Article
Agronomy
Dorota Pikula, Olga Ciotucha
Summary: Understanding the transformation processes of organic matter in soil is crucial for managing soil organic carbon dynamics. This study found that both crop rotation and manure fertilization had significant effects on soil organic matter fractions and humus humification index. Additionally, mineral nitrogen fertilization and pH conditions also played a role in the composition of humus compounds in the soil.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erika Jez, Carlo Bravo, Domen Lestan, Simon Gluhar, Ladislau Martin-Neto, Maria De Nobili, Marco Contin
Summary: The study found that CaEDTA remediation significantly decreased the free fraction of humic acids in soils contaminated with potentially toxic metals, while the bound fraction of humic acids and fulvic acids remained unchanged. Disturbance of intermolecular bonds during remediation affected the composition of the free humic acid fraction, confirming a selective removal of non-radical molecules such as carbohydrates while increasing the concentration of free radicals in acidic soil. The restoration of free humic fractions is likely to be a long-term process, indicating that CaEDTA soil washing is moderately conservative in terms of soil organic matter remediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Shuqin He, Zicheng Zheng, Renhuan Zhu
Summary: Tea plantation is beneficial for increasing SOC and humic substances content, enhancing soil humification, and improving soil humus quality. The soil in a 25-year-old tea plantation had higher SOC content and lower H/C and O/C ratios in HA, FA, and HM, indicating better soil humus quality.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiongxin Peng, Shuang Gai, Kui Cheng, Fan Yang
Summary: The study conducted hydrothermal humification kinetics experiments using corn straw as raw material and employed characterization techniques such as ultra-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to determine the formation mechanism of artificial humic substances (A-HS). The results showed that in an alkaline environment, rapid dissociation of lignocellulose can occur, with cellulose and hemicellulose being hydrolyzed into glucose and xylose, further dehydrated to form 5-hydroxy furfural and furfural, and then rehydrated to synthesize levulinic acid and other small molecular acids. These small precursors then combine with lignin fragments to form fulvic acids, humic acids, and even humin. The proposed mechanism of hydrothermal humification is of great significance for the design, synthesis, and application of A-HS in sustainable agriculture.
Article
Agronomy
Livia Vittori Antisari, William Trenti, Mauro De Feudis, Gianluca Bianchini, Gloria Falsone
Summary: In temperate soils in Northern Italy, factors such as land use practices and soil types influence soil quality and SOM dynamics. Agricultural lands with organic material additions showed good soil quality and efficient use of microbial C, while reclaimed peaty soils were prone to degradation due to stress on soil microbial biomass. Conservative management practices in chestnuts reduced soil degradation risk. Evaluating soil parameters recommended by the FAO can help assess sustainable practices and soil quality.
Article
Soil Science
Claudia Savarese, Marios Drosos, Riccardo Spaccini, Vincenza Cozzolino, Alessandro Piccolo
Summary: Long-term maize monoculture leads to progressive degradation of soil organic matter quality, while maize-leguminous rotation helps to preserve the original composition of soil organic matter and reduce soil organic carbon losses.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yan Vidal de Figueiredo Gomes Diniz, Ana Paula Pessim de Oliveira, Tiago Paula da Silva, Eduardo Carvalho da Silva Neto, Andres Calderin Garcia, Marcos Gervasio Pereira, Marcelo Souza Motta, Hugo de Souza Fagundes, Otavio Augusto Queiroz dos Santos, Lucia Helena Cunha dos Anjos
Summary: This study aimed to quantify and characterize the impact of prescribed fire (PF) on soil organic matter in Itatiaia National Park. The results showed that within 10 days after the fire, the release of labile organic carbon resulted in an increase in humic fractions in the soil. However, it took more than 240 days for the soil to restore the levels of carbon and nitrogen stocks.
