Soil-Gas Geochemistry: Significance and Application in Geological Prospectings

Gas-geochemistry has been proven to be a reliable and simple technique to apply, at different scales, in many geological scenarios. The study of spatial distribution of soil-gas anomalies, at the surface, can give important and interesting information on the origin and processes involving deep and superficial gas species. This information can be applied and studied in different frameworks, for example: I) seismic zonation, examining, at the surface, anomalous concentrations of deep gas species that upraise throughout preferential pathways (faults and/or fractures); II) environmental protection, monitoring naturally occurring toxic gases and highlighting zones with high health risks for humans; III) geomorphological and structural research, detecting the aggressive fluid piping that causes carsic phenomena; IV) radionuclide migration, both in the pollution assessment from abandoned uranium mines and in the study of high-level radioactive-waste isolation systems. Soil-gas distribution could be affected by surface features such as pedological, biogenic and meteorological factors: these are supposed to have only a subordinate effect on gas leakage. However, it is possible to properly interpret soil-gas anomalies and recognize, and avoid, influences of surface features studying the association of different gases (with different origin and physical/chemical behavior), collecting a large number of samples during periods of stable meteorological and soil moisture conditions (e.g., during dry season) and using appropriate statistical treatment of data (i.e., experimental variograms to investigate the spatial dependency of gas concentrations). We will try, in this paper, to give hints for a better comprehension of the main mechanisms ruling soil-gas features both displaying and discussing some data obtained in either prospecting or monitoring case studies. Soil-gas geochemistry involves the study of many gaseous species (i.e., radiogenic, trace and diagenetic gases) each of them can give specific information on the conditions that allow their formation, accumulation and/or migration. In this study, we outline the results from two analyzed soil-gases: radon (222Rn), a radiogenic trace gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2) which generally acts as carrier for trace gases.Published183-2044.5. Studi sul degassamento naturale e sui gas petroliferiope

Oxidative damage and mitochondrial functionality in hearts from KO UCP3 mice housed at thermoneutrality

The antioxidant role of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) is controversial. This work aimed to investigate the effects of UCP3 on the heart of mice housed at thermoneutral temperature, an experimental condition that avoids the effects of thermoregulation on mitochondrial activity and redox homeostasis, preventing the alterations related to these processes from confusing the results caused by the lack of UCP3. WT and KO UCP3 mice were acclimatized at 30 °C for 4 weeks and hearts were used to evaluate metabolic capacity and redox state. Tissue and mitochondrial respiration, the activities of the mitochondrial complexes, and the protein expression of mitochondrial complexes markers furnished information on mitochondrial functionality. The levels of lipid and protein oxidative damage markers, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the reactive oxygen species levels, and the susceptibility to in vitro Fe-ascorbate-induced oxidative stress furnished information on redox state. UCP3 ablation reduced tissue and mitochondrial respiratory capacities, not affecting the mitochondrial content. In KO UCP3 mice, the mitochondrial complexes activities were lower than in WT without changes in their content. These effects were accompanied by an increase in the level of oxidative stress markers, ROS content, and in vitro susceptibility to oxidative stress, notwithstanding that the activities of antioxidant enzymes were not affected by UCP3 ablation. Such modifications are also associated with enhanced activation/phosphorylation of EIF2α, a marker of integrated stress response and endoplasmic reticulum stress (GRP778 BIP). The lack of UCP3 makes the heart more prone to oxidative insult by reducing oxygen consumption and increasing ROS. Our results demonstrate that UCP3 helps the cell to preserve mitochondrial function by mitigating oxidative stress

Extension of Wavenumber Domain Focusing for spotlight COSMO-SkyMed SAR Data

In this work we describe a method to handle curved orbits in wavenumber domain focusing algorithm for high-resolution SAR data acquired by Low Earth Orbit satellites using spotlight mode. The stand..

Study of natural analogues for the comprehension of gas migration mechanism

Soil gas anomalies are useful to recognize influences of surface features on natural gas migration. The study of the association of different gases (with different origin and physical/chemical behavior), the collection of a large number of samples during periods of stable meteorological and soil moisture conditions (e.g., during dry season) and the use of appropriate statistical treatment of data are fundamental in the comprehension of gas migration mechanism. Gas geochemistry has been proven to be a reliable and simple technique to apply, at different scales, to many geological scenarios [Quattrocchi et al. 2001; Baubron et al. 2002; De Gregorio et al. 2002; Pizzino et al. 2002; Lewicki et al. 2003; Voltattorni et al. 2009; Lombardi and Voltattorni, 2010]. The study of spatial distribution of soil gas anomalies, at the surface, can give important and interesting information on the origin and processes involving deep and superficial gas species. This information can be applied and studied in different frameworks, for example: 1. geological sequestration of anthropogenic CO2 to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released to the atmosphere. Natural gas emissions represent extremely attractive surrogates for the study and prediction of the possible consequences of leakage from geological sequestration sites of anthropogenic CO2 (i.e., the return to surface potentially causing localized environmental problems). 2. radionuclide migration in the study of high-level radioactive-waste isolation systems. The main approach is to study the natural migration of radiogenic particles or elements throughout clay formations that are considered an excellent isolation and sealing material due to their ability to immobilize water and other substance over geological timescales

