0000000000055472
AUTHOR
G. Virga
Spontaneous urban weeds: a resource against environmental pollution
Quality of the environment and social well-being, both at a collective and individual level, are closely interrelated issues. It is, in fact, a relationship that invests values of primary importance, such as those relating to human health and safety, heritage and resources to be passed on to future generations. Plant growth and survival can be challenged by harsh urban conditions. Many studies show the persistence of endemic species in built-up areas and document the ecosystem services provided. With this research we wanted to investigate the bioaccumulation of heavy metals such as cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), molibden (Mo), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mer…
Wildflowers: opportunities for urban landscapes
The concept of “sustainability” is also becoming of great interest in the management of ornamental and territorial greenery. The new trends in the design of green spaces are aimed both at enhancing their “natural” aspects and at researching schemes characterized by lower maintenance costs. Spontaneous vegetation represents a characteristic component of the urban environment and is always adequate to the conditions of the site in which it is located. In this context, the role of spontaneous herbaceous plants becomes fundamental and constitutes an effective response to the current demand for the defence, conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. So far, the use of spontaneous vegetation f…
Bermudagrass adaptation in the Mediterranean climate: phenotypic traits of 44 accessions
The use of bermudagrass in the Mediterranean area is increasing for its outstanding tolerance to heat and drought, and its aggressive growth and high recuperative potential make it particularly suited to heavily worn areas and appreciated for sports turfs. However, the overall performance of a given genetic type can be affected by the adaptation to a specific environment. The objective of this research was to determine the variability of a number of phenotypic traits that can affect bermudagrass turf performance on a wide range of bermudagrass accessions grown in two locations in Italy. In May 2010, 44 accessions of bermudagrasses, grouped in “wild”, “improved” “hybrid” and “dwarf” types we…
Constructed wetlands as nature-based solution for sustainable wastewater management in urban areas: a critical assessment by experimental studies and literature
In urban areas, constructed wetland systems (CWS) have been recognized as one of the most valid technologies for sustainable wastewater management. They represent green infrastructure and provide solutions to treatment of wastewaters that cities and peri-urban areas produce in large amount. In particular, CWS offer the advantages of wastewater reuse for parklands irrigation, water storage and peak-flow attenuation, control of stormwater runoff, nutrient cycling and uptake, heavy metals sequestration, removal of organic compounds. In greener cities, these systems have the potential to perform not just hydrological and wastewater treatment functions, but also urban design and ecological aspec…