Approccio metodologico per l?identificazione delle sorgenti di solfato nell?area di Portoscuso (Sardegna sud occidentale)

Il presente lavoro di tesi si inserisce nello studio più generale di caratterizzazione di tutte le matrici ambientali dell’area esterna al Polo industriale di Portovesme-Portoscuso (Sulcis-Iglesiente, Sud Sardegna) e, ha lo scopo di analizzare il chimismo delle acque e il relativo grado di contaminazione, in relazione alle caratteristiche idrogeologiche degli acquiferi. In particolare, si concentra sull’identificazione delle sorgenti che conferiscono alle acque elevate concentrazioni di solfato. L’approccio metodologico applicato ha riguardato un’indagine piezometrica, il campionamenti delle acque sotterranee e l’effettuazione di analisi chimiche. I risultati di una precedente indagine svolta durante il lavoro di tesi triennale ha consentito di disporre anche di dati isotopici su 34SSO4, 18OSO4, 2HH2O e 18OH2O. Dall’interpretazione dei risultati, tenuto conto del campo di moto dell’acquifero, si è dedotto che parte della contaminazione possa essere di origine naturale (sea spray e decomposizione della sostanza organica marina) e parte di origine antropica (probabile dissoluzione di solfuri provenienti dagli inerti di coltivazione del carbone, solfato atmosferico di provenienza industriale)

Numerically Enhanced Conceptual Modelling (NECoM) applied to the Flumendosa Plain groundwater system (SE Sardinia, Italy)

The alluvial aquifer of the Flumendosa delta plain, in south-eastern Sardinia (Italy), is overexploited for drinking and agriculture purposes and it is subjected to ongoing sea water intrusion phenomena. In a context of progressive quali-quantitative deterioration of groundwater resources, development of a sustainable management plan and, eventually, effective remediation actions require a deep understanding of the investigated system. A systematic review of dataset collected from literature, integrated with new field hydrogeological and geochemical data, is performed to improve the knowledge of the aquifer system. Despite the large amount of processed data, many aspects require further investigations. In this frame, a fast-running steady state groundwater flow numerical model is developed as a tool for testing the preliminary assumptions, to address the main uncertainties, and to optimize the acquisition of new field data. The adopted approach follows the methodology proposed by Lotti et al. (2021) for the development of a Numerically Enhanced Conceptual Model (NECoM). Geometrical discretization of the numerical model is based on results of the 3D hydrogeological reconstruction of the plain area (Arras et al. 2019); simulation of main inflows and outflows, water exchange between surface water bodies and groundwater, irrigation and drinking water withdrawals is performed through the implementation of general head boundaries (GHB), river (RIV), and well (WEL) packages, respectively. Results from the application of the Soil Water Balance code (Porru et al. 2020) are used as input for simulating the average recharge from precipitation. Lateral recharge from the Paleozoic basement is also simulated. More than 4000 heads observations from about 350 wells and piezometers are used as targets in the calibration process; weights are assigned to deal with the high heterogeneity of the dataset quality. RIV and GHB conductance, irrigation well yields, direct and lateral recharge, and hydraulic conductivity are set as parameters in the calibration process. Due to the high sensitivity of some parameters, different calibration cycles are performed; hydraulic conductivities and lateral recharge are then calibrated in the last cycle. Model results show that the hydrogeological conceptualization used for implementing the numerical model can reproduce the main general features of the piezometric head field. According to field observations, the Flumendosa river shows losing conditions in the western part of the plain and next to the river mouth, while gaining conditions occur in its central part; gaining conditions are also observed along the abandoned branches of the Flumendosa river, also known as foxi. Moreover, mass balance analysis show that the Flumendosa river represents the main recharge input of the whole groundwater system, providing an average inflow of about 4.3 Mm3/year. Nevertheless, several local incongruencies with the observed data were precious to highlight the effects of unknown variables such as agricultural extraction wells, the hydrogeological role of the bedrock or the water exchange between surface and groundwater bodies. The discrepancies, rather than the agreements, provided useful direction for the detection of new data to be collected to capture the salient information needed for a proper water resource management

A methodological approach for the identification of sulphate sources in the Portoscuso area (south-western Sardinia)

