Metal concentrations in transitional and coastal waters measured by passive (Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films) and spot sampling: MONITOOL Project Dataset.

The MONITOOL project (2017-2023) was carried out to describe the relationships between total dissolved and labile metal concentrations measured in spot water samples and in concurrently deployed Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGTs) passive samplers, respectively. The ultimate aim was to adapt existing marine metal Environmental Quality Standards (EQS ) for DGTs, enabling their use in the context of the European Directives (the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)). Time-integrated metal concentrations provided by DGTs, representing several days, are an advantage compared to conventional spot sampling, especially in highly dynamic systems, such as transitional waters.

An international intercomparison exercise on passive samplers (DGT) for monitoring metals in marine waters under a regulatory context.

In order to move forward in the acceptance of a novel contaminant monitoring technique (Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films: DGT) for assessment of marine water bodies, sensu the WFD, an Inter-Laboratories Comparison (ILC) exercise (nine Europeans laboratories) was organized in the framework of the Interreg Atlantic Area MONITOOL project, which focused on the use of the DGT technique for the measurement of WFD priority metals (Cd, Ni and Pb). Reproducible results were obtained for each metal by several laboratories, supporting the assertion that DGT analysis can be performed satisfactorily by laboratories experienced in measuring metals at trace levels in marine environments, even if they have limited practice in DGT analysis. According to the Z-score analysis, among the 9 participating laboratories, 3 had 100 % of satisfactory results for Cd, Ni, and Pb, 3 had >80 % satisfactory results and 2 had about 60 % satisfactory results.

Metals concentrations in transitional and coastal waters by ICPMS and voltammetry analysis of spot samples and passive samplers (DGT).

This study investigates the relationships among Ni, Cd and Pb's different chemical forms determined by different methodologies in coastal and transitional waters across a broad geographical scale. Concentrations were measured in spot samples and through passive sampling (DGT). High variability of metal concentrations was found among sampling sites and methodologies due to natural water fluctuations rather than to a given metal or method.

Trace metal levels in the edible tissues of sea cucumbers () from Sardinia (Western Mediterranean).

Sea cucumbers represent an important part of the diet in Asian and Pacific regions and are also used in traditional medicine. These habits have led to the overexploitation of local sea cucumber populations in these areas, driving the pursuit of new stock regions, such as Mediterranean areas. In Italy, contrarily to that observed for other Mediterranean countries, the exploitation of sea cucumber stocks is not extensive, which opens a new market opportunity.

Concurrent sampling of transitional and coastal waters by Diffusive Gradient in Thin-films (DGT) and spot sampling for trace metals analysis.

This protocol was developed based on the knowledge acquired in the framework of the Interreg MONITOOL project (EAPA_565/2016) where extensive sampling campaigns were performed in transitional and coastal waters covering eight European countries. It provides detailed procedures and guidelines for the sampling of these waterbodies by concurrent collection of discrete water samples and the deployment of Diffusive Gradient in Thin-films (DGT) passive samplers for the measurement of trace metal concentrations. In order to facilitate the application of this protocol by end-users, it presents steps to follow in the laboratory prior to sampling campaigns, explains the procedures for field campaigns (including measurement of supporting parameters) and subsequent sample processing in the laboratory in preparation for trace metal analyze by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and voltammetry.

Assessing variability in the ratio of metal concentrations measured by DGT-type passive samplers and spot sampling in European seawaters.

The current study evaluates the effect of seawater physico-chemical characteristics on the relationship between the concentration of metals measured by Diffusive Gradients in Thin films (DGT) passive samplers (i.e., DGT-labile concentration) and the concentrations measured in discrete water samples.

Evaluation of Rhodotorula spp. contamination in hospital environments.

Microbiological monitoring of air and surfaces is a valuable tool for assessing the level of environmental contamination by bacteria and fungi in hospitals, especially in high-risk wards. The presence of these microorganisms requires strict control in view of their role as opportunistic pathogens. As regard yeasts, Candida albicans is one of the main opportunistic pathogens.

