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Research Interests: Chemistry and Dissolution
In this study, the arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) contamination has been evaluated in the groundwater of Sardinia (Italy). Contamination by such chemical species is among the most relevant risks for many populations,... more
In this study, the arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) contamination has been evaluated in the groundwater of Sardinia (Italy). Contamination by such chemical species is among the most relevant risks for many populations, thus giving general interest to the case studies presented in this chapter. A brief introduction about the European legislative framework is given, followed by a description of the analytical methods used and a discussion of the results. Two areas were selected as case studies: the Osilo area, devoted to geogenic degradation, and the Iglesiente–Fluminese mining district mainly affected by anthropogenic contamination. The geochemical controls on the natural baselines of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn are generally related to natural sources, mostly derived from water–rock interaction processes in areas of known mineral occurrences. In fact, median concentrations of the investigated elements in the mineralized areas are much higher than those of the corresponding median regional values and sometimes exceed the Italian limits for drinking water. In the Iglesiente–Fluminese mining district very high concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn were measured in groundwater that circulates in areas affected by past mining activities.
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Research Interests: Environmental Science, Geology, Geochemistry, Water quality, Environmental Chemistry, and 14 moreApplied Geochemistry, Seasonality, River water, Heavy Metal, Drinking Water, Pore Size, Rare Earth Element Mineralization, Mediterranean Climate, Water Quality, Trace element, Water-Rock Interaction, Fine Particles, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT, and Suspended matter
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ABSTRACT This paper examines the issues related to salinization and water quality in the complex drainage system of the historical land reclamation of Lamone basin (Ravenna coastal plain, northern Italy), with the aim of guiding ongoing... more
ABSTRACT This paper examines the issues related to salinization and water quality in the complex drainage system of the historical land reclamation of Lamone basin (Ravenna coastal plain, northern Italy), with the aim of guiding ongoing agricultural-related decisions. Major and trace element concentration and O–H–B–Sr isotope-ratios were measured on surface water from a network of canals and ditches. Sampling was carried out during the winter period and in summer, to assess the effects of agricultural water management on the aquatic system. Results show widespread salinization of waters over the entire crop, due to both the direct saltwater inland flushing through the canals in proximity of the mouths, and sea salt leaching from soils. During winter, salinization is partly mitigated by rainfalls, while in summer dilution processes are due to freshwater input from outside the watershed, planned to assist the agricultural water demand. In the winter season, the concentration of some elements such as Fe, Mn, Al, and Cu in waters exceeds the maximum permissible limits imposed by the Italian regulations, while during summer the concentration of these elements is significantly reduced. A seasonal cycling is established, where the bottom sediments of canals and ditches act as sinks of harmful elements, mostly through adsorption by Fe–Mn–Al oxy-hydroxide solid phases. The irrigation practice, although improving the water quality, increases water turbidity by re-mobilization of sediments which act as transport agents of contaminants, with detrimental effects that may become significant over the years.
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Preliminary Results on the Occurrence of Rare Earth Elements in the Aquatic System of the Pialassa Baiona, Ravenna (Italy) Résultats Préliminaires Sur La Présence Des Éléments De Terres Rares Dans Le Système Aquatique De La Pialassa Baiona, Ravenne (Italie) Risultati Preliminari Sulla Presenza DI...more
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In southwestern Sardinia the areas around Iglesias and GuspiniArbus represent the heart of the former mining industry. Lead and zinc ores were extensively exploited from 1850 to 1995. Geochemical studies in these areas have identified... more
In southwestern Sardinia the areas around Iglesias and GuspiniArbus represent the heart of the former mining industry. Lead and zinc ores were extensively exploited from 1850 to 1995. Geochemical studies in these areas have identified the main sources of ...
