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The aim of this work was to characterize dry atmospheric deposition after the washing of broad leaves and conifer foliage. To assess this method different sites chosen on the basis of different exposure to both point (e.g. waste incinerator plant (WIP), local crafts) and widespread (e.g. roads, agricultural practices) sources of anthropogenic pollution. The principal components analysis (PCA), performed on the major and trace elements identified after leaf washing, extracted four factors. F2 was lithogenic while the other three were anthropogenic. The enrichment factor (EF) highlights that Cd, Cu and Zn had a purely anthropogenic origin. The sites were grouped according to the predominant source of exposure and the synthetic index of enrichment (SIE) showed a decrease as follows: downwind from WIP > max exposure to WIP > min exposure to WIP > road > craft > rural zone. The leaf area allows to calculate the annual flow of elements and the deposition flux in the study area varied for Cd from 0.07 to 0.55 mg m-2, for Co from 0.1 to 0.48 mg m-2, for Cr from 0.63 to 3.7 mg m-2, for Cu from 14.5 to 32.27 mg m-2. The Cd flux in the Bologna area was lower than in some industrial zones of the World and the lowest values were found in the rural zones and under a minimum exposure to the incinerator plant, while the highest values were near the roads and under maximum exposure to the incinerator. The direct analysis of the leaf-washing water allows to discriminate the anthropogenic or geogenic metals deposited on the leaves using multivariate statistical analysis. It is also possible to predict the flow of metals in different areas of investigation.

Nanoparticles (NPs) types diffused into the environment are increasing, giving potential damages to terrestrial ecosystems. In this work we investigated the nanoparticles toxicity as pure metal and two oxides (Co, SnO2 and CeO2) on earthworm survival (Lumbricus rubellus). A concentration of 5000 mg kg-1 dry soil of each NP was compared to the chronic dose of 10 mg kg-1. The interaction between NPs and soil microbial biomass was also studied in 7 days length incubation. No mortality was observed at the end of the experiment, but high concentration of Co was found in the 5000 kg-1 dry soil treated. Despite low solubility of all NPs (solid-liquid partition coefficient > 2.8 log l kg-1) pure metal NPs were (Co) more soluble than the metal oxides nanoparticles (SnO2 and CeO2).

The suburban area of Bologna city in southeast portion of Po Valley (Northern Italy) is characterized by high emission from industrial, urban, agriculture and traffic sources. The presence of an urban waste incinerator get inhabitants to require answers about impact of its emissions on the environmental quality related to human health. The concentrations of some pollutants (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were determined in topsoil, plants and mosses tissues sampled in sites selected according to different falling out conditions, due to the incinerator and other sources of atmospheric emissions that affect the monitoring area. No correlation was found between metal content and the distance of the incinerator plant. The pollution load index (PLI) calculated for soil and moss indicated a low environmental pollution, while highest values in sites downwind of incinerator and in craft area indicate a moderate pollution.

While monitoring the physico-chemical characteristics, trace elements and O-H-Sr-B isotopic data were obtained in superficial waters from a number of irrigations canals and ditches in the Ravenna coastal plain, in order to highlight the cycling of potentially toxic elements and the different sources of the solutes. Surveys were conducted during March and July 2008, and considered as representative of the waters in winter and summer, respectively. In summer, the water mass balance in the network is mostly controlled by the ingression of freshwaters from the Canale Emiliano Romagnolo (CER). The O-H isotopic data indicated that, in winter, waters are primarily recharged from Apennine catchments and undergo evaporation to different extents. The boron isotopic signature indicates the important role played by the marine component. A major seawater contribution was evidenced in canals close to the coastline; however, the process controlling the origin of dissolved boron is not solely related to direct mixing with sea water but comprises an additional source probably related to water-soil exchanges and boron of marine origin leaching, owing to the prolonged exposure of alluvial sediments to sea water. An additional boron contribution from the agricultural practice was is also evidenced. Calculation based on the conservative behaviour of chloride ions indicated that in canals and ditches not directly connected with the sea up to the 80% of the Sr budget did not originate from seawater, indicating a source from Al-silicate minerals and upporting the hypothesis of significant soil-water interactions and chemical exchanges. The positive correlation between pH and dissolved oxygen in winter waters is likely to reflect CO2 consumption during algal photosynthesis, favouring the in-situ generation of colloidal particles due to the oxidative precipitation of ferric iron oxy-hydroxides and probably small carbonate particles able to adsorb trace metals on their surface and contribute to the ecosystem dynamics facilitating the transport of metals and affecting their bio-availability and cycling. During summer, the input of freshwater from CER lowered the concentration of most ions and became superimposed to the evaporation-precipitation-exchange cycle, possibly dispersing the colloidal particles which could act as pollutant carriers and enhancing flocculation and precipitation, scavenging trace metals into the sediments.

Nanotechnology is the new frontier of research and nowadays many nanoproducts, thanks to their revolutionary physico-chemical properties, are employed in common goods, medical supplies and agricultural products. On the other hand, we have a poor knowledge of the impact of these new materials on human health and environment. Several studies sustain that the environmental compartment designed to be the major recipient of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) is soil. With the aim of investigating the impact of commercially relevant NPs on soil we compared the effect of Ag, Co, Ni, TiO2 NPs on soil chemical properties, on microbial community and on Lumbricus rubellus. Ten mature (clitellate) earthworms were placed in five hundred grams of artificial soil (sandy loam texture, pH 6.9, 4.3% TOC, 0.5% TKN) and incubated at constant temperature and controlled moisture (25°C and 60% WHC) for 28 days. Earthworms were fed once a week with polluted vegetable for a total amount of 20 µg.. The physico-chemical properties of the technological soil ( pH, total organic carbon, total nitrogen) did not significantly change after the 4 weeks of exposure to NPs. The more interesting results were obtained from the study of soil organisms. Indeed, soil microbial biomass C (Cmic) significantly decreased after exposure to metal-NPs with respect to the control, except in TiO2-NPs treatment. High amount of elements arising from NPs were found in polluted soils and earthworms tissues. The presence of NPs in earthworms tissue was confirmed by ESEM-EDS. The analysis of FAMEs in worms did not show significant differences in the total amount of fatty acids, whereas their composition changed. In fact, in the contaminated samples there was an increase of saturated FAs and a decrease of both mono- and poly-unsaturated FAs with respect to the control. Changes in degree of unsaturation affect membrane fluidity: saturated FAs are less susceptible to free radicals, they can pack together better than unsaturated ones and, therefore, make membrane more viscous and less permeable. The order with which NPs affect at the greatest extent FAs composition of earthworm tissues was Ni > TiO2 = Co > Ag. These results suggested that NPs induced stress on soil organisms: a decrease of total amount of soil microbial biomass and a physiological alteration in Lumbricus rubellus.

