STUDIO ETNOARCHEOMETRICO DI MALTE AEREE A LEGANTE GESSOSO NELL’AREA DELLE MADONIE (SICILIA SETTENTRIONALE)

The Madonie Regional Park, which covers an area of about 400 square kilometres, is an ideal context where environment and man activities are still mixed harmoniously. In the last years a variety of ethno-archaeometric investigations have been carried out in order to study various aspects of the "material culture" of this territory. In particular, the research was focused on the production of majolica which have had a great importance since the early decades of the 16th century thanks to the geolithological features of the Madonie area, particularly rich in clayey raw material. The traditional building techniques of the Madonie which involve several typologies of building materials (used for ordinary masonry, decorative elements, in the manufacture of artificial aggregates) were also influenced by the geological characteristics of the territory. In this direction, several studies have been recently organized in order to identify the ancient sources of raw materials and the reconstruction of the so-called "productive chain". The present contribution is aimed to the characterization of gypsum-based mortars locally made and widely employed on building tradition of the Madonie area. These were made using gypsum as raw material extracted in the same area and fired in special furnaces that today are testified only by few ruins. The examined samples are representative of gypsum mortars used on local stone-built structure. The study, enriched by documentary/ethnographic research on traditional kilns, locally called "carcare", was conducted by means of mineralogical and petrographic methods (XRD, optical microscopy and SEM-EDS) with the aim to characterize historic mortars in terms of composition and texture and recover the ancient recipes and also localize the source area of raw materials. The data obtained will be useful for planning the restoration (integration or replacement) of historic buildings in the area

Natural and anthropogenic sources of total suspended particulate and their contribution to the formation of black crusts on building stone materials of Catania (Sicily)

Blackening and disaggregation of exposed surfaces of stone monuments are well-known effects of stone decay taking place in polluted urban environments all over the world. This paper aims to assess the contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources of total suspended particulate (TSP) causing permanent damage (black crusts) to the stone monuments of Catania (Sicily), one of the most popular ‘‘cities of art’’ of southern Italy. Atmospheric pollution of Catania, a typical Mediterranean coastal town, is mainly contributed by vehicle exhaust emissions rather than industrial ones. Episodically, the city also suffers gaseous and ash emissions (plumes) from the nearby Mount Etna volcano. Thus, to discriminate between natural and anthropogenic contributions to stone decay on Catania monuments, black crusts and TSP were sampled within the urban area and subjected to specific analytical procedures (optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectrometry, ionic chromatography and dual inlet mass spectrometry). Mineralogical, chemical and isotopic characterization of black crusts and TSP provided new insights concerning the partition of sulfate sources in this particular urban context. The influence of Mount Etna emissions on both TSP and black crusts compositions was shown. Nevertheless, the key role of anthropogenic sources in the total sulfate budget was confirmed, while sea spray and volcanic emissions were found to make subordinate contributions. Quantitative data useful for the identification of the threshold pollution levels for preventive conservation of Catania monuments were obtained

Archaeometric evidence attesting production of indigenous archaic pottery at Monte Polizzo (Western Sicily)

Excavations at the proto-urban indigenous settlement of Monte Polizzo (western Sicily) have not yielded so far any evidence of in-situ ceramic production (i.e. kiln structures). However several archaeological concerns put forward to consider it as a likely production centre of pottery during the Archaic age. In this paper a first attempt to check the compositional correspondence between ceramic fabrics and local clay sources has been made. A comprehensive archaeometric investigation of native pottery, mainly composed of matte-painted table ware dated from the 7th to the 4th century BC, recovered from the Acropolis of Monte Polizzo has allowed the identification of five distinct ‘Paste Compositional Reference Units’ (PCRUs). The five PCRUs were independently identified and confirmed through textural and mineralogical characteristics (petrographic observations) and chemical characterization (XRF analysis). A parallel investigation of clayey raw material of Monte Polizzo’s natural resources revealed two geologic formations the Terravecchia and Marnoso-Arenacea del Belice (MAB). Experimental ceramic briquettes were created and mineralogically and petrographically characterized. A comparison between the native and experimental ceramics revealed that the native ceramists preferred clays from the Terravecchia Formation. The mineralogical, textural and chemical composition of the raw clays of the Terravecchia Formation resulted to be well correlated with the 92% of the native ceramic artefacts recovered from Monte Polizzo. The remaining 8% are interpreted to be imported from the Sicani Mounts area

Phenols content and 2-D electrophoresis protein pattern: a promising tool to monitor Posidonia meadows health state

