Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicola Bettoso, Federico Pittaluga, Sergio Predonzani, Antonella Zanello, Alessandro Acquavita
Summary: This study reveals the presence of mercury contamination, particularly in fish, in the Marano and Grado Lagoon region of Italy. However, the concentration of mercury in water is low, while the content in fish varies depending on species size and habits. The study also indicates that the transferability of mercury between sediment and biota is low, and its impact on human health can be disregarded.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elisa Petranich, Matteo Crosera, Elena Pavoni, Jadran Faganeli, Stefano Covelli
Summary: The study evaluated the cycling of metal(loid)s at the sediment-water interface in an active fish farm in the Grado Lagoon, Italy. The results showed that metals had low mobility in both solid and dissolved phases, posing no threat to the aquatic trophic chain.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Vanessa Natali, Francesca Malfatti, Tamara Cibic
Summary: The DuraSoft project aimed to test innovative technologies to improve the durability of traditional wooden structures in sensitive environments. The study found that different wood treatments had an impact on microbial biofilm formation, but did not successfully slow down the colonization of the biofilm. Therefore, there is a need to develop more environmentally friendly technologies to preserve wooden structures.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Massimo Zecchin, Martina Busetti, Federica Donda, Michela Dal Cin, Fabrizio Zgur, Giuseppe Brancatelli
Summary: The analysis of seismic profiles and well data in the northern Adriatic Sea has revealed the tectonic subsidence and uplift episodes in the Plio-Quaternary period. These events affected sedimentation and formation of geological units in the area.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Paola Bordin, Sonia Dall'Ara, Luciana Tartaglione, Pietro Antonelli, Anna Calfapietra, Fabio Varriale, Denis Guiatti, Anna Milandri, Carmela Dell'Aversano, Giuseppe Arcangeli, Lisa Barco
Summary: Tetrodotoxins are a potent neurotoxin with potentially fatal effects if ingested by humans. Recently, significant amounts of tetrodotoxins were detected in mussels collected in a specific area of the Northern Adriatic Sea in Italy, with the highest concentration ever found in mollusks in Europe.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elena Pavoni, Elisa Petranich, Sergio Signore, Giorgio Fontolan, Annelore Bezzi, Stefano Covelli
Summary: The aim of this research is to investigate the occurrence of mercury (Hg) bound to settling sediment particles (SSP) in the Gulf of Trieste and assess the sedimentary Hg fluxes. The concentration of Hg in the settling sediment particles ranged from 0.61 to 6.87 μg/g, indicating the ongoing contamination from the Isonzo River inputs. The daily Hg fluxes showed significant variability, reaching maximum values following periods of high river flow.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luca Cegolon, Giuseppe Mastrangelo, Stefano Covelli, Elisa Petranich, Elena Pavoni, Francesca Larese Filon
Summary: The health and safety of male workers in beach occupations in the FVG region of Italy, involving extensive skin contact with cinnabar-enriched sand, has raised concerns about possible skin absorption of mercury. This study found that the hair mercury levels of male beach workers were lower than the general population in the FVG region, and the levels increased with fish consumption in both groups.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Fabrizio Gianni, Eva Turicchia, Marco Abbiati, Barbara Calcinai, Annalisa Caragnano, Saul Ciriaco, Federica Costantini, Sara Kaleb, Luigi Piazzi, Stefania Puce, Stefano Querin, Fabio Rindi, Cosimo Solidoro, Vinko Bandelj, Massimo Ponti, Annalisa Falace
Summary: The North Adriatic Sea is a biodiversity hotspot with numerous biogenic subtidal reefs. This study investigated the spatial variability, epibenthic community structure, and environmental features of these reefs. The results showed high heterogeneity in species composition and geomorphological features, and identified three main types of benthic assemblages reflecting the coastal-offshore gradient.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elisa Baldrighi, Sarah Pizzini, Elisa Punzo, Angela Santelli, Pierluigi Strafella, Tommaso Scirocco, Elena Manini, Daniele Fattorini, Claudio Vasapollo
Summary: This study assessed the response and patterns of meio-and macrofauna in Ancona Harbor to different environmental conditions. The results showed differences in community structure and diversity between the two benthic size classes, with meiofauna being more sensitive to environmental features and contaminants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentina Pitacco, Borut Mavric, Lovrenc Lipej