Nanotechnology promises huge benefits for society and capital invested in this new technology is steadily increasing, therefore there is a growing number of nanotechnology products on the market and inevitably engineered nanomaterials will be released in the atmosphere with potential risks to humans and environment. This study set out to extend the comprehension of the impact of metal (Ag, Co, Ni) and metal oxide (CeO2, Fe3O4, SnO2, TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) on one of the most important environmental compartments potentially contaminated by NPs, the soil system, through the use of chemical and biological tools. For this purpose experiments were carried out to simulate realistic environmental conditions of wet and dry deposition of NPs, considering ecologically relevant endpoints. In detail, this thesis involved the study of three model systems and the evaluation of related issues: (i) NPs and bare soil, to assess the influence of NPs on the functions of soil microbial communities; (ii) NPs and plants, to evaluate the chronic toxicity and accumulation of NPs in edible tissues; (iii) NPs and invertebrates, to verify the effects of NPs on earthworms and the damaging of their functionality. The study highlighted that NP toxicity is generally influenced by NP core elements and the impact of NPs on organisms is specie-specific; moreover experiments conducted in media closer to real conditions showed a decrease in toxicity with respect to in vitro test or hydroponic tests. However, only a multidisciplinary approach, involving physical, chemical and biological skills, together with the use of advanced techniques, such as X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, could pave the way to draw the right conclusions and accomplish a deeper comprehension of the effects of NPs on soil and soil inhabitants.

The present work of nanocotoxicity wants to propose a new plant model starting from the rice plant. The model takes into consideration the impact of engineered nanoparticles (Ag, Co, Ni, CeO2, Fe3O4, TiO2) on rice plants that were weakened by infections of Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae bacteria. The results indicate that some NPs increase the rice sensitivity to the pathogen while others decrease the virulence of the pathogen towards rice. No-enrichment in component metal concentration is detected in above organs of rice, with exception of Ni-NPs treatment. An imbalance of major elements in infected rice crops treated with NPs was investigated., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality, Vol 16 (2014)

Knowledge on the impact of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) on both human and environment health is scarce. Several studies sustain that soil is the environmental compartment designed to be the major recipient of engineered nanoparticles (NPs). With the aim of investigating the impact of commercially relevant NPs on soil functioning, we compared the effect of Ag and Co NPs, as well as cobalt and silver ions, on soil microbial community in the presence of Lumbricus rubellus. Earthworms specimens were placed in a rich-C soil and fed with horse manure spiked with Ag-NPs, Co-NPs, Ag+ and Co++ for a total amount of 10 mg of single pollutant kg−1 soil. At the end of acute exposure (4 weeks) to pollutants, the following analyses were performed: soil metal contents, soil microbial biomass C (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) , basal respiration, specific respiration (qCO2), phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). The pollutants introduced with the food in the soil-earthworm system affected the microbial activity increasing basal respiration and qCO2, while MBC and MBN content decreased. PLFAs of soil were affected by both pollutant NPS and ions supplied. The fatty acids significantly affected by treatments were C18:1w7 and C18:2w6,9 in soil. These results suggested that NPs could induce stress on soil microorganisms.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of mature Douglas-fir reforestation (DR) on nutriens and C stocks in mineral soils compared with beech forests (BF) at two altitudes in North Apennine, Italy, at around (1) 1028 and (2) 1281 m a.s.l.

When engineered nanoparticles (NPs) reach soil through contaminated biosolids or irrigation water they could affect plant growth. Our results showed that the above- and below-ground growth was stunted in tomato exposed to SnO2-NPs, moreover the NPs enter into the root system. These research contribute to the setting of reference baseline values of tin dioxide in soil-plant system.

Nanotechnology is the new frontier of research and nowadays many nanoproducts are utilized in common goods, in medical supplies and in agricultural products. However, little is known about the impact of these new materials on humans and environment. Several studies assert that the soil could be the environmental compartment designed to be the major recipient of engineered nanoparticles (NPs). To investigate the impact of commercially relevant NPs on soil-plant continuum we compared the effect of Ag, CeO2, Co, Fe3O4, Ni, SnO2, TiO2 NPs on Ocimum basilicum. Basil is a culinary herb normally used fresh in Mediterranean cuisine and could constitute one of the means to accumulate NPs through the food chain. The seedlings were spiked once per week with 50mL of NP solutions at 100mg metal L-1 concentration, to simulate a chronic dose. For the control test only water was supplied. At the end of the experiment (28 days) the following analysis were performed in plant and soil: biomass production, total elements concentrations, plant pigments concentrations, lipid peroxidation, pH, metals availability, total metals concentrations. Results showed that Ag NPs treatment reduced significantly root and leaf dry matter of basil plant with respect to the control. The larger amount of metal-NPs was accumulated in basil roots and the concentration in leaves was significantly higher compared to the control for Ag, CeO2, Co and Ni. Notably, also in the relative short exposure there was an accumulation of Ca in roots, suggesting that the metabolic alteration in plants could be aimed at counteracting the membrane damage generated directly or indirectly by NPs. The physiological parameters did not show significant differences; probably tissues involved in the photosynthesis are not damaged by NPs. Nevertheless, further studies are required to evaluate the impact of these NPs over several generation and their fate in food chain.

Resumen del póster presentado en la reunión que bajo el lema “Genetic Improvement of Brassicaceae Crops in the Era of Genomics”, tuvo lugar en Wuhan (China) entre los días 30 de marzo y 2 de abril de 2014.

Se ha evaluado en Galicia, entre junio y noviembre de 2010, la presencia de la polilla de la col Plutella xylostella (Yponomeutidae) y la tasa de parasitismo natural alcanzada por el conjunto de himenópteros parasitoides en cultivos de berza y repollo, libres de tratamientos fitosanitarios. El agente de control biológico más prometedor fue Diadegma fenestrale (Ichneumonidae), que ha alcanzado el 70% de tasa de parasitismo de las larvas de la polilla. Las berzas recibieron un ataque más intenso de P. xylostella, aunque la tasa de parasitismo fue siempre muy satisfactoria tanto en berzas (66%) como en repollos (76%). La abundancia máxima de la polilla se produjo en el mes de julio, aunque gracias a la actividad de los parasitoides, ésta se redujo de manera vistosa en el mes de agosto. El estudio evidencia la importancia del mantenimiento de la comunidad de insectos beneficiosos para los cultivos, ya que de ellos depende la posibilidad de controlar las plagas sin perjuicios para el ambiente.

