the acute toxicological endpoints. Shape also plays a key role in determining the kind and the severity of pathologies, which are linked to the physical interactions of CNMs with the exposed tissues.
Renato Bacchetta; Nadia Santo; Irene Valenti; Daniela Maggioni; Mariangela Longhi; Paolo Tremolada. Comparative toxicity of three differently shaped carbon nanomaterials on Daphnia magna: does a shape effect exist? Nanotoxicology 2018, 12, 201 -223.
AMA StyleRenato Bacchetta, Nadia Santo, Irene Valenti, Daniela Maggioni, Mariangela Longhi, Paolo Tremolada. Comparative toxicity of three differently shaped carbon nanomaterials on Daphnia magna: does a shape effect exist? Nanotoxicology. 2018; 12 (3):201-223.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenato Bacchetta; Nadia Santo; Irene Valenti; Daniela Maggioni; Mariangela Longhi; Paolo Tremolada. 2018. "Comparative toxicity of three differently shaped carbon nanomaterials on Daphnia magna: does a shape effect exist?" Nanotoxicology 12, no. 3: 201-223.
Several monitoring studies have shown that benzoylecgonine (BE) is the main illicit drug residue commonly measured in the aquatic system worldwide. Few studies have investigated the potential toxicity of this molecule towards invertebrate and vertebrate aquatic non-target organisms focusing on effects at low levels of the biological organization, but no one has assessed the consequences at higher ones. Thus, the present study was aimed at investigating the toxicity of a 48-h exposure to two concentrations of BE, similar to those found in aquatic ecosystems (0.5 μg/L and 1.0 μg/L), on the cladoceran Daphnia magna at different levels of the ecological hierarchy. We relied on a multi-level approach focusing on the effects at biochemical/biomolecular (biomarkers), individual (swimming activity) and population (reproduction) levels. We measured the amount of reactive oxygen species and of the activity of antioxidant (SOD, CAT, and GPx) and detoxifying (GST) enzymes to assess if BE exposure can alter the oxidative status of D. magna specimens, while the lipid peroxidation (TBARS) was measured as a marker of oxidative damage. Moreover, we also measured the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity because it is strictly related to behavioral changes in aquatic organisms. Changes in swimming behavior were investigated by a video tracking analysis, while the consequences on reproduction were assessed by a chronic toxicity test. Our results showed that BE concentrations similar to those found in aquatic ecosystems induced oxidative stress and inhibited AChE activity, affecting swimming behavior and the reproduction of Daphnia magna individuals.
Marco Parolini; Beatrice DE Felice; Claudia Ferrario; Noelia Salgueiro-González; Sara Castiglioni; Antonio Finizio; Paolo Tremolada. Benzoylecgonine exposure induced oxidative stress and altered swimming behavior and reproduction in Daphnia magna. Environmental Pollution 2017, 232, 236 -244.
AMA StyleMarco Parolini, Beatrice DE Felice, Claudia Ferrario, Noelia Salgueiro-González, Sara Castiglioni, Antonio Finizio, Paolo Tremolada. Benzoylecgonine exposure induced oxidative stress and altered swimming behavior and reproduction in Daphnia magna. Environmental Pollution. 2017; 232 ():236-244.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarco Parolini; Beatrice DE Felice; Claudia Ferrario; Noelia Salgueiro-González; Sara Castiglioni; Antonio Finizio; Paolo Tremolada. 2017. "Benzoylecgonine exposure induced oxidative stress and altered swimming behavior and reproduction in Daphnia magna." Environmental Pollution 232, no. : 236-244.
Andrea Schievano; Alessandra Colombo; Matteo Grattieri; Stefano Trasatti; Alessandro Liberale; Paolo Tremolada; Claudio Pino; Pierangela Cristiani. Floating microbial fuel cells as energy harvesters for signal transmission from natural water bodies. Journal of Power Sources 2017, 340, 80 -88.