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives : data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population.Peer reviewe

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Rn, He and CO2 soil gas geochemistry for the study of active and inactive faults

Two Italian areas, characterized by different seismological histories, were investigated to enhance the basic knowledge of gas migration mechanisms during earthquakes. Sharp variations occur in the movement and concentration of some gaseous species due to the evolution of the local stress regime. The first area (Colpasquale) is located in the central Italian region of Marche and provided a good location to study gas migration in a seismically active region. The area was devastated by a sequence of shallow earthquakes over a 3 month-long period (September-December, 1997). The occurrence of this catastrophic event, as well as the long duration of the "seismic sequence", presented a unique opportunity to study gas migration in a zone undergoing active displacement. Soil gas surveys were performed 1 day, 1 week, 1 year and 2 years after the main shock (Ms 5.6) in the Colpasquale area. In particular, results highlight a change in the Rn distribution during the three monitoring years indicating a variation of gas migration that may be linked to the evolution of the stress regime. The second study area is located in the Campidano Graben (southern part of Sardinia Island). This area is characterized by seismic quiescence, displaying an almost complete lack of historical earthquakes and instrumentally recorded seismicity. The consistently low values observed for all analyzed gases suggest that the studied area is likely characterized by sealed, non-active faults that prevent significant gas migration. The comparison of data from both studied areas indicate that soil gas geochemistry is useful to locate tectonic discontinuities even when they intersect non-cohesive clastic rocks near the surface and thus are not visible (i.e., "blind faults"). (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Geological and geochemical analysis for the individuation of regional discontinuities: the Comino valley (Southern Latium, Central Italy)

A multidisciplinary study based mainly on aerophotogeological interpretation and geochemical prospectings were performed in the Comino valley area which extends between Vicalvi and San Donato Val di Comino villages. The studied area covers 70 km2 of a considered key-area in the geological-seismic framework of the Central Apennines. The Comino valley is located in the SW sector of the Central Apennine (Southern Latium) where the “Val Roveto-Atina-Caserta” regional fault has been studied since many years. Indeed, according with some authors, this fault can be interpreted as a crustal discontinuity probably corresponding to a deep step of the Moho. The studied area is also characterized by the presence of secondary tectonic lineaments (e.g. San Donato-Val Comino fault) having a typical Apenninic orientation (NW-SE). The Comino valley is affected by high seismic activity: last destructive earthquake was in May 7, 1984 (ML 5.9) while during 2009 many seismic events (ML < 4) have occurred for several months suggesting a new micro-seismic activity. The spatial soil-gas distributions have been compared with the location and orientation of brittle deformations described in the literature and/or recognized by new field surveys, as well as with morphotectonic features obtained by photogeological analysis. Soil gas results show a pervasive character of the radon, helium and methane values. Soil gas prospecting together with geological survey has provided an inedited and detailed mapping of the structural setting of the studied area and in particular new data about the Comino valley have been acquired. The identified structural lineaments by geological survey as well as the He, CH4 and Rn anomalies in soil gas in correspondence of lineament crossing, suggest that such faults may be considered as the surface expression of a deep structure network (probably down to the Moho) playing a role of important avenue for a vertical and rapid migration of endogenetic gases. In particular, the high Rn median value (51.80 Bq/L) in an area without shallow possible radon sources, suggests a deep origin for this gas and therefore a vertical migration through fractured media, i.e. faults and fractures. The elongated gas anomalies show that the area is characterized by tectonic discontinuities oriented mainly NNW-SSE in accordance with and linked to the regional Val Roveto-Atina-Caserta fault and WSW-ENE that suggest transversal fractured zones. The investigated area is also interested by mineralized springs with a high gaseous component: CO2 is the dominant gas (concentrations > 95 %, v/v) but also discrete amounts of CH4 have been measured (max value: 4200 ppm). The spatial distribution of thermal springs, cold CO2-rich springs and localized gas emissions suggests that the structural framework of the studied area, i.e. the bordering faults of buried structural highs of the carbonate basement, exerts a strong control on the uprising patterns of fluids.UnpublishedTorino (Italy)3.2. Tettonica attivaope

