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Solfatara volcano is situated close to the center of the Campi Flegrei caldera which, in the past, has alternatively experienced phases of resurgence and subsidence, traditionally indicated with the term bradyseism. Ludovico Sicardi (1895-1987) was an Italian scientist, who carried out pioneering studies on the Solfatara and other Italian volcanoes (Vesuvius, Stromboli, Vulcano, Panarea, Salina, and Etna), developing innovative instruments and methods to sample and analyze volcanic gases (Calabrese et al. 2020). He wrote several papers on the Solfatara of Pozzuoli, one of which, in Italian, was published on the Bulletin Volcanologique in 1956. In that paper, he noted that among the numerous craters of the Campi Flegrei, on the Gulf of Naples, that of the Solfatara of Pozzuoli is the only one that has probably preserved an uninterrupted fumarolic activity for at least two millennia. In 1538, a few kilometers away, a new volcanic vent opened and created its edifice in 48 hours. It is known as Monte Nuovo and reaches an elevation of 140 m, but the only remnant of that eruptive episode of such a short duration are some weak fumarolic emissions. The fumaroles of the Solfatara of Pozzuoli, on the other hand, reveal a truly unusual persistence, even if the thermal level of the exhalation is not excessive, since the alternation of different phases of activity is quite common in volcanic centers (Sicardi 1956).

17O NMR is an invaluable tool to study the structure and dynamics of oxide materials, but remains challenging to apply in many systems. Even with isotopic enrichment, studies of samples with low masses and/or concentrations of the active species, such as thin films or interfaces, are limited by low sensitivity. Here we show how endogenous dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) can dramatically improve sensitivity in the oxide-ion conductor Gd-doped CeO2, with a 17O enhancement factor of 652 at 100 K. This is the highest enhancement observed so far by endogenous DNP or Gd3+ DNP, which is explained in terms of the electron paramagnetic resonance characteristics. The DNP properties are studied as a function of Gd concentration for both enriched and natural abundance samples and the buildup behaviour shows that spin diffusion in 17O-enriched samples improves sensitivity by relaying hyperpolarisation throughout the sample. Notably, efficient hyperpolarisation could still be achieved at elevated temperatures, with enhancement factors of 320 at room temperature and 150 at 370 K, paving the way for characterisation of materials under operational conditions. Finally, the application of endogenous Gd3+ DNP is illustrated with the study of interfaces in vertically aligned nanocomposite thin films comprised of Gd-CeO2 nanopillars embedded in a SrTiO3 matrix, where DNP affords selective enhancement of the different phases and enables a previously infeasible two-dimensional correlation experiment to be performed showing spin diffusion between Gd-CeO2 and the solid–solid interface.

The GEMex project is a Mexican-European research cooperation on developing concepts for the use of superhot and engineered geothermal systems (i.e., Los Humeros and Acoculco) for power generation. Key focus in the first stage of the project is the confirmation and characterization of a superhot geothermal reservoir, which is expected in the deeper structural level of the Los Humeros volcanic complex. Los Humeros is located at the eastern tip of the Mexican Volcanic Belt within a Quaternary volcanic complex. The conventional hydrothermal reservoir in Los Humeros has been harnessed by the governmental utility CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad) since 1990 with a current operating capacity of 94 MWe. Reservoir temperatures around 380°C were found at depths below 2,000 m, indicating the presence of a superhot geothermal reservoir. However, geothermal fluids at such high temperatures could only be used to some extent for energy production, due to their aggressive physicochemical characteristics. For that reason, research is also required on the development of novel technological concepts. The complexity of the available data and the heterogeneity of the geothermal system requires sophisticated solutions for a meaningful integration of information. The paper will give an overview of the exploration strategy, selected results and interpretation.

The EU H2020 GECO project is primarily aimed to set-up technologies to lower emissions from geothermal power generation by capturing them for either reuse or storage, to turn captured emissions in to commercial products and demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of the injection method. To achieve this goal a site specific characterization and modelling of geology and geochemistry of the geothermal reservoir are in progress for optimization of the injection experiments at four distinct geothermal systems throughout Europe are in progress. The Italian GECO demonstration site is Castelnuovo, which is located in the northeaster side of the Larderello geothermal area and where Graziella Green Power and Storengy are planning to exploit a deep seated high temperature resource for power production with the scope of no non condensable gases (NCGs), release in atmosphere. The geothermal fluid will be extracted from 2 production wells and then it will be reinjected in the reservoir by mean of 1 reinjection well. A Zero emissions ORC power plant will produce 5MWe. For the geological assessment of Castelnuovo site an integrated methodology was designed and is applied to obtain the most reliable and accurate assessment of the site. The geological, reservoir and chemical reactive modelling are performed using field or labs data and observations (i.e., geology, geophysics, geochemistry surveys). Moreover, we adopted a double scale approach where regional, and larger, model was built to provide constrains to local, smaller and detailed, models. At regional scale a geological model including the main structures of the area is modelled to create the geometries needed to local models. At locale scale, firstly the thermal steady state of the rock volume and secondly the reinjection simulations on reservoir and fluids-rocks interaction during the reinjection are numerically computed.

