Federico Floreani

University of Trieste

Author Statistics

Papers

Citation

H-Index

i-10 index

Research Trends

Author Order

Document Type

Co-Authors

Stefano Covelli

University of Trieste

Nicolò Barago

University of Trieste

Elisa Petranich

University of Trieste

Alessandro Acquavita

Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell’Ambiente Ligure

Elena Pavoni

University of Trieste

Jadran Faganeli

National Institute of Biology

Davide Lenaz

University of Trieste

Francesca Larese Filon

University of Trieste

Luca Cegolon

University of Trieste

Katja Klun

National Institute of Biology

Cooperative Institutions

University of Trieste

National Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology

University of Padua

National Institute of Biology

Geological Survey of Slovenia

Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell’Ambiente Ligure

Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale

Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

University of Castilla-La Mancha

Author Statistics

Papers

Citation

H-Index

i-10 index

Research Field

Spatial Distribution and Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Mercury Concentrations over a Contaminated Coastal Lagoon (Northern Adriatic, Italy)

Atmosphere (2020)

Federico Floreani Nicolò Barago Alessandro Acquavita Stefano Covelli Nicola Skert

The Marano and Grado Lagoon (Northern Adriatic Sea) has been affected by mercury (Hg) contamination coming from two sources, mining activity and discharges from a chlor-alkali plant (CAP). Sediments and water contamination have been previously well characterised, but little is known about the atmospheric compartment, where Hg is easily emitted and can persist for a long time as gaseous elemental mercury (GEM). In this work, atmospheric GEM levels and its spatial distribution over the lagoon were monitored at several sites by means of both continuous discrete instrumental measurements over several months and the determination of Hg bioaccumulated in lichens (Xanthoria parietina L.). Average GEM levels varied from 1.80 ± 0.74 to 3.04 ± 0.66 ng m−3, whereas Hg in lichens ranged between 0.06 to 0.40 mg kg−1. In both cases, the highest values were found downwind of the CAP, but excluding this point, spatial patterns of Hg in the atmosphere and lichens reflected the concentration of this metal in the sediments of the lagoon, showing a decrease moving westward. These results could indicate that the lagoon acts as a secondary source of Hg into the atmosphere: future work is needed to characterise the quantity of releases and depositions at different environments inside the lagoon.

Mercury

10.3390/atmos11121280

Cite

Citations (13)

Diurnal fluxes of gaseous elemental mercury from the water-air interface in coastal environments of the northern Adriatic Sea

The Science of The Total Environment (2019)

Federico Floreani Alessandro Acquavita Elisa Petranich Stefano Covelli

Mercury

Biogeochemical Cycle

Elemental mercury

10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.012

Cite

Citations (28)

Contrasting hair mercury in fishermen and workers of fish industry of Marano Lagunare (Upper Adriatic Sea), a coastal lagoon area contaminated by mining and industrial activities, against residents from the Dolomites Alps

The Science of The Total Environment (2025)

Luca CegolonStefano Covelli Emilia Patriarca Elisa Petranich Federico Floreani

This survey aimed at estimating the concentration of hair mercury (Hg) in fishermen and workers of fish industry of Marano Lagunare (North-eastern Italy, Upper Adriatic Sea). A field investigation was conducted from 2nd of December 2023 through 18th April 2024, on 73 local fishermen, 83 workers of fish industry and 93 controls among residents (mainly farmers/herdsmen) of the Dolomites Alps. An amount of approximately 100 mg of hair was collected from all respondents, who were also asked to fill out a self-administered questionnaire collecting socio-demographic and lifestyles information. The median hair Hg concentration was 2.56 mg/kg in fishermen, 2.31 mg/kg in workers of fish industry and 0.58 mg/kg in controls. Compared with controls from the Dolomites, log-transformed hair Hg increased linearly with the amount of fish consumed (>1 meal per week), consumption of fresh fish and was significantly higher in fish dealers/fish restaurateurs and fishermen, regardless if operating on open sea or lagoon. All study groups but fish farmers and local residents involved in other business exhibited significantly higher odds of hair Hg >2 mg/kg at multiple logistic regression analysis. Whilst above the threshold background exposure recommended by WHO for the general population, the median levels of hair Hg in fishermen and workers of fish industry of Marano Lagunare were still below the cut-off of no health effects observed on human health (11.5 mg/kg). The above evidence most likely reflects contamination of lagoon bed and respective tributary river beds by sedimentary Hg from mining and industrial activities, with subsequent transfer of the metal into the aquatic trophic chain and from there to humans through consumption of local fish.