Sr/Ca ratios, and Sr and Nd isotopes, were determined in aqua regia extracts from three urban and agricultural soils from Ravenna. Sr/Ca ratios suggested preferential retention of Sr in the agricultural soils during the weathering of bedrock minerals. Despite of the different land use, the three soils displayed similar isotopic ranges, suggesting common sources for the two elements, likely represented by old marine carbonates and crustal silicates. The Nd isotopes of the urban park topsoil suggest some contamination by the soot of car exhausts., Les rapports Sr/Ca et les isotopes du Sr et du Nd ont été déterminés dans les extraits avec aqua regia de trois sols agricoles et résidentiels dans la zone de Ravenne. Les rapports Sr/Ca suggèrent la rétention préférentielle du Sr dans les sols agricoles pendant l’altération des minéraux. Nonobstant leur utilisation différente, les sols ont des valeurs isotopiques semblables, qui suggèrent des sources communes pour les deux éléments, représentées par d’anciens carbonates marins et des silicates de la croûte terrestre. Les horizons, les plus superficiels du sol du parc urbain sont probablement affectés par une pollution de Nd dérivé des émissions de voitures., Sono stati determinati i rapporti Sr/Ca e i rapporti isotopici di Sr e Nd in estratti di aqua regia di tre suoli interessati da uso agricolo e residenziale della zona di Ravenna. I rapporti Sr/Ca suggeriscono la ritenzione preferenziale dello Sr nei suoli agricoli durante l’alterazione dei minerali. Nonostante il differente uso, i suoli hanno rapporti isotopici simili, suggerendo che Sr e Nd derivano da sorgenti comuni, rappresentate da carbonati marini antichi e silicati crostali. Gli orizzonti più superficiali del suolo del giardino pubblico mostrano una probabile presenza di Nd derivato dalle emissioni di scarico dei veicoli., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality; Vol 4 (2010); 53-62

When silver nanoparticles reach soil through the biosolids or irrigation water they can produce the following effects: they can reduces the microbial biodiversity of the soil system, they can induce physiological alterations on earthworms, the silver can be translocated from the roots to the leaves and, finally, to the edible fruits of a tomato plant.

The aim of this work was to characterize dry atmospheric deposition after the washing of broad leaves and conifer foliage. To assess this method different sites chosen on the basis of different exposure to both point (e.g. waste incinerator plant (WIP), local crafts) and widespread (e.g. roads, agricultural practices) sources of anthropogenic pollution. The principal components analysis (PCA), performed on the major and trace elements identified after leaf washing, extracted four factors. F2 was lithogenic while the other three were anthropogenic. The enrichment factor (EF) highlights that Cd, Cu and Zn had a purely anthropogenic origin. The sites were grouped according to the predominant source of exposure and the synthetic index of enrichment (SIE) showed a decrease as follows: downwind from WIP > max exposure to WIP > min exposure to WIP > road > craft > rural zone. The leaf area allows to calculate the annual flow of elements and the deposition flux in the study area varied for Cd from 0.07 to 0.55 mg m-2, for Co from 0.1 to 0.48 mg m-2, for Cr from 0.63 to 3.7 mg m-2, for Cu from 14.5 to 32.27 mg m-2. The Cd flux in the Bologna area was lower than in some industrial zones of the World and the lowest values were found in the rural zones and under a minimum exposure to the incinerator plant, while the highest values were near the roads and under maximum exposure to the incinerator. The direct analysis of the leaf-washing water allows to discriminate the anthropogenic or geogenic metals deposited on the leaves using multivariate statistical analysis. It is also possible to predict the flow of metals in different areas of investigation., Le but de ce travail était de caractériser les dépôts atmosphériques par le lavage des feuilles d'arbres à feuilles larges et de conifères. Pour évaluer la méthode, plusieurs sites ont été choisis sur la base de l'exposition à différentes sources de pollution aussi bien ponctuelle (par exemple, incinération de déchets (WIP), artisanat) et diffuses (par exemple routes, pratiques agricoles). L'analyse en composantes principales (ACP) effectuée sur les éléments les plus importants et les traces déterminées après lavage des feuilles, a extrait quatre facteurs. F2 était lithogène tandis que les trois autres étaient d'origine anthropique. Le facteur d'enrichissement (EF) a montré que Cd, Cu et Zn étaient d'origine purement anthropique. Les sites ont été regroupés en fonction du mode principal d'exposition et on a calculé l'indice synthétique d'enrichissement (SIE), qui décroissait comme suit: sous le vent de WIP > exposition maximale à WIP > exposition minimale à WIP > route > zone artisanale > zone rurale. La surface foliaire permet de calculer le débit d'éléments au cours de l'année et le flux de dépôt dans la zone d'étude variait pour le Cd de 0,07 à 0,55 mg m-2, pour le Co de 0,1 à 0, 48 mg m-2, pour le Cr de 0,63 à 3,7 mg m-2, pour le Cu de 14,5 à 32,27 mg m-2. Le flux de Cd dans la région de Bologne était inférieur à celui observé dans des zones industrielles du monde et les valeurs étaient plus faibles dans les zones rurales et sous exposition minimale à l'installation d’incinération, tandis que les plus élevées étaient localisées à proximité des routes et sous exposition maximale à l'incinérateur. Une analyse directe de l'eau après lavage permet, par analyse statistique multivariée, de discriminer les métaux d'origine anthropique et / ou géogène déposés sur les feuilles. Il est également possible de prévoir les flux de métaux dans diverses aires d'investigation., Lo scopo di questo lavoro è stato quello di caratterizzare la deposizione atmosferica nell’acqua di lavaggio delle foglie degli alberi di latifoglie e conifere. Per valutare il metodo diversi siti sono stati scelti sulla base della diversa esposizione a fonti di inquinamento sia puntuali (es. impianto di incenerimento dei rifiuti (WIP), artigianato) che diffuse (ad esempio strade, pratiche agricole). L'analisi delle componenti principali (PCA), eseguite sugli elementi più importanti e in traccia determinati dopo il lavaggio delle foglie, ha estratto quattro fattori: F2 di origine litogenica, mentre gli altri tre erano di origine antropica. Il fattore di arricchimento (EF) ha evidenziato che Cd, Cu e Zn hanno un'origine prettamente antropica. I siti sono stati raggruppati secondo la principale fonte di esposizione ed è stato calcolato l’indice sintetico di arricchimento (SIE), che ha evidenziato una flessione nel modo seguente: WIP sottovento> WIP max esposizione> WIP min esposizione> strada> zona artigianale> zona rurale. La superficie fogliare ha permesso di calcolare il flusso di elementi nel corso dell'anno che nell'area di studio varia per il Cd da 0,07 a 0,55 mg m-2, per il Co da 0,1 a 0,48, per il Cr da 0,63 a 3,7 e per il Cu da 14,5 a 32,27. Il flusso di Cd nell'area bolognese è risultato inferiore a quello evidenziato in zone industriali del Mondo ed i valori sono più bassi nelle zone rurali e nella minima esposizione al dominio dell’impianti di incenerimento, mentre i più alti sono in concomitanza deghli assi viari e sotto la massima esposizione al dominio dell’inceneritore. L'analisi diretta dell’acqua dopo il lavaggio fogliare ha permesso di discriminare l’origine antropica e/o geogenica dei metalli depositati sulle foglie con analisi statistica multivariata, con la possibilità di prevedere il flusso di metalli in diverse aree di indagine., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality; Vol 9 (2012); 37-50