Several detrimental effects due to intense industrial activities affect the groundwater of the Portoscuso area (SW Sardinia, Italy) such that the Italian Government has designed the whole territory as a contaminated site of national interest (D.M., March 12, 2003). Groundwater pollution is a crucial environmental issue in this area, where a volcanic ignimbrite succession up to 500 m thick outcrops, locally covered by sand deposits of variable thickness. Groundwater upgradient to the industrial district shows sulphate concentrations exceeding the background value of 450 mg/L calculated for the area (Vecchio et al., 2011). In order to verify the origin of sulphate, multidisciplinary investigations were carried out on the geochemical features and stable isotope ratios in groundwater

Assessing Recharge Sources and Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Groundwater: A Hydrogeological and Multi-Isotopic Approach

One of the crucial challenges of our time is climate change. The consequences of rising sea levels and drought greatly impact water resources, potentially worsening seawater intrusion. Characterizing coastal aquifers is an essential step in devising strategies to address these phenomena. Seawater intrusion poses a critical socio-economic and environmental issue in the coastal plain of Muravera, southeastern Sardinia (Italy). This coastal plain is an important agricultural area in Sardinia, and the health of the crops is compromised by the increasing salinization of shallow groundwater. To enhance our understanding of the hydrogeological conceptual model, which is essential for a sustainable resource management system, hydrogeological investigations were conducted and complemented by the chemical and multi-isotopic analyses of groundwater. The main objectives of this study were to identify groundwater recharge areas, understand salinization mechanisms and trace the evolution of water chemistry. Within this framework, a monthly survey monitoring piezometric level and electrical conductivity was carried out for one year. This survey was integrated with chemical and isotope analyses, including δ18OH2O and δ2HH2O, δ11B, δ18OSO4, δ34SSO4, and 87Sr/86Sr. Hydrochemistry analysis results revealed the occurrence of seawater–freshwater mixing, extending up to 4 km inland. H2O isotope analysis confirmed the mixing processes and indicated the meteoric origin of recharge waters for both shallow and semi-confined aquifers. The strontium isotopes ratio facilitated the identification of four main groundwater flow paths, confirmed by the SIAR model. The results of this combined hydrogeological–geochemical–isotopic survey provide essential elements for the future implementation of an integrated and sustainable management system. These findings enable interventions to slow the process of seawater intrusion and meet the economic needs for the development of local communities

A Methodological Approach For The Effective Infiltration Assessment In A Coastal Groundwater

Accurate estimates of spatial and temporal distribution of groundwater recharge are of utmost importance to protect groundwater systems. In coastal areas, the fragility of the systems makes such estimates critical for the correct management and protection of water resources from saltwater intrusion. The Muravera coastal plain, in the south-eastern Sardinia, has been studied since 1960, due to important saltwater intrusion phenomena. Since the early fifties, the natural hydrodynamic equilibrium between groundwater, surface-water and seawater has been deeply modified by the construction of four dams across the Flumendosa river and the development of agriculture, tourism and aquaculture activities along the coast. To implement an integrated and sustainable management system addressed to slow down the process of saltwater intrusion and, on the other, satisfy human requirements, it is important to develop a flexible scenario analysis system that considers changes of land-use and inputs to the hydrogeological system, also in relation to climate change. In this study, the innovative Soil Water Balance code (SWB) has been applied to the Muravera plain groundwater body to calculate spatial and temporal variations of groundwater recharge. The code calculates the recharge (R) by using geographic system (GIS) data layers in combination with tabular climatological data. It is based on a modified Thornthwaite - Mather soil water balance approach, with components of the soil water balance calculated at a daily time-step. A combined experimental approach of hydrogeological, satellite remote sensing and pedological methodologies has been applied to derive data layers describing local features of: (1) land-use classification, (2) hydrologic soil group, (3) flow direction, and (4) soil-water capacity. The code has proved to be promising for the effective infiltration assessment and it can be easily updated with high resolution data acquired in the field and from satellite images

Psychological treatments and psychotherapies in the neurorehabilitation of pain. Evidences and recommendations from the italian consensus conference on pain in neurorehabilitation

