scholarly journals PM<sub>1</sub> measurements at a site close to an oil/gas pre-treatment plant (Agri Valley – southern Italy): a preliminary study

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 2337-2346 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Trippetta ◽  
R. Caggiano ◽  
S. Sabia
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Range Transport ◽  
Plant Emissions ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
A Site ◽  
Oil Gas

Abstract. A PM1 (i.e. particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 1.0 μm) short-term monitoring campaign was carried out in the Agri Valley (southern Italy) in September 2012. This area is of international concern, since it houses one of the largest European on-shore reservoirs and the largest oil/gas pre-treatment plant (i.e. the Centro Olio Val d'Agri – COVA) within an anthropised context. PM1 measurements were performed in Viggiano, the nearest town to the COVA plant and one of the most populated towns of the Agri Valley. During the study period, the PM1 daily concentrations ranged from 1.2 to 8.4 μg m−3, with a mean value of 4.6 μg m−3. Regarding the PM1 chemical composition, it can be observed that S and typical crustal elements were the most abundant constituents of the PM1 collected. By applying principal component analysis (PCA), it was pointed out that crustal soil, biomass and wood burning, secondary atmospheric reactions involving COVA plant emissions and local soil particles, and traffic were the main sources contributing to the PM1 measured in the area under study. Moreover, a possible contribution of the long-range transport of African dust was observed.

scholarly journals Oil/gas pre-treatment plants and air quality hazards: PM<sub>1</sub> measurements in Agri Valley (southern Italy)

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 2377-2403
Author(s):  
S. Trippetta ◽  
R. Caggiano ◽  
S. Sabia
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Atmospheric Reactions ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Range Transport ◽  
Plant Emissions ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Oil Gas

Abstract. A PM1 (i.e., aerosol particles with aerodynamic diameter less 1.0 μm) short term monitoring campaign was carried out in Agri Valley (southern Italy) in September 2012. This area is of international concern since it houses the largest European on-shore reservoir and the largest oil/gas pre-treatment plant (i.e., Centro Olio Val d'Agri – COVA) within an anthropized context. PM1 measurements were performed in Viggiano, the nearest town to the COVA plant and one of the most populated town of the Agri Valley. During the study period, the PM1 daily concentrations ranged from 1.2 to 8.4 μg m−3 with a mean value of 4.6 μg m−3. Regarding the PM1 chemical composition, it can be observed that S and typical crustal elements were the most abundant constituents of the PM1 collected. By applying the Principal Component Analysis, it was pointed out that crustal soil, biomass and wood burning, secondary atmospheric reactions involving COVA plant emissions and local soil particles, and traffic were the main sources contributing to the PM1 measured in the area under study. Moreover, a possible contribution of the long-range transport of African dust was observed.

scholarly journals Assessment of atmospheric trace element concentrations by lichen-bag near an oil/gas pre-treatment plant in the Agri Valley (southern Italy)

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 6531-6553
Author(s):  
R. Caggiano ◽  
S. Trippetta ◽  
S. Sabia
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Plant Emissions ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Almost All

Abstract. The atmospheric concentrations of 17 trace elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Ti and Zn) were measured by means of the "lichen-bag" technique in the Agri Valley (southern Italy). The lichen samples were collected from an unpolluted site located in Rifreddo forest (southern Italy). The bags were exposed to ambient air for 6 and 12 months. The exposed-to-control (EC) ratio values highlighted that the used lichen species were suitable for biomonitoring investigations. The results showed that the concentrations of almost all the examined trace elements increased with respect to the control after 6–12 month exposures. Furthermore, Ca, Al, Fe, K, Mg and S were the most abundant trace elements both in the 6 and 12 month-exposed samples. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) results highlighted that the major sources of the measured atmospheric trace elements were related both to anthropogenic contributions due to traffic, combustion processes, agricultural practices, construction and quarrying activities, and to natural contributions mainly represented by the re-suspension of local soil and road dusts. In addition, the contribution both of secondary atmospheric reactions involving Centro Olio Val d'Agri (COVA) plant emissions and the African dust long-range transport were also identified.

scholarly journals Assessment of atmospheric trace element concentrations by lichen-bag near an oil/gas pre-treatment plant in the Agri Valley (southern Italy)

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Caggiano ◽  
S. Trippetta ◽  
S. Sabia
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
The North ◽  
Local Soil ◽  
Plant Emissions ◽  
Pre Treatment

Abstract. The atmospheric concentrations of 17 trace elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Ti and Zn) were measured by means of the "lichen-bag" technique in the Agri Valley (southern Italy). The lichen samples were collected from an unpolluted site located in Rifreddo forest (southern Italy), about 30 km away from the study area along the north direction. The bags were exposed to ambient air for 6 and 12 months. The exposed-to-control (EC) ratio values highlighted that the used lichen species were suitable for biomonitoring investigations. The results showed that the concentrations of almost all the examined trace elements increased with respect to the control after 6–12-month exposures. Furthermore, Ca, Al, Fe, K, Mg and S were the most abundant trace elements both in the 6-month and 12-month-exposed samples. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) results highlighted that the major sources of the measured atmospheric trace elements were related both to anthropogenic contributions due to traffic, combustion processes agricultural practices, construction and quarrying activities, and to natural contributions mainly represented by the re-suspension of local soil and road dusts. In addition, the contribution both of secondary atmospheric reactions involving Centro Olio Val d'Agri (COVA) plant emissions and the African dust long-range transport were also identified.