Mercury

Mercury contamination

Industrial area

10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178039

Cite

Citations (0)

Evasion of Gaseous Elemental Mercury from Forest and Urban Soils Contaminated by Historical and Modern Ore Roasting Processes (Idrija, Slovenia)

Atmosphere (2023)

Federico Floreani Elena Pavoni Mateja Gosar Stefano Covelli

Considerable amounts of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) can be released into the atmosphere from Hg-enriched substrates, such as those from former mining areas, posing a potential environmental threat. In this work, Hg0 fluxes at the soil–air interface under natural vegetation covers were measured in various locations within the Idrija Hg mining area (Slovenia) and its surroundings. Sites were selected in order to compare Hg0 fluxes from both forest soils heavily impacted by historical ore roasting and urban soils characterised by a different degree of Hg enrichment due to the natural occurrence of Hg in rocks or recent mining and roasting processes. Replicate measurements at each site were conducted using a non-steady state flux chamber coupled with a real-time Hg0 analyser (Lumex RA-915M). Moreover, topsoil samples (0–2 cm) were analysed for Hg total concentration and speciation. Cinnabar was the predominant Hg form in almost all the sites. Despite Hg0 being undetectable in soils using thermo-desorption, substantial emissions were observed (70.7–701.8 ng m−2 h−1). Urban soils in a naturally enriched area showed on average the highest Hg0 fluxes, whereas relatively low emissions were found at the historical roasting site, which is currently forested, despite the significantly high total Hg content in soils (up to 219.0 and 10,400 mg kg−1, respectively). Overall, our findings confirm that shading by trees or litter may effectively limit the amount of Hg0 released into the atmosphere even from extremely enriched soils, thus acting as a natural mitigation.

Cinnabar

Roasting

Mercury

Topsoil

10.3390/atmos14061036

Cite

Citations (2)

Concentration of mercury in human hair and associated factors in residents of the Gulf of Trieste (North-Eastern Italy)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research (2022)

Luca CegolonElisa Petranich Elena Pavoni Federico Floreani Nicolò Barago

Abstract The Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) is the coastal area of the Mediterranean Sea most highly contaminated by mercury (Hg) due to fluvial inputs from the Isonzo/Soča River system, draining over 500 years’ worth of cinnabar extraction activity from the Idrija mining district (Western Slovenia). The aim of this research is to investigate the concentration of Hg in hair samples taken from the general population of the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Region coastal area, as a marker of chronic exposure to Hg. Three hundred and one individuals — 119 males and 182 females — were recruited by convenience sampling in Trieste in September 2021. An amount of approximately 100 mg of hair was collected from the occipital scalp of each participant to measure the respective Hg concentrations (expressed as mg/kg). Moreover, participants completed a self-report questionnaire collecting extensive socio-demographic and life-style information. A multiple linear regression analysis was employed to investigate factors associated with increased levels of Hg concentration in hair. A mean Hg concentration in hair of 1.63 mg/kg was found, slightly above the 1.0 mg/kg threshold recommended by the WHO for pregnant women and children, although still well below the no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) of 10 mg/kg. Among respondents, 55.6% showed a Hg concentration in hair > 1 mg/kg, 22.9% > 2 mg/kg, and 2 participants exhibited Hg levels > 10 mg/kg. The adjusted mean hair Hg level increased in those subjects who reported a preference for shellfish/crayfish/mollusks (RC = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.16; 0.55), whereas it decreased in those who reported a preference for frozen fish (RC = -0.23; 95%CI: − 0.39; − 0.06). Though a risk alert for Hg exposure for coastal residents from FVG is deemed unnecessary at this time, it is recommended that pregnant women limit their ingestion of locally caught fish to < 4 servings/month.

