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Research Topics
Introduction
The ISP’s research activities are mainly carried out in the Antarctic and Arctic Regions where snow and ice are the dominant aspects of the landscape. These regions, more than others, are affected by climate change and because of this the work of scientists has become a real race against time to be able to learn more about the history of our planet in order to understand how human activities, from the dawn of civilization to present day, have impacted ecosystems, by interacting with and modifying the delicate balances that govern the Earth’s climate system.
Brief description
The experimental activities carried out at the MAMB laboratory in Messina are aimed at the ecological study of microorganisms by applying specific methods for the determination of the abundance and biomass of prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea) and phytoplankton, as well as for the morphometric and morphological description at the cellular level. The evaluation of these phenotypic characteristics provides a different approach to the analysis of the ecosystem structure and allows to evaluate the heterogeneity of natural populations. Variations in cell size, shape and morphology are considered sensitive indicators of trophic and climatic changes in ecosystems. The laboratory also carries out analyzes for the quantification of viable (Live / Dead) and respiring (CTC +) cells using specific microbial biomarkers. The laboratory activities are also in support of the EcoBiM and BiogeM Laboratories.
Matrices of interest
The matrices analyzed are mostly attributable to the hydrosphere (marine, river and lake waters, brines), soil, sediments, biofilm, cryosphere (permafrost, snow, sea and continental ice, intrapermafrost brines) and aquatic organisms.
Applied experimental approaches
- determination of biomass of prokaryotes by counting, and morphometric and morphological analysis of cells, using selective filters for DAPI (4 ', 6-diamidine-2-phenylindole);
- determination of cells with primary fluorescence using specific selective filters;
- quantification of cells endowed with respiratory activity (5-Cyano-2,3-ditolyl-tetrazolium chloride-CTC), using selective filters for rhodamine;
- quantification of viable cells with intact membranes (Live / Dead) using selective filters for fluorescein and rhodamine;
- identification of target bacterial cells by immunofluorescence techniques (fluoresceinated antibodies);
- estimation of the relative abundance of microbial phylogenetic groups using CARD-FISH (catalyzed reporter deposition-fluorescence in situ hybridization).
Instrumentation
- Zeiss AXIOPLAN 2 Imaging epifluorescence microscope equipped with AXIOCAMHR (Zeiss) digital video camera and AXIOVISION 3.1 software. Technical features: high pressure mercury vapor lamp (100 W); 100XPlan-Neofluar immersion objective; 10 X eyepieces, one of which has a squared reticle; interchangeable and appropriate optical filter sets for:
DAPI: G365 excitation, FT395 color divider and LP420 barrier filter;
Primary fluorescence: BP450-490 / FT510 / LP515;
Rhodamine: BP546 / 12; FT580; LP590;
Fluorescein: BP450-490; FT510; LP520.
For details: Sig. Giovanna Maimone – giovanna.maimone AT cnr.it
Brief description
The research activities carried out in the HydroChem laboratory in Messina are aimed at studying the marine (coastal and pelagic) and lake water bodies, providing technical-scientific support to the study of biogeochemical cycles and ecological processes also in relation to marine acidification, as well as studies of microbial biomass conducted in the MAMB Laboratory. In particular, analyses of oxygen, salinity, pH, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and particulate organic carbon are performed. As part of the environmental monitoring activity, several prototype nutrient analyzers were tested both on fixed platform and on boat, at pristine or anthropogenically polluted sites.
Matrices of interest
The analyzed matrices are mostly attributable to the hydrosphere (marine, river and lake waters, brines).
Instrumentation
The laboratory is equipped with basic instrumentation for environmental chemistry [spectrophotometer, spectrofluorimeter, luminometer, digital burette for oxygen titration, centrifuge, salinometer, automatic nutrient analyzers (ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and orthophosphates), extraction hoods, vacuum pumps, filtration septa, magnetic shaker, pHmeter].
For details: Dr. Filippo Azzaro – filippo.azzaro AT cnr.it
Short description
The experimental activities carried out at the BioSoundEcology Lab in Messina are focused on the analysis of biological underwater acoustic sources and the study of the ecological dynamics of marine vertebrates and invertebrates in polar habitats. In addition, the impacts of anthropogenic acoustic sources on the ecology, physiology and behaviour of marine organisms are assessed. In particular, through the study of the sounds generated by animals, the biological and ecological aspects are investigated. The analysis of the noise from human activities provides useful elements for understanding the effects on animals through the study of their behavioural and physiological responses.
Matrices of interest
The activities are mostly ascribable to marine habitats.