The aim was to provide a physical-chemical characterization of river and canal network water in the area of expertise of the ex Bonifica Reno-Palata between the Reno river and Torrent Samoggia. The monitoring started in July 2007 and stopped in November 2009. The work consisted in the collection, almost monthly, of the waters that were subjected to chemical and physical analyses, some in situ (temperature and electrical conductivity) and others at the laboratory (pH, nutrient parameters with Hach-Lange’s colorimetric methods, macro and micro elements by ICP-OES). Data from each analysis were processed using statistical software such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Factor Analysis (FA) Cluster Analysis (CA). The results obtained in the three years of sampling show a very complex reality, with many sources of pollution of the surface waters of the canals. These canals, during their course, are unable to abate the load of pollutants present by the process of self-purification. This leads to a deterioration of water quality in the Reno river, the waters not always being suitable for irrigation. Besides, thanks to the multivariate statistical analysis and in particular to the CA, we were able to identify the stations with greater pollution of their surface water., L’objectif de cette étude est de donner une caractérisation physico-chimique des eaux fluviales et du réseau de canaux artificiels compris entre le fleuve Reno et le torrent Samoggia, dans la zone de compétence de l'ancienne Bonification Reno-Palata. Le monitoring des eaux a commencé en Juillet 2007 et il s'est prolongé jusqu'en le Novembre 2009. L’étude a consisté dans le prélèvement, presque mensuel des eaux qui ont été soumises à des analyses phtsico-chimiques, quelques-unes in situ (température et conductivité) et d’autres en laboratoire (pH), macro descripteurs avec des méthodologies de colorimétrie Hach-Lange, macro et micro éléments chimiques en ICP-OES. Les données obtenues par chaque analyse ont été élaborées au moyen de logiciels statistiques qui ont permis d'effectuer des analyses comme l'Analyse de la Variance ANOVA et l'Analyse des Groupes (CA-Cluster Analysis). Les résultats obtenus dans les 3 ans de monitoring ont montré une réalité d'extrême complexité, qui révèle différentes sources de pollution des eaux superficielles des canaux artificiels. Ces canaux, pendant leur cours, ne réussissent pas à abattre la charge de polluant présente par le procédé d' auto-épuration. Ceci détermine une détérioration de la qualité des eaux du fleuve Reno qui est l’élément récepteur de ces canaux, et ces eaux ne sont pas toujours aptes pour l'irrigation. En outre, grâce aux analyses statistiques de multivariance et en particulier au CA, il a été possible d'identifier les points de prélèvement avec la plus grande pollution des eaux superficielles., Obiettivo dello studio è dare una caratterizzazione chimico-fisica delle acque fluviali e della rete di canali artificiali compresi tra il fiume Reno e il torrente Samoggia, nell’area di competenza della ex Bonifica Reno-Palata. Il monitoraggio è iniziato nel Luglio del 2007 e si è protratto fino a Novembre 2009. Il lavoro è consistito nel prelievo, pressoché mensile, delle acque che sono state sottoposte ad analisi chimico-fisiche, alcune in situ (temperatura e conducibilità) e altre in laboratorio (pH, macrodescrittori con metodologie colorimetriche Hach-Lange, macro e microelementi in ICP-OES). I dati ottenuti da ciascuna analisi sono stati elaborati tramite l’utilizzo di software statistici che hanno permesso di effettuare analisi statistiche come l’Analisi della Varianza (ANOVA) e l’Analisi dei Gruppi (CA-Cluster Analisys). I risultati ottenuti nei 3 anni di campionamento hanno mostrato una realtà di estrema complessità, che presenta diverse sorgenti di inquinamento delle acque superficiali dei canali artificiali. Tali canali, durante il corso, non riescono ad abbattere il carico di inquinanti presente in essi con i processi di autodepurazione. Ciò determina un peggioramento della qualità delle acque del Fiume Reno, che è il corpo recettore di tali canali, e che non sempre risultano idonee per l’irrigazione. Inoltre, grazie alle analisi di statistica multivariata e in particolare alla CA, è stato possibile identificare le stazioni con il maggiore inquinamento delle acque superficiali., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality; Vol 3 (2010); 49-56

'This article is the copyright property of the Entomological Society of America and may not be used for any commercial or other private purpose without specific written permission of the Entomological Society of America, The aim of the study was to investigate the attractiveness to herbivores and parasitoids of two cultivars of Brassica oleracea, namely B.oleracea var. acephala (kale) and B. oleracea var. capitata (cabbage), which exhibit differences of morphological and biochemical traits. To this end, field samplings were replicated at seven localities during one season in Galicia (NW Spain). Three specialist and three generalist lepidopteran species were sampled. A total of 7,050 parasitoids were obtained, belonging to eighteen genera and twenty-two species. The results showed that: 1) parasitism rate and parasitoid species richness changed with locality and was higher in cabbages, although this crop had lower herbivore abundance than kales, 2) the proportion of specialist herbivores was higher in cabbages, whereas generalists dominated in kale crops, 3) the abundance of the egg parasitoid Telenomus sp., and the larval parasitoids Cotesia glomerata and Diadegma fenestrale was higher in kale crops, 4) parasitism rate of P. rapae larvae and pupae and M. brassicae eggs were higher in kales. In contrast with the notion that plant structural complexity provides physical refuge to the hosts and can interfere with parasitoid foraging, parasitism rate was higher on cabbage plants, which form heads of overlapped leaves. Possibly different chemical profiles of cultivars also influenced host-parasitoid relationship. These results suggest that top-down and bottom-up forces may enhance cabbage crops to better control herbivore pressure during the studied season. In Spain, information on natural occurring parasitoid guilds of kale and cabbage crops is still scarce. The data provided here about parasitoid species diversity, richness and parasitism rate, contribute to fill this gap and also represent a critical first step for conservation biological control plans of Brassica crops.