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. Lopez, J. Antelo, A. C. Silva, F. Bento, S. Fiol
Summary: This study analyzed compost samples from different sources and treated with different composting methods to investigate their chemical composition, physicochemical, and acid-base properties, revealing correlations and testing the potential value of compost as amendments. The application of compost improved soil pH, organic matter and nutrient content, and promoted seed germination and root growth in a mining area.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hang Li, Garrett McKay
Summary: The reducibility of DOM by sodium borohydride varied significantly among different DOM samples, with soil humic substances being less reducible than aquatic humic substances. While there were statistically significant correlations between the reducibility of DOM and molecular size descriptors, these descriptors could not differentiate between soil and aquatic DOM isolates with similar bulk properties. The extent of absorbance removal by borohydride is largely determined by the origin of the humic substance isolate (aquatic vs soil) instead of molecular size or charge.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Renata Jarosz, Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek, Krzysztof Gondek, Michal Kopec, Tomas Losak, Lidia Marcinska-Mazur
Summary: The changes in quantitative and qualitative humus parameters in loamy sand with the addition of poultry litter (PL) and poultry litter biochar (PLB) were estimated over a 5-year study period. It was found that PL had a significant impact on the mineralization of organic matter and caused noticeable changes in humus compounds. On the other hand, PLB had a slower mineralization rate, especially at higher doses, and had a more favorable effect on the structure and mobility of humic acid carbon compared to PL.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Roberto Baigorri, Gustavo Gonzalez-Gaitano, Jose Maria Garcia-Mina
Summary: Soil organic matter serves as a link between the living and mineral components of soil, providing both carbon and energy for microorganisms. The carbon cycle follows a complex evolution process, with biochemically linked structures ultimately becoming humic substances. The heat of combustion and fluorescence spectroscopy reveal the structural differentiation of different humic fractions, indicating the possibility of independent evolution into fossil fuels and coals.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Thomas Grevesse, Celine Gueguen, Vera E. Onana, David A. Walsh
Summary: This study investigated the metabolic pathways and bacterial taxa involved in aromatic compound degradation in the microbiomes of the Arctic Ocean. The results showed that Arctic Ocean microbiomes have the ability to metabolize humic substances of terrestrial origin and that this is an adaptive trait. Future increases in terrestrial organic matter input may enhance the importance of aromatic compound processing bacteria in the Arctic Ocean carbon and nutrient cycles.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hang Li, Garrett McKay
Summary: Fluorescence spectroscopy is widely used to study dissolved organic matter (DOM). This study used fluorescence quenchers to evaluate the chemical and spatial heterogeneity of DOM fluorophores. The study found that multiple emitting species contribute to the observed emission, even at a single excitation wavelength. The results provide insights into the spatial distribution of fluorophores within DOM and their relationship with solvent polarity and pH.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniele Rodrigues Barbosa, Andres Calderin Garcia, Camila da Costa Barros de Souza, Nelson Moura Brasil do Amaral Sobrinho
Summary: Herbicide application is a common practice in agricultural systems for efficient weed control. This study found a close relationship between the herbicide oxyfluorfen accumulation in vegetable production areas and the structural characteristics of humic substances, indicating higher levels of oxyfluorfen in areas with lower slope and higher organic matter and clay content, affecting the recalcitrant properties of humic acids.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ludovico Pontoni, Valentina Roviello, Marco Race, Luigi Savignano, Eric D. van Hullebusch, Giovanni Esposito, Francesco Pirozzi, Massimiliano Fabbricino
Summary: Natural organic matter (NOM) extracted from Sphagnum peat soil self-organizes into colloidal aggregates of variable sizes in water, stabilized by the exposure of polar functional groups to solvent, forming hydrogen bonds and dipole interactions. The inner part of the aggregates displays hydrophobic features and is further reinforced by p-stacking interactions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Parolini, Beatrice De Felice, Claudia Ferrario, Noelia Salgueiro-Gonzalez, Sara Castiglioni, Antonio Finizio, Paolo Tremolada
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2018)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Renato Bacchetta, Nadia Santo, Irene Valenti, Daniela Maggioni, Mariangela Longhi, Paolo Tremolada
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniela Lupi, Paolo Tremolada, Mario Colombo, Roberto Giacchini, Roberto Benocci, Paolo Parenti, Marco Parolini, Giovanni Zambon, Marco Vighi
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Alessandro Nessi, Alessandro Balestrieri, Anna Winkler, Andrea Guglielmo Casoni, Paolo Tremolada
Summary: Collecting pellets under resting sites is a minimally invasive method to study the diet of the kingfisher Alcedo atthis outside the breeding period. It requires a large number of surveys to find suitable resting sites and obtain sufficient sample size, but allows for a precise estimate of prey frequency and assessment of diet.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Renato Bacchetta, Andrea Marotta, Alessandro Nessi, Paolo Tremolada
Summary: The study revealed that the wels catfish has a severe impact on local fish communities in certain European basins and is preyed upon by the top predator Lutra lutra. By analyzing the catfish's bones, researchers were able to estimate the catfish's size and age, providing insights into the efficiency of predation by piscivorous species on allochthonous ones.
Article
Agronomy
Chiara Ferre, Gaia Mascetti, Roberto Comolli
Summary: The study found that high-density SRC has a higher potential for soil organic carbon accumulation, and that the initial SOC value and fertilization combined with irrigation have a significant positive influence on SOC sequestration, highlighting the importance of considering spatial variability.