Study techniques
At the BioSoundEcology Lab, acoustic data acquisition in field/controlled environment and assessment of animal responses to environmental noise disturbance are carried out, in particular:
- Acoustic data analysis;
- Estimation of underwater noise and environmental acoustic components;
- Evaluation of ecological dynamics through the analysis of the vocalizations of marine animals;
-Analysis of the biochemical, physiological and behavioural responses of animals exposed to acoustic disturbance;
- Study of the acoustic ecology of marine mammals.
Instrumentation
The Lab is equipped with instrumentation for passive acoustic monitoring in the field (hydrophones and autonomous acoustic data acquisition systems) and for studies of the effects of noise on marine organisms in controlled environment (cameras, amplifier, acoustic transducer, software for acoustic and behavioral analysis).
For details: Dr. Francesco Filiciotto – francesco.filiciotto AT cnr.it
Short description
The research activities carried out in the BiogeM laboratory at the Messina headquarters are aimed at studying the marine and terrestrial biological processes that modulate and influence the chemical characteristics of the polar environment and the related cycles of matter and energy, also in relation to climate change.
Particular attention is paid to the evaluation of the role of microorganisms in the global carbon cycle and in the biogeochemical cycles of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) of marine and lacustrine environments, through the study of both productive and degradative processes.
Among these, the activities involved in the decomposition of organic polymers, through microbial enzymatic activities, and the mineralization processes through microbial respiration.
The biogeochemical processes mediated by the microbial component are also being studied in the framework of the cryosphere, in order to understand the ecological significance of microbes in the permafrost, and their ability to maintain an active metabolism in extreme living conditions.
Together with the microbial processes linked to the biological pump and organic matter decomposition, a series of indirect biogeochemical parameters related to phytoplankton and bacterial biomass (Chlorophyll, ATP, lipopolysaccharides-LPS) are also determined.
Matrices of interest
The analyzed matrices are mostly ascribable to the hydrosphere (marine, river and lake waters, brines), soil, sediments, biofilm, cryosphere (permafrost, snow, sea and continental ice, intrapermafrost brines) and aquatic organisms.
Study techniques
At the BiogeM laboratory, measurements are carried out to determine the following parameters:
- Primary phytoplankton production;
- Microbial respiratory activity (consumed O2; produced CO2) (by ETS assay);
- Microbial enzymatic activities (leucin aminopeptidase, beta-glucosidase and alkaline phosphatase) (through fluorogenic substrates);
- Heterotrophic bacterial production;
- Content of total and size-fractionated (pico-, nano- and micro-phytoplanktonic) chlorophyll-a, pheopigments;
- microbial ATP in pico-, nano and microplankton fractions;
- Quantitative analysis of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) by the LAL chromogenic test.
Instrumentation
Spectrofluorimeter, Luminometer, Fluorometer, Spectrophotometer equipped with 96-well plate fluorescence reader, incubator, autoclave, balance, homogenizer, filtration systems, refrigerated centrifuge.
For information: Dr. Gabriella Caruso – gabriella.caruso AT cnr.it
Brief description
Experimental activities carried out at the EcoBiM LAB in Messina are addressed to the ecology and biotechnology of microorganisms, particularly prokaryotes, inhabiting both marine and continental polar habitats. The diversity of microorganisms, their response to environmental stress conditions (deriving from natural or anthropogenic forcing, such as climate change and chemical contamination), the astrobiological implications of life in extreme environments, and their evolution and adaptation in polar environments are among the ecological aspects investigated. EcoBiM researchers are also interested in the evaluation of the metabolic capabilities and biotechnological potentialities of cold-adapted microorganisms, by searching for biomolecules exploitable in industrial applications and bacteria able to degrade organic pollutants at low temperatures.
Matrices of interest
The analyzed matrices are mostly attributable to the hydrosphere (marine, river and lake waters, brines) and cryosphere (permafrost, snow, sea-ice and continental ice, intrapermafrost brines), but soils and sediments are also considered. The study of the interactions between microorganisms and biotic (for example, pelagic and benthic organisms) and abiotic (such as microbial communities colonizing polymeric materials, indicated with the term plastisphere) is of particular interest.
Applied experimental approaches
For the microbiological characterization of extreme environments, similarly to the analytical procedures commonly applied for the study of temperate areas, we use both culture-dependent and -independent (i.e. biomolecular and biochemical) approaches, including:
- isolation and maintenance in pure culture of bacterial strains;
- phenotypic (physiological, biochemical and morphological characteristics) and genotypic (analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences and search for functional genes) characterization of cultivable bacteria;
- screening of bacteria for the production for useful biomolecules (including antibiotics, exopolysaccharides, biosurfactants);
- evaluation of the metabolic capacities of the microbial communities through miniaturized assays;
- characterization of the microbial communities by the hybridization in situ with oligonucleotide probes (CARD-FISH);
- extraction of environmental DNA and RNA for metagenomics and metatrascriptomics studies;
- preparation of microcosms enriched with organic and inorganic contaminants, and degradation tests.