AMA StyleAndrea Schievano, Alessandra Colombo, Matteo Grattieri, Stefano Trasatti, Alessandro Liberale, Paolo Tremolada, Claudio Pino, Pierangela Cristiani. Floating microbial fuel cells as energy harvesters for signal transmission from natural water bodies. Journal of Power Sources. 2017; 340 ():80-88.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Schievano; Alessandra Colombo; Matteo Grattieri; Stefano Trasatti; Alessandro Liberale; Paolo Tremolada; Claudio Pino; Pierangela Cristiani. 2017. "Floating microbial fuel cells as energy harvesters for signal transmission from natural water bodies." Journal of Power Sources 340, no. : 80-88.
The chronic toxicity of ZnSO and ZnO nanoparticles has been studied in Daphnia magna also considering the life cycle parameters beyond the standard 21-day exposure time. Specimens have been individually followed until the natural end of their life, and some of them sampled for microscopic analyses at 48h, 9 and 21 days. Despite the low level of exposure (0.3mg Zn/L), ultrastructural analyses of the midgut epithelial cells revealed efficient internalization of nanoparticles between 48h and 9d, and translocation to other tissues as well. At 21d, the most affected fields have been recorded for both compounds; in particular samples exposed to ZnO nanoparticles showed swelling of mitochondria, while those exposed to ZnSO had a great number of autophagy vacuoles. The life cycle parameters resulted altered as well, with a significant inhibition of reproduction in both groups, when compared to controls. After the 21-day exposure, some interesting results were obtained: animals, previously exposed to nanoZnO at low concentrations, showed a complete recovery of the full reproduction potential, while those previously exposed to ZnSO presented a dose-dependent and compound-specific reduction in lifespan. Based on the results from the present research and the effects of the same chemicals at higher doses, it can be concluded that the soluble form plays a key role in ZnO nanoparticle cytotoxicity, and that the nanoparticulate form is able to locally increase the amount of Zn inside the cell, even within the ovary. It's worth noting that ZnO nanoparticles have been internalized despite the very low concentration used: this raises concern about the possible environmental implications which may derive from their use, and which in turn must be carefully considered.
Renato Bacchetta; Nadia Santo; Marcello Marelli; Greta Nosengo; Paolo Tremolada. Chronic toxicity effects of ZnSO4 and ZnO nanoparticles in Daphnia magna. Environmental Research 2017, 152, 128 -140.
AMA StyleRenato Bacchetta, Nadia Santo, Marcello Marelli, Greta Nosengo, Paolo Tremolada. Chronic toxicity effects of ZnSO4 and ZnO nanoparticles in Daphnia magna. Environmental Research. 2017; 152 ():128-140.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenato Bacchetta; Nadia Santo; Marcello Marelli; Greta Nosengo; Paolo Tremolada. 2017. "Chronic toxicity effects of ZnSO4 and ZnO nanoparticles in Daphnia magna." Environmental Research 152, no. : 128-140.
The role of soluble zinc has been determined in Daphnia magna by a morphological approach, integrating a previous paper in which the ultrastructural damages to gut epithelial cells have been studied after ZnO nanoparticles exposure. In the present paper, the toxicity and morphological effects of soluble zinc from ZnSO4 have been determined in a 48-h acute exposure test. Daphnids have been exposed to six nominal zinc concentrations (0.075, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mg Zn/L) and then fixed for microscopic analyses. Data from the acute toxicity tests gave an EC50 value of 0.99 mg/L and showed that no immobilization appeared up to 0.3 mg Zn/L. Ultrastructural analyses of samples from the two highest concentrations showed large vacuolar structures, swelling of mitochondria, multilamellar bodies, and a great number of autophagy vacuoles. These findings have been compared to those from our previous study, and similarities and/or differences discussed. Based on the overall results it can be concluded that dissolved zinc ions played a key role in ZnO nanoparticle toxicity and that the morphological approach is an extremely useful tool for comparing toxicological effects as well. A possible common toxic mechanism of soluble zinc and ZnO nanoparticles was also proposed.
Renato Bacchetta; Barbara Maran; Marcello Marelli; Nadia Santo; Paolo Tremolada. Role of soluble zinc in ZnO nanoparticle cytotoxicity in Daphnia magna: A morphological approach. Environmental Research 2016, 148, 376 -385.
