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
Tamara Cibic, Laura Baldassarre, Federica Cerino, Cinzia Comici, Daniela Fornasaro, Martina Kralj, Michele Giani
Summary: This study quantified the contributions of benthic and pelagic organisms to total primary production in a coastal site using an integrated approach. The results showed that nutrient availability had a greater impact on the seasonal development of phytoplankton and microphytobenthos and primary production than physical variables.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Joze Kotnik, Dusan Zagar, Gorazd Novak, Matjaz Licer, Milena Horvat
Summary: Continuous dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) measurements were conducted in the Gulf of Trieste, and compared with discrete methods. Environmental parameters such as oxygen saturation and temperature gradient were found to be correlated with DGM concentrations. The most probable source of two high DGM events was determined to be from the polluted northern part of the Gulf. The calculated average annual Hg(0) flux across the water-air interface was lower than reported in other studies. Spatial and temporal coverage are necessary to assess Hg evasion flux and DGM variability in this heterogeneously polluted coastal area.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
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
Engineering, Marine
Diego Borme, Sara Legovini, Alessandra de Olazabal, Valentina Tirelli
Summary: Food availability plays a crucial role in the population dynamics of small pelagic fish. A study conducted in the Adriatic Sea revealed that adult sardines predominantly foraged in the late afternoon. They fed on a diverse range of planktonic organisms, with copepods being the most abundant prey. The selectivity analysis showed that sardines selected both small and large prey, indicating their adaptive feeding capacity.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Diviacco, Antonio Nadali, Massimiliano Iurcev, Rodrigo Carbajales, Alessandro Busato, Alessandro Pavan, Mihai Burca, Lorenzo Grio, Massimiliano Nolich, Andrea Molinaro, Francesca Malfatti
Summary: The MaDCrow project utilizes low-cost sensors to monitor water quality, aiming to raise public awareness and engage citizen scientists. The innovative technological infrastructure enables real-time data acquisition to generate knowledge on sea water quality and marine ecosystem of the Gulf of Trieste, with characteristics of low cost and high effectiveness.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Aldo Vesnaver, Gualtiero Bohm, Martina Busetti, Michela Dal Cin, Fabrizio Zgur
Summary: Seismic surveys can detect fractures and presence of fluids in geological formations by estimating lithological parameters such as P-wave velocity and anelastic absorption. A new method combines macro-model from seismic tomography with micro-model from pre-stack depth migration of seismic attribute, providing clues about saturating fluids. This method was applied in a regional seismic survey in the Gulf of Trieste, Italy, to image anelastic absorption.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bo Yang, Xuelu Gao, Jianmin Zhao, Yongliang Liu, Lei Xie, Xiaoqing Lv, Qianguo Xing
Summary: The study found relatively low sedimentary oxygen consumption (SOC) in summer, but sediment acted as a source of nutrients and FDOM. Dissolved oxygen levels in the overlying water influenced the decomposition of sedimentary organic matter and the release of nutrients and FDOM. Additionally, scallop farming activities impacted SOC and benthic flux of nutrients and FDOM through biological deposition.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Oliver Bajt
Summary: A mid-term study from 2003 to 2013 was conducted to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution and origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in Gulf of Trieste sediments. The study revealed higher concentrations of PAH in coastal areas with a decreasing trend towards the central part of the Gulf. Evaluation indices indicated that PAH are predominantly from pyrolytic processes. Furthermore, the ecological risk assessment showed that PAH concentrations were below levels associated with adverse biological effects. The study concludes that the area is moderately contaminated with PAH, but ongoing measures to reduce pollution should be continued and intensified.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luca Cegolon, Elisa Petranich, Elena Pavoni, Federico Floreani, Nicolo Barago, Elisa Papassissa, Francesca Larese Filon, Stefano Covelli
Summary: This research investigates the high mercury contamination in the coastal area of the Gulf of Trieste in Italy and its impact on the general population's chronic exposure. The study found an average hair mercury concentration of 1.63 mg/kg, slightly above the WHO recommended threshold for pregnant women and children, but well below the no observed adverse effects level of 10 mg/kg.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Byran C. Fuhrmann, Marc W. Beutel, Peggy A. O'Day, Christian Tran, Andrew Funk, Sarah Brower, Jeffery Pasek, Mark Seelos
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal patterns of MeHg cycling in a sulfate-rich, hypereutrophic reservoir using microcosm incubations. Results showed that aeration and SRB inhibitor decreased MeHg concentration, while methanogenic inhibitor increased MeHg concentration. The addition of organic carbon and microbial inhibitors also had significant impacts on MeHg concentration.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjuan Song, Heigang Xiong, Ran Qi, Shuzhi Wang, Yuyi Yang
Summary: This study revealed that bacteria in lake sediments play a crucial role in mercury reduction and methylation, with the abundance of these bacteria being negatively impacted by high levels of mercury, salinity, and algae biomass. Specific bacterial communities associated with the mercury cycle and decomposition of organic matter were found to vary depending on the conditions, such as mercury concentration, salinity, and algae biomass input.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Deepa Jaiswal, Jitendra Pandey
Summary: The study found that human activities causing benthic hypoxia/anoxia can lead to the release of sediment-P and -metals, exacerbating the degradation of ecosystem functioning in the Ganga River and its tributaries. Excessive release of phosphorus and metals resulted in eutrophication and decreased microbial activity.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrew W. Dale, David Clemens, Kirstin Dahnke, Frederike Korth, Scott D. Wankel, Ulrike Schroller-Lomnitz, Klaus Wallmann, Stefan Sommer
Summary: Benthic nitrogen cycling in the Mauritanian upwelling region was studied in 2014, revealing higher NH4+ and PO43- fluxes on the shelf possibly linked to declining bottom water O2 concentrations. The isotopic fractionation of nitrate uptake and elevated (18):(15) ratios on the shelf suggest aerobic ammonium oxidation and nitrite oxidation activities due to oxygen deficiency.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amalia Prandekou, Maria Geraga, Helen Kaberi, Spyros Sergiou, Dimitris Christodoulou, George Ferentinos, Constantin Koutsikopoulos, George Papatheodorou
Summary: The study found that the degradation of bottom water in Amvrakikos Gulf has led to a decline in surface water quality, with different regions being affected by seawater intrusion or river discharge to varying degrees, which significantly impacts the environmental quality of bottom water.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
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
Engineering, Marine
Valentina Esposito, Rocco Auriemma, Cinzia De Vittor, Federica Relitti, Lidia Urbini, Martina Kralj, Maria Cristina Gambi
Summary: Ocean acidification (OA), caused by increasing CO2 concentration, is a significant threat to marine biodiversity and habitats. Studying CO2-vent systems helps us understand the sensitivity of species and how benthic communities adapt to OA.
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)
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
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Letizia Di Bella, Aida Maria Conte, Alessia Conti, Valentina Esposito, Martina Gaglioti, Michela Ingrassia, Cinzia De Vittor, Sabina Bigi
Summary: This research focuses on the response of sediment and Posidonia foraminiferal assemblages to acidic conditions. The study reveals that the response of foraminifera to different pH conditions can vary depending on the environmental conditions and microhabitats they are in.
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)