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Research Interests: Geology and Groundwater
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Many coastal areas around the world, especially low-lying delta areas, have a high density population and host important economic activities. In such context groundwater abstraction for public water, irrigation and private water supply... more
Many coastal areas around the world, especially low-lying delta areas, have a high density population and host important economic activities. In such context groundwater abstraction for public water, irrigation and private water supply can lead to over-exploitation and seawater intrusion phenomena. Saltwater intrusion is a critical socio-economic and environmental issue in the coastal plain of Muravera, south-eastern Sardinia (Italy). Since the early fifties the natural hydrodynamic equilibrium between groundwater, surface-water and seawater has been deeply modified by human interventions mainly related to the development of agriculture and tourism activities. The aim of this work is to deepen the knowledge about groundwater recharge areas, salinization mechanisms and water chemistry evolution through a combined hydrogeological and multi-isotopic approach. In this frame, a monthly piezometric and electrical conductivity monitoring survey was carried out for one year, integrated with chemical and isotope analyses of δ18OH2O e δ2HH2O, δ11B, δ18OSO4, δ34SSO4, 87Sr/86Sr. Isotope analyses of δ18OH2O e δ2HH2O from two precipitation samples are also performed to provide a reference for local meteoric composition.Results from hydrochemistry analysis show the occurrence of seawater-freshwater mixing, extending up to 4 km inland. δ18OH2O & δ2HH2O, δ11B, δ18OSO4 & δ34SSO4 isotopes analysis confirms the mixing processes and indicates the meteoric origin of recharge waters for both shallow and semi-confined aquifers. Moreover, a clear correlation between precipitation and seawater H2O isotopic composition is observed. Strontium isotopes ratio has allowed the identification of four main groundwater flow paths, including lateral recharge from bedrock, surface water infiltration from the Flumendosa river and Rio Flumini Uri, and the occurrence of young mixing processes between fresh and sea waters. Outcomes from the combined investigation approach are crucial in the implementation of an integrated and sustainable management system which aims, on the one hand, at slowing the process of saltwater intrusion, and on the other hand to meet socio-economic needs for local communities’ development.
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Abstract Tungsten (W) is rarely found in natural waters, yet it can be introduced into the food chain and cause potentially toxic effects. Uptake of W by plants and vegetables, or trace presence of W in drinking water are possible vectors... more
Abstract Tungsten (W) is rarely found in natural waters, yet it can be introduced into the food chain and cause potentially toxic effects. Uptake of W by plants and vegetables, or trace presence of W in drinking water are possible vectors for ingestion of W by humans. The latter is recognized as a possible cause of lymphatic leukemia. Increased uses of W might result in a degradation of water resources, with attendant adverse effects on biota and human health. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating regional occurrence and speciation of W in aquatic systems in Sardinia, Italy, factors affecting W mobility and possible relations with other oxyanion-forming trace elements such as Sb, As and Mo. Although our results are specifically from Sardinia, the implications are broader and should prompt future studies in other areas with known high W concentrations. A total of 350 sample sites are reported here, including surface waters, groundwaters, mine drainages, thermal waters and local seawater. The waters were analyzed for major and trace components, including W, Sb, As and Mo. The waters showed a variety of major chemical compositions and W concentrations. High concentrations of W were found in some mine waters and drainages from slag heaps, with W, Sb and As up to 140, 5000 and 800 μg L−1, respectively. The highest concentrations of W occurred under slightly alkaline pH and oxygenated conditions, and were likely due to the dissolution of scheelite [CaWO4] hosted in materials with which the water came into contact. High W concentrations also were observed in thermal waters, under alkaline pH and reducing conditions, and sometimes coincided with relatively high concentrations either of As or Mo. Previous studies of W geochemistry have focused on WO42− as the major dissolved form of W. For this study, we have augmented the thermodynamic database in PHREEQC to include possible formation of many other W-bearing complexes gleaned from the literature. The results of the speciation calculations with the newly added complexation reactions shows that the neutral species CaWO4° and MgWO4° are particularly dominant in most W-bearing waters and lead to undersaturation with respect to scheelite and other W-bearing minerals. Assessing W contamination in water systems and establishing W limits in drinking water may prevent potential adverse effects of W on human and ecosystem health.
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Research Interests: Groundwater and Seawater
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Diel variations in dissolved As and Zn concentrations in the Baccu Locci stream (sardinia, Italy), affected by past mining, were studied. sorption/desorption to/from streambed material, in particular ferrihydrite, is believed to be the... more
Diel variations in dissolved As and Zn concentrations in the Baccu Locci stream (sardinia, Italy), affected by past mining, were studied. sorption/desorption to/from streambed material, in particular ferrihydrite, is believed to be the main process controlling the diel cycles of trace elements. Another possible process that deserves an in-depth assessment is co-precipitation of As and Zn with calcite. Both processes should be carefully considered to assess the effectiveness of remediation actions currently in progress at Baccu Locci.