Humified Soil Organic Matter (SOM) plays a crucial role in the assessment of soil quality since it makes up a significant part of the total organic carbon and nitrogen in soils. High concentrations of humic and fulvic acids may be presents in soils and subordinately in sediments. These substances can potentially act as a significant reservoir of adsorbed boron as well as a source of this element to soil solution, rivers, and lakes. The aim of this study was to investigate boron in humic substances (e.g. humic and fulvic acids) of soil epipedon. The San Vitale pinewood was selected as the study site and three samples - classified as Sodic Psammaquents and Typic Psammaquants - of the A1-horizon epipedon were analyzed for humic and fulvic acids and boron contents. The knowledge of the mechanisms of boron interaction with SOM is important for a better understanding of the water/rock interaction in the superficial soil environment, and to envisage the application of the blending of boron into humic acid granules in agricultural practices., La matière organique humifiée joue un rôle qui est crucial dans l'évaluation de la qualité du sol, car elle constitue une partie importante de la teneur en carbone organique total et de l'azote dans les sols, récalcitrants à micro-organismes. De hautes concentrations d'acides humiques et fulviques peuvent être présentes dans les sols et les sédiments. Ces substances peuvent devenir importantes comme réservoirs de bore adsorbé, ainsi que d'une sources de cet élément pour l'eau du sol, les rivières et les lacs. L'objectif de cette étude est d'étudier le bore sur les substances humiques (acides humiques et fulviques) de l’épipédon du sol. La pinède de Saint Vitale a été choisie comme site d'étude et trois échantillons – classés comme Sodic and Typic Psammaquents - de l'horizon épipédon A1 ont été analysés pour leurs teneurs en acides fulviques et humiques et en bore. La connaissance du mécanisme d'interaction du bore avec les substances organiques du sol est importante afin de mieux comprendre l'interaction de l'eau avec la roche dans l'environnement peu profound ainsi que pour envisager l'application de granules de la combinaison du bore avec l’acide humique dans les pratiques agricoles., La sostanza organica umificata ha un ruolo strategico nella valutazione della qualità del suolo, poiché costituisce una frazione significativa del carbonio organico totale e dell'azoto nel suolo. Gli acidi umici e fulvici possono avere tenore elevato sia nei suoli che nei sedimenti e rappresentare quindi una superficie di adsorbimento per il boro. Le sostanze umiche possono potenzialmente essere quindi una significativa riserva di boro. Lo studio di questo lavoro è stato di investigare la presenza del boro sulle sostanze umiche estratte dall'epipedon del suolo. La pineta di San Vitale è stata scelta come sito di studio ed i campioni dell'epipedon (orizzonte A1) di tre suoli Sodic and Tipic Psammaquents sono stati analizzati per determinare il contenuto di boro sugli acidi umici e fulvici estratti. La conoscenza del meccanismo di interazione del boro con la sostanza organica del suolo è importante nello studio dell'interazione tra acqua e roccia in ambiente superficiale e nell'applicazione dei composti umico-borati nelle pratiche agricole., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality; Vol 4 (2010); 1-6

The suburban area of Bologna city in southeast portion of Po Valley (Northern Italy) is characterized by high emission from industrial, urban, agriculture and traffic sources. The presence of an urban waste incinerator get inhabitants to require answers about impact of its emissions on the environmental quality related to human health. The concentrations of some pollutants (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were determined in topsoil, plants and mosses tissues sampled in sites selected according to different falling out conditions, due to the incinerator and other sources of atmospheric emissions that affect the monitoring area. No correlation was found between metal content and the distance of the incinerator plant. The pollution load index (PLI) calculated for soil and moss indicated a low environmental pollution, while highest values in sites downwind of incinerator and in craft area indicate a moderate pollution., La banlieue de ville de Bologne dans la partie sud-est de la vallée du Pô (Italie du Nord) est caractérisé par l'émission de haute industrielle, urbaine, agricole et des sources de trafic. La présence d'un incinérateur de déchets urbains obtenir habitants d'exiger des réponses quant à l'impact de ses émissions sur la qualité de l'environnement liés à la santé humaine. Les concentrations de certains polluants (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V et Zn) ont été déterminées dans la couche arable, les plantes et les tissus mousses échantillonnées dans des sites sélectionnés en fonction de différentes conditions qui tombent, en raison de l'incinérateur et d'autres sources d'émissions atmosphériques qui affectent la zone de surveillance. Aucune corrélation n'a été trouvée entre la teneur en métal et la distance de l'usine d'incinération. L'indice de charge de la pollution (PLI), calculé pour le sol et la mousse ont indiqué une faible pollution de l'environnement, tandis que plus des valeurs dans les sites sous le vent de l'incinérateur et dans la zone artisanale indiquent une pollution modérée., L'area suburbana di Bologna città, in parte sud-est della Pianura Padana (Italia settentrionale) è caratterizzata da alta emissione da industriale, urbano, l'agricoltura e fonti di traffico. La presenza di un inceneritore di rifiuti urbani per ottenere abitanti richiedono risposte circa l'impatto delle emissioni sulla qualità ambientale connesso alla salute umana. Le concentrazioni di alcuni inquinanti (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V e Zn) sono stati determinati in topsoil, piante e tessuti muschi campione in siti selezionati in base a diverse condizioni che cadono, per l'inceneritore e altri fonti di emissioni in atmosfera che interessano l'area di monitoraggio. Nessuna correlazione tra il contenuto di metallo e la distanza del dell'inceneritore. L'indice di carico inquinante (PLI), calcolato per il suolo e muschio hanno indicato un basso inquinamento ambientale, mentre i valori più alti nei siti sottovento di un inceneritore e nella zona artigianale indicano un inquinamento moderato., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality; Vol 7 (2011); 49-63