AMA StyleRenato Bacchetta, Barbara Maran, Marcello Marelli, Nadia Santo, Paolo Tremolada. Role of soluble zinc in ZnO nanoparticle cytotoxicity in Daphnia magna: A morphological approach. Environmental Research. 2016; 148 ():376-385.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenato Bacchetta; Barbara Maran; Marcello Marelli; Nadia Santo; Paolo Tremolada. 2016. "Role of soluble zinc in ZnO nanoparticle cytotoxicity in Daphnia magna: A morphological approach." Environmental Research 148, no. : 376-385.
This study analyses the seasonal trend of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) concentrations in air and soil from a high-altitude mountain pasture in the Italian Alps. PCB concentrations in soil were generally comparable to background levels and were lower than those previously measured in the same area. Only CB-209 unexpectedly showed high concentrations with respect to the other congeners. GC-MS-MS identification was very clear, rising a new problem of increasing PCB contamination concerning only CB-209, which is not present in commercial mixtures used in the past in Italy and Europe. Considering all of the congeners, seasonal PCB trends were observed both in air and in soil that were related to the temperature and precipitation measured specifically in the study area. Highly significant relationships were found between the temperature-normalised concentrations in soil and the precipitation amounts. A north/south enrichment factor was present only in soil with rapid early summer re-volatilisation kinetics from soil to air and autumn re-deposition events from air to soil. Fugacity ratio calculations confirmed these trends. Surface soils respond rapidly to meteorological variables, while subsurface soils respond much more slowly. Seasonal trends were different for the northern and southern sides of the mountain. A detailed picture of the interactions among temperature, precipitation, mountain aspects and soil features was obtained.
Paolo Tremolada; Niccolò Guazzoni; Roberto Comolli; Marco Parolini; Serena Lazzaro; Andrea Binelli. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in air and soil from a high-altitude pasture in the Italian Alps: evidence of CB-209 contamination. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 2015, 22, 19571 -19583.
AMA StylePaolo Tremolada, Niccolò Guazzoni, Roberto Comolli, Marco Parolini, Serena Lazzaro, Andrea Binelli. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in air and soil from a high-altitude pasture in the Italian Alps: evidence of CB-209 contamination. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. 2015; 22 (24):19571-19583.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Tremolada; Niccolò Guazzoni; Roberto Comolli; Marco Parolini; Serena Lazzaro; Andrea Binelli. 2015. "Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in air and soil from a high-altitude pasture in the Italian Alps: evidence of CB-209 contamination." Environmental Science and Pollution Research 22, no. 24: 19571-19583.
A fugacity model reported in the literature was applied to a high-altitude pasture in the Italian Alps. The model takes into account three compartments (digestive tract, blood and fat tissues) in unsteady-state conditions using food as the contamination source. Disregarding biotransformation inside cow tissues, the predicted concentrations of 14 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in milk were in good agreement with the observed data, especially for congeners known for their resistance to biotransformation (e.g., CB-138 and 153). In contrast, the predicted concentrations were clearly overestimated for congeners with high biotransformation susceptibilities. Therefore data measured in milk and faeces were used to calculate the first-order-biotransformation rate constants in dairy cows. The PCB absorption efficiency observed for pasture conditions was lower than that observed in the cowshed. The final version of the model included biotransformation and observed PCB absorption and was able to predict PCB concentrations in cow milk with mean differences between the predicted and measured data below ± 20% for most congeners.
Paolo Tremolada; Niccolò Guazzoni; Marco Parolini; Bruno Rossaro; Marta Maria Bignazzi; Andrea Binelli. Predicting PCB concentrations in cow milk: validation of a fugacity model in high-mountain pasture conditions. Science of The Total Environment 2014, 487, 471 -480.
AMA StylePaolo Tremolada, Niccolò Guazzoni, Marco Parolini, Bruno Rossaro, Marta Maria Bignazzi, Andrea Binelli. Predicting PCB concentrations in cow milk: validation of a fugacity model in high-mountain pasture conditions. Science of The Total Environment. 2014; 487 ():471-480.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Tremolada; Niccolò Guazzoni; Marco Parolini; Bruno Rossaro; Marta Maria Bignazzi; Andrea Binelli. 2014. "Predicting PCB concentrations in cow milk: validation of a fugacity model in high-mountain pasture conditions." Science of The Total Environment 487, no. : 471-480.
