The behaviour of REEs in Thailand's Mae Klong estuary: Suggestions from the Y/Ho ratios and lanthanide tetrad effects

Abstract The concentrations of Rare Earth Elements and yttrium (REY) were measured in dissolved phase, in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and in sediments in seven sampling stations in the Mae Klong estuarine system (Inner Thailand Gulf) in order to study their behaviour and distribution pattern. The analysed samples generally show high Rare Earth Element (REE) content in the dissolved phase, with high Medium Rare Earth Elements (MREEs) and Y enrichments in the shale-normalized pattern (versus PAAS). These chemical features are interpreted in terms of direct influences of weathering processes of REE-rich minerals (e.g., phosphates), which abundantly out-crop in the Mae Klong watershed. T…

Studio del controllo di Bactrocera oleae, di funghi agenti filloptosi e carpoptosi anticipata nell’olivicoltura da mensa e da olio in Sicilia.

Abstract STUDY ON THE CONTROL OF BACTROCERA OLEAE AND FUNGI INDUCING EARLY LEAF AND FRUIT DROP IN OLIVE GROWING FOR TABLE OLIVES AND OIL PRODUCTION IN SICILY. Susceptibility of olive cultivars to olive fruit fly, damage thresholds, sampling methods, effectiveness of products deterring olive fruit fly oviposition, foliar chlorosis and withering of branches have been investigated. Riassunto Tra le cultivar saggiate (16 siciliane e 6 estere) esiste un ampio gradiente nella suscettibilità agli attacchi di B. oleae, andando dalle più suscettibili Nocellara del Belice, Giarraffa, Cerasuola alle meno preferite; tra queste ultime vi sono cultivar con caratteristiche peculiari diversificate: Nocella…

Comparison between different techniques for volatiles analyses in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.).

The distribution of Rare Earth Elements discriminates the growth substrate of Vitis vinifera L.

Sustainable agricultural, food-related strategies and geographic traceability require understanding of the plant physiological response to stress potentially generated by contaminated soils. Here, we have investigated the effect of contaminated substrate on growth of Vitis vinifera L. plants analysing the distribution of full Rare Earth Elements (REE) spectra in different parts of the plant. Experiments were carried out using pristine plants growing in a handmade substrate (blank experiment) and in REE artificially-enriched soil (spiked experiment). Our results show that both plant mass and REE amount in leaves are not influenced by the substrate enrichment while roots are by one-order of m…

Ulteriori studi sulle micorrize vescicolo-arbuscolari del ficodindia in areali siciliani

Soil – plant system: a case study of Vitis berlandieri x Vitis rupestris rootstock varieties

Lanthanides are part of rare earth elements. Nowadays studies focused on these elements are increasing to assess the possibility to their use in the traceability to effectively determining the geographical wine origin. In the traceability project we start studying the soil plant system. The aim of the research was to verify if different varieties of rootstock on identical soil have similar lanthanides uptake behavior and if the same rootstock could reproduce different lanthanides distribution for different soil typologies. Three different varieties of rootstock V. berlandieri X V. rupestris (1103 Paulsen, 779 Paulsen and 140 Ruggeri), planted on different soils (carbonatic, clayey and volca…

Comportamento di diversi substrati nel trattamento di un refluo urbano

Rare earths behaviour during the deposition of volcanic sublimates

Abstract In this study, the REE distribution between volcanic fluids and related solids in fumaroles with temperatures ranging from approximately 100 to 421 °C was investigated in different geological scenarios. The treatment of geochemical REE data was carried out by calculating the REE enrichment factors (EF REE ) relative to the volcanic host rocks in studied sites under the assumption that the REE transport takes place as silicate aerosol in volcanic fluids. Shale-normalised REE concentrations in these fluids have been assessed to investigate whether the REE transport as aqueous complexes in water-saturated volcanic gas is reasonable. The REE behaviour in alkaline condensates according …

Elimination of in vitro bacterial contaminants in shoot cultures of ‘MRS 2/5’ plum hybrid by the use of Melia azedarach extracts

The antimicrobial activity of leaf and callus extracts of Melia azedarach was tested on in vitro shoot cultures of the peach rootstoch 'MRS 2/5' (Prunus cerasifera × Prunus spinosa) that were heavily contaminated with Sphingomonas paucimobilis (Sp) and Bacillus circulans (Bc). The extracts were filter-sterilised and added at 0%, 1%, 5%, 10% and 20% to a modified Murashige and Skoog proliferation medium previously autoclave-sterilised. Up to about 17% shoots died with 10-20% extract, except for Sp-contaminated shoots, whose survival was reduced to 50% after treatment with 20% extract. No shoots died with 1% to 5% supplement. The undiluted leaf extract showed bactericidal activity on plated S…

Aroma Profiling of Leaf, Flower, Peel and In Vitro Embryo Tissues of “Ciaculli Late” Mandarin

Abstract Volatile compounds released from leaf, flower and peel as well as from somatic (nucellar) embryo tissues of “Tardivo di Ciaculli” or “Ciaculli late” mandarin have been collected/ concentrated by headspace solid phase microextraction, HS-SPME, and analyzed by GC-MS. The tehnique allowed the rapid comparison of the volatiles from the various sources; in particular, 19 compounds were identified for the embryos, 16 for leaf and flower and 13 for peel. Limonene was the most abundant volatile component of the embryo and peel while γ-terpinene was the major compound among volatiles from leaf and flower. Relatively high amounts of methyl N-methyl anthranilate and β-caryophyllene were also …

A rapid method of screening ceramic artefacts to reject unlikely hypotheses of provenance

This study was aimed at testing a cost‐effective method based on comparing the rare earth element patterns in artefacts of known origin with patterns of potential raw materials, thus allowing the restriction/exclusion of working hypotheses on provenance, and consequently a better focus of research funding. The method targets ceramics/materials of terrigenous origin. Lanthanoids and yttrium patterns were determined in 26 wine amphorae that had a well‐established geographical origin from the Nuovo Mercato Testaccio in Rome, and these patterns were compared to plausible terrigenous materials from various ancient Roman regions. The point was not to pinpoint the origins of the material, but rath…

La fitodepurazione: esperienze di laboratorio e avviamento di un impianto pilota.

La fitodepurazione è una tecnologia sempre più utilizzata ai fini del risanamento ambientale. Sono stati misurati in laboratorio alcuni parametri fisiologici (accrescimento delle radici, contenuto di pigmenti fotosintetici, attività fotosintetica, enzimi antiossidanti, contenuto di metalli pesanti) di piante di papiro allevate in soluzioni contenenti metalli pesanti a diverse concentrazioni. Contemporaneamente è stato avviato un impianto pilota di fitodepurazione con vasche contenenti esemplari di Typha latifolia e Cyperus alternifolius.

Rivalutazione degli Idrolati dell’industria agrumaria siciliana.

Gli idrolati, o acque aromatiche, sono i prodotti dell'idrodistillazione di specie aromatiche. Possono essere ottenuti dall'intera pianta o parti di essa, allo stato fresco o in buona conservazione come fiori o, nel nostro caso, dai frutti del Genere Citrus. Le sue proprietà sono utilizzate nella produzione di alimenti, cosmetici e profumi, o in farmacia e aromaterapia. Essi sono comunemente considerati un sottoprodotto degli oli essenziali, ma in realtà, data la diversa composizione e la conseguente maggiore delicatezza, hanno un loro apprezzabile utilizzo, legato comunque al mantenimento delle proprietà delle piante da cui derivano. La produzione degli oli essenziali nell'industria agruma…

Use of TDR technique in the study of heavy metals transport processes in soil

Interrelazioni quali-quantitative tra descrittori fisici, chimici e biochimici di un pedon, prima e dopo il disturbo antropico

La descrizione dei suoli può iniziare col telerilevamento; proseguire con il riconoscimento dell'elemento territoriale e continuare con la determinazione delle caratteristiche chimico-fisiche del terreno, che sono un insieme di analisi, definite di base, necessarie e (supposte) sufficienti ad identificare le caratteristiche fondamentali del suolo. Con le attuali tecniche analitiche sono oggi disponibili descrittori più fini quali contenuto di metalli in traccia e caratteristiche biochimiche. Nel nostro caso-studio, la sensibilità di risposta al disturbo antropico ordina le classi di descrittori nel senso terre rare < metalli < indicatori chimici < indicatori biochimici. I descrittori pedolo…

Alteration effects of volcanic ash in seawater: Anomalous Y/Ho ratios in coastal waters of the Central Mediterranean sea

This paper presents the results of a study based on data collected during the oceanographic cruise ANSIC 2001 carried out in the Ionian Sea during the explosive activity of Mount Etna in the summer of 2001. Anomalous low values of Y/Ho ratios in seawater suggest extensive scavenging processes on the surfaces of smectitic alteration products, with Y and Ho fractionation controlled by the differences in their electronic configurations and behaviour during solution/surface complexation equilibria. These processes can also be traced through the presence of significant tetrad effects recorded in the chondrite-normalised Rare Earth Elements and Yttrium (YREEs) patterns of suspended particulate ma…