While monitoring the physico-chemical characteristics, trace elements and O-H-Sr-B isotopic data were obtained in superficial waters from a number of irrigations canals and ditches in the Ravenna coastal plain, in order to highlight the cycling of potentially toxic elements and the different sources of the solutes. Surveys were conducted during March and July 2008, and considered as representative of the waters in winter and summer, respectively. In summer, the water mass balance in the network is mostly controlled by the ingression of freshwaters from the Canale Emiliano Romagnolo (CER). The O-H isotopic data indicated that, in winter, waters are primarily recharged from Apennine catchments and undergo evaporation to different extents. The boron isotopic signature indicates the important role played by the marine component. A major seawater contribution was evidenced in canals close to the coastline; however, the process controlling the origin of dissolved boron is not solely related to direct mixing with sea water but comprises an additional source probably related to water-soil exchanges and boron of marine origin leaching, owing to the prolonged exposure of alluvial sediments to sea water. An additional boron contribution from the agricultural practice was is also evidenced. Calculation based on the conservative behaviour of chloride ions indicated that in canals and ditches not directly connected with the sea up to the 80% of the Sr budget did not originate from seawater, indicating a source from Al-silicate minerals and supporting the hypothesis of significant soil-water interactions and chemical exchanges. The positive correlation between pH and dissolved oxygen in winter waters is likely to reflect CO2 consumption during algal photosynthesis, favouring the in-situ generation of colloidal particles due to the oxidative precipitation of ferric iron oxy-hydroxides and probably small carbonate particles able to adsorb trace metals on their surface and contribute to the ecosystem dynamics facilitating the transport of metals and affecting their bio-availability and cycling. During summer, the input of freshwater from CER lowered the concentration of most ions and became superimposed to the evaporation-precipitation-exchange cycle, possibly dispersing the colloidal particles which could act as pollutant carriers and enhancing flocculation and precipitation, scavenging trace metals into the sediments., Outre le suivi des paramètres pysico-chimiques, la concentration des éléments - trace et la composition isotopique de O-H-Sr-B ont été obtenus dans les eaux superficielles d'un certain nombre de canaux et de fossés d'irrigation dans la plaine côtière de Ravenne, pour mettre en évidence le cycle des éléments potentiellement toxiques et le rôle des différentes sources du solutés. Deux échantillonnages différents ont été menés au cours de Mars et Juillet 2008 et considérés comme représentatifs des périodes d’hiver et d’été. En été l'équilibre des masses d'eau dans le réseau est principalement contrôlé par l'ingression des eaux douces du Canal Emilien-Romagnien (CER). Les données isotopiques sur O-H indiquent que pendant l'hiver, les eaux sont principalement rechargée à partir des bassins des Apennins et sont ensuite l'objet d'évaporation à des degrés divers. La signature isotopique du bore indique le rôle important joué par la composante marine. Une contribution importante d'eau de mer est attestée dans les canaux échantillonnés près de la cote. Néanmoins, l'origine du bore dissous n'est pas uniquement due au mélange direct avec l'eau de mer. Une source supplémentaire existe, probablement liée à des échanges eau-sol et au lessivage de bore d'origine marine par suite de l'exposition prolongée des sédiments alluviaux à l'eau de mer. Une contribution supplémentaire de bore venant de la pratique agricole est également mise en évidence. Le calcul basé sur le comportement conservateur des ions chlorure indique que dans les canaux et les fossés qui ne sont pas directement connectés à la mer, jusqu'à 80% du budget du Sr ne proviennent pas de l'eau de mer, ce qui indique une source de Sr par des Al-silicates, et suggère des interactions importantes d’échanges ioniques entre le sol et l’eau. La corrélation positive entre le pH et l'oxygène dissous dans les eaux d'hiver est susceptible de refléter la consommation de CO2 lors de la photosynthèse des algues, favorisant la production in situ de particules colloïdales en raison de la précipitation des oxy-hydroxydes de fer ferrique et probablement de petites particules de carbonate, qui sont capables d'adsorber les métaux-traces sur leur surface et de contribuer à la dynamique des écosystèmes en favorisant le transport de métaux et leur biodisponibilité. Pendant l'été, l'entrée d'eau douce du CER abaisse la concentration de la plupart des ions et se superpose au cycle évaporation-précipitation-échange, favorisant probablement la dispersion des particules colloïdales qui pourraient agir en tant que fixatrices de polluants, avec floculation subséquence et précipitation des métaux-traces dans les sédiments., Questo lavoro illustra i dati raccolti durante il monitoraggio di diversi corpi idrici naturali ed artificiali presenti nella pianura costiera di Ravenna. I canali presenti in questa zona garantiscono l’apporto idrico alle attività agricole. Oltre al monitoraggio dei parametri chimico fisici delle acque sono stati analizzati i contenuti di elementi in tracce e i rapporti isotopici di O-H-Sr-B al fine di evidenziare il ciclo di elementi potenzialmente tossici e il ruolo delle diverse fonti di soluto. I dati ottenuti dalle analisi dei campioni prelevati nel mese di marzo, rappresentativo delle acque invernali, sono stati messi a confronto con quelli ottenuti dai campioni di luglio, quando il bilancio di massa nella rete idrica è in gran parte controllata dalla ingressione di acque dolci dal Canale Emiliano Romagnolo (CER). I dati isotopici di O-H indicano che, durante l'inverno, le acque dei corpi idrici della zona sono principalmente ricaricate da bacini appenninici e sottoposti in diversa misura ad evaporazione. La firma isotopica del boro indica l’importante ruolo svolto dalla componente marina. Un contributo importante di acqua di mare è evidenziato nei canali campionati vicino alla linea di costa. Tuttavia, il processo che controlla l'origine del boro disciolto non è esclusivamente legato al diretto mescolamento con l’acqua di mare, ma è probabilmente determinato da una fonte supplementare come l’acqua proveniente dal suolo. I sedimenti alluvionali lungamente esposti all’acqua di mare rilasciano boro di origine marina attraverso i processi di lisciviazione. È anche evidenziato un contributo aggiuntivo di boro proveniente dalle pratiche agricole. Sulla base del comportamento conservativo dello ione cloruro ed applicando bilanci di massa si è evidenziato che nei canali che non sono direttamente collegati al mare circa l’80% dello Sr ha origine da minerali Al-silicatici, suggerendo una significativa interazione tra suolo e acqua e la presenza di fenomeni di scambio ionico. È probabile che la correlazione positiva tra il pH e l'ossigeno disciolto nelle acque prelevate in inverno riflettano il consumo di CO2 durante la fotosintesi delle alghe. La presenza di CO2 verosimilmente favorisce la generazione in situ di particelle colloidali a causa della precipitazione ossidativa di ossi-idrossidi di ferro e piccole particelle di carbonato, tali particelle sono in grado di adsorbire sulla loro superficie i metalli in tracce e contribuiscono alla dinamica dei metalli nell'ecosistema agevolandone il trasporto e interessando il loro ciclo e quindi la loro biodisponibilità. Durante l'estate, l'ingresso di acqua dolce dal CER abbassa la concentrazione della maggior parte degli ioni e si sovrappone al ciclo di evaporazione – precipitazione - scambio, probabilmente favorendo la dispersione delle particelle colloidali che possono fungere da vettori di sostanze inquinanti., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality; Vol 3 (2010); 21-32