Cinnabar

Mercury

Hair analysis

10.1007/s11356-022-23384-z

Cite

Citations (9)

Gaseous Mercury Exchange from Water–Air Interface in Differently Impacted Freshwater Environments

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022)

Federico Floreani Alessandro Acquavita Nicolò Barago Katja Klun Jadran Faganeli

Gaseous exchanges of mercury (Hg) at the water-air interface in contaminated sites strongly influence its fate in the environment. In this study, diurnal gaseous Hg exchanges were seasonally evaluated by means of a floating flux chamber in two freshwater environments impacted by anthropogenic sources of Hg, specifically historical mining activity (Solkan Reservoir, Slovenia) and the chlor-alkali industry (Torviscosa dockyard, Italy), and in a pristine site, Cavazzo Lake (Italy). The highest fluxes (21.88 ± 11.55 ng m-2 h-1) were observed at Solkan, coupled with high dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) and dissolved Hg (THgD) concentrations. Conversely, low vertical mixing and saltwater intrusion at Torviscosa limited Hg mobility through the water column, with higher Hg concentrations in the deep layer near the contaminated sediments. Consequently, both DGM and THgD in surface water were generally lower at Torviscosa than at Solkan, resulting in lower fluxes (19.01 ± 12.65 ng m-2 h-1). However, at this site, evasion may also be limited by high atmospheric Hg levels related to dispersion of emissions from the nearby chlor-alkali plant. Surprisingly, comparable fluxes (15.56 ± 12.78 ng m-2 h-1) and Hg levels in water were observed at Cavazzo, suggesting a previously unidentified Hg input (atmospheric depositions or local geology). Overall, at all sites the fluxes were higher in the summer and correlated to incident UV radiation and water temperature due to enhanced photo production and diffusivity of DGM, the concentrations of which roughly followed the same seasonal trend.

Mercury

Elemental mercury

Methylmercury

Sediment–water interface

10.3390/ijerph19138149

Cite

Citations (7)

Environmental impact of potentially toxic elements on soils, sediments, waters, and air nearby an abandoned Hg-rich fahlore mine (Mt. Avanza, Carnic Alps, NE Italy)

Environmental Science and Pollution Research (2023)

Nicolò Barago Cristiano Mastroianni Elena Pavoni Federico Floreani Filippo Parisi

Abstract The decommissioned fahlore Cu-Sb(-Ag) mine at Mt. Avanza (Carnic Alps, Italy) is a rare example of exploited ore deposits, as the tetrahedrite (Cu 6 [Cu 4 (Fe,Zn) 2 ]Sb 4 S 13 ) is the main ore mineral found. This multi-compartmental geochemical characterisation approach provides one of the first case studies regarding the geochemical behaviour and fate of Hg, Sb, As, Cu, and other elements in solid and water matrices and of Hg in the atmosphere in an environment affected by the mining activity of a fahlore ore deposit. Elevated concentrations of the elements (Cu, Sb, As, Pb, Zn, Hg) associated with both (Zn-Hg)-tetrahedrite and to other minor ore minerals in mine wastes, soils, and stream sediments were observed. Concentrations in waters and stream sediments greatly decreased with increasing distance from the mining area and the I geo index values testify the highest levels of sediment contamination inside the mine area. Thallium and Ge were associated with the “lithogenic component” and not to sulfosalt/sulphide minerals. Although mine drainage water often slightly exceeded the national regulatory limits for Sb and As, with Sb being more mobile than As, the relatively low dissolved concentrations indicate a moderate stability of the tetrahedrite. The fate of Hg at the investigated fahlore mining district appeared similar to cinnabar mining sites around the world. Weak solubility but the potential evasion of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) into the atmosphere also appear to be characteristics of Hg in fahlore ores. Although GEM concentrations are such that they do not present a pressing concern, real-time field surveys allowed for the easy identification of Hg sources, proving to be an effective, suitable high-resolution indirect approach for optimising soil sampling surveys and detecting mine wastes and mine adits.

Tetrahedrite

Cinnabar

Mercury

Stibnite

10.1007/s11356-023-26629-7

Cite

Citations (8)

Dissolved gaseous mercury production and sea-air gaseous exchange in impacted coastal environments of the northern Adriatic Sea

Environmental Pollution (2023)