scholarly journals An integrated approach for the evaluation of technological hazard impacts on air quality: the case of the Val d'Agri oil/gas plant

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 2345-2376
Author(s):  
M. Calvello ◽  
F. Esposito ◽  
S. Trippetta
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Air Quality Measurements ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Oil Gas

Abstract. The Val d'Agri area (southern Italy) hosts the biggest on-shore European reservoir and the largest oil/gas pre-treatment plant, named Centro Olio Val d'Agri (COVA), located in a rural/anthropized context. Several hazards are associated to this plant. These are mainly represented by possible impacts of the COVA atmospheric emissions on the local air quality and human health. This work uses a novel approach based on the integration of air quality measurements from the regional monitoring network, additional experimental measurements (i.e., sub-micrometric particulate matter – PM1 and Black Carbon – BC) and advanced statistical analyses to provide a preliminary evaluation of the Val d'Agri air quality state and give some indications of specific areas potentially affected by COVA hazards. Results show that the COVA plant emissions exert an impact especially on the air quality of the area closest to it. In this area several pollutants specifically related to the COVA combustion processes (i.e., nitrogen oxides, benzene and toluene) show the highest concentration values and significant correlations. The proposed approach represents a first step in the assessment of the risks associated to oil/gas exploration and pre-treatment activities and a starting point for the development of effective and exportable air quality monitoring strategies.

scholarly journals PM<sub>1</sub> geochemical and mineralogical characterization using SEM-EDX to identify particle origin – Agri Valley pilot area (Basilicata, Southern Italy)

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 291-318
Author(s):  
S. Margiotta ◽  
A. Lettino ◽  
A. Speranza ◽  
V. Summa
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Mineralogical Characterization ◽  
Flare Event ◽  
Hydrocarbon Reservoir ◽  
Mineralogical Study ◽  
Fine Quartz ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Observation Period

Abstract. A PM1 geochemical and mineralogical study using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed on a pilot site in the Agri Valley which is close to the oil pre-treatment plant (C.O.V.A) of the Europe's largest on-shore hydrocarbon reservoir. The study identified PM1 geochemical and mineralogical characters in a period before, during and immediately after a burning torch flare event. The finer fraction (DFe < 0.7 μm) consisted mainly of secondary particles and soot. In the coarser fraction (DFe ≥ 0.7 μm), natural particles originating from crustal erosion and soot were abundant. Fine quartz particles and lower Al/Si ratios are markers for desert dust origin, proving that a Saharan dust episode which occurred during the observation period played a significant role in supplying geogenic aerosol components to the PM1. Largest amounts of ≥0.7 μm fraction particles observed on the day of flare event may be due to a greater supply of Saharan geogenic particles. Soot had been significantly increasing long before the flare event, suggesting that this increase is also related to other causes, although we cannot exclude a contribution from flaring. S-rich aerosol consisted mainly of mixed particles originating from deposition and heterogeneous nucleation of secondary sulfates on mineral dust. Only-S particles were identified in the ≥0.7 μm fraction following the flare event. These particles may be indicators of larger amounts of sulphur in the atmosphere.

scholarly journals Black carbon and its impact on air quality in two semi-rural sites in Southern Italy near an oil pre-treatment plant

2020 ◽  
Vol 233 ◽  
pp. 117532
Author(s):  
Giulia Pavese ◽  
Mariarosaria Calvello ◽  
Jessica Castagna ◽  
Francesco Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Black Carbon ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Rural Sites

scholarly journals Distribution of the Condylion-Gonion-Menton (CoGoMe^) Angle in a Population of Patients from Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
D’Antò ◽  
Pango Madariaga ◽  
Rongo ◽  
Bucci ◽  
Simeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Growth Patterns ◽  
Lateral Cephalograms ◽  
Beta Coefficient ◽  
Functional Appliances ◽  
Pre Treatment

The condylion-gonion-menton angle (CoGoMe^) is commonly used as a pre-treatment indicator of responsiveness in Class II patients treated with functional appliances. The distribution of this angle in the Caucasian population is still unknown. This study aimed to determine the distribution of the CoGoMe^ and its relationship with age, sagittal jaw relationship (ANPg^), and mandibular inclination (SN^GoGn) in patients from Southern Italy. The sample included 290 subjects (median14 years of age; Interquartile range, IQR, 12–17) with lateral cephalograms taken before the orthodontic treatment. The distribution of the CoGoMe^ was assessed with the Shapiro–Wilk test, and the differences according to the ANPg^ and the SN^GoGn were estimated using one-way ANOVA. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate how the CoGoMe^ varied according to age. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The results showed that the CoGoMe^ was normally distributed (P = 0.290) with a mean value of 127.2° ± 7.7°. The distribution of the CoGoMe^ in groups with different SN^GoGn angles was significantly different (P < 0.001). These angles showed a positive association (Beta coefficient B = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.67; P < 0.001). In growing patients, the CoGoMe^ decreased every year by 0.6° (B = −0.6; 95% CI: −1.05, −0.12; P = 0.014). In conclusion, the CoGoMe^ was associated with mandibular inclination and could be considered to be a predictor of vertical growth patterns.