Article
Entomology
Daniela Lupi, Marco Palamara Mesiano, Agnese Adani, Roberto Benocci, Roberto Giacchini, Paolo Parenti, Giovanni Zambon, Antonio Lavazza, Maria Beatrice Boniotti, Stefano Bassi, Mario Colombo, Paolo Tremolada
Summary: The combined effects of pesticides and electromagnetic fields (multi-stress conditions) were analyzed in a field trial, showing severe threats to bee health and behavior, including disease appearance, increased mortality, behavioral alterations, and biochemical anomalies. The multi-stress site exhibited the worst health condition for bee colonies, with only one colony surviving out of the four initially present.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Renato Bacchetta, Anna Winkler, Nadia Santo, Paolo Tremolada
Summary: The study found that polyester fibers taken from a dryer machine had adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract of Xenopus laevis larvae, causing deformities and obstructions without leading to mortality or other damages.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandro Balestrieri, Anna Winkler, Giovanni Scribano, Andrea Gazzola, Giuditta Lastrico, Alice Grioni, Daniele Pellitteri-Rosa, Paolo Tremolada
Summary: The study found that microplastics have a significant impact on the growth and activity level of Italian agile frogs, leading to high mortality rates even at low concentrations. However, the effects of microplastics on green toads are relatively minor.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anna Winkler, Francesco Fumagalli, Claudia Cella, Douglas Gilliland, Paolo Tremolada, Andrea Valsesia
Summary: This study provides a combined approach to quantitatively and qualitatively detect the release of nanoplastics in water and measure direct exposure of consumers through simulated use of plastic bottles. The researchers found that mechanical stress alters the physical-chemical characteristics of the generated secondary nanoplastics, degrading their material properties and complicating their chemical identification. Understanding material degradation processes is crucial for identifying and quantifying nanoplastics in real samples.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giovanni Scribano, Andrea Gazzola, Anna Winkler, Alessandro Balestrieri, Alice Grioni, Giuditta Lastrico, Paolo Tremolada, Daniele Pellitteri-Rosa
Summary: Microplastic exposure did not affect the defensive responses of Italian agile frog tadpoles, and larger tadpoles were less susceptible to the negative effects of MP exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Rodolfo Gentili, Chiara Ferre, Elisa Cardarelli, Sarah Caronni, Chiara Montagnani, Davide Abu El Khair, Sandra Citterio, Roberto Comolli
Summary: This study assessed the impact of the invader Reynoutria bohemica on a native riparian forest in Northern Italy. The results showed that the invasion led to differences in soil characteristics and plant community, with lower diversity and light intensity. However, the impact on microarthropod communities was modest. Soil C:N ratio and plant richness were found to be most linked to species invasion.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandro Nessi, Anna Winkler, Paolo Tremolada, Francesco Saliu, Marina Lasagni, Luca Luigi Mario Ghezzi, Alessandro Balestrieri
Summary: Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging environmental problem that needs careful monitoring. Although MPs have been widely recorded in marine and freshwater ecosystems, there have been few studies on MP occurrence in terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, barn owl pellets were analyzed to assess both barn owl diet and MP content as a non-invasive method for assessing MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. The results showed that 33% of the pellets contained MPs, predominantly microfibers. The analysis of barn owl pellets could be a cost-effective method for monitoring MP contamination in terrestrial ecosystems.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Giulia Tagliabue, Anna Masseroli, Stephania Irmgard Elena Ern, Roberto Comolli, Fulvia Tambone, Cristina Cattaneo, Luca Trombino
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the exchange of elements from buried bodies to soil, focusing on phosphorus content, and to determine the effects of environmental factors on its persistence. The experiment involved burying eleven swine carcasses in an open site, with analyses revealing the decomposition of phospholipids and transfer of phosphorus from bone to soil. Microanalyses of soil samples identified phosphatic features resulting from the interaction between soil and body fluids, and ultramicroscopic analysis showed fluctuations in P2O5 in the soil over time. These methods have potential for evaluating the cadaver-soil linkage, burial duration, and phosphorus migration during and after decomposition.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Massimo Brambilla, Elio Romano, Pietro Toscano, Maurizio Cutini, Marcello Biocca, Chiara Ferre, Roberto Comolli, Carlo Bisaglia
Summary: By utilizing real-time soil mapping and production monitoring, valuable insights have been provided to farmers for transitioning to precision agriculture. Geostatistical analysis revealed that soil characteristics have a greater influence on crop behavior than other factors, highlighting the potential for improvements in product yields through strategies such as variable rate distribution of fertilizers.