Il progetto “Impact of Nanoparticles in Environmental Sustainability and Ecotoxicity” (INESE), finanziato dall’Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), ha studiato gli effetti delle nanoparticelle (NPs) ingegnerizzate su diversi ecosistemi (acquatici e terrestri), proponendo differenti sistemi biologici di studio (piante acquatiche, ricci di mare, organismi del suolo, pomodoro-impollinatore, ecc). In particolare l’UO dell’Università di Bologna ha focalizzato l’attenzione sullo studio dei modelli di interazione tra particelle di suolo, microorganismi (biomassa microbica), invertebrati (Lumbricus rubellus) e pianta (Solanum lycopersicum). In questa sede verranno riportati i risultati ottenuti dall’impatto delle nanoparticelle di argento (Ag-NPs) nell’ecosistema suolo. La crescita esponenziale dell’uso di materiali contenenti Ag-NPs è dovuta alla loro importante azione antimicrobica, sempre più sfruttata in diversi campi: dalla medicina (bendaggi) all’abbigliamento (magliette, calzini etc.), ai prodotti di igiene personale (spazzolini da denti), dalla sanificazione delle acque reflue con conseguente produzione di biosolidi impiegati come ammendanti agricoli, all’utilizzo in agricoltura di prodotti dedicati ("Nano-Argentum 10", Fa Nanosys, Svizzera). Studi basati su monitoraggio registrano l’aumento di Ag-NPs nei diversi comparti ambientali (aria-acqua e suolo) e dimostrano che il suolo è destinato ad esserne il maggior ricettore. Il C contenuto nella biomassa microbica del suolo (Cmic) è significativamente diminuita dopo l'esposizione ad Ag-NPs rispetto al controllo, e ciò viene anche confermato dalla diminuzione del DNA microbico estraibile e dall’analisi PCR-DGGE. Quest’ultima ha mostrato la capacità battericida dell’Ag-NPs, riducendo la comunità microbica di un suolo forestale a solo 5 ceppi di batteri resistenti. Riguardo all’impatto sugli invertebrati, il maggior contenuto di Ag rispetto al controllo trovato nei tessuti dei lombrichi è stato riconfermato dall’analisi ESEM che ha mostrato la presenza di Ag-NPs nell’intestino dei lombrichi, dopo depurazione. Inoltre l’esposizione di questi organismi ad Ag-NPs ha causato significativi cambiamenti nella composizione lipidica dei tessuti, rilevando quindi condizioni di stress. La somministrazione di Ag-NPs alle piante di pomodoro tramite l’acqua di irrigazione ha messo in evidenza come le NPs possano essere traslocate dalle radici alle foglie e infine al frutto edule. I potenziali rischi per la salute umana ed ambientale dovuti all’incontrollata diffusione delle NPs costituiscono motivi di grave preoccupazione per la comunità scientifica internazionale.