Instrumentation
The EcoBiM LAB is equipped with basic instrumentation for environmental and applied microbiology (laminar flow cabinet, autoclave, incubators and thermostated baths, centrifuges, filtration systems, sonicators, spectrophotometers, fluorometers) and molecular biology equipment (thermocycler and equipment for electrophoresis).
For details: Dr. Angelina Lo Giudice - angelina.logiudice AT cnr.it
Polar environments are highly biodiverse on a spatial temporal scale as well as at different levels of biological organization, from the molecular level to the entire ecosystem. Recent and rapid climatic and environmental changes give urgency to understanding the response of biological communities to these changes, and their impact in the short and long term. In this context, ISP researchers study the different bio-ecological aspects of the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of both poles. Their research is developed along four main often interconnected research fields.
Biodiversity and adaptation
Polar biological communities are heavily influenced by several local factors concomitant to low temperatures, such as dryness, ice cover, poor nutrient availability, exposure to harmful solar radiation (e.g. UV-B radiation), extremely variable light periods and, in specific cases, high salinities and osmotic stress. Biodiversity guarantees the functioning of all ecosystems, so studying the properties and temporal evolution of polar ecosystem is fundamentally important for improving our knowledge of its current state and predicting its future development, particularly in the light of climate change. The analysis and monitoring of the biodiversity of biological communities and their ecological dynamics constitutes the focal point of this research topic. The study of the morphological-functional adaptation mechanisms adopted by polar organisms for survival in extreme conditions is particularly interesting.
Deeper understanding of biological processes and recent advances in biotechnology allow us to use the natural world to progress in various industries, such as in the development of drugs and food additives. In general, the term bioprospecting is used to indicate the exploration of living beings and biological materials for biomolecules that may be useful to humans. In this field, poorly known or poorly described genetic resources have a great potential for the discovery of new and valuable natural products. Therefore, polar organisms, given their unusual metabolic abilities and physiological adaptations to extreme environmental conditions, are well suited for this purpose. Furthermore, the possible future potential of polar organisms in of the bioremediation of pollutants, even persistent ones, at low temperatures should not be overlooked.
Where we are
The building, in pure Art Nouveau style, is located on the Straits of Messina, in the shadow of the Montorsoli Lantern. Thanks to this position, it dominates the waters of the Straits and the Port. The building consists of a central body with three floors, which houses offices and studios, and two wings, with the laboratories. The ISP building in Messina is shared with the Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM) and there is also a park of about 10,000 square meters, where there is the main auditorium in a building that was originally the Royal National Shooting range.
How to find us
- By train: if you come from the peninsula, get off at the Villa San Giovanni rail station, then board the BlueJet fast ship heading towards Messina Porto Storico. Otherwise if you come from a Sicilian town, get off at Messina Centrale rail station. Once you arrive in Messina, call our office to arrange transfer by car to the Institute.
- By plane: Catania Fontanarossa is the closest airport. From the airport, take the SAIS-Autolinee bus to Messina Central Station. Once you arrive in Messina, call our office to arrange the transfer by car to the Institute.
- By car: the institute can be reached by car and there is on-site temporary parking available. If you come from the peninsula, once you reach Villa San Giovanni you can board the Caronte ship (runs every 40 minutes) and then, once in Messina, continue by car to the Institute. If, on the other hand, you come from a Sicilian town, take the A18 Messina-Catania, exit at Messina Centro and continue towards the institute following the directions here.
Contact
ISP Secondary office of Messina
Responsable
Dr. Maurizio Azzaro
E-mail: responsabile_me AT cnr.it
Spianata S. Raineri 86 - 98122 Messina (ME)
Phone:+39 090 601 5415
Fax: +39 090 669 007
MAP
M. Sc. in Environmental Sciences, Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (Oceanography), University of Venice.
Research Scientist at CNR since 1997, Head of Research at the CNR Institute of Polar Sciences, Venice, currently covers the office of Head of Research Division at the NATO STO CMRE in La Spezia. He taught classes at the University of Bologna, Ancona and Bocconi Milan, and was awarded the Office of Naval Research *Command Coin*, addressing the theme of oceans-climate interactions following a multi and inter-disciplinary approach. His main fields of interest deal with physical oceanography of coastal regions and open seas, and explore the relationships that may be linking it with the atmospheric, biologic and bottom counterpart.