CHARACTERIZATION OF LEAF ESSENTIAL OIL COMPOSITION OF HOMOZYGOUS AND HETEROZYGOUS Citrus clementina HORT. EX TAN. AND OF ITS ANCESTORS

Pathways and fate of REE in the shallow hydrothermal aquifer of Vulcano island (Italy)

Abstract We investigated the geochemical behaviour of major and Rare Earth Elements (REE), together with oxygen and deuterium isotopic composition in the aquifer of Vulcano, the southernmost island of the Aeolian archipelago (Italy). Studied wells, located at different distances from the crater, are characterised by different contributions of the rising volcanic fluids. In particular, those located in the proximity of La Fossa crater are affected by a strong interaction with volcanic-hydrothermal fluids and show REE behaviour similar to that of fresh rocks, suggesting a congruent dissolution of the solid matrix. Samples from the other wells, located in an area where the volcanic deposits ar…

THE UPTAKE OF COPPER FROM WATER BY CYPERUS ALTERNIFOLIUS L

BIOADHESIVE PROPERTIES OF A POLYAMINOACIDIC HYDROGEL: EVALUATION BY ATR FT-IR SPECTROSCOPY

The bioadhesive properties of a novel chemical hydrogel based on a polymer of protein-like structure, have been investigated by using ATR FT-IR spectroscopy. In particular, the copolymer PHG obtained by partial derivatization of PHEA with GMA was chemically crosslinked by UV irradiation at 313 nm. Crosslinked PHG was treated with water to obtain a swelled sample, named PHG-UV gel, that was brought into contact with a phosphate buffer/citric acid solution at pH 7.0 in the absence or in the presence of mucin at various concentrations (0.01, 0.1 and 1 wt.-%). Preliminary dynamic swelling studies have evidenced the occurrence of an interaction between the PHG-UV gel and the glycoprotein. This r…

OLI ESSENZIALI E CARATTERISTICHE DEI FRUTTI DI 14 AGRITIPI DI LIMONE FEMMINELLO

Effect of Sowing Time on Coriander Performance in a Semiarid Mediterranean Environment

In semiarid environments, time of sowing is one of the most important factors influencing seed yields. For coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), the most commonly recommended cropping technique is spring sowing (March–April), since the optimum soil temperature for seed germination ranges between 20 and 23 °C, and the crop shows a remarkable sensitivity to frost and cold. In many semiarid areas of southern Italy, however, the occurrence of prolonged dry periods in summer and spring does not allow for the scheduling of summer crops without irrigation. However, the generally mild winter temperatures and the typical rainfall distribution, which is mostly concentrated over the winter months, could …

A biomonitoring study using endemic plants for the evaluation of volcanogenic deposition on Mt. Etna (Italy)

8. A biomonitoring survey using leaves of tree (Betulla aethnensis, Pinus nigra and Populus tremula) and two endemic species (Senecio aethnensis and Rumex aethnensis) above treeline level, was performed on Mt. Etna, in order to evaluate the dispersion and the impact of volcanic emissions. Samples of leaves were collected in summer 2008 from 30 sites in the upper part of the volcano (800-3000 m a.s.l). Acid digestion of samples was carried out with a microwave oven, and 44 elements were analyzed by using plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS and ICP-OES). The highest concentrations of all investigated elements were found in the samples collected closest to the degassing craters, and in the downwind se…

Variations in the volatile compounds of a Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) variety grown in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment

Fennel is an industrial source of anethole but, recently, further interest has came from the suggested possibility of many industrial uses of this plant. The volatile substances from the seeds of fennel grown in Sparacia (Cammarata - AG - Sicily; 37° 38' N; 13° 46' E) have been investigated and compared on a statistical base with previously reported data. The variety grown in Sparacia fall into the "high fenchone" chemovariety. The substances alpha-toluene, alpha-terpinene, beta-phellandrene + limonene and camphene appear the components most sensitive to environment and grow condition modifications. Fennel is an industrial source of anethole but, recently, further interest has come from the…

RICERCHE SULLA VARIAZIONE DELLA FRAZIONE VOLATILE IN FOGLIE DI 14 CULTIVAR DI OLIVO IN RELAZIONE ALL’EPOCA DI PRELIEVO

Influence of AM fungi uptake of heavy metals by Opuntia ficus-indcia (L.) Mill

Uso della tecnica TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) nello studio dei processi di trasporto di microinquinanti nel suolo.

Caratterizzazione di agrumi siciliani per fini alternativi al consumo fresco: i casi del limone, dell'arancio "Ovale calabrese", del mandarino "Tardivo di Ciaculli".

Frequency-Downconversion Stability of PMMA Coatings in Hybrid White Light-Emitting Diodes

We report on the properties of a poly(methyl methacrylate)-based coating used as a host for an organic dye in hybrid white light-emitting diodes. The device is composed by a pump source, which is a standard inorganic GaN/InGaN blue light-emitting diode (LED) emitting at around 450 nm, and a spin-coated conversion layer making use of Lumogen® F Yellow 083. Under prolonged irradiation, the coating exhibits significant bleaching, thus degrading the color rendering performance of the LED. We present experimental results that confirm that the local temperature rise of the operating diode does not affect the conversion layer. It is also proven that, during the test, the photostability of the orga…

Modifications over time of volatile compounds in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an annual strongly-smelling herb belonging to the family Apiaceae, which is cultivated all over the world for its aromatic fruits (“seeds”) and, in many Asiatic and South American countries, for its green leaves. The aromatic features of leaves and fruits are sharply different, and the strong smell coming from leaves (many times referred to as a “bug” scent) is not always pleasant to many consumers from western countries. In our work, one Coriander small-seeded biotype has been grown in plastic covered greenhouses, and at given time intervals samples of leaves, flowers and fruits have been analyzed by means of HS-SPME and GC-MS to study the evolution ove…

An anthropic soil transformation fingerprinted by REY patterns

Abstract This Focus article deals intentionally with modern soil disturbance in situ . This is of interest to archaeologists as after disturbances, both short- and long-term, pedogenesis (re-)starts obliterating previous signs. Soil modifications induced by human activity may be linked to pedogenetic evidence for disturbance with archaeological evidence for the cultural activities. We contrasted two 750-m 3 soil pedons, an Anthrosol and a Kastanozem, from which the Anthrosol is derived, using 77 descriptors of soil properties which have been utilized in archaeological studies (pedo-morphological, routine laboratory, biochemical, metals and rare earth elements plus yttrium, REY) with the aim…

Standardization and validation of a new method based on pre-concentration techniques

Do Grapholita funebrana Infestation Rely on Specific Plum Fruit Features?

The effective control of the plum fruit moth, Grapholita funebrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) still represents a difficult challenge for organic plum farming. Little information is available on the susceptibility of plum cultivars to this moth pest. We investigated the roles of several fruit parameters (i.e., shape, volume, hardness, fruit colour, and physiochemical properties) on the susceptibility of four different plum cultivars (Angeleno, Friar, President and Stanley) to G. funebrana attack. Field data demonstrated the importance of some fruit parameters (i.e., elongation index, sugar degree, titratable acidity, cover colour percentage) on susceptibility to G. funebrana infestation. Und…

Endoterapia per il controllo del punteruolo rosso delle palme ed effetti dei trattamenti sulla piante.

Declino inesorabile per la coltivazione dell'arancio Ovale calabrese?

Biomonitoraggio di elementi in tracce mediante licheni come bioaccumulatori: Stato dell'arte in Sicilia

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL IMPROVES LEARNING AND MEMORY IN SAMP8 MICE

Abstract. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO); antioxidants have been shown to reverse age- and disease-related learning and memory deficits. We examined the effects of EVOO on learning and memory in SAMP8 mice, an age-related learning/memory impairment model associated with increased amyloid- protein and brain oxidative damage. We administered EVOO, coconut oil, or butter to 11 month old SAMP8 mice for 6 weeks. Mice were tested in T-maze foot shock avoidance and one-trial novel object recognition with a 24 h delay. Mice which received EVOO had improved acquisition in the T-maze and spent more time with the novel object in one-trial novel object recogni…

COD and TPH analysis in slops experimental treatment plants: analytical problems.

COD AND TPH ANALYSIS IN SLOPS EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT PLANTS: ANALYTICAL PROBLEMS. In the last years, the persistence and accumulation of xenobiotic compounds in the environment created many disposal problems of oily wastewater generated by ships, mainly in engine-rooms (bilge waters) and by cleaning of tanker (slops). The high salinity levels (up to 25.000 mgL-1) and the pollutants concentration, both limit the chances of discharge into the sewer systems and address the disposal of these wastewaters to the sea. For these reasons it is necessary to treat such wastewater efficiently before discharging [1]. As a part of a broader project concerning slops treatments, this work addresses issues …

The oil composition of homozygous and heterozygous plants of Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.".