The toxic effects of two differently sized ZnO nanopowders have been studied in Daphnia magna using advanced microscopy techniques. Five nanoZnO suspensions (0.1, 0.33, 1, 3.3 and 10 mg/L) were tested. The results of the 48-h acute toxicity tests performed with ZnO < 100 nm (bZnO) and ZnO < 50 nm (sZnO) showed slight effects, with EC₅₀ values of 3.1 and 1.9 mg/L for bZnO and sZnO, respectively. Specimens exposed to 1 and 3.3 mg/L have been microscopically analysed and nanoparticles (NPs) from both concentrations have been found into midgut cells: i) in the microvilli; ii) in endocytic vesicles near the upper cell surface; iii) in some endosomes, as well as in mitochondria, in multivesicular and multilamellar bodies; iv) into the enterocytes' nuclei; v) free in the cytoplasm; vi) in the paracellular space between adjacent cells; vii) into the folded basal plasma membrane, and viii) in the gut muscolaris, suggesting that not only both nanoZnOs are able to interact with the plasmatic membrane of D. magna enterocytes, but also that they are capable to cross epithelial barriers. The ultrastructural changes increased with increasing concentrations and the worst morphological fields came from samples exposed to 3.3 mg/L of both nanoZnOs. Morphological effects were qualitatively similar between the two nanomaterials, but they appear to be much more frequent for sZnO NPs. Data from ICP-OES analyses demonstrated that the maximum Zn(++) concentration in our tested suspensions was 0.137 mg/L, which is well below the reported NOEC for the soluble Zinc. The corresponding Zn-salt exposures (0.1 mg/L Zn(++)) gave 0% of immobilized daphnids for both NPs suggesting that in our test medium nanoZnO toxicity is not driven by their solubilized ions. The large presence of NPs inside midgut cells after only 48-h exposure to nanoZnOs and their effects on the intestinal cells highlighted the toxic potential of these nanomaterials, also suggesting that studies on chronic effects are needed.
Nadia Santo; Umberto Fascio; Francesco Torres; Niccolò Guazzoni; Paolo Tremolada; Roberta Bettinetti; Paride Mantecca; Renato Bacchetta. Toxic effects and ultrastructural damages to Daphnia magna of two differently sized ZnO nanoparticles: Does size matter? Water Research 2014, 53, 339 -350.
AMA StyleNadia Santo, Umberto Fascio, Francesco Torres, Niccolò Guazzoni, Paolo Tremolada, Roberta Bettinetti, Paride Mantecca, Renato Bacchetta. Toxic effects and ultrastructural damages to Daphnia magna of two differently sized ZnO nanoparticles: Does size matter? Water Research. 2014; 53 ():339-350.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNadia Santo; Umberto Fascio; Francesco Torres; Niccolò Guazzoni; Paolo Tremolada; Roberta Bettinetti; Paride Mantecca; Renato Bacchetta. 2014. "Toxic effects and ultrastructural damages to Daphnia magna of two differently sized ZnO nanoparticles: Does size matter?" Water Research 53, no. : 339-350.
Paolo Tremolada; Marco Vighi. Mathematical Models for the Comprehension of Chemical Contamination into the Hive. In Silico Bees 2014, 153 -178.
AMA StylePaolo Tremolada, Marco Vighi. Mathematical Models for the Comprehension of Chemical Contamination into the Hive. In Silico Bees. 2014; ():153-178.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Tremolada; Marco Vighi. 2014. "Mathematical Models for the Comprehension of Chemical Contamination into the Hive." In Silico Bees , no. : 153-178.
