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Amorosi A, Sammartino I. Predicting natural arsenic enrichment in peat-bearing, alluvial and coastal depositional systems: A generalized model based on sequence stratigraphy. Sci Total Environ 2024; 924:171571. [PMID: 38492587 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Hazardously high concentrations of arsenic exceeding the threshold limits for soils and drinking waters have been widely reported from Quaternary sedimentary successions and shallow aquifers of alluvial and coastal lowlands worldwide, raising public health concerns due to potential human exposure to arsenic. A combined sedimentological and geochemical analysis of subsurface deposits, 2.5-50 m deep, from the SE Po Plain (Italy) documents a systematic tendency for naturally-occurring arsenic to accumulate in peat-rich layers, with concentrations invariably greater than maximum permissible levels. A total of 366 bulk sediment samples from 40 cores that penetrated peat-bearing deposits were analysed by X-ray fluorescence. Arsenic concentrations associated with 7 peat-free lithofacies associations (fluvial-channel, levee/crevasse, floodplain, swamp, lagoon/bay, beach-barrier, and offshore/prodelta) exhibit background values invariably below threshold levels (<20 mg/kg). In contrast, total arsenic contents from peaty clay and peat showed 2-6 times larger As accumulation. A total of 204 near-surface (0-2.5 m) samples from modern alluvial and coastal depositional environments exhibit the same trends as their deeper counterparts, total arsenic peaking at peat horizons above the threshold values for contaminated soils. The arsenic-bearing, peat-rich Quaternary successions of the Po Plain accumulated under persisting reducing conditions in wetlands of backstepping estuarine and prograding deltaic depositional environments during the Early-Middle Holocene sea-level rise and subsequent stillstand. Contamination of the Holocene and underlying Pleistocene aquifer systems likely occurred through the release of As by microbially-mediated reductive dissolution. Using high-resolution sequence-stratigraphic concepts, we document that the Late Pleistocene-Holocene lithofacies architecture dictates the subsurface distribution of As. The "wetland trajectory", i.e. the path taken by the landward/seaward shift of peat-rich depositional environments during the Holocene, may help predict spatial patterns of natural As distribution, delineating the highest As-hazard zones and providing a realistic view of aquifer contamination even in unknown areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Amorosi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Irene Sammartino
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Marine Science (ISMAR), Via Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy.
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Pellegrini C, Saliu F, Bosman A, Sammartino I, Raguso C, Mercorella A, Galvez DS, Petrizzo A, Madricardo F, Lasagni M, Clemenza M, Trincardi F, Rovere M. Hotspots of microplastic accumulation at the land-sea transition and their spatial heterogeneity: The Po River prodelta (Adriatic Sea). Sci Total Environ 2023; 895:164908. [PMID: 37385497 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Deltas are the locus of river-borne sediment accumulation, however, their role in sequestering plastic pollutants is still overlooked. By combining geomorphological, sedimentological, and geochemical analyses, which include time-lapse multibeam bathymetry, sediment provenance, and μFT-IR analyses, we investigate the fate of plastic particles after a river flood event providing an unprecedented documentation of the spatial distribution of sediment as well as of microplastics (MPs), including particles fibers, and phthalates (PAEs) abundances in the subaqueous delta. Overall sediments are characterized by an average of 139.7 ± 80 MPs/kg d.w., but display spatial heterogeneity of sediment and MPs accumulation: MPs are absent within the active sandy delta lobe, reflecting dilution by clastic sediment (ca. 1.3 Mm3) and sediment bypass. The highest MP concentration (625 MPs/kg d.w.) occurs in the distal reaches of the active lobe where flow energy dissipates. In addition to MPs, cellulosic fibers are relevant (of up to 3800 fibers/kg d.w.) in all the analyzed sediment samples, and dominate (94 %) with respect to synthetic polymers. Statistically significant differences in the relative concentration of fiber fragments ≤0.5 mm in size were highlighted between the active delta lobe and the migrating bedforms in the prodelta. Fibers were found to slightly follow a power law size distribution coherent with a one-dimensional fragmentation model and thus indicating the absence of a size dependent selection mechanism during burial. Multivariate statistical analysis suggests traveling distance and bottom-transport regime as the most relevant factors controlling particle distribution. Our findings suggest that subaqueous prodelta should be considered hot spots for the accumulation of MPs and associated pollutants, albeit the strong lateral heterogeneity in their abundances reflects changes in the relative influence of fluvial and marine processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pellegrini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy.
