Lead isotopic fingerprint in human scalp hair: The case study of Iglesias mining district (Sardinia, Italy)

The Sulcis-Iglesiente district (SW Sardinia, Italy) has been, until recently, one of the most important Italian polymetallic mining areas for the extraction of lead. Epidemiological studies conducted over several decades have indicated this site at high risk of environmental crisis with possible adverse effects on the public health. In the present paper we discuss Pb isotope signatures in human scalp hair and road dust collected from the Sulcis-Iglesiente area in order to trace the exposure of populations to potential Pb sources. A total of 23 determinations (20 on hair samples and 3 on road dust samples) of lead isotope ratios (206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/206Pb) were carried out. The obtained re…

Foglie e pollini di Quercus ilex come biomonitors degli elementi in traccia ( Palermo , Italia).

INVESTIGATION ON OLD-GROWTH FORESTS OF SICILY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Old-growth forests are natural forests that have developed over a long period of time, without experiencing severe, stand-replacing disturbance a fire, windstorm, or logging. According to UNEP/CBD/SBSTTA definition, an old-growth forest is a primary or a secondary forest which has achieved an age at which structure and species normally associated with old primary forests of that type have sufficiently accumulated to act as a forest ecosystem distinct from any younger age class. In a thematic contribution to the National Biodiversity Strategy, the authors report the following definition of Italian old-growth forests: Forest in which human disturbance is absent or negligible, and in which nat…

Foglie e pollini di Quercus ilex L. come biomonitors degli elementi in traccia ( Palermo, Italia ).

Stress-induced cytological and chemical adaptations in Cupressus plants from an urban area of Palermo (Italy)

We studied stress-induced cytological and chemical adaptations in Cupressus pollens and needles from the area of Palermo (Sicily, Italy), in polluted and control sites (unpolluted) of urban and suburban areas. Pollen and needle chemical composition were investigated to provide an indicator of contamination of the trees, which were also examined structurally throughout one year. The concentration of particulate with lead was found to be significantly higher in plants at the polluted traffic site. Lead is one of the worst particulate pollutants in cities, especially in the winter season. In trees from the polluted site, all structural analysis revealed displasies. Structural changes, observed…

Leaves of Ficus macrophylla Desf.ex Pers.as biomonitors of particulate trace elements in the air of Palermo ( Italy) ( 2004)

Agriculture:Monitoring the effects on humans and various agricultural plants of air pollution by particulate with trace metals.

Agriculture:Monitoring the effects on humans and various agricultural plants of air pollution by particulate with trace metals

Presence of esterase inPinaceae pollen

General esterases, like wall heterologous enzymes, may be implicated in allergenic mechanisms. We cytochemically examined the presence of these enzymes, bearing in mind thatPinus spp. is often considered a possible cause of allergies. Positive esterase results in fungus spores were found on the strip of a volumetric sampler. Data are reported here, together with the hypothesis of a possible esterase-allergenic link regarding fungus spores.

Major and trace elements in Boletus aereus and Clitopilus prunulus growing on volcanic and sedimentary soils of Sicily (Italy)

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the content of 28 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, Tl, U, V and Zn) in fruiting bodies of Boletus aereus Bull. and Clitopilus prunulus P. Kumm collected from eleven unpolluted sites of Sicily (Italy) and, also to relate the abundance of chemical elements in soil with their concentration in mushrooms. Median concentrations of the most abundant elements in Boletus aereus ranged from 31,290 μg/g (K) to 107 μg/g (Zn) in caps and from 24,009 μg/g (K) to 57 μg/g (Zn) in stalks with the following abundance order: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Fe > Al > Rb > Zn. The s…

Impact on Air Quality of the COVID-19 Lockdown in the Urban Area of Palermo (Italy).