Geothermal power in Mexico is mainly produced in four geothermal fields operated by the Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE): Cerro Prieto, Los Azufres, Los Humeros, and Las Tres Virgenes. The Los Humeros Geothermal Field (LHGF) is ranked third in terms of generated capacity, and in the last decade its installed capacity has doubled (up to 95.0 MW). Further increases in the geothermal power generation capacity in Mexico are planned, and thus the LHGF warrants further examination. The development and growth phases of any geothermal project must start from an awareness of the conceptual model of the natural system studied. The recharge mechanism, feeding zones, and fluid flow-path must be identified, along with the estimation of the temperature at the productive level and of phase separation (liquid - steam). To accomplish this, detailed fluid geochemical surveys were carried out in June 2017 and March 2018, in which 57 and 87 samples were collected, respectively, from cold and thermal springs, water wells and maar lakes located around and inside the LHGF. Samples from fumaroles inside the producing area were also collected for the first time, together with fluid from re-injection wells. The presence of a meteoric component, which plays an important role at the regional scale, is confirmed by the chemical and isotope data, and its contribution in terms of recharge may be higher than previously assumed. The Sierra Madre Oriental, on the west side of the LHGF, is characterized by widespread outcrops of limestone belonging to the same geological formation as those at the bottom of the LHGF. The isotope composition (delta D and delta O-18, respectively -77.3 parts per thousand and -10.50 parts per thousand for the hypothetical Infiltration Water IW) is similar to that observed in cold springs located in the Sierra Madre Oriental, and from this the evolution of isotopes in the liquid-rock-steam system during water-rock interaction and phase separation processes can be modelled. Thus, the experimental data obtained for natural gas emissions (fumarolic condensates) and for geothermal fluids can be reproduced. These findings suggest that geothermal fluids in the LHGF are likely to be derived from meteoric water infiltrating (IW) the limestone outcrops of the Sierra Madre Oriental. During their flow-path, the infiltrating waters exchange isotopes at a high temperature with the crustal rocks, which have a much higher O-18/O-16 ratio, resulting in a shift towards higher delta O-18 (-4.35 parts per thousand +/- 1) as the water O exchanges with rock O. The vapor phase can be separated from this deep water (DW) and it is discharged from the fumarolic effluents of Loma Blanca. Single Step Vapor Separation (SSVS) and Continuous Steam Separation processes (CSS) were modelled using stable isotopes of water. The results of geochemical modeling agree with available data for geothermal liquids discharged from several geothermal wells, suggesting that steam separation may be interpreted either as SSVS or CSS. Other processes can affect the chemistry and isotope composition of geothermal fluids (e.g. phase segregation, gas exchange, contributions from magmatic-volcanic deep fluids and re-injection fluids). The proposed conceptual model is consistent with both the geochemical data and the geological setting, and provides a useful point of reference for examining the fluid flow-path and geochemical processes active in the LHGF, at least at a general level. An involvement of magmatic-volcanic deep fluids in the feeding mechanism of the geothermal system cannot be excluded at priori, but the regional meteoric end-member is supported by the data and it seems the most important component.

The orientational order of the molecules in the bent mesogen CB6OCB has been studied throughout the range of temperature stability of both the NU and NTB liquid-crystal phases by 13C NMR spectroscopy. These spectra provide local order parameters for the para axes of both of the nonequivalent cyanobiphenyl groups and show how they change on entering the twist-bend nematic phase. A key feature of the order parameters is a weak, but clear maximum in the temperature variation of the order parameter prior to the NTB phase. This suggests that the directors in both the NU and NTB phases are tilted with respect to the magnetic field of the spectrometer. Significantly the conformational states of the spacer are comparable in both phases, although the low temperature nematic is chiral but not that at high temperature. It is proposed that the higher temperature, tilted phase could be the splay-bend nematic phase.

