Microbiological environmental monitoring in high-risk departments during building activities in a hospital site

Background. This study examines the microbial and fungal contamination associated with the presence of renovation works in a hospital site in Sardinia (Italy). Methods. Microbiological environmental monitoring was carried out before, during and at the conclusion of the works in the Ophthalmology Department in view of a risk assessment procedure. Results. Although the median values of microbial and fungal counts were found raised during the works, protective measures set out by the internal procedures limited the contamination level. Conclusions. This study emphasizes the benefits of environmental surveillance for airborne contamination to help prevent outbreaks of nosocomial mycosis associated with construction work

Using SPMDs to monitor the seawater concentrations of PAHs and PCBs in marine protected areas (Western Mediterranean).

Aqueous concentrations of individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in coastal sites of two marine protected areas (MPAs), that is, Asinara and the La Maddalena Archipelago, in Sardinia (Western Mediterranean Sea). The use of semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) enabled the detection of dissolved PAHs and PCBs, even in very low concentrations of (pgL-1), in seawater. The results reveal significant differences between the two sampling areas relative to the concentration of the individual PAHs, which provide information concerning the pollution sources affecting relatively pristine environments. The PCBs were generally observed at levels below the detection limits of the utilised method

Moss (Bryum radiculosum) as a bioindicator of trace metal deposition around an industrialised area in Sardinia (Italy)

The moss Bryum radiculosum (Brid.), a species typical of dry and coastal environments, was used as a bioindicator for the estimation of atmospheric trace metal deposition around the industrial site of Portoscuso (Sardinia, Italy), which includes a lead-zinc smelter, two power plants, and aluminium production factories. For Cd, Pb, Zn, and V the results showed very similar patterns with extremely high values in the immediate surroundings of the industrial area. Copper and Cr showed somewhat different patterns, but still pointing to local pollution sources. The levels of metals at distance of about 13 km from the industrial site were still higher than in background samples. In order to evaluate the suitability of B. radiculosum for monitoring studies, trace metal concentrations in moss were compared with bulk deposition measurements in the same area. Correlation was significant only for Pb, Cd, and Zn. For Cr, Cu, and V the results showed high variability, mainly to be ascribed to soil factors. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Passive sampling monitoring of trace metals and organics in seawater in the area of the Costa Concordia disaster (Isola del Giglio, Italy).

This work presents the results of two years monitoring of organics and trace metals in seawater with passive sampling techniques in the area around the wreck of the Costa Concordia cruise ship, which sank off the Mediterranean island of Giglio (Italy) on January 2012. The aim was to monitor bioavailable contaminants released by the wreck and/or produced by the removal yard (Parbuckling project). Sampling was carried out at three sites from May 2012 to September 2014, one month after the removal of the wreck. Two sites were fixed in the vicinity of wreck, at the bow and at the aft of the ship; the third one was located in an unexposed beach of the island. Nine sampling campaigns were carried out. In each station a canister containing semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) was deployed at 10 m. depth, fixed at a buoy by scuba divers. Furthermore, at each canister, 9 diffusive gradients in thin films (DGTs) devices were attached. DGTs with three different resins have been used: Chelex-100 for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb; Fe-oxide for V; Spheron-thiol for Hg. Deployment time for all samplers ranged from 5 to 7 weeks. Repeatability was checked by the exposure of triplicate samplers. SPMDs and POCIS were extracted and analyzed for target compounds by GC/MS. Trace metals accumulated by DGTs were analyzed after elution by GFAAS. Mercury was determined with a direct mercury analyzer. SPMDs allowed the determination of dissolved PAHs, NPD, PCBs, OCPs, and PBDEs. POCIS were used to measure endocrine disruptors, such as alkylphenols, alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), and steroids. The results show higher concentrations of PAHs in the station near the bow of the ship, all along the monitoring period. A significant correlation with V measured by DGTs was pointed out, indicating a contamination by oil, more likely as a result of the yard activities. This work is part of a larger monitoring plan financially supported by the Italian Civil Protection