Summary: Maritime traffic and port activities have negative impacts on the marine environment. This study focused on assessing the effects of port activities in the Slovenian Sea. The macrobenthic communities near the port of Koper and offshore sites were analyzed. The results showed that offshore sites had better ecological conditions compared to sites within the port area. Consistent monitoring programs are necessary to evaluate anthropogenic impacts.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Annalisa Minelli, Alessandro Sarretta, Alessandro Oggioni, Caterina Bergami, Mauro Bastianini, Fabrizio Bernardi Aubry, Elisa Camatti, Alessandra Pugnetti
Summary: This study demonstrates the application of open science principles in valorizing a long-term marine dataset, highlighting the importance of research transparency and collaboration in the scientific community.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Federico Pittaluga, Ida Floriana Aleffi, Nicola Bettoso, Oriana Blasutto, Massimo Celio, Antonio Codarin, Francesco Cumani, Lisa Faresi, Denis Guiatti, Claudia Orlandi, Antonella Zanello, Alessandro Acquavita
Summary: This study used a network of multi-parametric probes to continuously monitor dissolved oxygen (DO) in the Marano and Grado Lagoon in the northern Adriatic Sea, Italy. The results showed that DO exhibited high variability in both spatial and seasonal distribution, and was influenced by solar radiation and water temperature. In some areas with limited water renewal, DO was below the minimum requirement for aquatic life. However, inputs of freshwater discharge from inland and marine waters during tides were able to oxygenate most of the lagoon effectively.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Mancini, Roberto Miniero, Eleonora Beccaloni, Kevin di Domenico, Ines Lacchetti, Camilla Puccinelli, Maria Rita Cicero, Federica Scaini, Mario Carere
Summary: This study quantified the concentrations of total mercury (Hgtot) and methylmercury (MeHg) in sediment and mussels in the east basin of the Orbetello lagoon. The results showed that Hgtot concentrations in sediments exceeded the environmental quality standard, while the Hgtot concentration in mussels did not exceed the limit values of the European food legislation. The findings suggest that these compounds can accumulate in the upper levels of the trophic chain in the lagoon, posing a risk to human health.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Geography, Physical
David Kaniewski, Nick Marriner, Giovanni Sarti, Duccio Bertoni, Marco Marchesini, Veronica Rossi, Anna Lena, Alexandra Bivolaru, Majid Pourkerman, Matteo Vacchi, Rachid Cheddadi, Thierry Otto, Frederic Luce, Daniela Cottica, Christophe Morhange
Summary: The fluvial harbour of Aquileia, one of the most important Roman trading centres, was abandoned after the city's destruction in 452 AD. The deserted harbour evolved into a swamp that has recorded anthropogenic, environmental and climatic pressures over the past 1500 years. By studying the long-term ecosystem dynamics of the area, it is observed that ecosystem changes mainly reflect the climate phases prior to the industrial era. Human activities decreased after the Roman era, acting as a background pressure on ecosystems. The main non-human impacts were recorded during the Late Antique Little Ice Age.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Federico Floreani, Nicolo Barago, Katja Klun, Jadran Faganeli, Stefano Covelli
Summary: The study found that the volatilization of mercury is significantly suppressed in the northern Adriatic Sea due to water turbulence and DGM oxidation, which may increase the risk of mercury methylation and trophic transfer.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandro Acquavita, Davide Brandolin, Carmela Cattaruzza, Alessandro Felluga, Paolo Maddaleni, Claudia Meloni, Mariangela Pasquon, Sergio Predonzani, Luca Poli, Nicola Skert, Antonella Zanello
Summary: Mercury mining has significantly impacted the environmental quality of the Isonzo/Soca River basin, leading to widespread contamination. The study found that total Hg concentrations in soils were high, with mostly insoluble mineral bound species prevailing, and atmospheric GEM concentrations were generally low. The results suggest the need for risk assessment and potential health risks to local inhabitants are minimal.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Federico Pittaluga, Ida Floriana Aleffi, Nicola Bettoso, Oriana Blasutto, Massimo Celio, Antonio Codarin, Francesco Cumani, Lisa Faresi, Denis Guiatti, Claudia Orlandi, Antonella Zanello, Alessandro Acquavita
Summary: This study used a network of multi-parametric probes to continuously monitor dissolved oxygen (DO) in the Marano and Grado Lagoon in the northern Adriatic Sea, Italy. The results showed that DO exhibited high variability in both spatial and seasonal distribution, and was influenced by solar radiation and water temperature. In some areas with limited water renewal, DO was below the minimum requirement for aquatic life. However, inputs of freshwater discharge from inland and marine waters during tides were able to oxygenate most of the lagoon effectively.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Elisa Petranich, Sergio Predonzani, Alessandro Acquavita, Nikolay Mashyanov, Stefano Covelli