At the end of 2019, the first cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) were reported in Wuhan, China. Thereafter, the number of infected people increased rapidly, and the outbreak turned into a national crisis, with infected individuals all over the country. The COVID-19 global pandemic produced extreme changes in human behavior that affected air quality. Human mobility and production activities decreased significantly, and many regions recorded significant reductions in air pollution. The goal of our investigation was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the concentrations of the main air pollutants in the urban area of Palermo (Italy). In this study, the trends in the average…

Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Phlebia in Italy

The presence of two corticioid taxa belonging to the genus Phlebia (Basidiomycota), collected from Sicily, Italy is reported. A macro- and micromorphological descriptions of P. acanthocystis and P. nothofagi added of ecological and distributional data are here provided. P. acanthocystis is reported as new for Italy.

ASPETTI DEL MONITORAGGIO BIOLOGICO UTILIZZANDO POLLINI E RAMETTI DI CUPRESSUS SEMPERVIERENS L.(2005)

Anthropogenic Perturbations to the Atmospheric Molybdenum Cycle

Molybdenum (Mo) is a key cofactor in enzymes used for nitrogen (N) fixation and nitrate reduction, and the low availability of Mo can constrain N inputs, affecting ecosystem productivity. Natural atmospheric Mo aerosolization and deposition from sources such as desert dust, sea‐salt spray, and volcanoes can affect ecosystem function across long timescales, but anthropogenic activities such as combustion, motor vehicles, and agricultural dust have accelerated the natural Mo cycle. Here we combined a synthesis of global atmospheric concentration observations and modeling to identify and estimate anthropogenic sources of atmospheric Mo. To project the impact of atmospheric Mo on terrestrial ec…

Rilevamento di elementi in traccia attraverso l'uso di un biomonitore vegetale in aree urbane e periurbane ( Palermo, 2005)

FICUS E PITTOSFORUM COME BIOINDICATORI DEGLI ELEMENTI IN TRACCE NELL’AREA DI PALERMO (SICILIA, ITALIA)

Studio delle composizioni delle polveri sottili in aree urbane per definirne le Caratteristiche composizionali per l’individuazione delle fonti di emissioni

Up-to-date distribution, ecology and cultivation of Pleurotus eryngii (DC.) Quél. var. thapsiae Venturella, Zervakis & Saitta in Sicily

Venturella et al. [1] described a new taxon named Pleurotus eryngii (DC.) Quél. var. thapsiae Venturella, Zervakis & Saitta (Madonie Mts) on Thapsia garganica L. and provided ecological data on the locus classicus. P. eryngii var. thapsiae was reported on pastures evolved, from 1000 to 1500 m a.s.l., on limestone and is characterized by a double period of fructification (autumn and spring). P. eryngii var. thapsiae is a choice wild edible mushroom belonging to a special group of Pleurotus species which appear in nature in close association with Apiaceae plants. As part of the project's census of fungi in Sicily two new localities of growth were localized in the Natural Reserves of Capo Gall…

Levels of trace elements in human hair samples of adolescents living near petrochemical plants

The aim of the study is a comparative analysis to investigate human hair metal profiles of adolescents residing near petrochemical plants (Sicily, Italy). We selected the small town of Augusta, Gela, and Pace del Mela, and a control area made up of the towns characterized by low anthropogenic activity. Twenty trace elements were measured in samples of scalp hair from adolescents (11–14 years old) of both genders. Hair samples were cleaned using a rigorous cleaning method, mineralized, and processed for analyses by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In industrial sites, zinc was always the most abundant element, ranging from186 to 217 μg g−1. Following zinc, the elements …

Contributo alla conoscenza degli effetti dell'inquinamneto atmosferico su foglie di Eucalyptus camaldulensis ed E. Globulus (Myrtaceae)

Contribution to the knowledge of air pollution effects on Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. globulus (Myrtaceae) leaves -.This study deals with the metal storage found in Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. globulus leaf structures. The cytological and chemical analysis were carried out on samples from the city of Agrigento and its surroundings. The investigation pointed out that the the most evident alterations are phenolic storage and distinctive cellular modification. These features appear related to the greater presence of trace elements within the sites that are more exposed to intense vehicular traffic. Winter samples, moreover, have more evident structural modifications due to a bigger con…

The Mineral Contents of Some Boletaceae Species from Sicily (Southern Italy)

Abstract Data on the accumulation of metals in wild edible and inedible macrofungi of the Boletaceae family are discussed here and compared with data reported in literature from northern Italy and other European countries, as well as from China, Brazil, and Africa. The results show a significant difference in the values detected in Sicilian fungi compared to those reported in the literature.