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The endemic seagrass <it>Posidonia oceanica </it>(L.) Delile colonizes soft bottoms producing highly productive meadows that play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems dynamics. Human activities and natural events are responsible for a widespread meadows regression; to date the identification of "diagnostic" tools to monitor conservation status is a critical issue. In this study the feasibility of a novel tool to evaluate ecological impacts on <it>Posidonia </it>meadows has been tested. Quantification of a putative stress indicator, <it>i.e</it>. phenols content, has been coupled to 2-D electrophoretic protein analysis of rhizome samples.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The overall expression pattern from <it>Posidonia </it>rhizome was determined using a preliminary proteomic approach, 437 protein spots were characterized by p<it>I </it>and molecular weight. We found that protein expression differs in samples belonging to sites with high or low phenols: 22 unique protein spots are peculiar of "low phenols" and 27 other spots characterize "high phenols" samples.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>Posidonia </it>showed phenols variations within the meadow, that probably reflect the heterogeneity of environmental pressures. In addition, comparison of the 2-D electrophoresis patterns allowed to highlight qualitative protein expression differences in response to these pressures. These differences may account for changes in metabolic/physiological pathways as adaptation to stress. A combined approach, based on phenols content determination and 2-D electrophoresis protein pattern, seems a promising tool to monitor <it>Posidonia </it>meadows health state.</p

Volcanogenic particulates and gases from Etna volcano (Italy)

Volcanic emissions represent one of the most relevant natural sources of trace elements to the troposphere. Due to their potential toxicity they may have important environmental impacts from the local to the global scale and they can severely affect the atmospheric and terrestrial environment also at timescales ranging from a few to million years. Etna volcano is known as one of the largest global contributors of magmatic gases (CO2, SO2, and halogens) and particulate matter, including some toxic trace elements. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical composition and the mineralogical features of the volcanogenic aerosol passively emitted from Mt. Etna. Nine samples were collected by using the filtration technique at different sites on summer 2010 and 2011. Chemical and mineralogical analyses allowed to discriminate two main constituents: the first is mainly referable to the silicate component in the volcanic plume, like lithic and juvenile fragments, crystals (e.g., plagioclases, pyroxenes, oxides) and shards of volcanic glass; the second one is linked to the soluble components like sulfosalts or halide minerals (sulfates, chlorides and fluorides). These investigations are especially important in the study area because the summit of Mt. Etna is yearly visited by nearly one hundred thousand tourists that are exposed to potentially harmful compounds

Study of the effects of salt crystallisation on degradation of limestone rocks

Salt crystallization is widely recognized as a cause of deterioration of porous building materials. In particular, the crystallization pressure of salt crystals growing in confined pores is found to be the main cause for damage. The aim of this study is to better understand the degradation of porous rocks induced by salt crystallisation and correlate such processes with the intrinsic characteristics of materials. With this intend, an experimental salt weathering simulation has been carried out on two limestones widely used in the Baroque architecture of eastern Sicily. A systematic approach including petrographic, porosimetric and colorimetric analyses, was used to evaluate the correlation among salt crystallisation, microstructural and chromatic variations of limestone. Results showed a quite different resistance of the two limestones to salt damage, and this was found to be strongly dependent on their pore structure and textural characteristics

Environmental impact assessment on the Monza cathedral (Italy): a multi-analytical approach

This research deals with the characterization of black crusts collected from the Dome of Monza (Milan, Italy). Air pollution is responsible for the degradation of historical buildings surfaces. In urban and industrial areas, the degradation process is accelerated, due to carbonaceous particles and heavy metals emitted by combustion processes which contribute to the formation of black crust (BCs). In this study the characterization of BC was performed using different analytical techniques such as: HRSEM-EDX, IC, LA-ICP/MS and digital image analysis. In particular, the research focused on the study of "heavy metals" which contribute to the identify the main sources of pollution responsible for the surface’s deterioration over time. BCs variability in composition also depends on the exposure of the analyzed surfaces.J. Santiago Pozo-Antonio thanks the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) for his “Juan de la Cierva-incorporación” (IJCI-2017-3277) contract. C. Cardell thanks the financial support provided by Spanish Research Projects AERIMPACT (CGL2012-30729) and EXPOAIR (P12-FQM-1889), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), and the Andalusian Research Group RNM-179. SEM-EDX analyses were performed in the Scientific Instrumentation Centre (CIC) of the University of Granada (Spain)

Le postazioni militari cartaginesi della prima guerra punica su Monte Pellegrino (Palermo)

The excavation in the park of Villa Belmonte (Monte Pellegrino, Palermo) has brought to light several warehouses, made with a “pseudo-frame” technique, probably with a straw roof, used for the storage of foodstuffs, given the large quantity of Punic-type amphorae found in situ, datable to around the middle of the third century BC. In addition, a section of road - about 3 m wide that proceeds in the direction of WNW- ESE, consisting of two layers of use - has been intercepted. We believe to have tracked down part of a strategic/military station used by the Carthaginian army during the crucial years of the First Punic War.Lo scavo nel parco di Villa Belmonte (Monte Pellegrino, Palermo) ha messo in luce diversi ambienti, realizzati con una tecnica a “pseudo telaio” probabilmente con copertura straminea, adoperati per lo stoccaggio di derrate data la grande quantità di anfore di tipo punico rinvenute in situ, databili intorno alla metà del III sec. a.C. Inoltre, si è intercettato un tratto di strada larga circa 3 m che procede in direzione WNW- ESE, costituita da due battuti. Si ritiene di avere rintracciato parte di una postazione a carattere strategico/militare utilizzata dall’esercito cartaginese durante gli anni cruciali della I guerra punica