Anti-cancer activity of di- and tri-organotin(IV) compounds with D-(+)-Galacturonic acid on human tumor cells

Abstract We have compared the anti-proliferative activity in vitro, of R2SnGala (1-3) [R = Me, n-Bu, Ph] and novel R3SnGala (4, 5) [R = Me, n-Bu] with D-(+)-Galacturonic acid [HGala; Galaq-, q = (2) and (1) for R2SnGala and R3SnGala, respectively] compounds, towards human tumor cell lines of intestinal carcinoma (HCT-116) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7). The new synthesized 4 and 5 compounds were characterized, in solution, by 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR, that showed that HGala acts as monoanionic moiety and evidenced the dynamic behavior of the compounds, due to inter-conversions involving the anomeric carbon atom of the ligand. Cell viability, apoptosis induction and cell cycle distribution w…

Geochemistry of Zr, Hf, and REE in a wide spectrum of Eh and water composition: The case of Dead Sea Fault system (Israel)

International audience; Along the Jordan Valley-Dead Sea Fault area several natural waters in springs, wells, and catchments occur. The chemical-physical characters of the studied waters allowed for the first time the investigation of the Zr and Hf geochemical behavior, apart from REE, extended to a wide range of Eh, temperature, salinity, and pH conditions. The results of this study indicate that the dissolved Zr and Hf distribution in natural waters is strongly influenced by redox conditions since these in turn drive the deposition of Fe-oxyhydroxides or pyrite. In oxidizing waters saturated or oversaturated in Fe-oxyhydroxides (Group 1), superchondritic Zr/Hf values are measured. On the …

Relationship between lanthanide contents in aquatic turtles and environmental exposures

International audience; Trace elements released in the environment during agricultural practices can be incorporated and accumulated in biological fluids and tissues of living organisms. The assessment of these exposures were carried out investigating lanthanide distributions in blood and exoskeleton samples collected from Emys trinacris turtle specimens coming from sites with anthropogenic discharge in western and south Sicily, along migration paths of many bird species from Africa to Europe. The data show a significant (Rxy = 0.72; Rxy > 0.67; α = 0.025) linear relationship between the size of turtle specimens and the lanthanide contents in blood lower than 0.4 μg L−1 whereas this relatio…

Assessing of bio-indicators and heavy metals in soils of Lampedusa for level background proposal

Comparison between Different Techniques for Volatiles Analyses in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Although many papers have been devoted to the study of Coriander fruits aromatic pattern, many differences show up according not only to the provenience of seeds, but also to the analytical methods chosen. In our work, samples from one Coriander small-seeded biotype has been analysed, verifying the differences between (1) the oil extracted by means of a Soxhlet apparatus (2) the same oil sampled by means of HS-SPME and (3) the HS-SPME on the roughly ground seeds, all analysed by direct injection in the GC-MS. The volatile composition detected by means of HS-SPME on oil resembles tightly that performed on Soxhlet extract. With respect to the direct injection, the HS-SPME shows a higher sensi…

Oil composition of homozygous and heterozygous plants of Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan.

Biomonitoring of volcanogenic trace elements using two endemic species (Senecio aethnensis and Rumex aethnensis) on Mt. Etna.

A biomonitoring survey, above treeline level, using two endemic species (Senecio aethnensis and Rumex aethnensis) was performed on Mt. Etna, in order to evaluate the dispersion and the impact of volcanic emissions. Samples of leaves were collected in summer 2008 from 30 sites in the upper part of the volcano (1500-3000 m a.s.l). Acid digestion of samples was carried out with a microwave oven, and 44 elements were analysed by using plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS and ICP-OES). The highest concentrations of all investigated elements were found in the samples collected closest to the degassing craters, and in the downwind sector, confirming that the eastern flank of Mt. Etna is the most impacted b…

Stability improvement of PMMA and Lumogen® coatings for hybrid white LEDs

Hybrid white LEDs employing perylene-based dyes for the frequency down-conversion of blue light, generated by a standard inorganic source, suffer from colour rendering variations due to the degradation of the organic molecule under prolonged irradiation. To avoid such inconvenient, proper encapsulation of the dyes in resins or other polymer matrices can prevent their accelerated ageing; nevertheless, embedding polymers can also exhibit significant bleaching caused by chemico-physical agents. Among all, polymethyl methacrilate (PMMA) is one of the most used materials for the fabrication of hybrid LEDs' colour conversion coatings, therefore its stability needs to be investigated.

Germination responses of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. on a heavy metal polluted substrate.

Environmental impact of Mt. Etna’s degassing: volcanogenic trace elements bioaccumulation in two endemic plant species (Senecio aethnensis and Rumex aethnensis)

A biomonitoring survey, above tree line level, using two endemic species (Senecio aethnensis and Rumex aethnensis)was performed on Mt. Etna, in order to evaluate the dispersion and the impact of volcanic atmospheric emissions. Samples of leaves were collected in summer 2008 from 30 sites in the upper part of the volcano (1500-3000 m a.s.l). Acid digestion of samples was carried out with a microwave oven, and 44 elements were analyzed by using plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS and ICP-OES). The highest concentrations of all investigated elements were found in the samples collected closest to the degassing craters, and in the downwind sector, confirming that the eastern flank of Mt. Etna is the mos…

Modifications Over Time of Volatile Compounds in Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

The Pattern of Rare Earth Elements Like a Possible Helpful Tool in Traceability and Geographical Characterization of the Soil-Olive System (Olea europaea L.)

The identification of a product, with its geographical origin, is a guaranty of the value of the foodstuff and protection from potential fraud. Extra virgin olive oil is produced or marketed as a single variety or a blend of two or more cultivars, often of different geographic origins. Therefore, to study a possible link between the soil and olive oil, we accounted crucial to analyse the behaviour of olive of different cultivars. We studied Rare Earth Elements (REE) amounts and their relationship to trace their distribution from soil to the olive pulp (Olea europea L.). The results obtained pointed out that the different cultivars of Olea did not drive significant differences in reciprocal …

Confronto fra la frazione volatile da foglie di cultivar di olea europea L. in Sicilia .

Rare earth elements distribution in seawater and suspended particulate of the Central Mediterranean Sea

Rare earth element (REE) content in suspended and dissolved phases from the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea) has been measured. Vertical profiles of several dissolved REEs along the water column reflect the 3-D oceanographic features of the studied area and identifies the different water masses present there. Shale-normalized REE distribution patterns and derived parameters calculated for the suspended particulate show different atmospheric dust-surface inputs and their interactions with seawater. Finally, combined information from [La/Yb]N, ratios, REE/La ratios and Eu anomalies measured in the suspended particulate suggest an important contribution of volcanic materials from t…

STUDIO DELL’ADSORBIMENTO DI Mn (II) e Cu (II) SU MUCILLAGINE DA CLADODI DI OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA

C18 alkyl-modified silica: A suitable tool for olive biophenol green extraction

Abstract A clean and straightforward methodology to assess the value of olive mill wastewater (OMWW) samples as well as to obtain biophenol-rich oils that can find employment in a variety of cosmetic, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products is described. The method employs chromatographic spherical organosilica microparticles, coupled to advanced analytical techniques. OMWW samples obtained in Sicily from two different organically grown cultivars during the exceptional 2015/2016 olive oil season were analyzed, leading us to establish the conditions for optimal extraction of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol.

Two-Dimensional Polytypism of “Crystalline” (C5Me5)ReO3

Crystals of Cp*ReO3 present a rare case of two-dimensional polytypism. They consist of a polytypic packing (in the bc plane) of ordered polar chains of three-legged piano-stool Cp*ReO3 molecules (stacked head-to-tail along the a axis). The two-dimensional polytypism arises from the possibility of building a similar motif both with 2-fold screw axes and inversion centers as packing operators, i.e. from the possibility of packing together neighboring chains of equal or different polarity.