BACKGROUND: It is increasingly recognized that treating pain is crucial for effective care within neurological rehabilitation in the setting of the neurological rehabilitation. The Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation was constituted with the purpose identifying best practices for us in this context. Along with drug therapies and physical interventions, psychological treatments have been proven to be some of the most valuable tools that can be used within a multidisciplinary approach for fostering a reduction in pain intensity. However, there is a need to elucidate what forms of psychotherapy could be effectively matched with the specific pathologies that are typically addressed by neurorehabilitation teams. OBJECTIVES: To extensively assess the available evidence which supports the use of psychological therapies for pain reduction in neurological diseases. METHODS: A systematic review of the studies evaluating the effect of psychotherapies on pain intensity in neurological disorders was performed through an electronic search using PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Based on the level of evidence of the included studies, recommendations were outlined separately for the different conditions. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 2352 results and the final database included 400 articles. The overall strength of the recommendations was medium/low. The different forms of psychological interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, cognitive or behavioral techniques, Mindfulness, hypnosis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Brief Interpersonal Therapy, virtual reality interventions, various forms of biofeedback and mirror therapy were found to be effective for pain reduction in pathologies such as musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Central Post-Stroke pain, Phantom Limb Pain, pain secondary to Spinal Cord Injury, multiple sclerosis and other debilitating syndromes, diabetic neuropathy, Medically Unexplained Symptoms, migraine and headache. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological interventions and psychotherapies are safe and effective treatments that can be used within an integrated approach for patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation for pain. The different interventions can be specifically selected depending on the disease being treated. A table of evidence and recommendations from the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation is also provided in the final part of the pape

What is the role of the placebo effect for pain relief in neurorehabilitation? Clinical implications from the Italian consensus conference on pain in neurorehabilitation

Background: It is increasingly acknowledged that the outcomes of medical treatments are influenced by the context of the clinical encounter through the mechanisms of the placebo effect. The phenomenon of placebo analgesia might be exploited to maximize the efficacy of neurorehabilitation treatments. Since its intensity varies across neurological disorders, the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation (ICCP) summarized the studies on this field to provide guidance on its use. Methods: A review of the existing reviews and meta-analyses was performed to assess the magnitude of the placebo effect in disorders that may undergo neurorehabilitation treatment. The search was performed on Pubmed using placebo, pain, and the names of neurological disorders as keywords. Methodological quality was assessed using a pre-existing checklist. Data about the magnitude of the placebo effect were extracted from the included reviews and were commented in a narrative form. Results: 11 articles were included in this review. Placebo treatments showed weak effects in central neuropathic pain (pain reduction from 0.44 to 0.66 on a 0-10 scale) and moderate effects in postherpetic neuralgia (1.16), in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (1.45), and in pain associated to HIV (1.82). Moderate effects were also found on pain due to fibromyalgia and migraine; only weak short-term effects were found in complex regional pain syndrome. Confounding variables might have influenced these results. Clinical implications: These estimates should be interpreted with caution, but underscore that the placebo effect can be exploited in neurorehabilitation programs. It is not necessary to conceal its use from the patient. Knowledge of placebo mechanisms can be used to shape the doctor-patient relationship, to reduce the use of analgesic drugs and to train the patient to become an active agent of the therapy

What is the role of the placebo effect for pain relief in neurorehabilitation? Clinical implications from the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation

Background: It is increasingly acknowledged that the outcomes of medical treatments are influenced by the context of the clinical encounter through the mechanisms of the placebo effect. The phenomenon of placebo analgesia might be exploited to maximize the efficacy of neurorehabilitation treatments. Since its intensity varies across neurological disorders, the Italian Consensus Conference on Pain in Neurorehabilitation (ICCP) summarized the studies on this field to provide guidance on its use. Methods: A review of the existing reviews and meta-analyses was performed to assess the magnitude of the placebo effect in disorders that may undergo neurorehabilitation treatment. The search was performed on Pubmed using placebo, pain, and the names of neurological disorders as keywords. Methodological quality was assessed using a pre-existing checklist. Data about the magnitude of the placebo effect were extracted from the included reviews and were commented in a narrative form. Results: 11 articles were included in this review. Placebo treatments showed weak effects in central neuropathic pain (pain reduction from 0.44 to 0.66 on a 0-10 scale) and moderate effects in postherpetic neuralgia (1.16), in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (1.45), and in pain associated to HIV (1.82). Moderate effects were also found on pain due to fibromyalgia and migraine; only weak short-term effects were found in complex regional pain syndrome. Confounding variables might have influenced these results. Clinical implications: These estimates should be interpreted with caution, but underscore that the placebo effect can be exploited in neurorehabilitation programs. It is not necessary to conceal its use from the patient. Knowledge of placebo mechanisms can be used to shape the doctor-patient relationship, to reduce the use of analgesic drugs and to train the patient to become an active agent of the therapy

Caratterizzazione idrogeologica avanzata dell’acquifero alluvionale della piana costiera di Muravera

