This research line is focused on the quality and characterization of soil, water and sediments. The study of the presence, dispersion, speciation and fate of inorganic contaminants in these matrices and assessment of the processes occurring is studied applying multiple analytical techniques and different sampling preparation techniques (e.g. selective or sequential extractions) for relevant studies in solid matrices.
Themes explored are:
- Geochemical characterization of contaminated sites (abandoned mining sites, contaminated sites) and contaminated matrices. These are situations where naturally high concentrations of chemical elements occurs. The studies are in continuous evolution and are carried out in collaboration with researchers from other universities.
- Geochemical mapping based on different matrices (soils, sediments, water), and at variable scale, provides a useful tool for the knowledge of the territory and for its management.
- Geochemistry of sedimentary successions for paleoenvironmental reconstructions, provenance study, and an assessment of background values.
- Hydrogeochemical studies on groundwater, surface water and drinking water for characterization, management and possible effects on the food chain.
- Presence in the environment of emerging pollutants, particularly endocrine disruptors, in environmental samples such as water and sediments is an aspect recently developed in collaboration with other colleagues in the Department (Professor Elena Fabbri Group).