Rimozione del pesticida oxadixyl da una soluzione acquosa

Il micelio di Phomopsis helianthi, un Ascomicete, è stato trattato con NaOH all'ebollizione ottenendo una frazione insolubile essenzialmente composta da chitosano e glucani. Il materiale ottenuto è stato valutato come agente per la rimozione di pesticidi da una soluzione acquosa. Il pesticida usato nella presente sperimentazione è l'oxadixyl, il quale ha una solubilità in acqua pari a 3.4 g/L. L'efficienza della biomassa è stata provata usando 20, 40 ed 80 mg di materiale fino ad una concentrazione di 3 mM. La biomassa risulta in grado di recuperare fino a 6 mg di oxadixyl per grammo di materiale assorbente. l risultati sperimentali mostrano un'ottima correlazione nell'ambito del modello de…

“Golden” Tomato Consumption Ameliorates Metabolic Syndrome: A Focus on the Redox Balance in the High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rat

Tomato fruits defined as &ldquo;golden&rdquo; refer to a food product harvested at an incomplete ripening stage with respect to red tomatoes at full maturation. The aim of this study is to explore the putative influence of &ldquo;golden tomato&rdquo; (GT) on Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), especially focusing on the effects on redox homeostasis. Firstly, the differential chemical properties of the GT food matrix were characterized in terms of phytonutrient composition and antioxidant capacities with respect to red tomato (RT). Later, we assessed the biochemical, nutraceutical and eventually disease-modifying potential of GT in vivo in the high-fat-diet rat model of MetS. Our data revealed that G…

Citrus somatic hybrid leaf essential oil

The essential oil from the leaves of a Citrus interspecific somatic hybrid obtained by symmetric protoplast fusion between ‘Milam’ lemon [purported sexual hybrid of C. Jambhiri Lush (×) C. sinensis] and ‘Femminello’ lemon (C. limon L. Burm f.) has been characterized by steam distillation GC–MS analysis and its composition compared with that of the corresponding oils obtained from the parent plants. The amount (%) of the different classes of substances present in the oils show, in the new hybrid, an overall lowering of the hydrocarbon fraction and an increase of the oxygenated components. The somatic hybrid shows a close similarity in the amounts of terpenes, sesquiterpenes and alcohols with…

Sustainable production of fennel and dill by intercropping

Intercropping is claimed to be one of the most significant cropping techniques in sustainable agriculture, and much research and many reviews attribute to its utilization a number of environmental benefits, from promoting land biodiversity to diversifying agricultural outcome. In this sense, intercropping is thought to be a useful means of minimizing the risks of agricultural production in many environments, including those typical of under-developed or marginal areas. In order to validate this hypothesis in a representative area of the semiarid Mediterranean environment, we evaluated the possibility of growing dill and fennel, both belonging to the family Apiaceae, in temporary intercroppi…

Trace element fractionation through halite crystallisation: Geochemical mechanisms and environmental implications

Halite is an important mineral for industry, agriculture and food production. It crystallises after water evaporation, while the progressive growth of dissolved metal ions in brines is occurring. Then, halite exploitation may provide the delivery of metal ions in the environment and the mechanism of this trace element accumulation should be studied. In this work we investigate the distribution of lanthanides and Y (hereafter named Rare Earth Elements, REE), Zr and Hf between crystallising halite and brines in the Dead Sea as geochemical tools for recognising the mechanism of metal ion removal from brines and accumulation in halite. Halite forms cubic crystals where octahedral planes sometim…

Recycling Phosphorus from Agricultural Streams: Grey and Green Solutions

Many intensively farmed soils show high phosphorus (P) contents compared to the thresholds required for agricultural production; 0.084 Mt of P year−1 is leaving the European terrestrial system. This paper focuses mainly on non-point flows of P and provides an overview of the most promising and sustainable solutions for P recycling, centred on waste materials from agriculture. Given the global shortage of the primary resource of P, its management is critical for its efficient use. Nowadays, wastage and loss at every stage of the P cycle raise concerns about future supplies and especially about the resulting environmental problems, such as the eutrophication of surface water bodies and the re…

An Investigation of the Seasonal Pattern of Mannitol Content in Deciduous and Evergreen Species of the Oleaceae Growing in Northern Sicily

In several species of the Oleaceae, mannitol, already present at considerable levels, accumulates in response to stress. This family comprises both deciduous and evergreen species, and we investigated the role of mannitol in deciduous malacophyll and evergreen sclerophyll species growing under the same conditions in the field. The relationship between mannitol content and changes in rainfall or temperature was also studied. The mannitol content of leaves of Fraxinus ornus L., F. angustifolia Vahl., Olea europaea L. and Phillyrea media L. was determined by gas chromatography. Leaf samples were collected once a month for 1 year. In the two ash species, the seasonal pattern of mannitol content…

DRIFTS Sensor: Soil Carbon Validation at Large Scale (Pantelleria, Italy)

A fast and accurate measurement of soil carbon is needed in current scientific issues. Today there are many sensors suitable for these purposes, but choosing the appropriate sensor depends on the spatial scale at which the studies are conducted. There are few detailed studies that validate these types of measures allowing their immediate use. Here it is validated the quick use of a sensor in execution at Pantelleria, chosen for size, use and variability of the parameter measured, to give an operational tool for carbon stocks studies. The DRIFT sensor used here has been validated in the first 60 cm of the soil of the whole island, and it has shown predictivity higher than 90%.

Influence of salt of different origin on the microbiological characteristics, histamine generation and volatile profile of salted anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus L.)

Abstract The effect of six salts of different geographical areas on the quality of salted anchovies was evaluated. The crude salts were chemically characterized by determination of inorganic and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Salted anchovies, corresponding to six experimental trials, were subjected to microbiological, chemical (including histamine content) and sensory analysis during the entire period of ripening (150 days). The salts were characterized by marked differences in terms of major cations and trace element amounts. Among the 27 VOCs detected, octadecane was the most abundant compound and the main differences of the salts were registered for alkanes and alcohols. During matu…

Studi sulla resistenza alla salinità di Puccinellia distans in camera controllata

Effects of Vermicompost, Compost and Digestate as Commercial Alternative Peat-Based Substrates on Qualitative Parameters of Salvia officinalis

Peat is a common substrate used for the cultivation of potted plants. However, the use of peat in horticulture has recently been questioned from an environmental standpoint, since it is a non-renewable resource and plays a major role in atmospheric CO2 sequestration. The aim of this work was to assess the potentialities of substrates obtained from vermicompost, compost and anaerobic digestion processes to partially substitute peat for sage (Salvia officinalis L.) cultivation. Therefore, we planned an experiment to assess the effect of these substrates on essential oil (EO) yield and composition, as well as on leaf nutrients concentration of sage plants. The three substrates were mixed with …

Distribution of YLOID in soil-grapevine system (Vitis vinifera L.) as tool for geographical characterization of agro-food products. A two years case study on different grafting combinations.

The knowledge of a chemistry relationship between the soil and the agricultural products is an important tool for the quality assessment of food. We studied YLOID (Y, La and lanthanoids), recognized as very useful tracers due their coherent and predictable behavior, to trace and evaluate their distribution from soil to the grape in Vitis vinifera L. Because much of the world’s viticulture is based on grafting, and rootstocks have proved affect vine growth, yield, fruit and wine quality, we carried out experimental trials to analyse the YLOID distribution of two different red cultivars, grafted onto six different rootstocks, on the same soil. The YLOID amounts, the relationship Heavy vs Ligh…

Rare earths and trace elements contents in leaves: A new indicator of the composition of atmospheric dust

The relationship between the trace element distribution in atmospheric particles and leaves of some exposed plants in the environment was recently demonstrated. This indication would suggest that the trace element analysis of leaves in these plants could provide information about the composition, nature and origin of the atmospheric dust dispersed in the environment. In order to corroborate this hypothesis, the distribution of trace elements and Rare Earths were studied in leaves of some endemic plants, in the atmospheric fallout and in soils of rural, urban and industrial ecosystems in Sicily. These elements have been chosen to discriminate the source and nature of different source on atmo…

Study on mycorrhization of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. in Siciliand stands with different degree of soil disturbance

TRACE ELEMENT BEHAVIOUR IN SEAWATER DURING PYROCLASTIC ETNA'S ACTIVITY IN 2001. CONCURRENT EFFECTS OF NUTRIENTS AND FORMATION OF ALTERATION MINERALS

From July 13 2001 began the most intense Etna's eruptive activity in the last 300 years. While this phenomenon occurred the oceanographic cruise ANSIC 01 was carrying out. Therefore the unique opportunity is arisen to investigate the chemical effects on marine system of delivery of large amount of pyroclastic particles (about 1 g m-2) into seawater. Comparing collected trace element data with those analysed during the oceanographic cruise JUVENILE 99, carried out two years before, large enrichments in V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Pb contents have been recognised and attributed to leaching of freshly-erupted volcanic ash. Further comparison between to-day and previous collected trace element da…

Itinerari archeologici della Sicilia nord-occidentale:Himera.Caratterizzazione di reperti ceramici provenienti dalla necropoli di Pestavecchia

DETERMINATION OF YLOID IN SOIL AND GRAPEVINE SYSTEM (VITIS VINIFERA L.) BY ICP-MS TECHNIQUE: A HOPEFUL PROXY FOR THE GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS? A VALIDATION STUDY WITH DIFFERENT VARIETIES AND ROOTSTOCKS

The rising importance given from legislators and consumers to provenance of food purchased and/or eaten, in last years motivated several researches to identification of the geographical origin of food. The knowledge of a chemistry relationship between the soil and the agricultural products is an important tool for the quality assessment of food. YLOID (Y, La and Lanthanides) have recognized as very useful tracers because of their generally coherent and predictable behavior. This behavior can also be applied to explain the mechanisms of element intake by plants. Current knowledge suggests no preferential sorption of any element in overall root samples as well as in epigeal samples of several…

Discrimination between effects induced by microbial activity and water-rock interactions under hydrothermal conditions according to REE behaviour

AbstractRare earth elements (REE) were investigated in siliceous stromatolites forming in the Specchio di Venere Lake on Pantelleria Island. Chondrite-normalised patterns show significant La enrichments and Eu depletions suggesting that fluids involved in stromatolite growth experienced strong rock-water interactions under hydrothermal conditions. At the same time, enrichments in heavy REE (HREE) with respect to intermediate REE (MREE) suggest that hydrothermal fluids interacted with microbial mats during deposition of the stromatolites. The above-mentioned features suggest that rock-water interactions and bacterial activity were simultaneously recorded in the REE patterns of stromatolites,…

Simultaneous determinations of zirconium, hafnium, yttrium and lanthanides in seawater according to a co-precipitation technique onto iron-hydroxide.

