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Stable carbon isotope ratio in atmospheric CO2 collected by new diffusive devices
In: Environmental science and pollution research: ESPR, Band 21, Heft 4, S. 3182-3186
ISSN: 1614-7499
Sulphurous air pollutants and exposure events of workers in thermal-mineral springs: a case study of Contursi Terme (Salerno, Italy)
In: Environmental science and pollution research: ESPR, Band 30, Heft 2, S. 3112-3120
ISSN: 1614-7499
AbstractThermo-mineral springs are widely spread over the volcanic areas of Salerno, a city in southern Italy. Although the water of thermal structures provides beneficial effects on human health, the air is characterized by the presence of potentially toxic compounds, such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and sulphur dioxide (SO2). Exposure to sulphurous compounds may have detrimental effects on human health, with asthma being the most common. In this study, air concentrations of H2S and SO2 in the thermal springs of Contursi Terme (Salerno, Italy) were monitored for 4 months (using both active and passive sampling), along with the chemical and microclimatic characterization of thermal water, to assess workers' exposure to these pollutants. An in-depth characterization of indoor air at the springs is paramount to establish emission control limits for occupational exposure and to take protective measures. The air concentration of SO2 varied from 0.11 ± 0.02 to 0.91 ± 0.02 mg/m3, following a seasonal pattern (higher values in winter and lower in spring). Conversely, indoor H2S concentrations did not vary significantly with time, but outdoor levels (from 0.40 ± 0.03 to 1.90 ± 0.03 mg/m3) were always higher than indoor ones (from 0.11 ± 0.03 to 0.56 ± 0.03 mg/m3). Not negligible air concentrations of these pollutants were detected in this thermal spring workplace, so further investigations are needed to ensure workers' safety.
Investigations on historical monuments' deterioration through chemical and isotopic analyses: an Italian case study
In: Environmental science and pollution research: ESPR, Band 29, Heft 20, S. 29409-29418
ISSN: 1614-7499
AbstractIn this paper, we analysed the efflorescences present in the frescos of a monumental complex named S. Pietro a Corte situated in the historic centre of Salerno (Campania, Italy). The groundwater of the historic centre is fed by two important streams (the Rafastia and the Fusandola) that can be the sources of water penetration. The aims of this work are to (i) identify the stream that reaches the ancient frigidarium of S. Pietro a Corte and (ii) characterize the efflorescences on damaged frescos in terms of chemical nature and sources. In order to accomplish the first aim, the water of the Rafastia river (7 samples) and the water of the Fusandola river (7 samples) were analysed and compared with the water of a well of the Church (7 samples). The ionic chromatography measurements on the water samples allowed us to identify the Rafastia as the river that feeds the ancient frigidarium of S. Pietro a Corte. To investigate the nature and the origin of the efflorescences (our second aim), anionic chromatography analyses, X-ray diffraction measurements, and the isotopic determination of nitrogen were performed on the efflorescences (9 samples) and the salts recovered from the well (6 samples). Results of these analyses show that efflorescences are mainly made of potassium nitrate with a δ15N value of + 9.3 ± 0.2‰. Consequently, a plausible explanation for their formation could be the permeation of sewage water on the walls of the monumental complex.
New analytical approach to monitoring air quality in historical monuments through the isotopic ratio of CO2
In: Environmental science and pollution research: ESPR, Band 29, Heft 20, S. 29385-29390
ISSN: 1614-7499
Insight on the deterioration of cultural objects: a multi-analytical approach to characterize degradation products of lead weights from a Steinway & sons piano
In: Environmental science and pollution research: ESPR, Band 30, Heft 47, S. 104633-104639
ISSN: 1614-7499
AbstractThe identification of the degradation products in objects of cultural significance, including musical instruments (e.g., a piano), is a key issue for the preservation and valorisation processes of cultural heritage. The aim of this study is to characterize the degradation products of lead weights from an important Steinway & sons piano using a multi-analytical approach that includes ionic chromatography (IC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses. These techniques allowed us to identify hydrocerussite as the main degradation product on the superficial layer of lead weights, followed by lead acetate and formate. Moreover, accelerated corrosion experiments in closed environments were performed under acetic and formic acid atmospheres to evaluate the development of lead acetate and formate over time. Exposure of lead weights to formic and acetic acid vapours leads to the prevalent formation of basic lead formate, which promotes the formation of hydrocerussite. These results can help to limit the degradation of these piano components and consequently preserve the sound of the piano itself.
Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper": a case study to evaluate the influence of visitors on the Museum preservation systems
In: Environmental science and pollution research: ESPR, Band 29, Heft 20, S. 29391-29398
ISSN: 1614-7499
AbstractThe most important parameter to obtain an appropriate preservation condition of museum environments concerns the indoor air quality. The exposure of artwork and materials to gaseous and particulate pollutants introduced by visitors and either indoor or outdoor sources contributes to their decay. In this work, we evaluated the possible monitoring of the visitors' influence using the stable carbon isotopic ratio of CO2 and the concentration of NH3 as a real-time tool. The study was done in the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Milan, Italy) which houses one of the most important paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, the Last Supper, and had more than 400,000 visitors in 2019. The results confirmed a good correlation between the presence of tourists inside the museum and the variation of δ13C value during the visits and the closure of the museum. The variation of indoor atmospheric δ13C was influenced by the presence of visitors in the Refectory and delineates the way done from the entrance to the exit. In the same way, the concentration of NH3 was influenced by the presence of visitors and confirmed the role of this one on preservation methodology for indoor air quality in the museum. This new methodology can be used as a supplemental and non-invasive tool to help in calibrating microclimatic conditions through the ventilation rate and air filtration systems in the museum and to manage the number of visitors per turn.
Carbonaceous PM10 and PM2.5 and secondary organic aerosol in a coastal rural site near Brindisi (Southern Italy)
In: Environmental science and pollution research: ESPR, Band 25, Heft 24, S. 23929-23945
ISSN: 1614-7499
Use of Zea mays L. in phytoremediation of trichloroethylene
In: Environmental science and pollution research: ESPR, Band 24, Heft 12, S. 11053-11060
ISSN: 1614-7499