Leaf anatomy in Tamarix arborea var. arborea (Tamaricaceae)

Previously unpublished data on the macro- and micro-morphological features of the leaf of Tamarix arborea var. arborea are provided. Clear differences in salt gland localization and type of venations were observed in the investigated species compared to other Tamarix species, thus emphasizing the taxonomic value of the leaf within this genus.

Preliminary study on trace metal content in manna extracted from Fraxinus angustifolia cultivars in Madonie (Sicily, Italy)

The manna is a product obtained from the elaborate sap solidification that comes out from the incisions made on the stem of some species of the genus Fraxinus L. In this study, we have analyzed 12 samples of manna to determine the chemical composition. Twenty elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V, Zn) were determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. The results show that the most abundant elements are Fe > Rb > Al > Cu > Ba > Zn > Sr with median concentrations in the range of 0.9 – 10mg kg-1. The remaining elements exhibit median concentrations in the range of 0.0003 -0.5 mg kg-1. The manna also can be cons…

HISTOCHEMICAL PROPRIETES AND TRACE ELEMENTS CONCENTRATIONS IN PARIETARIA PLANTS FROM URBAN SITES (PALERMO, ITALY).

Recognition of Trace Element Contamination Using Ficus macrophylla Leaves in Urban Environment

Urban areas are characterized by numerous pollutants emitted by anthropic sources both in the form of solid and gaseous particulates. Biomonitoring is an easy, economical, and accessible approach for the determination of atmospheric pollutants. In this study, we used the leaves of Ficus macrophylla Desf. ex Pers., collected in the city of Palermo (Italy), to determine major and trace elements. Geogenic elements exhibited the highest concentrations, making up 99% of the weight of the analyzed elements (Ca, K, Mg, P, S, Na, Fe, and Al)

POLLUTION-INDUCED HISTOCHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL ADAPTATION IN PINUS NEEDLES FROM THE PALERMO AREA (ITALY)

POLLUTION-INDUCED HISTOCHEMICAL AND CHEMICAL ADAPTATION IN PINUS NEEDLES FROM THE PALERMO AREA

Studio preliminare sul polline di due Apocynacae: Caralluma europaea (Guss.) N. E. Brown (Asclepiadoideae) e Periploca laevigata subsp. angustifolia (Labill.) Markgraf (Periplocoideae).

RUOLO DEL POLLINE DI PINUS COME BIOINDICATORI DELL’INQUINAMENTO ATMOSFERICO

Riempimento e stuccature in un restauro conservativo didattico. Presentazione di due applicazioni nel restauro di una statua lignea palinsesto.XII Congresso Nazionale IGIIC – Lo Stato dell’Arte –Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, Milano – 23/24 ottobre 2014

ANALISI DEL POLLINE E DEL PARTICOLATO AERODIFFUSO DA AREE AD ALTO E BASSO TASSO DI INQUINAMENTO.

A STUDY ON THE QUALITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT USING POLLENS. INVESTIGATIONS IN URBAN AND PERIURBAN AREAS OF PALERMO(SICILY, ITALY)

EFFETTI DELL'INQUINAMENTO ATMOSFRICO SULLA STRUTTURA FOGLIARE DI ENTITA' RESISTENTI AI DANNI LAURUS NOBILIS L.; ED EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LABILL. (PALERMO, 2006-2007)

Air Quality Assessment by the Determination of Trace Elements in Lichens (Xanthoria calcicola) in an Industrial Area (Sicily, Italy)

This study provides data on variation in the content of metals and metalloids measured in the lichens (Xanthoria calcicola Oxner) collected in the Syracusan petrochemical complex (Sicily, Italy) which is considered one of the largest in Europe. Concentrations of eighteen trace elements measured in the lichens that were collected from 49 different points were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) device. The concentrations of the typical elements of industrial emissions (As, Cr, Ni, and V) highlight the environmental criticality that exists in the study area. The interpretation of the data in terms of multi-element statistical analysis (FA) and enrichment factor (EFs) proved …