Very low concentrations (pg mL(-1) or sub-pg mL(-1) level) along with the high salinity are the main problems in determining trace metal contents in seawater. This problem is mainly considered for investigations of naturally occurring YLOID (Y and Lanthanides) and Zr and Hf in order to provide precise and accurate results. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), both in high and low resolution, offers many advantages including simultaneous analyses of all elements and their quantitative determination with detection limits of the order of pg mL(-1). However in the analysis of YLOID in seawater, a better determination needs an efficient combination of ICP-MS measurement wit…

Prove di endoterapia preventiva e curativa nei confronti del Punteruolo rosso delle palme nel Comune di Palermo

Evaluation of mucoadhesive properties of α,β-poly(N-hydroxyethyl)-dl-aspartamide and α,β-poly(aspartylhydrazide) using ATR–FTIR spectroscopy

Abstract The mucoadhesive properties of α,β poly( N -hydroxyethyl)- dl -aspartamide (PHEA) and α,β-polyaspartylhydrazide (PAHy) have been investigated using attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy. In particular, films based on these polymers have been contacted with a mucin solution at pH 7 and, the interfacial interaction and interpenetration between the glycoprotein and PHEA or PAHy have been studied by analysing the ATR–FTIR spectra. A diffusion model using a solution of Ficks' second law has been employed to determine the diffusion coefficient of water into polymeric films as a consequence of interdiffusion which occurs at the polymer film/mucin solution interface.

Utilizzo di funghi filamentosi in strategie di biorisanamento ambientale

Volatile organic compounds in wild fungi from Mediterranean forest ecosystems

AbstractHead Space-Solid Phase Micro Extraction (HS-SPME) extractions and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis allowed the identification of 72 different compounds isolated from 7 different wild inedible fungi collected in Mediterranean forest ecosystems. The VOCs reported in this study, including a total of 5 esters, 17 alcohols, 14 aldehydes, 9 ketones, 18 terpenes and 9 other compounds, have been never characterized before for Tricholoma ustaloides, Hygrophorus cossus, Russula foetens and Mycena pura.

Interrelazioni quali-quantitative tra descrittori fisici, chimici e biochimici di un pedon, prima e dopo un disturbo antropico

La descrizione dei suoli può iniziare col telerilevamento; proseguire con il riconoscimento dell'elemento territoriale e continuare con la determinazione delle caratteristiche chimico-fisiche del terreno, che sono un insieme di analisi, definite di base, necessarie e (supposte) sufficienti ad identificare le caratteristiche fondamentali del suolo. Con le attuali tecniche analitiche sono oggi disponibili descrittori più fini quali contenuto di metalli in traccia e caratteristiche biochimiche. Nel nostro caso-studio, la sensibilità di risposta al disturbo antropico ordina le classi di descrittori nel senso terre rare < metalli < indicatori chimici < indicatori biochimici. I descrittori pedolo…

New biodegradable hydrogels based on a photocrosslinkable modified polyaspartamide: synthesis and characterization

Abstract α,β-Poly( N -2-hydroxyethyl)- dl -aspartamide (PHEA), a synthetic water-soluble biocompatible polymer, was derivatized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), in order to introduce in its structure chemical residues having double bonds and ester groups. The obtained copolymer (PHG) contained 29 mol% of GMA residues. PHG aqueous solutions at various concentrations ranging from 30 to 70 mg/ml were exposed to a source of UV rays at λ 254 nm in the presence or in the absence of N , N ′-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS); the formation of compact gel phases was observed beginning from 50 mg/ml. The obtained networks were characterized by FT-IR spectrophotometry and swelling measurements which evide…

A christmas gift: Signature of the 24th December 2018 eruption of Mt. Etna on the chemical composition of bulk deposition in eastern sicily

The eruption of Mt. Etna which occurred on December 24th 2018 was characterized by strombolian activity and fire fountains, emitted by the New South-East Crater and along a fissure that propagated towards the SE. The influence of volcanic emissions on atmospheric deposition was clearly detectable at several kilometres from the source. Wet and dry (bulk) deposition samples were collected each month, through a network of eleven collectors, in the areas of Milazzo, and Priolo between June 2018 and June 2019. They were analysed for major ions and trace elements concentrations. The pH values range from 3.9 to 8.3, while the EC values range from 7 to 396 μS cm-1. An extensive neutralization of th…

Optimised method for the analysis of phenolic compounds from caper (Capparis spinosa L.) berries and monitoring of their changes during fermentation

In this work, an ad hoc method to identify and quantify polyphenols from caper berries was developed on high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation source/mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). The method was applied during fermentation carried out with Lactobacillus pentosus OM13 (Trial S) and without starter (Trial C). A total of five polyphenols were identified. All samples contained high concentrations of rutin. Epicatechin was found in untreated fruits, on the contrary quercetin was detected during fermentation. Trial S was characterised by a more rapid acidification and lower levels of spoilage microorganisms than Trial C. L. pentosus dominated among the microbial communi…

Indagini chemiotassonomiche preliminari su alcuni popolamenti di Roccella DC. sp.pl. in Sicilia

Effects of some botanical pesticides on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acariformes, Tetranychidae) and its predator Cydnodromus californicus (McGregor) (Parasitiformes, Phytoseiidae) in laboratory trials

Arcaeological routes of northern Sicily: Himera characterization of ceramic findings from Pestavecchia necropolis

Material sources of the Roman brick-making industry in the I and II century A.D. from Regio IX, Regio XI and Alpes Cottiae

International audience; Bricks, fine pottery, ceramic gears and tiles are among the human-made objects routinely recovered in archaeological documentation. Sites associated with early civilizations can provide thousands of samples from a single excavation. They come in endless varieties according to economic and social circumstances and, as debris can last almost forever, provide important clues about the past behaviours in human societies. Any information about the provenance of ceramics is highly valuable in archaeological analysis. In the case of Roman brick-making, the provenance and manufacture of clayey materials are usually interpreted only by studying stamps imprinted on the artefac…

Photocatalytic Partial Oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural Under UV and Natural Solar Irradiation in Aqueous Suspension of K Containing C3N4

Background: The influence of the potassium metal cation on the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalyst has been studied in the partial oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxaldehyde (FDC). Objective: The aim of this study was to understand if the presence of K in C3N4 could increase the oxidative conversion of HMF to high added value species. Methods: Two sets of photocatalysts were prepared by following two different methodologies. In both series of the materials, the precursor of C3N4 was melamine with different types of the K containing species including KCl and KOH in one case and KNO3 alone in the other case. However, for both series of photocatalys…

Effect of salinity on Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl. treated with NaCl and foliarly applied glycinebetaine

Turfgrasses general appearance is much affected by environmental stresses because the species used for this purpose are particularly exigent in terms of technical inputs and water need. In the Mediterranean area, sometimes irrigation is provided by using waste water which may contain high concentrations of dissolved salts which can cause salt stress injury and poor turf quality. Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl. is a halophyte cool season grass that seems to have a high salinity tolerance when cultivated in sodic soils or in NaCl-rich hydroponic cultures. We investigated the response of P. distans to salinity in a soil culture in a controlled growth environment. The effect of different concent…

In search of layered antimony(III) materials: synthesis and characterization of oxo-antimony(III) catecholate and further studies on antimony(III) phosphate

Abstract A new layered oxo-antimony(III) catecholate, [Sb(C6H4O2)]2O, can be obtained by reacting senarmontite with aqueous catechol. The same reaction performed with valentinite, the other allotropic form of Sb2O3, shows an intermediate hydrate that loses water at about 100°C. Both compounds can be obtained from SbPO4 under appropriate experimental conditions. [Sb(C6H4O2)]2O and the hydrated form, which appear to be layered materials, have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyses, and infrared techniques. Preliminary evidence of a reversible intercalation of pyridine into [Sb(C6H4O2)]2O was collected. Taking into consideration the possible us…

Impact of Volcanic Emissions on Trace Elements Contents Measured in Endemic Plants at Mt. Etna (Italy)

Studio sull'uso di opuntia ficus-indica Mill. nel biomonitoraggio ambientale

Confronto tra la frazione volatile in foglie di cultivar di Olea europea L. in Sicilia

Determination of YLOID in soil and grapevine systems (Vitis vinifera L.) by ICP-MS technique: a hopeful proxy for the geographical characterization of food products?