Many coastal areas around the world, especially low-lying delta areas, have a high density population and host important economic activities. In such context groundwater abstraction for public water, irrigation and private water supply can lead to over-exploitation and seawater intrusion phenomena. Saltwater intrusion is a critical socio-economic and environmental issue in the coastal plain of Muravera, south-eastern Sardinia (Italy). Since the early fifties the natural hydrodynamic equilibrium between groundwater, surface-water and seawater has been deeply modified by human interventions mainly related to the development of agriculture and tourism activities. The aim of the work was to contribute to the definition of a sustainable water management system to assure the equilibrium between the freshwater inputs to the plain aquifer and the withdraws, thus containing the extent of saltwater intrusion. A density dependent groundwater flow and coupled solute transport model was built for the plain taking into account input and output to the hydrogeological system. Three main tasks were developed to implement the model addressing the following questions: i) what is the amount of natural recharge? ii) how fast do the aquifer respond to the recharge? iii) where do the further recharge to the aquifer come from? iv) how do the salt wedge extend inland and at depth? The Soil Water Balance code (SWB) and the Water Table Fluctuation (WTF) method were applied to estimate the natural recharge and the behaviour of the aquifer to the indirect recharge. A monthly piezometric and electrical conductivity monitoring survey was carried out to recognize eventual trends, main contribution on aquifer recharge and salinization mechanisms. Water chemistry evolution and flow path were investigated through chemical and isotope analyses of δ18OH2O e δ2HH2O, δ11B, δ18OSO4, δ34SSO4, 87Sr/86Sr. Moreover, analyses of 3H, 3He, CFC-11, CFC-12 and SF6 were carried out to date groundwater and to evaluate recharge time. The SEAWAT based iMOD-WQ software developed by Deltares was used to implement the numerical model, which allows the simulation of groundwater management scenarios contributing to the sustainable use of water resources in the coastal environment, addressing human and environment needs

Tidal dynamics and saline intrusion in coastal aquifers: A case study of the Flumendosa Coastal Plain, Sardinia

Coastal aquifers are essential sources of freshwater that support human populations and ecosystems. The threat of saline intrusion, a complex phenomenon that is being exacerbated by various anthropogenic and natural factors, is posing a growing threat to these invaluable sources. When seawater infiltrates freshwater aquifers, it results in saline intrusion, which compromises their quality and potability. Tidal fluctuations have a significant impact on these aquifers, altering groundwater dynamics and exacerbating saline intrusion. Fluctuations in groundwater levels within coastal aquifer systems are linked to the ebb and flow of the sea due to tidal activity. The influence of tides on the aquifers towards inland gradually diminishes in accordance with the hydraulic characteristics. Understanding the effects of tidal patterns and aquifer salinization is crucial for effective management and preservation of groundwater sources. Monitoring the influence of tides on groundwater behaviour is fundamental to develop predictive models and implement adaptive strategies, ensuring the sustainable utilization of coastal aquifers amidst mounting challenges of saline intrusion. The Flumendosa coastal plain, in southeastern Sardinia, hosts a complex hydrogeological system affected by saline intrusion due to aquifer overexploitation for various anthropogenic activities. Agriculture is the prevalent activity that persists within this area and in particular, the eastern sector was dedicated to rice cultivation. The eastern part of the valley lies at elevations close to the sea level that have a significant influence on piezometric fluctuations due to tidal variations. Tidal changes in coastal aquifers play a pivotal role, leading potentially to an increase in soil salinization. The relationship between tidal variations and aquifer salinization is the focus of this study because this phenomenon can change the interface between freshwater and saline water. To register tidal fluctuations and the subsequent piezometric changes influenced by the aquifer response, a monitoring system has been implemented. It includes continuous measurements of sea levels at the S. Giovanni fish-farm site, and groundwater levels at two piezometers located within a 3 km buffer inland from the coastline. Electrical conductivity of groundwater is also measured at one piezometer site. Additional monitoring points will be implemented in the coming months. Monitoring results will enhance our understanding of the mechanisms affecting aquifer response and saline intrusion dynamics with respect to tides and concomitant effects like aquifer exploitation. Analysing tidal response data offers also valuable insights into aquifer parameters, complementing approaches like pumping tests. Furthermore, these tidal insights yield crucial information on hydrogeological aspects, including aquifer confinement, spatial variations in hydraulic properties, and connectivity patterns within the aquifers. This data enhances our understanding of aquifer dynamics, improving comprehensive aquifer characterization efforts