scholarly journals Disturbances in a VLF radio signal prior the <i>M</i>=4.7 offshore Anzio (central Italy) earthquake on 22 August 2005

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 1041-1048 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. F. Biagi ◽  
L. Castellana ◽  
T. Maggipinto ◽  
D. Loiacono ◽  
V. Augelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Radio Signal ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Sampling Rate ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Offshore Area ◽  
Central Italy Earthquake ◽  
Radio Signals ◽  
Phase Data ◽  
A Site

Abstract. On 22 August 2005 an earthquake with magnitude M=4.7 occurred in the Anzio (central Italy) offshore area. From 2002, a VLF-LF radio receiver is into operation in Bari (southern Italy). The intensity and the phase of the signals transmitted by GB (f=16 kHz, United Kingdom), FR (f=20.9 kHz, France), GE (f=23.4 kHz, Germany), IC (f=37.5 kHz, Island) and IT (f=54 kHz, Sicily, Italy) has been monitored with a 5 s sampling rate. The previous epicenter is near enough to some of the radio paths and the data collected were studied in order to reveal possible seismic effects. The raw analysis revealed a clear drop in the intensity of the FR radio signal on 19 August. Then the wavelet analysis was applied to the intensity and the phase data of the different radio signals. In the mentioned day an increase in the band 60–120 min was revealed in the spectra of the FR signal. Then the principal component analysis was applied and again the 19 August stood up as an anomalous day for the FR radio signal. The path of this signal, among the paths of the five radio signals collected by the Bari receiver, is the nearest to the mentioned epicentre and the anomaly revealed on 19 August appears as a precursor of the earthquake. This result confirms the possible precursor revealed by other researchers in the air Rn content in a site located 5 miles far from the epicenter.

scholarly journals An integrated approach for the evaluation of technological hazard impacts on air quality: the case of the Val d'Agri oil/gas plant

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 2133-2144 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Calvello ◽  
F. Esposito ◽  
S. Trippetta
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Air Quality Measurements ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Oil Gas

Abstract. The Val d'Agri area (southern Italy) hosts one of the biggest onshore European reservoir and the largest oil/gas pre-treatment plant, named Centro Olio Val d'Agri (COVA), located in a rural/anthropized context. Several hazards are associated with this plant. These are mainly represented by possible impacts of the COVA atmospheric emissions on the local air quality and human health. This work uses a novel approach based on the integration of air quality measurements from the regional monitoring network, additional experimental measurements (i.e. sub-micrometre particulate matter (PM1) and black carbon (BC)) and advanced statistical analyses to provide a preliminary evaluation of the Val d'Agri air quality state and give some indication of specific areas potentially affected by COVA hazards. Results show that the COVA plant emissions have a particular impact on the air quality of the area closest to it. In this area several pollutants specifically related to the COVA combustion processes (i.e. nitrogen oxides, benzene and toluene) show the highest concentration values and significant correlations. The proposed approach represents a first step in the assessment of the risks associated with oil/gas exploration and pre-treatment activities and a starting point for the development of effective and exportable air quality monitoring strategies.

scholarly journals PM<sub>1</sub> geochemical and mineralogical characterization using SEM-EDX to identify particle origin – Agri Valley pilot area (Basilicata, southern Italy)

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1551-1561 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Margiotta ◽  
A. Lettino ◽  
A. Speranza ◽  
V. Summa
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Saharan Dust ◽  
Mineralogical Characterization ◽  
Flare Event ◽  
Hydrocarbon Reservoir ◽  
Mineralogical Study ◽  
Fine Quartz ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Observation Period

Abstract. A PM1 geochemical and mineralogical study using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed on a pilot site in the Agri Valley which is close to the oil pre-treatment plant (C.O.V.A) of Europe's largest on-shore hydrocarbon reservoir. The study identified PM1 geochemical and mineralogical characters in the period before, during and immediately after a burning torch flare event. The finer fraction (DFe < 0.7 μm) consisted mainly of secondary particles and soot. In the coarser fraction (DFe ≥ 0.7 μm), natural particles originating from crustal erosion and soot were abundant. Fine quartz particles and lower Al / Si ratios are markers for desert dust origin, proving that a Saharan dust episode which occurred during the observation period played a significant role in supplying geogenic aerosol components to the PM1. Largest amounts of ≥ 0.7 μm fraction particles observed on the day of flare event may be due to a greater supply of Saharan geogenic particles. Soot had been significantly increasing long before the flare event, suggesting that this increase is also related to other causes, although we cannot exclude a contribution from flaring. S-rich aerosol consisted mainly of mixed particles originating from deposition and heterogeneous nucleation of secondary sulfates on mineral dust. Only-S particles were identified in the ≥ 0.7 μm fraction following the flare event. These particles may be indicators of larger amounts of sulphur in the atmosphere.

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