1
|
Ciani F, Fornasaro S, Benesperi R, Bianchi E, Cabassi J, Di Nuzzo L, Grifoni L, Venturi S, Costagliola P, Rimondi V. Mercury accumulation efficiency of different biomonitors in indoor environments: the case study of the Central Italian Herbarium (Florence, Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:124232-124244. [PMID: 37999838 PMCID: PMC10746580 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31105-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring studies are often employed to track airborne pollutants both in outdoor and indoor environments. In this study, the mercury (Hg) sorption by three biomonitors, i.e., Pinus nigra bark, Pseudovernia furfuracea lichen, and Hypnum cupressiforme moss, was investigated in controlled (indoor) conditions. In comparison to outdoor environments, controlled conditions offer the opportunity to investigate more in detail the variables (humidity, temperature, pollutants speciation, etc.) that control Hg uptake. The biomonitors were exposed in two distinct periods of the year for 2 and 12 months respectively, in the halls of the Central Italian Herbarium (Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, Italy), which are polluted by Hg, due to past plant sample treatments. The Hg sorption trend was monitored every 3 weeks by recording: (i) the Hg content in the substrata, (ii) gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations in the exposition halls, (iii) temperature, (iv) humidity, and (v) particulate matter (PM) concentrations. At the end of the experiment, Hg concentrations in the biomonitors range from 1130 ± 201 to 293 ± 45 μg kg-1 (max-min) in barks, from 3470 ± 571 to 648 ± 40 μg kg-1 in lichens, and from 3052 ± 483 to 750 ± 127 μg kg-1 in mosses. All the biomonitors showed the highest Hg accumulation after the first 3 weeks of exposure. Mercury concentrations increased over time showing a continuous accumulation during the experiments. The biomonitors demonstrated different Hg accumulation trends in response to GEM concentrations and to the different climatic conditions (temperature and humidity) of the Herbarium halls. Barks strictly reflected the gaseous Hg pollution, while lichen and moss accumulation was also influenced by the climatic conditions of the indoor environment. Mercury bound to PM seemed to provide a negligible contribution to the biomonitors final uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ciani
- Department of Earth Science, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Fornasaro
- Department of Earth Science, University of Pisa, Via Santa Maria 53, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Renato Benesperi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Jacopo Cabassi
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Di Nuzzo
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Lisa Grifoni
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Venturi
- Department of Earth Science, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Pilario Costagliola
- Department of Earth Science, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Rimondi
- Department of Earth Science, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cabassi J, Lazzaroni M, Giannini L, Mariottini D, Nisi B, Rappuoli D, Vaselli O. Continuous and near real-time measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: A new approach to investigate the 3D distribution of GEM in the lower atmosphere. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132547. [PMID: 34653490 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We present the first real attempt to directly and continuously measure GEM through a Lumex RA-915 M, designed for real-time detection of mercury vapor, mounted on an UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, namely a heavy-lift octocopter), inside and outside the former Hg-mining area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Mt. Amiata, Italy), known as a GEM source. We tested the effectiveness of the UAV-Lumex combination at different heights in selected sites pertaining to both mining facilities and surrounding urban zones, shedding light on the GEM spatial distribution and concentration variability. The Lumex great sensitivity and the octocopter optimal versatility and maneuverability, both horizontally and vertically, allowed to depict the GEM distribution in the atmosphere up to 60 m above the ground. The acquisition system was further optimized by: i) synchronizing Lumex and UAV GPS data by means of a stand-alone GPS that was previously synchronized with Lumex; ii) using a vertical sampling tube (1.20 m high) connected to the Lumex inlet to overcome the rotors strong airflows and turbulence that would have affected GEM measurements; iii) supplying the octocopter with batteries for power supply to avoid the release of exhaust gases; iv) taking the advantage of the UAV ability to land in small spaces and stop at selected altitudes. The resulting dot-map graphical representations, providing a realistic 3D picture of GEM vertical profiling during the flights in near real-time, were useful to verify whether the guideline concentrations indicated by competent authorities were exceeded. The results showed that the GEM concentrations in the urban area, located a few hundred meters from the mining structures, and close to already reclaimed areas remained at relatively low values. Contrarily, GEM contents showed significant variations and the highest concentrations above the facilities containing the old furnaces, where increasing GEM concentrations were recorded at decreasing heights or downwind.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Cabassi
- CNR-IGG Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy.
| | - M Lazzaroni
- CNR-IGG Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - L Giannini
- CNR-IGG Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - D Mariottini
- Drone Arezzo S.r.l., Via Fratelli Lumiere 19, 52100, Arezzo, Italy
| | - B Nisi
- CNR-IGG Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| | - D Rappuoli
- Unione dei Comuni Amiata Val d'Orcia, Unità di Bonifica, Via Grossetana 209, 53025, Piancastagnaio, Siena, Italy; Parco Museo Minerario di Abbadia San Salvatore, Via Suor Gemma 1, 53021, Abbadia San Salvatore, Siena, Italy
| | - O Vaselli
- CNR-IGG Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy; Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via La Pira 4, 50121, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ciani F, Chiarantini L, Costagliola P, Rimondi V. Particle-Bound Mercury Characterization in the Central Italian Herbarium of the Natural History Museum of the University of Florence (Italy). TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9060141. [PMID: 34203704 PMCID: PMC8232298 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9060141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Museums air quality can be negatively affected by treatments with heavy metals compounds employed to prevent pest infestations. Among these, the past use of mercury dichloride (HgCl2) on herbaria artifacts currently produces high levels of indoor atmospheric gaseous mercury (Hg0) and possibly of particulate bound Hg (PBM), i.e., the particulate matter containing Hg. This study evaluates the PBM pollution in the Central Italian Herbarium (Natural History Museum of the University of Florence, Italy), characterizing the size range and chemical speciation with SEM-EDS microanalysis. The analysis of the total Hg concentration in the samples allowed to calculate the workers exposure risk to this pollutant. PBM is almost totally classifiable as fine particulate with a significant dimensional increase in a period of scarce attendance of the Herbarium rooms. The microanalysis indicates that Hg is essentially bound to S, highlighting the change of Hg speciation from the original association with Cl. The average Hg concentration reveals a potential health risk for workers as result of multiple Hg exposure pathways, mainly by ingestion. The study provides information for characterizing PBM pollution that could affect a workplace atmosphere and a useful basis to evaluate and correctly design solution strategies to reduce the contamination levels and protect workers’ health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ciani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (F.C.); (L.C.); (P.C.)
| | - Laura Chiarantini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (F.C.); (L.C.); (P.C.)
- Centro di Servizi di Microscopia Elettronica e Microanalisi (M.E.M.A.), Università di Firenze, Via G. Capponi, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Pilario Costagliola
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (F.C.); (L.C.); (P.C.)
- CNR-IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
| | - Valentina Rimondi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Firenze, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (F.C.); (L.C.); (P.C.)
- CNR-IGG, Via G. La Pira 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li Z, Chen B, Li Y, Le XC. Reduction of mercury emissions from anthropogenic sources including coal combustion. J Environ Sci (China) 2021; 100:363-368. [PMID: 33279051 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Li
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Baowei Chen
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Yanbin Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - X Chris Le
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 10-102 Clinical Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|