Operational DGT threshold values for metals in seawater from protected coastal areas in Sardinia (Western Mediterranean).

Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGTs) were used for monitoring metal (Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb) concentrations in protected and non-protected coastal areas in Sardinia (Western Mediterranean). The deployment of DGTs in relatively undisturbed areas enabled calculation of operational DGT threshold values, which can be used for assessments of the environmental quality of coastal areas. The DGT thresholds were defined as the median metal concentrations that were found in protected areas, which ensured consideration of the natural variability of the different study sites.

Passive sampling monitoring of PAHs and trace metals in seawater during the salvaging of the Costa Concordia wreck (Parbuckling Project).

Passive sampling techniques were used for monitoring trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the seawater surrounding the Costa Concordia shipwreck (Isola del Giglio, Italy). The monitoring lasted two and a half years (2012-2014) and considered all four phases of the "parbuckling project": stabilisation of the wreckage, installation of steel caissons on both sides of the wreck, parbuckling, and refloating. Dissolved trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and V) were measured with diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), while freely dissolved PAHs were measured with semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs).

Presence of Trihalomethanes in ready-to-eat vegetables disinfected with chlorine.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) - CHCl, CHClBr, CHClBr and CHBr - are drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs). These compounds can also be absorbed by different types of foods, including ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh vegetables. The potential absorption of THMs during washing of RTE vegetables could pose a potential risk to consumers' health.

Exploring the bacterial gut microbiota of supralittoral talitrid amphipods.

Talitrid amphipods (sandhoppers and beach fleas) are typical of the supralittoral zone. They are known to thrive on stranded materials, including detrital marine angiosperms and macroalgae, as well as occasional dead animals. In this work, the gut microbiota of five species of talitrid amphipods (Talitrus saltator, Talorchestia ugolinii, Sardorchestia pelecaniformis, Orchestia montagui and Orchestia stephenseni) collected in Sardinia (Italy) has been investigated through: i) metabarcoding analysis of the amplified 16S rRNA V4 region; and ii) quantification of family 48 glycosyl hydrolase genes (GHF48), involved in cellulose degradation.

Heavy metal accumulation in surface sediments at the port of Cagliari (Sardinia, western Mediterranean): Environmental assessment using sequential extractions and benthic foraminifera.

Superficial sediments were taken at the port of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), which includes the oil terminal of one of the largest oil refineries in the Mediterranean. Significant trace metal concentrations were found in the whole port area. Sequential extraction of metals from the different sediment fractions (BCR method) showed a higher risk of remobilisation for Cd, which is mostly bound to the exchangeable fraction.

Interpretation of coastal sediment quality based on trace metal and PAH analysis, benthic foraminifera, and toxicity tests (Sardinia, Western Mediterranean).

An integrated approach for the assessment of coastal sediment quality was utilised in three areas of Sardinia (Western Mediterranean, Italy). Sediments were analysed for trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), while benthic foraminifera were used as bioindicators. Furthermore, the embryo-toxicity test was used to provide ecologically relevant information using rapid and cost-effective screening tools.

Using SPMDs to monitor the seawater concentrations of PAHs and PCBs in marine protected areas (Western Mediterranean).

Aqueous concentrations of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in coastal sites of two marine protected areas (MPAs), that is, Asinara and the La Maddalena Archipelago, in Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea). The use of semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) enabled the detection of dissolved PAHs and PCBs, even in very low concentrations of (pgL(-1)), in seawater. The results reveal significant differences between the two sampling areas relative to the concentration of the individual PAHs, which provide information concerning the pollution sources affecting relatively pristine environments.

Macroalgae and DGT as indicators of available trace metals in marine coastal waters near a lead-zinc smelter.

The levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were determined in the commonest species of green, red, and brown algae collected from five coastal sites in south-western Sardinia (Italy), an area with a long history of mining and smelting. The usefulness of employing Enteromorpha sp. and Padina pavonica (L.