Federico Floreani Nicolò Barago Katja Klun Jadran Faganeli Stefano Covelli

The northern Adriatic Sea is well known for mercury (Hg) contamination mainly due to historical Hg mining which took place in Idrija (Slovenia). The formation of dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) and its subsequent volatilisation can reduce the amount of Hg available in the water column. In this work, the diurnal patterns of both DGM production and gaseous elemental Hg (Hg0) fluxes at the water-air interface were seasonally evaluated in two selected environments within this area, a highly Hg-impacted, confined fish farm (VN: Val Noghera, Italy) and an open coastal zone less impacted by Hg inputs (PR: Bay of Piran, Slovenia). A floating flux chamber coupled with a real-time Hg0 analyser was used for flux estimation in parallel with DGM concentrations determination through in-field incubations. Substantial DGM production was observed at VN (range = 126.0-711.3 pg L-1) driven by both strong photoreduction and possibly dark biotic reduction, resulting in higher values in spring and summer and comparable concentrations throughout both day and night. Significantly lower DGM was observed at PR (range = 21.8-183.4 pg L-1). Surprisingly, comparable Hg0 fluxes were found at the two sites (range VN = 7.43-41.17 ng m-2 h-1, PR = 0-81.49 ng m-2 h-1), likely due to enhanced gaseous exchanges at PR thanks to high water turbulence and to the strong limitation of evasion at VN by water stagnation and expected high DGM oxidation in saltwater. Slight differences between the temporal variation of DGM and fluxes indicate that Hg evasion is more controlled by factors such as water temperature and mixing conditions than DGM concentrations alone. The relative low Hg losses through volatilisation at VN (2.4-4.6% of total Hg) further confirm that static conditions in saltwater environments negatively affect the ability of this process in reducing the amount of Hg retained in the water column, therefore potentially leading to a greater availability for methylation and trophic transfer.

Mercury

Elemental mercury

Volatilisation

10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121926

Cite

Citations (3)

Spatial and Temporal Trends of Gaseous Elemental Mercury over a Highly Impacted Coastal Environment (Northern Adriatic, Italy)

Atmosphere (2020)

Nicolò Barago Federico Floreani Alessandro Acquavita José Maria Esbrí Stefano Covelli

Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant, being highly persistent in the atmosphere, in particular gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), which can easily be emitted and then transported over long distances. In the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy), contamination by Hg is well characterised but little is known regarding the concentrations, sources and fate of GEM in the atmosphere. In this work, discrete measurements of GEM were recorded from several sites at different times of the year. The database is consistent with temporal night-day variations monitored using a continuous real-time device. The meteorological conditions were collected as ancillary parameters. GEM levels varied from <LOD (2.0 ng m−3) to 48.5 ng m−3 (mean 2.7 ng m−3), with no significant differences found among sites. A clear daily pattern emerged, with maximum values reached just after sunset. Air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction were identified as the main micrometeorological factors influencing both the spatial and temporal variation of GEM. Our results show that average atmospheric GEM values are higher than the natural background of the Northern Hemisphere and will be useful in future selection regarding the most suitable sites to monitor atmospheric Hg depositions and fluxes from soil and water.

Mercury

Sunset

Prevailing winds

Elemental mercury

10.3390/atmos11090935

Cite

Citations (17)

Environmental impact and mobility of thallium and other metal(oid)s in soils and tailings near a decommissioned Zn-Pb mine (Raibl, NE Italian Alps)

Environmental Geochemistry and Health (2025)

Nicolò Barago Elena Pavoni Federico Floreani Matteo Crosera Gianpiero Adami

Abstract The potential impact of decommissioned mining areas on environmental quality is of major concern for local communities, posing a risk to water resources and human health. This study aims to investigate the impact of extraction activities on the surface environment by evaluating the occurrence of metal(oid)s, including potentially toxic elements (PTEs, i.e. As, Cd, Fe, Tl, Zn, Pb) and critical elements (As, Ge), at the Zn-Pb Raibl mining area (northeastern Italy). Elevated concentrations of metal(oid)s are found near mine waste heaps (< 100 mg/kg for Tl, Sb, Cd, Ge; > 1,000 mg/kg for As; > 1% for Pb and > 10% for Zn and Fe), which are made up of flotation tailings and waste rocks scattered around the mining village and stored in the tailings impoundments. Conversely, upstream from the mine, the environment is largely uncontaminated. According to the results, total and leachable metal(oid) concentrations are positively correlated. Tailings (65.1–754 mg/kg of Tl) are identified as the primary source of leachable Tl (11.4–255 mg/kg) and metal(oid)s are generally more mobile in organic-rich soils, suggesting increased metal(oid) mobility with soil ageing due to low soil pH and potential soluble organometallic complexes. Furthermore, the findings suggest that reprocessing of mine tailings could be a potential solution to recover valuable elements together with residue backfilling. Lastly, results from this study highlight how crucial mining site management is to limit PTE dispersion and reducing risks to the environment and public health.

10.1007/s10653-025-02400-4

Cite

Citations (0)