Biotoxicity and life cycle assessment of two commercial antifouling coatings in marine systems.

Two commercial coating systems, each one consisting of both a primer and an antifouling ("System 1" based on Copper Oxide and "System 2" based on Zinc Oxide), have been analyzed in order to investigate their environmental impacts through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and laboratory tests. A cradle-to-grave analysis has been performed in order to quantify the environmental footprint of each coating solution and to define which element, material, or process mainly affect the environmental impact of such products. Moreover, it was performed a comparison between the different products to determine the most environmentally sustainable choice.

Atmospheric fall-out of metals around the Murano glass-making district (Venice, Italy).

Background, Aim And Scope: Murano's glass-makers have held a monopoly on quality glass-making for centuries known all over the world. Artistic glass manufacture entails exposure to complex mixtures of pollutants, including metals. A few studies have reported high levels of trace elements in marine waters, sediments and mussels around Murano and shown that emissions from Murano glass-making workshops significantly influence air quality in the Venice area.

Atmospheric fall-out of POPs (PCDD-Fs, PCBs, HCB, PAHs) around the industrial district of Porto Marghera, Italy.

In order to estimate the importance of atmospheric fall-out of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) around the industrial district of Porto Marghera, Italy, atmospheric depositions of POPs were collected using bulk samplers inside the Lagoon of Venice. Seventy-seven atmospheric deposition samples were collected monthly over a 12-month period (March 2003-March 2004) at seven sites located close to the industrial area of Porto Marghera. Samples were analysed by HRGC/HRMS for PCDD-Fs, PCBs, HCB and PAHs.