Release of copper-amended particles from micronized copper-pressure-treated wood during mechanical abrasion

Background: We investigated the particles released due to abrasion of wood surfaces pressure-treated with micronized copper azole (MCA) wood preservative and we gathered preliminary data on its in vitro cytotoxicity for lung cells. The data were compared with particles released after abrasion of untreated, water (0% MCA)-pressure-treated, chromated copper (CC)-pressure-treated wood, and varnished wood. Size, morphology, and composition of the released particles were analyzed. Results: Our results indicate that the abrasion of MCA-pressure-treated wood does not cause an additional release of nanoparticles from the unreacted copper (Cu) carbonate nanoparticles from of the MCA formulation. However, a small amount of released Cu was detected in the nanosized fraction of wood dust, which could penetrate the deep lungs. The acute cytotoxicity studies were performed on a human lung epithelial cell line and human macrophages derived from a monocytic cell line. These cell types are likely to encounter the released wood particles after inhalation. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that under the experimental conditions chosen, MCA does not pose a specific additional nano-risk, i.e. there is no additional release of nanoparticles and no specific nano-toxicity for lung epithelial cells and macrophages

How do turbidite systems behave from the hydrogeological point of view? New insights and open questions coming from an interdisciplinary work in southern Italy

Turbidite successions can behave either as aquitards or aquifers depending on their lithological and hydraulic features. In particular, post-depositional processes can increase rock permeability due to fracture development in the competent layers. Thus, at a local scale, turbidite systems warrant further detailed investigations, aimed at reconstructing reliable hydrogeological models. The objective of this work was to investigate from the hydrogeological perspective a turbiditic aquifer located in southern Italy, where several perennial and seasonal springs were detected. Considering the complex hydrodynamics of these systems at the catchment scale, to reach an optimal characterization, a multidisciplinary approach was adopted. The conceptual framework employed microbial communities as groundwater tracers, together with the physicochemical features and isotopic signature of springs and streams from water samples. Meanwhile, geophysical investigations coupled with the geological survey provided the contextualization of the hydrogeological data into the detailed geological reconstruction of the study area. This modus operandi allowed us to typify several differences among the samples, allowing identification of sources and paths of surface water and groundwater, along with diffuse groundwater outflow along streams. As a final result, a hydrogeological conceptual model was reconstructed, underlining how at a very local scale the lithologic, hydraulic, and geomorphological heterogeneity of the studied relief can lead to an improved hydrogeological conceptual model compared to that of other turbidite systems. These results open new questions about the hydrogeological behavior of turbiditic aquifers, which could be pivotal in future research. In fact, these systems could support relevant ecosystems and anthropic activities, especially where climate change will force the research of new (and probably less hydrogeologically efficient) water sources

Extraction of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn-polyphenol complexes from black tea infusions by Amberlite resins

BACKGROUND: Metals can be present in tea infusion as ions or as complexes with endogenous bioligands naturally occurring in tea, especially with polyphenols. Their chemical form, i.e. free or metal complexes, can affect their actual bioavailability, gastrointestinal absorption and possible toxicity. RESULTS: The total amount of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn in black tea infusions was determined by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy after mineralization and compared with their fractions occurring as polyphenol complexes, extracted using two different polymeric resins: Amberlite XAD-2 and Amberlite XAD-7. CONCLUSION: The obtained results demonstrated the suitability of Amberlite resins for the extraction of Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn–polyphenol complexes from black tea infusions and for the evaluation of the actual distribution of the considered metals among different chemical species, i.e. as free metals and as polyphenol complexes