Chemical behavior of YLOID (Y and Lanthanoid) into soil was extensively studied both to evaluate geochemical process. Metal cations can be immobilized onto particle surface of soil due to the formation of stable complexes with organic matter. If environmental conditions change metals can be mobilized and therefore to became bioavailable [1]. In recent years identification of the geographical origin of food has acquired very importance because consumers are more and more interested in knowing the provenance of the food purchased and/or eaten [2]. Then the knowledge of a relationship between the chemistry of the substrates and the food could be an important tool for the quality guarantee of t…

Characterization of Leaf Essential Oil Composition of Homozygous and HeterozygousCitrus clementinaHort. Extan. and its Ancestors

Clementine is a natural tangor, resulting from an interspecific cross between mandarin and sweet orange. Gametic embryogenesis, allowing the single-step development of complete homozygous line from the heterozygous parents, increases the efficiency of perennial crop breeding programs. Tri-haploids have been regenerated through pollen embryogenesis (specifically, by anther culture) of Citrus clementina Hort. ex Tan., cv. Nules. Two of them (HOMO1 and HOMO2) have been acclimatized and grafted in vivo in 2000. Research regarding the chemical characteristics of plant regenerated by pollen embryogenesis or gynogenesis are useful to study the “gametoclonal variation”, as well as for further appli…

Geochemical behaviour of rare earths in Vitis vinifera grafted onto different rootstocks and growing on several soils.

The geochemical behaviour of lanthanides and yttrium (Rare Earth Elements, REEs) has been investigated mainly in geological systems where these elements represent the best proxies of processes involving the occurrence of an interface between different media. This behaviour is assessed according to features recorded in sequences of REE concentrations along the REE series normalised with respect to a reference material. In this study, the geochemical behaviour of REE was investigated in different parts of Vitis vinifera specimens grown off-soil, on soils of different nature and grafted onto several rootstocks in order to evaluate effects induced by these changes. The results indicated that ro…

Quick assessment of the economic value of olive mill waste water

Background: Olive biophenols are emerging as a valued class of natural products finding practical application in the food, pharmaceutical, beverage, cosmetic and nutraceutical industries due to their powerful biological activity which includes antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Olive mill waste water (OMWW), a by-product in olive oil manufacturing, is rich in biophenols such as hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. The amount of biophenols depends on the cultivar, the geographical area of cultivation, and the seasonal conditions. The goal of this study was to develop a straightforward method to assess the economic value of OMWW via quantification of hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. Results: The amo…

Metal ion adsorption by phomopsis sp. Biomaterial in laboratory experiments and real Wastewater Treatments

An insoluble material of polysaccharidic nature has been obtained by thermal alkali treatment of the filamentous fungus Phomopsis sp. FT-IR spectrum of the resulting material as well as its nitrogen content suggest that chitosan and glucans are the main components of the biomaterial. Information on Lewis base sites has also been obtained and used as a guideline in the evaluation of the complexing ability against a number of metal ions in aqueous media at pH in the range 4--6. Results indicate that after 24h contact time, up to 870 micromol/g of lead, 390 micromol/g of copper, 230 micromol/g of cadmium, 150 micromol/g of zinc and 110 micromol/g of nickel ions are adsorbed into the material. …

Statistical analyses on the essential oil of italian coriander (coriandrum sativum L.) fruits of different ages and origins

Thirty-one samples of Coriandrum sativum L. fruits, of different origin, year of cultivation (harvest) and crop management systems were subjected to volatile component analysis by combining Head Space Solid Phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) with GC/MS. In order to determine the importance of the major sources of volatile variability, some statistical analyses, including Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were performed on the obtained data. The compounds, which gave the main contribution to the partition and classification of the original data, were α-pinene, p-cymene, γ-terpinene and linalool. The age of the fruits, which ranged from 1–16 years, seemed to generate …

YREE determination in seawater. Standardization and validation of a new method based on preconcentration techniques

The most interesting attraction of using rare-earth elements and yttrium (YREE) to address geochemical and marine chemical problems consists of their chemical coherence as group of trace elements. These characters allow YREE compositions of rocks and minerals to be extensively used in studies of provenance, petrogenesis and chemical evolution of the geological materials (1). Similarly, YREE compositions in the hydrosphere were used in studies of coagulation, particle-solution reactions and oceanic circulation of water masses (2-4). Unfortunately, very low concentrations of YREE (ng l-1 or sub-ng l-1) associated to high ionic strength of seawater always represented the main difficulty to ana…

Ulteriori studi sulle micorrize del ficodindia in Sicilia

Sensibilità ed Interferenze in ICP-MS: nuovi sviluppi

On the synthesis and characterization of layered antimony(III) phosphate and its interaction with moist ammonia and amines

Samples of antimony(III) phosphate, a layered material, were prepared at room temperature, using the two allotropic forms of Sb2O3, layered valentinite and cubic senarmontite. The compounds were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis. Solids exposed to ammonia, ethylenediamine, or hydrazine vapors also were studied. The interaction between SbPO4 and the bases always led to the formation of stoichiometric amounts of Sb2O3 and hydrogen phosphate(–2) salts of the bases. With ammonia, the SbPO4 raw materials gave rise to valentinite or senarmontite, depending on which Sb2O3 allotropic form was used to prepare antimony phosp…

Vitis vinifera: effetto di tecniche colturali sul contenuto in resveratrolo

A Multivariate geostatistical approach to the analysis of a sedimentological and petrophysical dataset: a case of study from the port of Naples.

Edible Insects an Alternative Nutritional Source of Bioactive Compounds: A Review

Edible insects have the potential to become one of the major future foods. In fact, they can be considered cheap, highly nutritious, and healthy food sources. International agencies, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have focused their attention on the consumption of edible insects, in particular, regarding their nutritional value and possible biological, toxicological, and allergenic risks, wishing the development of analytical methods to verify the authenticity, quality, and safety of insect-based products. Edible insects are rich in proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals but also seem to contain large amounts of polyphenols able to have a key role in specific bi…

Rare-earth elements and yttrium distributions in mangrove coastal water systems: The western Gulf of Thailand

The concentration of rare-earth elements and yttrium (REY) was investigated in dissolved phase, suspended particulate matter, and seafloor sediments of the western coastal area of the Gulf of Thailand. The samples show Eu and Gd positive anomalies in the shale-normalized REY patterns, especially in the suspended particulate matter. On the other hand, a very high REE content was detected in the coastal waters, probably due to the weathering produced by the Mae Klong river waters on rare-earth element (REE)-rich accessory minerals coming from terrains and mineral deposits cropping out in the studied area. The shale-normalized patterns of yttrium and REE estimated for the dissolved phase show …

Soil REE patterns as tracers of the emplacement of metal-rich anthropogenic materials. A case study in Moa (Cuba)

Purpose: Are rare earth element (REE) patterns employable as tracers in human interventions of bulk soil disturbances, when high concentrations of metals are involved in the in situ soil disturbance? In terms of bulk soil disturbance, it is difficult to distinguish between bulk soil disturbances and emplacement of new earthen material. Chemical fingerprinting, in particular REE plus yttrium, is applied across many fields, but predominantlyin tracking the sources of potential environmental contaminants. Materials and methods: The REE normalised patterns (HNO 3 :HF:HCl 3:1:1 digestion, ICP-MS) of two Calcaric Cambisols were compared with those of a Geric Ferralsol (Novic, Technic) originated …

CARATTERIZZAZIONE DI TIPI DI “ANETO” COLTIVATI IN AMBIENTE MEDITERRANEO

Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) is an annual containing relevant amounts (2-4%) of essential oil, easily obtained through steam distillation of the whole aerial part or of the seeds alone. In Sicily, true dill is not present as wild plant; on the contrary, another Umbelliferae plant, Ridolfia segetum Moris., is largely widespread. The rather limited available literature is mostly devoted to the study of some botanical aspects or, at most, to chemical and analytical characterization of its leaves and flowers. Although at a deep examination the conformation of fruits is rather different between the two species, inside the inland Sicily the two genotypes, both referred to with the same dialectal …

SUITABILITY OF HYDRUS-2D SIMULATION MODEL TO ASSESS WATER AND SOLUTE TRANSPORT INTO THE SOIL

Captazione di metalli pesanti da un substrato con plantule di Opuntia ficus-indica Mill..

Citrus cybrid leaf essential oil

The essential oil from the leaves of a Citrus cybrid plant, obtained by somatic hybridization between ‘Valencia’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), embryogenic parent, and ‘Femminello’ lemon (C. limon L. Burm f.), leaf parent, has been studied by steam distillation and GC–MS analysis and compared with the correspondent oils from the parent plants. Although the overall composition of the cybrid essential oil appears much closer to that of ‘Femminello’, the relatively higher percentage of β-caryophyllene, as well as the qualitative and quantitative modifications of the esteric fraction, are characteristic of the new hybrid. Since cybrid cells possess the nuclear genome of the mesophyll…

Peel oil and fruit characteristics of 14 clones of “Femminello” lemon variety in Sicily.