Background: In most European countries advertisements of infant formula are forbidden, while those of follow-on formula are allowed. Recent researches carried out in Australia and Great Britain have suggested that advertisement of toddler formula is used by the producing industry as a line extension to promote infant and follow-on formulas. Objectives: The objective of the study is to assess how advertisements of follow-on formulas are perceived by pregnant women and mothers in Italy. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in 8 cities of the North, Centre and South of Italy and had two components: 1) a quantitative analysis of 562 self-administered questionnaires for mothers of children under 3 years of age, to explore their exposure to and perception of formula advertisements; 2) a qualitative analysis of 80 in-depth semi-structured interviews to 80 pregnant women, in their 32-36 weeks of gestation with no other children, on their understanding and perception of two advertisements for follow-on formulas. Results: Asked in the self-administered questionnaires whether they had ever come across advertisements of infant formulas, 81% of mothers reported that they had, despite the fact that such advertisements are prohibited by law. The qualitative interviews to pregnant women showed their inability to identify the advertised products at first glance due to the ambiguity of the numeral 2 and the presumed age of the portrayed babies; this confusion did not disappear after careful observation of the advertisements and reading of the text. Conclusions: Advertisements of follow-on formulas are perceived by many pregnant women and mothers as promoting infant formulas.

The Monte Amiata volcanic complex hosts one of the most important aquifers present in the Tuscany Region, which is used for drinking water supply. According to Barazzuoli et al. (2004) more than 150 cold springs draining the volcanic aquifer are distributed around the volcanic body. Locally, there are also some peculiar springs such as the thermal springs of Bagni San Filippo and several cold springs associated with CO2-rich gas emissions. Various studies were performed on the geochemical characterization of groundwaters and surface waters circulating in the Monte Amiata volcanic complex and nearby areas. In particular, a dataset comprising more than 190 chemical analyses was developed in the framework of the Significant Groundwater Bodies (SGB) study funded by the Tuscany Region and aimed at the geological, hydrogeological and geochemical characterization of different aquifers located in the Tuscan territory including the Monte Amiata aquifer, coded 99MM020 (Cerrina Feroni et al., 2009; Doveri et al., 2012). In this work, all available geochemical data of groundwaters and surface waters from previous studies were compiled producing a unique dataset comprising more than 250 complete chemical analyses. Most waters circulating in the Monte Amiata volcanic complex have Ca-(Na+K)-HCO3 chemical composition and are discharged at the periphery of the volcanic edifice, coinciding with the contact with the underlying impermeable clayey units belonging to the Ligurids s.l. The stoichiometry of the dissolution reactions involving Ca and Mg solid phases suggests that the mineral paragenesis typically encountered in the volcanic rocks of Monte Amiata complex plays a pivotal role during the water-rock interaction process, mainly generating the Ca-(Na+K)-HCO3 water type. Calcite, dolomite and gypsum and/or anhydrite are also present in the sedimentary rocks of the nearby area leading to the production of Ca-HCO3, Ca-(Mg)-HCO3, and Ca-(Mg)-SO4-HCO3 water types. Acidic aqueous solutions of Ca-(Na+K)-SO4 composition are locally produced through interaction of meteoric waters with volcanic rocks, but mineral dissolution is governed by sulphuric acid formed through O2-driven oxidation at relatively shallow levels of either deep-coming H2S or metals sulphides, e.g. pyrite. Similarly, reaction of H2SO4 and carbonate rocks produces acidic Ca-SO4 waters. The few Ca-(Na+K)-SO4-HCO3 waters are probably originated either by mixing of acidic Ca-(Na+K)- SO4 waters and Ca-(Na+K)-HCO3 waters or by water-rock interaction processes driven by both H2CO3 and H2SO4 but in different moments. Most waters of interest are undersaturated with calcite, excluding Ca-HCO3 and Ca(Mg)-HCO3 waters, which are close to the saturation, and the Ca-(Mg)-SO4-HCO3 thermal waters of Bagni San Filippo, which are saturated or oversaturated with calcite, probably due to CO2 loss at outlet conditions. All considered waters are undersaturated with gypsum apart from the thermal waters of Bagni San Filippo, which approach the equilibrium condition due to interaction with carbonate-evaporite units at depth. Waters of Ca-(Na+K)-HCO3 composition, which are hosted in Monte Amiata volcanics, have SiO2 contents bounded by saturation with chalcedony and with opal-CT. This means that several Ca-(Na+K)-HCO3 waters have relatively high SiO2 contents that favored the proliferation of diatoms in the numerous lacustrine basins which were present at the margin of the volcanic edifice in the past. The large variation range of Total Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (TDIC) suggests the involvement of more than one CO2 source, as proposed by Frondini et al. (2009) based on δ13C values and TDIC concentrations.

Il rapporto illustra le considerazioni e le elaborazioni dei dati esistenti che hanno condotto alla caratterizzazione geologica, idrogeologica e idrogeochimica dell'acquifero 99MM933 "Corpo idrico delle arenarie di avanfossa della Toscana nord-orientale - zona Monti d'oltre Serchio".

