Contaminated land and associated risks

The research area dedicated to contaminated sites and acceptable risk thresholds focuses on the study of the processes that govern soil and groundwater pollution by inorganic and organic contaminants of anthropogenic or natural origin (metals and metalloids, hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, pesticides, and emerging contaminants like PFAS or microplastics). Particular attention is paid to understanding the dynamics of contaminant transport from the source to potential receptors through water and air, as well as to defining the conditions that determine the mobility and persistence of substances in different environmental settings. Activities involve the geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical characterization of contaminated sites, including the sampling of different matrices (water, soil, sediments, air), monitoring over time, and subsequent analysis using advanced methods to determine environmental quality. The use of geochemical maps, the definition of background values, and the analysis of the main mechanisms of mobility of inorganic and organic pollutants make it possible to outline risk scenarios and support the design of remediation interventions. Sanitary and ecological risk assessment define the need of designing mitigation or remediation measures.