Aim of this work was to assess the impact of the chronic exposure of CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (50 to 105 nm nominal size) on soil microbial biomass. To evaluate if the CeO2 NPs can affect the soil quality, they were mixed to an A1 and A2 horizon of Epileptic Cambisols at a concentrations of 100 ppm and incubated in lab for short and medium (7 and 60 days) times, at a constant temperature (25°C) and moisture (60% WHC). The preliminary results of the soil physicochemical analyses have showed an insolubility of the CeO2 NPs at short-term incubation in water, EDTA and aqua regia. The biological assays detect a storing of Ce-CeO2 in the microbial biomass at short time that decreases in the C amount. An increment of the basal respiration and a decrease in the amount of carbon soil microbial biomass determined a higher metabolic quotient (qCO2) than the control test, that identifies a stressful situation, most evident in the short term condition. Physical-chemical characterization of the CeO2 NPs and of the soil before and after the NPs addition, was carried out by means of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) and an Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The investigations showed Ce-NPs and Ce-compounds in both- incubation-condition samples. The control soil showed the presence of cerium associated with other elements, like P, Nd, La, Th e Si. From literature, it appears that these elements identify Monazite-Ce/Nd minerals, whose chemical formulas are respectively (Ce, La, Nd, Th) PO4 and (Nd, Ce, La) (P, Si) O4. The presence of CeO2 NPs was clearly detected in soil and recognized by ESEM morphological observations coupled with EDS characterization. The NPs chemical composition appears unaltered, while the size can be modified by NPs aggregation and clustering. The results contribute to setting reference baseline values of cerium in soil and indicate an impact on the amount of carbon soil microbial biomass due to a higher metabolic quotient (qCO2) that can condition the soil fertility., But de ce travail a été d'évaluer l'impact d'une exposition chronique de nanoparticules de CeO2 (NP diamètre compris entre 50 et 150 nm), sur la biomasse microbienne du sol. L'évaluation de l'effet qui peuvent avoir sur la qualité du sol a été expérimentée sur horizons A1 et A2 d'Epileptic Cambisols en utilisant concentrations de 100 ppm avec des incubations en laboratoire pour un bref et une période moyenne de temps, 7 et 60 jours, respectivement, en maintenant température constante, 25°C et humidité, 60% WHC. Les résultats préliminaires des analyses physique et chimiques du sol effectués avec l'eau, EDTA et aqua regia ont souligné une insolubilité des NP - CeO2 après incubation pour une brève période. L'essai biologique a souligné dans la brève période une accumulation de Ce-CeO2 en la biomasse microbienne et un décrément du contenu en C organique soluble. L'accroissement de la respiration basale et le décrément du contenu en carbone de la biomasse microbienne ont induit un quotient métabolique élevé (qCO2) respect au test de contrôle, tel à souligner une situation de stress très évident dans les conditions de brève période. La caractérisation chimique-physique des nanoparticules de CeO2 et du sol avant et après l'addition des mêmes NP, elle a été effectuée en microscopie électronique (ESEM Scanning Electron Microscope), jumelée à spectroscopie aux rayons X (EDS Energy Dispersives Spectroscopy). L'enquête a souligné la présence de nanoparticules de Ce et de mélanges de Ce en les deux les incubations des champions. Le sol de contrôle a montré présence de Ce associé aux autres éléments quel P, Nd, Vous, Th et La; de la littérature on déduit que tels éléments identifient minéraux de monazite-Ce/Nd à la formule chimique, (Ce,La,Nd,Th)PO4 et (Nd,Ce,La)(P,Si)O4. La présence de nanoparticules de Ce a été déterminée et reconnue par les observations morphologiques dans le champion de sol avec de l'ESEM complété par la caractérisation avec de l'EDS; on est pu, donc, souligner comme la composition chimique des nanoparticules soit resté inaltéré, pendant qu'elle se soit modifiée la dimension en fonction de leur agrégation. Les résultats ont contribué à mettre au point les valeurs de fond de Ce dans le sol et la présence de nanoparticules il a souligné un impact sur la quantité de C de la biomasse microbienne dûe à un quotient métabolique élevé à conditionner la fertilité naturelle du sol., Scopo di questo lavoro è stato quello di valutare l’impatto di una esposizione cronica di nanoparticelle di CeO2 (NP, diametro compreso tra 50 e 150 nm) sulla biomassa microbica del suolo. La valutazione dell’effetto che NP di CeO2 possono avere sulla qualità del suolo è stata sperimentata su orizzonti A1 e A2 di Epileptic Cambisols utilizzando concentrazioni di 100 ppm con incubazioni in laboratorio per un breve e un medio periodo di tempo (7 e 60 giorni, rispettivamente) mantenendo costanti temperatura (25°C) ed umidità (60% WHC). I risultati preliminari delle analisi fisico-chimiche del suolo effettuate in acqua, EDTA ed aqua regia hanno evidenziato una insolubilità delle NP- CeO2 dopo incubazione per un breve periodo. Il saggio biologico ha evidenziato nel breve periodo un accumulo di Ce-CeO2 nella biomassa microbica ed un decremento del contenuto in C organico solubile. L’incremento della respirazione basale ed un decremento del contenuto in carbonio della biomassa microbica hanno indotto un elevato quoziente metabolico (qCO2) rispetto al test di controllo, tale da evidenziare una situazione di stress molto evidente nelle condizioni di breve periodo. La caratterizzazione chimico-fisica delle nanoparticelle di CeO2 e del suolo prima e dopo l’aggiunta delle NP stesse, è stata effettuata in microscopia elettronica ambientale (ESEM Scanning Electron Microscope) accoppiata a spettroscopia a raggi X (EDS Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy). L’indagine ha evidenziato la presenza di nanoparticelle di Ce e di composti di Ce in entrambe le incubazioni dei campioni. Il suolo di controllo ha mostrato presenza di Ce associato ad altri elementi quali P, Nd, La, Th e Si; dalla letteratura si evince che tali elementi identificano minerali di monazite-Ce/Nd a formula chimica (Ce,La,Nd,Th)PO4 e/o (Nd,Ce,La)(P,Si)O4. La presenza di nanoparticelle di Ce è stata determinata e riconosciuta dalle osservazioni morfologiche nel campione di suolo con ESEM integrate dalla caratterizzazione con EDS; si è potuto, quindi, evidenziare come la composizione chimica delle nanoparticelle sia rimasta inalterata, mentre si sia modificata la dimensione in funzione della loro aggregazione. I risultati hanno contribuito a mettere a punto i valori di fondo di Ce nel suolo e la presenza di nanoparticelle ha evidenziato un impatto sul quantitativo di C della biomassa microbica dovuto ad un più elevato quoziente metabolico tale da condizionare la fertilità naturale del suolo., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality; Vol 7 (2011); 1-16

Nanoparticles (NPs) types diffused into the environment are increasing, giving potential damages to terrestrial ecosystems. In this work we investigated the nanoparticles toxicity as pure metal and two oxides (Co, SnO2 and CeO2) on earthworm survival (Lumbricus rubellus). A concentration of 5000 mg kg-1 dry soil of each NP was compared to the chronic dose of 10 mg kg-1. The interaction between NPs and soil microbial biomass was also studied in 7 days length incubation. No mortality was observed at the end of the experiment, but high concentration of Co was found in the 5000 kg-1 dry soil treated. Despite low solubility of all NPs (solid-liquid partition coefficient > 2.8 log l kg-1) pure metal NPs were (Co) more soluble than the metal oxides nanoparticles (SnO2 and CeO2)., Les nanoparticules (NPs) sont libérés dans l’environnent dans des proportions sans cesse croissantes. Dans le présent document nous étudions la toxicité des nanoparticules sous la forme de métal pur (Co) et de deux oxydes métalliques d'étain et de cérium (SnO2 et CeO2) sur les vers de terre (Lumbricus rubellus). L'expérience implique la comparaison entre une dose chronique (10 mg kg-1) et que aiguë (5000 mg kg-1). Dans ce travail, nous avons pris en compte les interactions entre la biomasse microbienne du sol et les NPs. Pendant 7 jours d'incubation les vers de terre sont tous les survivants de différentes doses de NPs, bien que les doses élevées de Co-NPs ont été retrouvés dans les tissus des lombrics. Les nanoparticules de Co sont plus solubles que les autres oxydes testés dans cette expérience, même si le coefficient de partage solide-liquide a souligné une faible solubilité de nanoparticules dans le sol., Le nanoparticelle (NPs) vengono rilasciate nell’ambiente in proporzioni sempre maggiori determinando quindi potenziali danni agli ecosistemi terrestri. In questo lavoro viene investigata la tossicità delle nanoparticelle in forma di metallo puro e di due ossidi (Co, SnO2 e CeO2) sui lombrichi (Lumbricus rubellus). L’esperimento prevede il confronto tra una dose cronica e ed un’acuta, rispettivamente 10 e 5000 mg kg-1. Inoltre, sono state prese in considerazione le interazioni tra la biomassa microbica del suolo e le NPs in 7 giorni di incubazione. Nessuna mortalità è stata osservata alla fine dell'esperimento, ma alte concentrazioni di Co-NPs sono state trovate nei lombrichi. Dai risultati si evince che le nanoparticelle di Co sono più solubili rispetto agli altri ossidi testati, anche se il coefficiente di partizione solido-liquido sottolineava una bassa solubilità nel suolo di tutte le nanoparticelle., EQA - International Journal of Environmental Quality; Vol 8 (2012); 51-60