Geological and geochemical analysis for the individuation of regional discontinuities: the Comino valley (Southern Latium, Central Italy)

A multidisciplinary study based mainly on aerophotogeological interpretation and geochemical prospectings were performed in the Comino valley area which extends between Vicalvi and San Donato Val di Comino villages. The studied area covers 70 km2 of a considered key-area in the geological-seismic framework of the Central Apennines. The Comino valley is located in the SW sector of the Central Apennine (Southern Latium) where the “Val Roveto-Atina-Caserta” regional fault has been studied since many years. Indeed, according with some authors, this fault can be interpreted as a crustal discontinuity probably corresponding to a deep step of the Moho. The studied area is also characterized by the presence of secondary tectonic lineaments (e.g. San Donato-Val Comino fault) having a typical Apenninic orientation (NW-SE). The Comino valley is affected by high seismic activity: last destructive earthquake was in May 7, 1984 (ML 5.9) while during 2009 many seismic events (ML < 4) have occurred for several months suggesting a new micro-seismic activity. The spatial soil-gas distributions have been compared with the location and orientation of brittle deformations described in the literature and/or recognized by new field surveys, as well as with morphotectonic features obtained by photogeological analysis. Soil gas results show a pervasive character of the radon, helium and methane values. Soil gas prospecting together with geological survey has provided an inedited and detailed mapping of the structural setting of the studied area and in particular new data about the Comino valley have been acquired. The identified structural lineaments by geological survey as well as the He, CH4 and Rn anomalies in soil gas in correspondence of lineament crossing, suggest that such faults may be considered as the surface expression of a deep structure network (probably down to the Moho) playing a role of important avenue for a vertical and rapid migration of endogenetic gases. In particular, the high Rn median value (51.80 Bq/L) in an area without shallow possible radon sources, suggests a deep origin for this gas and therefore a vertical migration through fractured media, i.e. faults and fractures. The elongated gas anomalies show that the area is characterized by tectonic discontinuities oriented mainly NNW-SSE in accordance with and linked to the regional Val Roveto-Atina-Caserta fault and WSW-ENE that suggest transversal fractured zones. The investigated area is also interested by mineralized springs with a high gaseous component: CO2 is the dominant gas (concentrations > 95 %, v/v) but also discrete amounts of CH4 have been measured (max value: 4200 ppm). The spatial distribution of thermal springs, cold CO2-rich springs and localized gas emissions suggests that the structural framework of the studied area, i.e. the bordering faults of buried structural highs of the carbonate basement, exerts a strong control on the uprising patterns of fluids

Study of natural analogues for the comprehension of gas migration mechanism

Soil gas anomalies are useful to recognize influences of surface features on natural gas migration. The study of the association of different gases (with different origin and physical/chemical behavior), the collection of a large number of samples during periods of stable meteorological and soil moisture conditions (e.g., during dry season) and the use of appropriate statistical treatment of data are fundamental in the comprehension of gas migration mechanism. Gas geochemistry has been proven to be a reliable and simple technique to apply, at different scales, to many geological scenarios [Quattrocchi et al. 2001; Baubron et al. 2002; De Gregorio et al. 2002; Pizzino et al. 2002; Lewicki et al. 2003; Voltattorni et al. 2009; Lombardi and Voltattorni, 2010]. The study of spatial distribution of soil gas anomalies, at the surface, can give important and interesting information on the origin and processes involving deep and superficial gas species. This information can be applied and studied in different frameworks, for example: 1. geological sequestration of anthropogenic CO2 to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released to the atmosphere. Natural gas emissions represent extremely attractive surrogates for the study and prediction of the possible consequences of leakage from geological sequestration sites of anthropogenic CO2 (i.e., the return to surface potentially causing localized environmental problems). 2. radionuclide migration in the study of high-level radioactive-waste isolation systems. The main approach is to study the natural migration of radiogenic particles or elements throughout clay formations that are considered an excellent isolation and sealing material due to their ability to immobilize water and other substance over geological timescales.INGV, U.S.EMBASSY ITALY,CNR-DTA,SARAS, SOGIN, GOLDER ASSOCIATES, POWER TUBE WESTERN EUROPE, CIKTIN, EXXONMOBILPublishedEttore Majorana Foundation and centre for scientific culture - Erice (Sicily)6A. Monitoraggio ambientale, sicurezza e territorioope