A reliable spatial assessment of the POPs contamination in soils is essential for burden studies and flux evaluations. Soil characteristics and properties vary enormously even within small spatial scale and over time; therefore soil capacity of accumulating POPs varies greatly. In order to include this very high spatial and temporal variability, models can be used for assessing soil accumulation capacity in a specific time and space and, from it, the spatial distribution and temporal trends of POPs concentrations. In this work, predictive contamination maps of the accumulation capacity of soils were developed at a space resolution of 1 × 1 m with a time frame of one day, in a study area located in the central Alps. Physical algorithms for temperature and organic carbon estimation along the soil profile and across the year were fitted to estimate the horizontal, vertical and seasonal distribution of the contamination potential for PCBs in soil (Ksa maps). The resulting maps were cross-validated with an independent set of PCB contamination data, showing very good agreement (e.g. for CB-153, R2 = 0.80, p-value ≤ 2.2 · 10− 06). Slopes of the regression between predicted Ksa and experimental concentrations were used to map the soil contamination for the whole area, taking into account soil characteristics and temperature conditions. These maps offer the opportunity to evaluate burden (concentration maps) and fluxes (emission maps) with highly resolved temporal and spatial detail. In addition, in order to explain the observed low autumn PCB concentrations in soil related to the high Ksa values of this period, a dynamic model of seasonal variation of soil concentrations was developed basing on rate parameters fitted on measured concentrations. The model was able to describe, at least partially, the observed different behavior between the quite rapid discharge phase in summer and the slow recharge phase in autumn.
Cristiano Ballabio; Niccoló Guazzoni; Roberto Comolli; Paolo Tremolada. Highly spatially- and seasonally-resolved predictive contamination maps for persistent organic pollutants: Development and validation. Science of The Total Environment 2013, 458-460, 546 -554.
AMA StyleCristiano Ballabio, Niccoló Guazzoni, Roberto Comolli, Paolo Tremolada. Highly spatially- and seasonally-resolved predictive contamination maps for persistent organic pollutants: Development and validation. Science of The Total Environment. 2013; 458-460 ():546-554.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristiano Ballabio; Niccoló Guazzoni; Roberto Comolli; Paolo Tremolada. 2013. "Highly spatially- and seasonally-resolved predictive contamination maps for persistent organic pollutants: Development and validation." Science of The Total Environment 458-460, no. : 546-554.
This study investigates the contamination by 13 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners in an altitudinal soil transect on Mt. Meru area, Northern Tanzania. A ∑13PBDEs mean concentration of 386±200 pg/g d.w. (4900±3500 pg ∑13PBDEs/g soil organic matter - SOM) was measured, pointing out that, in a prevalently agricultural area from the southern hemisphere, PBDE contamination can be even higher than in similar semi-remote environment of industrialized country of the northern one. The Mt. Meru PBDE pattern of contamination was characterized by the prevalence of intermediate brominated congeners (tetra- and penta-BDEs). Among the detected compounds, BDE-47 was the main congener, followed by BDE-99, BDE-190 and BDE-100. The distribution of PBDEs confirmed that organic carbon had a substantial impact on their accumulation in Tanzanian soils. The altitudinal profile of PBDEs (log TOC-normalized concentrations) fitted a second order polynomial model with altitude, with an initial concentration decrease, interpreted as a dilution effect from local/regional sources, and a following consistent increase with altitude according to the cold condensation theory. Evidences of distillation effect among PBDE congeners were also observed.
Marco Parolini; Niccoló Guazzoni; Roberto Comolli; Andrea Binelli; Paolo Tremolada. Background levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in soils from Mount Meru area, Arusha district (Tanzania). Science of The Total Environment 2013, 452-453, 253 -261.
AMA StyleMarco Parolini, Niccoló Guazzoni, Roberto Comolli, Andrea Binelli, Paolo Tremolada. Background levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in soils from Mount Meru area, Arusha district (Tanzania). Science of The Total Environment. 2013; 452-453 ():253-261.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarco Parolini; Niccoló Guazzoni; Roberto Comolli; Andrea Binelli; Paolo Tremolada. 2013. "Background levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in soils from Mount Meru area, Arusha district (Tanzania)." Science of The Total Environment 452-453, no. : 253-261.
Tanzania is an equatorial country characterized by warm temperatures, which should increase the volatilization of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), but this scenario could be different in mountainous areas like Mount Meru, a volcano situated in the East African Rift (Tz). We collected soil samples along an altitudinal transect upto 4577 m a.s.l., reporting the first data about POP contamination in this area (DDX, HCHs, HCB and PCBs). The DDX contamination pattern in Mt. Meru shows levels slightly higher than those of other remote places with a strong increase in the metabolites/DDT historical trend, which is different from DDX, PCBs, HCHs and particularly HCB as this shows very low contamination levels. Back trajectory analysis allowed a discussion about putative contamination sources, while analysis of the environmental features (climatic and pedological) allowed us to discriminate their relative importance. The distribution of POPs shows a strong correlation with soil organic matter and vegetation. SOM-normalization evidenced altitudinal dependence according to cold condensation for PCBs and HCHs, while DDX are present in larger amounts in the agricultural area at the volcano foot. OM-normalized concentrations suggested also a possible role of the OM composition on the POPs’ distribution.