Etna International Training School of Geochemistry. Science meets Practice

Also this year, the \u201cEtna International Training School of Geochemistry. Science meets practice\u201d took place at Mt. Etna, now in its fourth edition. The school was hosted in the historical Volcanological Observatory \u201cPizzi Deneri\u201d, one of the most important sites of the INGV - Osservatorio Etneo for geochemical and geophysical monitoring. Mount Etna, located in eastern Sicily, is the largest active volcano in Europe and one of the most intensely degassing volcanoes of the world [Allard et al., 1991; Gerlach, 1991]. Mt Etna emits about 1.6 % of global H2O fluxes from arc volcanism [Aiuppa et al., 2008] and 10 % of global average volcanic emission of CO2 and SO2 [D\u2019Alessandro et al., 1997; Caltabiano et al., 2004; Aiuppa et al., 2008; Carn et al., 2017]. Furthermore, Gauthier and Le Cloarec, [1998] underscored that Mt. Etna is an important source of volcanic particles, having a mass flux of particle passively released from the volcano during non-eruptive period estimated between 7 to 23 tons/day [Martin et al., 2008; Calabrese et al., 2011]. In general, Etna is considered to be still under evolution and rather \u2018friendly\u2019, which, along with the above, makes it a favorable natural laboratory to study volcanic geochemistry. The Observatory Pizzi Deneri was sponsored by Haroun Tazieff, and it was built in 1978 by the CNR - International Institute of Volcanology under the direction of Prof. Letterio Villari. It is located at the base of the North-East crater (2,850 m a.s.l.), near the Valle del Leone and it was built on the rim of the Ellittico caldera. A picturesque building, consisting of two characteristics domes in front of the breath-taking panorama of the summit craters. Even though it is quite spartan as an accommodation facility, the dormitories, kitchen, seminar room and laboratory are well equipped. In other words, the Pizzi Deneri observatory is a unique place close to the top of the most active volcano of Europe. The observatory lies in a strategic location making it one of the most important sites for monitoring, research and dissemination of the scientific culture. After six field multidisciplinary campaigns (2010-2015) organized by a group of researchers of several institutions (INGV of Palermo, Catania, Naples, Bologna; Universities of Palermo, Florence, Mainz, Heidelberg), the idea of sharing and passing on the experience to the new generation of students has materialized, and the \u201cEtna International Training School of Geochemistry. Science meets practice\u201d was born in 2016. The four editions of the school were partially funded by INGV of Palermo and Catania, European Geoscience Union (EGU), Societ\ue0 Geochimica Italiana (SoGeI) and Associazione Naturalistica Geode. The conceptual idea of the school is to share scientific knowledge and experiences in the geochemical community, using local resources with a low-cost organization in order to allow as many students as possible access to the school. The \u201cEtna International Training School of Geochemistry. Science meets practice\u201d is addressed to senior graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, fellows, and newly appointed assistant professors, aiming to bring together the next generation of researchers active in studies concerning the geochemistry and the budget of volcanic gases. Introduce the participants with innovative direct sampling and remote sensing techniques. Furthermore, it gives young scientists an opportunity to experiment and evaluate new protocols and techniques to be used on volcanic fluid emissions covering a broad variety of methods. The teaching approach includes theoretical sessions (lectures), practical demonstrations and field applications, conducted by international recognized geochemists. We thank all the teachers who helped to make the school possible, among these: Tobias Fischer (University of New Mexico Albuquerque), Jens Fiebig (Institut f\ufcr Geowissenschaften Goethe-Universit\ue4t Frankfurt am Main), Andri Stefansson (University of Iceland, Institute of Earth Sciences), Mike Burton (University of Manchester), Nicole Bobrowski (Universit\ue4t Heidelberg Institute of Environmental Physics and Max Planck Institute for Chemistry), Alessandro Aiuppa (Universit\ue0 di Palermo), Franco Tassi (Universit\ue0 di Firenze), Walter D\u2019Alessandro (INGV of Palermo), Fatima Viveiros (University of the Azores). Direct sampling of high-to-low temperature fumaroles, plume measurement techniques (using CO2/SO2 sensors such as Multi-GAS instruments, MAX-DOAS instruments and UV SO2 cameras, alkaline traps and particle filters), measurement of diffuse soil gas fluxes of endogenous gases (CO2, Hg0, CH4 and light hydrocarbons), sampling of mud volcanoes, groundwaters and bubbling gases. Sampling sites include the active summit craters, eruptive fractures and peripheral areas. The students have shown an active participation both to the lessons and the fieldworks. Most of them describe the school as formative and useful experience for their future researches. Their enthusiasm is the real engine of this school