Thermal desorption technique to speciate mercury in carbonate, silicate, and organic-rich soils.

Thermal desorption is a well-assessed technique to speciate mercury (Hg) in soils and sediments. However, the effects related to the different matrices are still not properly assessed. In this study, thermal desorption was applied to Hg-free calcite mixed with Hg standard and soils rich in carbonate and silicate minerals, as well as organic matter.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from diffuse degassing areas: Interstitial soil gases as message bearers from deep hydrothermal reservoirs.

The chemical composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in interstitial soil gases from hydrothermal areas is commonly shaped by both deep hydrothermal conditions (e.g., temperature, redox, sulfur fugacity) and shallow secondary processes occurring near the soil-atmosphere interface.

Mercury distribution in plants and soils from the former mining area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Tuscany, Central Italy).

The distribution of heavy metals in plants (Castanea sativa, Sambucus nigra, Verbascum thapsus, Popolus spp., Salix spp., Acer pseudoplatanus, Robinia pseudoacacia) growing in soils from active and abandoned mining areas is of scientific significance as it allows to recognize their ability to survive in a hostile environment and provide useful indications for phytoremediation operations.

Mercury distribution in plants and soils from the former mining area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Tuscany, central Italy).

The distribution of heavy metals in plants growing in soils from active and abandoned mining areas is of scientific significance as it allows one to recognize their ability to survive in a hostile environment and to provide useful indications for phytoremediation operations. In this work, soils developed in the former Hg-mining area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Tuscany, Central Italy) were analyzed for total, leached Hg, % of organic- and inorganic-related Hg. The dehydrogenase enzyme activity (DHA) was also measured with the aim to evaluate the status of the soil, being characterized by high Hg content.

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic characterization of the Gioia Tauro coastal Plain (Calabria - southern Italy): A multidisciplinary approach for a focused management of vulnerable strategic systems.

This work pursues the hydro-geochemical and isotopic characterization of the complex groundwater system of the Gioia Tauro Plain, one of the most important industrialized and agricultural coastal areas of southern Italy. The anthropic pressure exposes the water resources at risk of depletion and quality degradation making the plain groundwater a system of high scientific and social interest. The plain is characterized by a shallow aquifer, mostly recharged by local rains and a deep aquifer apparently less influenced by local precipitation.