The aquifer of the Lower Magra Valley (SE Liguria, Italy) extends in a flat plain, where two main rivers (Magra and Vara) flow. These rivers are characterized by a wide variation of water level and water chemical composition (TDS, Cl and SO4) due to the combination of rainfall regime and the presence of thermal springs in the inner part of the catchment area. Groundwater flow is apparently controlled by stream water infiltration, which affects both water levels and water quality. In particular, the wide range of variation of some particular chemical species in the stream water influences the groundwater chemistry on a seasonal basis. In the area of interest, there is an important well-field, which supplies most of the drinking water to the nearby city of La Spezia. In this context, the groundwater system is exposed to a high degree of vulnerability, both in terms of quality and quantity. This study is aimed to develop a predictive flow and transport model in order to assess the vulnerability s.l. of the Magra Valley aquifer system and to evaluate its behaviour in awaited climate scenarios. A flow and transport model was developed by using MODFLOW and MT3DMS codes, and it's been calibrated in both steady state and transient conditions. The model confirmed the importance of the Magra river in the water balance and chemical composition of the extracted groundwater. In addition, a data-driven modelling approach was applied in order to determine boundary conditions (e.g. rivers and constant head or general head boundaries) of the physical model under hypothetic future climate scenarios. For this purpose, fully synthetic datasets have been generated as a training set of the data-driven scheme, with input variables inspired by selected climate models and input/output relationships estimated by past observations. An experimental run of the flow-transport model for 30 years ahead was performed, based on such hypothetic scenarios. This approach highlighted how the groundwater flow of the studied aquifer is highly vulnerable and sensitive to climate conditions.

Il rapporto illustra le considerazioni e le elaborazioni dei dati esistenti che hanno condotto alla caratterizzazione geologica, idrogeologica e idrogeochimica dell'acquifero 99MM931 "Corpo idrico delle arenarie di avanfossa della Toscana nord-orientale - zona dorsale appenninica".

Water is an essential economic and social resource. It is also finite and vulnerable. For Europe, this generally accepted understanding has been translated into the European and National Directive (2000/60/EC, D.Lgs. 152/2006). This law has led to an increased awareness of the role of the resource and its importance in the socioeconomic, cultural, and political realms. To protect this resource, safeguard zones for drinking water sources must be delineated. In Italy, a drinking water source such as a well or spring is to be protected by means of a three-level safeguard zone: an absolute safety zone close to the source, a respect zone depending on groundwater travel time, and a Protection Zone. The aim of this paper is to describe an integrated methodology used to define the Protection Zone. The work, developed within the framework of a project of the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG-CNR) and funded by the Tuscany Region Administration through "Consorzio Lamma", focused on the delineation of the Protection Zones for several abstraction points located throughout the regional territory. The proposed methodology for protecting drinking water sources described in this paper integrates geological, hydrogeological, and hydrogeochemical methodologies. The approach includes a definition of the hydrostratigraphy of the aquifer systems, estimates of the water volume, and the quantification of inflows and outflows, as well their interrelationships. By means of this integrated methodology, fifteen Protection Zones were defined; each of these zones was divided in two areas according to their relative importance to supplying a drinking water source. The Protection Zones were further validated by means of hydrogeological and isotopic budget calculations.

The aquifer of the Lower Magra Valley is the main source of water for drinking, industrial and agriculture purposes in the area of La Spezia (SE Liguria, Italy). It extends in a flat plain, within which two main rivers (Magra and Vara) flow. The aquifer is mostly unconfined and made up by gravels and sands. The hydrologic/hydrogeological conditions are favourable to river infiltration, which represents a significant recharge for the aquifer. In this framework, the groundwater system is exposed to high vulnerability, both in terms of quality and quantity, not only in relation to human activities but also towards the climate conditions. This study was aimed to develop a predictive transport model for evaluating the Magra Valley aquifer behaviour in awaited climate scenarios. Part of these activities was carried out in the framework of the national project "ACQUASENSE". The conceptual model was achieved by elaborating and comparing geology, stratigraphy, hydrogeology, geochemistry and isotopes data (including time series produced by two continuously monitoring stations). Groundwater flow resulted widely controlled by stream water infiltration, which affects water levels and water quality. In particular, the wide variation range of the natural concentration of Cl and SO4 in stream waters is reflected by the groundwater chemistry over the year. A flow and transport model was developed by using MODFLOW/GMS7.1, and it was calibrated in both steady state and transient conditions, over the period 2004-2011. Data-driven modelling was also performed basing on historical data (rainfall, temperature, water level and species concentration), and a good agreement between modelled and real data (both water level and species concentration) was achieved for the period 2004-2011. Hence, the data-driven model was applied to re-define some boundary conditions (e.g. rivers and constant head or general head boundaries) of the physical model under hypothetic future climate scenarios. This was done by using a fully synthetic dataset as a training set of the data-driven scheme, inspired by selected climate models. The flow-transport model was finally run for 30 years ahead, thus highlighting how the groundwater flow of the studied aquifer is sensitive to climate conditions, as a consequence of its dependence upon rivers regime.