Trace element behaviour in seawater during Etna's pyroclastic activity in 2001: Concurrent effects of nutrients and formation of alteration minerals

volcanic ash ; trace element leaching ; kinetic experiments ; chlorophyll-alpha; International audience; The eruption of Etna in Sicily on 13 July 2001 marked the most intense activity of the volcano in the last 300 years. The eruption occurred while the oceanographic cruise ANSIC 01 was being conducted to the east of Sicily, presenting a unique opportunity for the investigation of the chemical effects on the marine system during a period of significant (similar to 1 g m(-2)) ash deposition. Comparison of trace element data with measured concentrations from the oceanographic cruise JUVENILE 99, carried out two years before, indicates large enrichments of V. Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Pb. We att…

Composizione e attività biologica di “idrolati” di agrumi

Gli idrolati, o acque aromatiche, sono prodotti naturali ricavati dalla distillazione di piante o parti di piante fresche che conservano intatte le loro proprietà e possono essere utilizzati a diverso scopo1. Essi sono comunemente considerati un sottoprodotto degli oli essenziali, ma in realtà, data la diversa composizione e la conseguente maggiore delicatezza, hanno un loro apprezzabile utilizzo, legato comunque al mantenimento delle proprietà delle piante da cui derivano. Nell’industria agrumaria gli idrolati sono il risultato della produzione degli oli essenziali attraverso spremitura a freddo delle bucce degli agrumi e sono considerati un rifiuto da smaltire. Lo studio della composizion…

Heavy metals in coastal water systems. A case study from the northwestern Gulf of Thailand.

A geochemical survey of the northwestern part of the Thailand Gulf (Inner Gulf) was carried out in order to define concentrations and distribution patterns of selected heavy metals (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and U) in the coastal system and estuarine area of the Mae Klong river. The results indicate the presence of two different sources of heavy metals in the studied environment and allowed us to identify a lithogenic component that significantly influences the composition of coastal waters and suspended particulate matter (SPM). Comparison of the normalized heavy metals concentrations both in the studied samples and in those reported for the Sn–W ores present in the surrounding areas suggests…

Research on the volatile fraction in leaves of Olea europaea subsp. oleaster and Olea europaea subsp. sativa.

A new biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogel with polyaminoacid structure

The preparation and physicochemical and biological characterization of a novel polyaminoacid hydrogel have been reported. The ,-poly(N-2- hydroxyethyl)-dl-aspartamide (PHEA) has been used as a starting polymer for a derivatization reaction with methacrylic anhydride (MA) to give rise to the methacrylate derivative named PHM. Photocrosslinking of PHM has been performed in aqueous solution at 313 nm and in the absence of toxic initiators. PHM-based hydrogel has been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, swelling measurements in aqueous media; the degradation of PHM-based hydrogel has been evaluated as a function of time in the absence or in the presence of ester…

PRODUZIONE DI BIOETANOLO DA OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA (L)

Il settote delle "ptoduzioni bio-energetiche" rappresenta oggl un valido strumento per rendere competitive aree che per motlvazioni economiche o perché inquinate, sono state abbandonate. Uutl\zzo di energy crop, proprio in relazione alla crescente richiesta da parte del mercato, potrebbe determinare ricadute assolutamente positive sia sul piano economico che per l'attuazione di adeguati ed efficaci programmi pet la salvaguardia e valorizzazione di parte del territorio delle regioni meditetranee, già struttutalmente in conrlizioni di estrema fragflttà,a mbientale.L o scopo della presente ricerca è di produrre bioetanolo a basso costo risanando contemporaneamente I'ambiente. Infatti i1 fico d…

Simultaneous determinations of zirconium, hafnium, yttrium and lanthanides in seawater according to a co-precipitation technique onto iron-hydroxide

Very low concentrations (pg mL 1 or sub-pg mL 1 level) along with the high salinity are the main problems in determining trace metal contents in seawater. This problem is mainly considered for investigations of naturally occurring YLOID (Y and Lanthanides) and Zr and Hf in order to provide precise and accurate results. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), both in high and low resolution, offers many advantages including simultaneous analyses of all elements and their quantitative determination with detection limits of the order of pg mL 1. However in the analysis of YLOID in seawater, a better determination needs an efficient combination of ICP-MS measurement with a pr…

Authigenic phase formation and microbial activity control Zr, Hf, and rare earth element distributions in deep-sea brine sediments

Abstract. Sediments collected from hypersaline and anoxic deep-sea basins in the eastern Mediterranean (Thetis, Kryos, Medee, and Tyro) were characterised in terms of their mineralogical composition, the distributions of rare earth elements (REE), Zr, and Hf and their content of microbial DNA. We identified two major mineralogical fractions: one fraction of detritic origin was composed of quartz, gypsum, and low-Mg calcite bioclasts (with 0 &lt; Mg &lt; 0.07%) and another fraction of authigenic origin constituted of halite, dolomite, high-Mg calcite (with a Mg content of up to 22%) and rare bischofite and showed a textural evidence of microbial assemblages. We found that in the Medee and Ty…

Influence of dissolved organic matter on rare earth elements and yttrium distributions in coastal waters

International audience; Data collected during this study indicate that dissolved Y and REE (rare earth element) behaviour can be monitored through shale-normalised ratios. Relationships occurring between these ratios suggest that leaching from lithogenic materials is the main source of REE in the studied area. This process involves riverine detrital matter in the inner area of the Gulf of Palermo. Features of shale-normalised patterns and the relationship recognised between dissolved Fe and Y/Ho suggest that REE are released from Fe-rich coatings of atmospheric dust. Observed similarities between dissolved Fe and chlorophyll- content suggest that leaching of Fe-rich atmospheric particulates…

Removal of Pesticide Oxadixyl from an Aqueous Solution

ABSTRACT The mycelium of Phomopsis helianthi (Ascomycete) was hydrolyzed with boiling NaOH to give an insoluble fraction composed of chitosan and glucans. The biomass obtained was tested as an agent for the removal of pesticides from an aqueous solution. Oxadixyl, which has a solubility in water of 3400 mg L−1, has been chosen as a hydrophilic organic contaminant model. The new, cheap material was demonstrated to recover up to 6 mg of oxadixyl per gram of adsorbent. The experimental data show an excellent correlation with the Langmuir isotherm model.

Characterization of the Etna volcanic emissions through an active biomonitoring technique (moss-bags): Part 1 – Major and trace element composition

Active biomonitoring using moss-bags was applied to an active volcanic environment for the first time. Bioaccumulation originating from atmospheric deposition was evaluated by exposing mixtures of washed and air-dried mosses (Sphagnum species) at 24 sites on Mt. Etna volcano (Italy). Concentrations of major and a large suite of trace elements were analysed by inductively coupled mass and optical spectrometry (ICP-MS and ICP-OES) after total acid digestion. Of the 49 elements analysed those which closely reflect summit volcanic emissions were S, Tl, Bi, Se, Cd, As, Cu, B, Na, Fe, Al. Enrichment factors and cluster analysis allowed clear distinction between volcanogenic, geogenic and anthropo…

Comportamento di differenti substrati nel trattamento di un refluo urbano

Scopo di questo lavoro è stato lo studio delle proprietà adsorbenti, nei confronti di un refluo urbano, di differenti materiali (sabbia, ghiaia, lapillo, argilla espansa e zeolite) considerati usualmente chimicamente inerti e frequentemente usati in agricoltura come substrati o negli impianti di depurazione come costituenti di filtri. Prima dell'uso tutti i substrati sono stati sterilizzati per evidenziarne le proprietà assorbenti. Il refluo è stato sterilizzato e stabilizzato aggiungendo acido solforico a pH = 1 e successivamente è stato addizionato di Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr e Pb ad una concentrazione di 5 mg/l. I risultati ottenuti hanno mostrato interessanti capacità di rimuovere fino al 50% del…

Zr/Hf ratio and REE behaviour: A coupled indication of lithogenic input in marginal basins and deep-sea brines

Abstract The distribution of dissolved Zr, Hf and Rare Earth Elements (yttrium and lanthanides, hereafter referred to as REE) in the Eastern Mediterranean seawater column was measured in the Kryos basin to evaluate the lithogenic contribution from both Nile River and Sahara and Arabian desert dust. We found dissolved Zr/Hf ratios below the signature of crustal rocks and chondrites; a phenomenon likely driven by the dissolution of the Mn-rich coating of atmospheric dust particles delivered from the desert. In deeper waters, Zr/Hf ratios are clustered close to the signature of crustal rocks and chondrites according to the different Zr and Hf dissolved speciation. The Zr/Hf ratio observed in t…

Effectiveness of glycinebetaine foliar application in relieving salt stress symptoms in two turf-grasses

Salinity is one of the problems that has to be dealt with in turf-grass management, due both to restrictions in freshwater use for landscape irrigation and exposition to salt stress in coastal areas. This has led to the need to select salinity tolerant genotypes and test management practices, such as the application of osmoprotectants, in order to maintain turf quality at acceptable costs. We compared the effects of irrigation with 600 mM NaCl and glycinebetaine (GB) application for 8 weeks on pot-grown weeping alkaligrass (Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). We selected two easily assessable parameters, total clippings fresh weight and chlorophyll…