Niccoló Guazzoni; Roberto Comolli; Andrea Binelli; Paolo Tremolada. Environmental variables affecting the distribution of POPs on Mt. Meru, Tanzania. Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts 2013, 15, 1573 .
AMA StyleNiccoló Guazzoni, Roberto Comolli, Andrea Binelli, Paolo Tremolada. Environmental variables affecting the distribution of POPs on Mt. Meru, Tanzania. Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts. 2013; 15 (8):1573.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNiccoló Guazzoni; Roberto Comolli; Andrea Binelli; Paolo Tremolada. 2013. "Environmental variables affecting the distribution of POPs on Mt. Meru, Tanzania." Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts 15, no. 8: 1573.
Renato Bacchetta; Paolo Tremolada; Cristiano Di Benedetto; Nadia Santo; Umberto Fascio; Giuseppe Chirico; Anita Colombo; Marina Camatini; Paride Mantecca. Does carbon nanopowder threaten amphibian development? Carbon 2012, 50, 4607 -4618.
AMA StyleRenato Bacchetta, Paolo Tremolada, Cristiano Di Benedetto, Nadia Santo, Umberto Fascio, Giuseppe Chirico, Anita Colombo, Marina Camatini, Paride Mantecca. Does carbon nanopowder threaten amphibian development? Carbon. 2012; 50 (12):4607-4618.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenato Bacchetta; Paolo Tremolada; Cristiano Di Benedetto; Nadia Santo; Umberto Fascio; Giuseppe Chirico; Anita Colombo; Marina Camatini; Paride Mantecca. 2012. "Does carbon nanopowder threaten amphibian development?" Carbon 50, no. 12: 4607-4618.
The effect of different humic fractions on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in soils was tested in the field by means of 53 soil samples from a high-altitude grassland plateau in the Italian Alps. Three humic fractions (humin, humic acids, and fulvic acids) were characterized in parallel by quantifying 12 PCB congeners to establish a direct relationship between PCB levels and humic fraction concentrations. Humin (the most hydrophobic fraction) appears to be the most closely correlated with the amount of PCBs in soil (R 2 = 0.83), while fulvic acid shows the lowest correlation (R 2 = 0.49). The idea of preferential sorption of hydrophobic compounds in the humin fraction is discussed, and the humin carbon content (f huminC) is proposed as an improved parameter for evaluating the potential for POP accumulation in soils, replacing total organic carbon (f oc). Congener studies revealed that penta- and hexa-substituted-CBs show the optimal combination of physicochemical properties for equilibrating with the humin content in soil. Moreover, f huminC/f oc is conceptually equivalent to the empirical coefficients used in predictive K sa equations. In our samples, the f huminC/f oc was 0.55, a value in between the empirical coefficients proposed in the literature. In predictive equations, the use of f huminC instead f oc avoids the necessity of using an empirical parameter for a ‘generic’ condition by introducing an experimental parameter (f huminC) that takes into account local conditions (organic matter composition).
Paolo Tremolada; Niccoló Guazzoni; Luisa Smillovich; Fabio Moia; Roberto Comolli. The Effect of the Organic Matter Composition on POP Accumulation in Soil. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 2012, 223, 4539 -4556.
AMA StylePaolo Tremolada, Niccoló Guazzoni, Luisa Smillovich, Fabio Moia, Roberto Comolli. The Effect of the Organic Matter Composition on POP Accumulation in Soil. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 2012; 223 (7):4539-4556.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Tremolada; Niccoló Guazzoni; Luisa Smillovich; Fabio Moia; Roberto Comolli. 2012. "The Effect of the Organic Matter Composition on POP Accumulation in Soil." Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 223, no. 7: 4539-4556.