Determination of Water-Soluble Trace Elements in the PM10 and PM2.5 of Palermo Town (Italy)

This study contributes to the current knowledge on the solubility of trace elements in the atmospheric particulate matter of the urban area of Palermo. Daily sample filters of PM10 and PM2.5 were collected in monitoring stations within and outside the urban area, characterized by variable traffic density. The bulk of compositions in PM10 and PM2.5 were determined by ICP-MS. The water-soluble trace elements (WSTE) and major ion components of particulate matter were determined by ICP-MS and ion chromatography, respectively. A significant difference in the metals content was observed between the samples taken in urban areas and those from suburban areas. The calculated enrichment factor highli…

Lead isotopes in biological matrices to identify potential sources of contamination: the case study of Sulcis-Iglesiente district (SW Sardinia, Italy)

The Sulcis-Iglesiente district has been, until recently, one of the most important Italian polymetallic mining areas for the extraction of lead. Located close to the town of Iglesias, the San Giorgio area constitutes a dramatic example of an area affected by intense mine pollution. Epidemiological studies regarding the mining areas of Sardinia have indicated the Sulcis-Iglesiente as a typical example of how dispersion of metal can affect human health. We have chosen this peculiar area to evaluate whether a supposed prolonged and continuous exposure to high lead concentration can be detected by means of a bio-monitoring procedure that uses the analysis of human scalp hair and the measurement…

I pollini come vettori involontari del particolato.

LE PIANTE VASCOLARI COME BIOMONITORI DEGLI ELEMENTI IN TRACCIA NELL’AREA DI PALERMO (SICILIA, ITALIA).

Contribution to the knowledge of fungal diversity in the archaeological park of Selinunte (S.-W. Sicily)

The Archaelogical Park of Selinunte (S.-W.- Sicily) is included in the SIC (Sites of Community Interest) named “Dunal system Capo Granitola, Porto Palo e Foce del Belice” (code ITA010011). It includes a dunal system that is steadily towards the inland with sandy substrates which tend to characterize little evolved soils on silico-arenaceous matrix with alkaline pH. The climate of the site belong to the thermo-mediterranean belt (annual average temperature around 18 ° C), and upper dry ombrotype (average annual rainfall of 500 mm) [1]. The biotope also includes wetlands, Pinus halepensis Miller and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh reforestations, evergreen sclerophyllous vegetation with apreva…

Pollen grain in Tamarix arborea var. arborea

The diffusion in the Italian territory, as wild and cultivated plant, of T. arborea (Sieb. ex Ehrenb.) Bge. var. arborea resulted wider than us could be waited for (Venturella et al., 2007). T. arborea var. arborea is characterized by aestival inflorescences composed of racemes and vernal inflorescence simple. The racemes are not longer than 6 cm long and 5 mm broad (Baum, 1978). The species is not still well investigated from the anatomical (leaf, root and stem) and palynological point of view. Nair (1962) investigated the Indian species of tamarisks and reported for T. arborea the following concise description: prolate, 27 × 18 μm, type of pollen grains with irregular reticulum. In order …

Le piante vascolari come biomonitor degli elementi in traccia nell’area di Palermo (Sicilia, Italia)

Bedrock and soil geochemistry influence the content of chemical elements in wild edible mushrooms (Morchella group) from South Italy (Sicily)

Chemical elements in the samples of wild edible mushrooms of the <em>Morchella</em> group collected from different unpolluted Sicilian sites was analyzed by the ICP-MS (method) to detect the content of their minerals and determine whether soil geology and geochemistry can influence the chemical composition in fungi. Results showed that the mushroom samples mainly contained a high concentration of K and P and a wide variety of minor and trace elements (V, Mo, Pb, Ce, Cs, Zr), including heavy metals. Statistical analysis showed that the mushrooms differed in their content of minor and trace elements based on the geological/geographic site of origin. Comparison with other studies s…

LE POLVERI SOTTILI COME TRACCIANTI DEL TRAFFICO VEICOLARE IN NERIUM OLEANDER L. (PALERMO, SICILIA)