The behavior of Rare-Earth Elements, Zr and Hf during biologically-mediated deposition of silica-stromatolites and carbonate-rich microbial mats

Abstract Venere Lake, in the Pantelleria Island thermal system (Central Mediterranean Sea) consists of a mix of seawater and hydrothermal volcanic fluids containing high levels of dissolved SiO 2 . Close to the lake's thermal springs, siliceous stromatolites are deposed under high bacterial activity conditions whereas roughly interlaminated Ca-carbonates and microbial mats are widely scattered in the lake. The dissolved REE speciation in lake waters is dominated by [REE(CO 3 ) 2 ] − , [REE(CO 3 )] + and [REE(H 3 SiO 4 )] 2 + complexes. On the contrary the most abundant Zr and Hf species are hydroxyl- and fluoride-complexes. The behavior of REE Zr and Hf in the Venere lake waters is controll…

Evaluation of the interaction between a polyaminoacidic hydrogel and mucin by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

Uso del modello di simulazione HYDRUS-2D per lo studio dei processi di trasporto di soluti nel terreno

STUDIO DELL’ADSORBIMENTO DI METALLI PESANTI SU SUBSTRATI INERTI

Untreated Opuntia ficus indica for the Efficient Adsorption of Ni(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) Ions from Water

The raw cladode of Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) was evaluated as a sustainable biosorbent for the removal of heavy metals (Ni, Pb, Cu, and Cd) from aqueous solutions. The functional groups of OFI were identified by employing DRIFT-FTIR and CP-MAS-NMR techniques before and after contact with the ions in an aqueous media, showing a rearrangement of the biomass structure due to the complexation between the metal and the functional groups. The adsorption process was studied in both single- and multi-component systems under batch conditions at different pHs (4.0, 5.0, and 6.0), different metal concentrations, and different biomass amounts. The results show that the raw OFI had a removal capacity a…

Recognition of water masses according to geochemical signatures in the Central Mediterranean sea: Y/Ho ratio and rare earth element behaviour

This study reports the results of geochemical investigations carried out in the Strait of Sicily (Central Mediterranean Sea) during the oceanographic cruise BANSIC 2000, focusing on the area around the Pantelleria Island. We evaluate the interface processes between dissolved phase and suspended particulate matter in the water columns on the basis of Y/Ho ratio and rare earth elements and yttrium distributions that are suitable to trace the occurrence of different water layers in Central Mediterranean Area. The main source of trace elements to the sea water system was recognized in the atmospheric fallout, while different scavenging mechanisms among Y and rare earth elements occur. Cation ex…

Wastewaters from citrus processing industry as natural biostimulants for soil microbial community

Abstract Citrus fruit processing wastewaters (CWWs), being rich in organic matter, may be a valuable resource for agricultural irrigation and, possibly, for the improvement of soil organic carbon (TOC). This issue is becoming crucial for soils of arid and semiarid environments increasingly experiencing water scarcity and continuous decline of TOC towards levels insufficient to sustain crop production. However, before using CWWs in agriculture their effects on the soil living component have to be clarified. Therefore, in this study we assessed the impact of CWWs on soil chemical and biochemical properties. Under laboratory conditions, lemon, orange and tangerine wastewaters were separately a…

Indagini chemiotassonomiche preliminari su alcuni popolamenti di Ramalina farinacea L.)Ach e . Ramalina subfarinacea (Cromb.) Nyl.

Behaviour of Zr/Hf and Y/Ho ratios during transition between seawater column and deep-sea brines

Notes on a New Productive Strain of King Oyster Mushroom, Pleurotus eryngii (Higher Basidiomycetes), a Prized Italian Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom

In this paper, the authors provide data on a culinary-medicinal, host-specific variety of P. eryngii species-complex that is known in Italy as "cardoncello". A species description, the techniques of isolation of a new strain (C-142-c), and the preparation of the substratum are illustrated. Data on the productivity of substratum inoculated with C-142-c strain and the nutritional value of cultivated "cardoncello" mushrooms are also provided.

La Tecnica della microestrazione in fase solida (SPME) per l'analisi quantitativa e qualitativa dei feromoni sessuali degli insetti fitofagi: il caso della Cocciniglia bianca del limone

Atmospheric Deposition around the Industrial Areas of Milazzo and Priolo Gargallo (Sicily–Italy)—Part B: Trace Elements

The concentrations of trace elements in atmospheric bulk depositions (wet plus dry) were investigated from two highly industrialised areas of Sicily (southern Italy) from June 2018 to July 2019, in order to recognise the main natural and anthropogenic sources. A side objective of this study was to improve the common sampling procedures and analytical methods used for monitoring trace elements in atmospheric deposition. The trace element VWM (Volume-Weighted Mean) concentrations ranged from less than 0.01 &mu;g L&minus;1 for trace elements such as Cs, Tl, and U, up to 24 &mu;g L&minus;1 for minor elements (Al, Zn, Sr), in the filtered aliquot, while they reached concentrations up to 144 &mu;…

Identification of aroma compaunds of Vitis Vinifera L. flowers by SPME GC-MS analysis

Using a gas chromatographic method (GC-MS-analysis), it was possible to determine the volatile constituent of an odorous flower from Vitis vinifera varieties growing in Sicily. More than 50 compounds were identified and the technique allowed us to determine that sesquiterpenes, as well as monoterpenes such as limonene and cymene, were the principal components. The odour-profiles allowed us to distinguish between variety groups or even single varieties.

DETERMINATION OF YLOID IN SOIL AND GRAPEVINE SYSTEMS (Vitis vinifera L.) BY ICP-MS TECHNIQUE: A HOPEFUL PROXY FOR THE GEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FOOD PRODUCTS? – PART II.

In recent years identification of the geographical origin of food has acquired very importance because consumers are more and more interested in knowing the provenance of the food purchased and/or eaten. The knowledge of a chemistry relationship between the soil and the agricultural products is an important tool for the quality assessment of food. Metal cations onto particle surface of soil changing the environmental conditions can be mobilized and therefore to became bioavailable. In particular the chemical behavior of YLOID (Y, La and Lanthanoid) was studied to evaluate and trace the distribution from soil to roots, leaves to the grape in Vitis vinifera L. In a first study YLOID, present …

Primi risultati sullo studio di alcuni fattori fisico-chimici che influenzano la suscettibilità alla mosca delle olive di due cultivar siciliane di olivo

Bioplastics: A new analytical challenge

Even though petroleum-based plastics are advantageous in complying with the performance requirements in many applications, these are related, throughout their life cycle, to several environmental problems, including greenhouse gas emissions and persistence in marine and terrestrial environments. Therefore, the preservation of natural resources and climate change is considered worldwide, the main reason for which is necessary to reduce consumption and dependence on fossil-based materials. Biopolymers (PLA, PHAs, etc.) are examples of plastics whose use is grown exponentially over the years because of the improvements of their physical and mechanical properties using additives of various natu…

Effects of Dissolved Complexation on REE Fate During Interactions between Volcanic Ash and Coexisting Fluids

AbstractThis work analyzes REE behavior during the delivery of volcanic ash into a marine system and highlights the effects induced by dissolved carbonate and humate complexes on REE release. Kinetic experiments were carried out during a 6-month period using a batch method approach. Results show that the highest degree of REE leaching occurs during the early stage. Altered phases that crystallize induce REE sorption and dissolved complexation towards surface complexation, concurrent processes that are enhanced by Y/Ho, La/Yb, and Ce/Ce* changes, whereas dissolved humates and carbonates influence the dissolution rate of ash and the dissolved REE behavior.

Variations in the Volatile Compounds of a Fennel (Foeniculum VulgareMill.) Variety Grown in a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Environment

Abstract Fennel is an industrial source of anethole but, recently, further interest has came from the suggested possibility of many industrial uses of this plant.The volatile substances from the seeds of Fennel grown in Sparacia (Cammarata – AG – Sicily; 37° 38’ N; 13° 46’ E) have been investigated and compared on a statistical base with previously reported data. The variety grown in Sparacia fall into the “high fenchone” chemovariety. The substances α-toluene, α-terpinene, β-phellandrene+limonene and camphene appear the components most sensitive to environment and grow condition modifications.

Trace elements release from volcanic ashes to seawater. Natural concentrations in Central Mediterranean sea.

Distributions and concentrations of many minor and trace elements in epicontinental basins, as Mediterranean Sea, are mainly driven to atmospheric fallout from surroundings. This mechanism supplies an estimated yearly flux of about 1000 kg km-2 of terrigenous matter of different nature on the whole Mediterranean basin. Dissolution of these materials and processes occurring at solid-liquid interface along the water column drive the distributions of many trace elements as V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, and Pb with contents ranging from pmol l-1 (Co, Cd, Pb) to nmol l-1 scale in Mediterranean seawater, with some local differences in the basin. The unwinding of an oceanographic cruise in the coastal waters…