| | - F Saliu
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - A Bosman
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Geologia Ambientale e Geoingegneria (IGAG), Italy
| | - I Sammartino
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - C Raguso
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - A Mercorella
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - D S Galvez
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - A Petrizzo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - F Madricardo
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
| | - M Lasagni
- Earth and Environmental Science Department, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - M Clemenza
- INFN Sezione di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 3, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - F Trincardi
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Dipartimento di Scienze del Sistema Terra e Tecnologie per l'Ambiente (DSSTTA), Rome, Italy
| | - M Rovere
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine (ISMAR-CNR), Italy
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Sarti G, Sammartino I, Amorosi A. Geochemical anomalies of potentially hazardous elements reflect catchment geology: An example from the Tyrrhenian coast of Italy. Sci Total Environ 2020; 714:136870. [PMID: 32018992 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Assessing soil contamination by hazardous metals and estimating the extent to which metal concentrations in surficial sediments may pose risks to human health are increasingly important environmental issues. An integrated sedimentological and geochemical study of 57 Holocene beach sands from the shallow subsurface (120-130 cm depth) of the heavily urbanized Tyrrhenian Sea coast of Italy (Tuscany and adjacent coastal stretches) allowed a remarkable compositional heterogeneity to be identified as a function of spatial variations in riverine sediment supply and alongshore sediment dispersal patterns. Concentrations of Cr, Ni, and As exceeding maximum permissible limits for recreational/industrial sites (150 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg, respectively) reveal spatial trends that fit the petrography of modern beach sands and closely reflect the geology of river catchments, thus indicating a geogenic origin. Extremely high concentrations of Cr (and Ni), even 10 times greater than threshold values, are interpreted to reflect sediment supply from river catchments rich in ultramafic rocks (ophiolite sequences of Cecina and Campiglia areas), with subsequent transport via the longshore drift. On the other hand, high As concentrations in the Campiglia region and along the southern stretch of coast reflect leaching of felsic volcanic and plutonic parent rocks and hydrothermal products related to the Tuscan and Roman magmatic provinces cropping out in the Fiora, Albegna, and Cornia river catchments. This study shows that coastal sediment derived from particular source rocks is likely to contain potentially harmful metals in predictable proportions, which may easily exceed maximum allowable concentrations. Assessing spatial distribution of such metals based on catchment geology and sediment transport pathways may help separate natural concentrations from the anthropogenic contribution, providing a valuable source of information for appropriate remediation strategies and management options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Sarti
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Via Santa Maria 53, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | | | - Alessandro Amorosi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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Orsini A, Sammartino I, Valetto A, Bertini V, Marchese P, Bonuccelli A, Peroni DG. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism (MTHFR C677T) and headache in children: a retrospective study from a tertiary level outpatient service. Ital J Pediatr 2018; 44:106. [PMID: 30170616 PMCID: PMC6119283 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-018-0546-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In adult studies the MTHFR C677T polymorphism has been associated with an increased risk of migraine, but little research has been done in this area in children. Methods A retrospective study of children referred with headache to a tertiary level Paediatric Neurology Service between 2008 and 2012. This study included only patients who had been genotyped for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. An evaluation of homocysteine serum levels was necessary to exclude other types of migraine. Conclusion Compared with the wild-type genotype, the T/T genotype was associated with an increased risk of any type of migraine, though the statistical significance was greatest in migraine with aura. The homocysteine serum levels were significantly higher in migraine with aura compared to migraine without aura. In a pediatric population MTHFR T/T homozygosity influences susceptibility to migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 57, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Sammartino
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 57, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Valetto
- Cytogenetics Unit, Medicine of Laboratory Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - V Bertini
- Cytogenetics Unit, Medicine of Laboratory Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - P Marchese
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 57, 56100, Pisa, Italy.
| | - A Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 57, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - D G Peroni
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 57, 56100, Pisa, Italy
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Amorosi A, Guermandi M, Marchi N, Sammartino I. Fingerprinting sedimentary and soil units by their natural metal contents: a new approach to assess metal contamination. Sci Total Environ 2014; 500-501:361-72. [PMID: 25241058 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.08.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the major issues when assessing soil contamination by inorganic substances is reliable determination of natural metal concentrations. Through integrated sedimentological, pedological and geochemical analyses of 1414 (topsoil/subsoil) samples from 707 sampling stations in the southern Po Plain (Italy), we document that the natural distribution of five potentially toxic metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb) can be spatially predicted as a function of three major factors: source-rock composition, grain size variability and degree of soil weathering. Thirteen genetic and functional soil units (GFUs), each reflecting a unique combination of these three variables, are fingerprinted by distinctive geochemical signatures. Where sediment is supplied by ultramafic (ophiolite-rich) sources, the natural contents of Cr and Ni in soils almost invariably exceed the Italian threshold limits designated for contaminated lands (150 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg, respectively), with median values around twice the maximum permissible levels (345 mg/kg for Cr and 207 mg/kg for Ni in GFU B5). The original provenance signal is commonly confounded by soil texture, with general tendency toward higher metal concentrations in the finest-grained fractions. Once reliable natural metal concentrations in soils are established, the anthropogenic contribution can be promptly assessed by calculating metal enrichments in topsoil samples. The use of combined sedimentological and pedological criteria to fingerprint GFU geochemical composition is presented here as a new approach to enhance predictability of natural metal contents, with obvious positive feedbacks for legislative purposes and environmental protection. Particularly, natural metal concentrations inferred directly from a new type of pedogeochemical map, built according to the international guideline ISO 19258, are proposed as an efficient alternative to the pre-determined threshold values for soil contamination commonly established by the national regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Amorosi
- Department of Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Zamboni 67, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marina Guermandi
- Geological, Seismic and Soil Survey, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Viale della Fiera 8, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Nazaria Marchi
- Geological, Seismic and Soil Survey, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Viale della Fiera 8, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
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Valetto A, Orsini A, Bertini V, Toschi B, Bonuccelli A, Simi F, Sammartino I, Taddeucci G, Simi P, Saggese G. Molecular cytogenetic characterization of an interstitial deletion of chromosome 21 (21q22.13q22.3) in a patient with dysmorphic features, intellectual disability and severe generalized epilepsy. Eur J Med Genet 2012; 55:362-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2012.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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