Summary: Thermal desorption technique coupled with atomic absorption spectrometry is a rapid and cost-effective method for identifying and quantifying mercury species in aquatic environments. By mixing different matrices, the desorption peak temperatures for each mercury species can be determined.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Federico Floreani, Alessandro Acquavita, Nicolo Barago, Katja Klun, Jadran Faganeli, Stefano Covelli
Summary: This study evaluated the seasonal exchanges of gaseous mercury at the water-air interface in two freshwater environments impacted by human activities and one pristine site. The results showed that sites affected by human activities had higher mercury fluxes, while sites with limited vertical mixing and saltwater intrusion had lower fluxes. Additionally, the study suggested the presence of unidentified mercury inputs, possibly from atmospheric deposition or local geology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stefano Covelli, Alessandro Acquavita, Efren Garcia-Ordiales
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Federico Floreani, Valeria Zappella, Jadran Faganeli, Stefano Covelli
Summary: In this study, the fluxes of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) at the soil-air interface were evaluated in the Isonzo River plain. It was found that there was a significant correlation between Hg0 fluxes and soil Hg content in summer and autumn, but not in winter. Vegetation cover effectively reduced Hg0 releases in summer and autumn.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Anna Sabbatini, Matteo Bazzaro, Francesca Caridi, Cinzia De Vittor, Valentina Esposito, Renata Giulia Lucchi, Alessandra Negri, Caterina Morigi
Summary: The rapid response of benthic foraminifera to organic carbon flux to the seafloor makes them promising bioindicators for evaluating the organic carbon stored in marine sediments. Little is known about organic carbon-rich sediments in Arctic open shelves and their role in global carbon sequestration.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Amira Saidi, Elisa Banchi, Viviana Fonti, Vincenzo Manna, Cinzia De Vittor, Michele Giani, Francesca Malfatti, Mauro Celussi
Summary: Shallow-water hydrothermal vents are extreme environments characterized by high temperatures, low pH, and high CO2 concentrations. This study investigated the influence of these vents on prokaryotic community structure and functioning. The results showed that the microbial abundance and production were shaped by the water column's physical structure, and certain enzymatic activities were enhanced by hydrothermal fluids. Overall, this study provides insights into the coupling between microbial community structure and the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients in low-pH conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicola Bettoso, Federico Pittaluga, Sergio Predonzani, Antonella Zanello, Alessandro Acquavita
Summary: This study reveals the presence of mercury contamination, particularly in fish, in the Marano and Grado Lagoon region of Italy. However, the concentration of mercury in water is low, while the content in fish varies depending on species size and habits. The study also indicates that the transferability of mercury between sediment and biota is low, and its impact on human health can be disregarded.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Federico Floreani, Nicolo Barago, Katja Klun, Jadran Faganeli, Stefano Covelli
Summary: The study found that the volatilization of mercury is significantly suppressed in the northern Adriatic Sea due to water turbulence and DGM oxidation, which may increase the risk of mercury methylation and trophic transfer.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elena Pavoni, Beatrice Campanella, Alessandro Acquavita
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Bonometto, Emanuele Ponis, Federica Cacciatore, Elena Riccardi, Silvia Pigozzi, Paolo Parati, Marta Novello, Nicola Ungaro, Alessandro Acquavita, Paola Manconi, Adriano Sfriso, Gianmarco Giordani, Rossella Boscolo Brusa
Summary: Eutrophication is a significant threat to transitional waters and their ecosystem services, and its assessment is crucial for their management. A new multi-index method, incorporating ecological index, trophic index, and physicochemical quality elements, was developed to assess eutrophication, considering both driver and impact indicators. The method was successfully applied to over 100 Italian lagoon sites, revealing the status of eutrophication in these areas.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Elisa Petranich, Sergio Predonzani, Alessandro Acquavita, Nikolay Mashyanov, Stefano Covelli
Summary: The thermal desorption technique combined with atomic absorption spectrometry is a rapid alternative for identifying and quantifying Hg species in solid matrices. This study found that the desorption temperatures of the same Hg species varied depending on the matrix, highlighting the importance of considering the chemical form of the element for environmental management of Hg-contaminated sediments.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)