Benthic foraminifera and brachiopods from a marine cave in Spain: environmental significance

Sediment samples from a marine cave in the Murcia region (eastern Spain) were analysed for grain size, total benthic foraminiferaand dead brachiopoda to obtain environmental information through physical and ecological data in order to understandthe benthic communities of cave environments and their ecological significance. A total of 100 foraminiferal and 7 brachiopodspecies were classified, highlighting the first occurrence in the western Mediterranean of Gwynia capsula (Jeffreys, 1859). Statistical analysis applied to foraminiferal data allowed the identification of three assemblages characterised by decreasing species diversity along the cave. This corresponded to a similar separation recognisable through changes in brachiopod species abundance and well-correlated with cave morphology. The relative abundance of epifaunal clinging-attached foraminifera as well as the rate of cave and sciaphilic/coralligenous Brachiopoda, thought to be representative of the degree of separation from marine conditions,were found to be highly correlated, increasing towards the inner cave. Our hypothesis was that despite the different lifestyles ofthese two groups, the strict correlation of environmental factors (i.e. light, nutrients, sediment texture, water parameters) changingalong the length of the cave determines a comprehensive environmental gradient, causing an increase in environmental stress that has similar effects on the different taxonomic groups

Assessment of Trace Metals in Sediments from Khnifiss Lagoon (Tarfaya, Morocco)

Surface sediments from Khnifiss lagoon (Morocco) were analyzed to evaluate the contamination degree of the area. Concentrations of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined on samples taken during the summer and the autumn of 2016. On the whole, higher concentrations were found in the summer season. The results revealed the following average concentrations (mg/kg), reported in descending order: Zn (51.7 ± 31.3) > V (38.8 ± 24.7) > Cr (26.6 ± 17.8) > Ni (16.5 ± 5.47) > As (8.50 ± 2.00) > Cu (6.60 ± 3.81) > Pb (6.13 ± 3.46) > Co (3.57 ± 2.09) > Cd (0.16 ± 0.11) > Hg (0.006 ± 0.001). Organic matter showed a positive significant correlation with some trace metals (mainly V, Cr, Co, Zn, Cd, Pb). Three pollution indices were calculated: Enrichment Factor (EF), Index of Geo−accumulation (Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI). Minimal enrichments (for Zn, As, and Cd) were detected at some sampling points. Overall indices showed that the Khnifiss sediments can be classified as not contaminated, and that the trace metals amounts found are ascribable to the geogenic origin. The results of this work can be used as a starting point for further evaluations of trace metals distribution in Moroccan lagoons

The malacological work of Arcangelo Scacchi (1810-1893). Part II: a critical review of Scacchian taxa

Volume: 40Start Page: 114End Page: 13

Carta dell'erosione del suolo del Lazio meridionale

The present work was aimed to test the operability of the RUSLE prediction model, on the basis of available data, in combination with different interpolation methods in the area of southern Lazio (central Italy). The work was based on published rainfall, soil, land-cover and elevation data archives and on a quick supplementary soil sampling survey. The RUSLE factors were computed by means of different correlation formulae and algorithms. Despite the lack of information data, the obtained soil erosion map can provide a useful reference frame of the soil loss potential for regional planning purposes

An Integrated Approach to Identify Water Resources for Human Consumption in an Area Affected by High Natural Arsenic Content

This study concerns the occurrence of arsenic in the groundwater system of the Cimino-Vico volcanic area (central Italy), different parts of which are currently widely used for local drinking water supply and for irrigation. The system shows a complex groundwater circulation, including a continuous basal aquifer, discontinuous perched aquifers, groundwater flows at high altitude, and local interactions with rising thermal fluids. Data on arsenic contents in 250 water samples from springs and wells and in 68 samples from rock outcrops were measured and combined with already existing information. Results highlight that arsenic concentrations of groundwater are influenced by type of aquifer, groundwater flow path, arsenic content of the aquifer rocks, and interaction with fluids rising from depth. Waters circulating in the Vico volcanics, one of the prominent rock units of the area, have high concentrations of arsenic, both for the basal and the perched aquifers. A large fraction of the waters associated with this rock unit have arsenic contents higher than 10 μg/L (82 percent for basal, 40 percent for perched). In contrast, waters circulating in the Cimino volcanics have lower arsenic contents: 30 percent of the basal and 10 percent of the perched aquifers have arsenic concentrations greater than 10 μg/L. Through an integrated approach, including leaching tests to investigate the arsenic behavior concerning the water-rock interaction and a geostatistical modeling of data, it has been possible to identify and tentatively quantify suitable water resources that have arsenic content not exceeding the quality standards for human consumption

Assessment of Trace Metals in Sediments from Khnifiss Lagoon (Tarfaya, Morocco)

Surface sediments from Khnifiss lagoon (Morocco) were analyzed to evaluate the contamination degree of the area. Concentrations of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined on samples taken during the summer and the autumn of 2016. On the whole, higher concentrations were found in the summer season. The results revealed the following average concentrations (mg/kg), reported in descending order: Zn (51.7 ± 31.3) > V (38.8 ± 24.7) > Cr (26.6 ± 17.8) > Ni (16.5 ± 5.47) > As (8.50 ± 2.00) > Cu (6.60 ± 3.81) > Pb (6.13 ± 3.46) > Co (3.57 ± 2.09) > Cd (0.16 ± 0.11) > Hg (0.006 ± 0.001). Organic matter showed a positive significant correlation with some trace metals (mainly V, Cr, Co, Zn, Cd, Pb). Three pollution indices were calculated: Enrichment Factor (EF), Index of Geo−accumulation (Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI). Minimal enrichments (for Zn, As, and Cd) were detected at some sampling points. Overall indices showed that the Khnifiss sediments can be classified as not contaminated, and that the trace metals amounts found are ascribable to the geogenic origin. The results of this work can be used as a starting point for further evaluations of trace metals distribution in Moroccan lagoons