The research activity is aiming at the understanding and numerical modelling of the roles of currents, wind and waves on the heat and salt transport in the oceans, and to their variability in the context of an evolving climate, reflecting also anthropic forcings. The paramount importance of the energy distribution between oceanic and atmospheric masses, and the amount of such an energy distributed along the water column, is the kernel of the research activity, tied to: biochemical and sedimentological aspects (associated transport of nutrients and sediments); renewable energies in maritime environment; unexploded ordnance at sea, and risks related to floodings and coastal erosion. Numerical tools adopted are state-of-the-art three-dimensional circulation models, coupled to models of wave generation and propagation, to non cohesive sediment transport modules and biogeochemical modules. Besides benefiting from satellite and remote sensed data used to validate numerical modeling tools, the research activities are characterized by sea-truth data acquired by means of oceanographic vessels, operating in relevant hot-spots particularly relevant in terms of global climate change. The use of CTD probes, wave buoys, current-meters, turbidimeters has been integrated by innovative tools and approaches such as Maritime Unmanned Systems (MUS), seismic oceanography, turbulence measurements via free-falling profilers and measurements of extreme waves using spectroscopic techniques.
Author and co-author of more than 120 papers published on ISI journals with Impact Factor, 2 CNR patents and 3 books. Member of the Editorial Board of the journals Scientific Reports (Nature group), Progress in Oceanography, Ocean Dynamics and Atmosphere.
ResearchGate Google Scholar
CTER VI level from November 2014.
From 2014 to 2018 I worked as a technician at the CNR ISMAR Venice participating in numerous oceanographic campaigns and dealing with reagents, waste disposal, material orders and safety in laboratories. Since 2019 I have been a member of the Institute of Polar Sciences of the CNR, carrying out the following tasks:
- Laboratory technician and use of laboratory instruments;
- Collection, preparation and analysis of samples;
- Maintenance and repair of instruments;
- Preparation and transport of equipment for Arctic missions or mountain trips;
- Logistics Management Laboratories and Reagentaries;
- Instructor for orders on the electronic market;
- Appointment by Computer Protocol;
- Control and Technical Management White Rooms (Clean Rooms).
More...
Interim Director - SCLAVO MAURO - direttore.isp AT cnr.it
Staff
Contact with name.surname AT cnr.it
ADEMOLLO NICOLETTA - Bologna - Researcher
ANTONELLI GIUSEPPE - Bologna - Technician
ARGIRIADIS ELENA - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348658
AZZARO FILIPPO - Messina - Researcher - Phone: +39 090-6015419
AZZARO MAURIZIO - Messina - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 090-6015415
BARBARO ELENA - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348504
BEATRICI DANIELA - Roma-Tor Vergata - Technician - Phone: +39 06-45488568
BECHERINI FRANCESCA - Venezia - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2346761
CAIRNS WARREN RAYMOND LEE - Venezia - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348992
CARNIEL SANDRO - Venezia - Research Director (currently Research Director Division at the NATO STO CMRE in La Spezia)
CARUSO GABRIELLA - Messina - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 090-6015423
CASULA MARCO - Venezia - Technician - Phone: +39 041-2348936
CAVALIERE ALICE - Bologna - Technologist
CESTER VALENTINA - Venezia - Technician - Phone: +39 041-2348547
CIALLI PAMELA - Roma-Tor Vergata - Administrative assistant - Phone: +39 06-45488349
COLUCCI RENATO R. - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 040-3756876
CORAMI FABIANA - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348658
COSENZA ALESSANDRO - Messina - Technician - Phone: +39 090-6015439
COZZI GIULIO - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348935
CRISAFI FRANCESCA - Messina - Researcher
DALLO FEDERICO - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348937
DE BIASIO FRANCESCO - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2346761
DE BLASI FABRIZIO - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348659
DECEMBRINI FRANCO - Messina - Researcher - Phone: +39 090-6015413
DI FRANCO SABINA - Roma-Montelibretti - Technologist - Phone: +39 06-90672394
DI LEO GUGLIELMO - Messina - Technician
DI MAURO BIAGIO - Milano - Researcher - Phone: +39 02-66173404
ENRICHI FRANCESCO - Venezia - Researcher (leave of absence) - Phone: +39 041-2348504
FILICIOTTO FRANCESCO - Messina - Researcher - Phone: +39 090-6015420
GABRIELI JACOPO - Venezia - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348911
GIGLIO FEDERICO - Bologna - Researcher - Phone: +39 051-6398904
GILARDONI STEFANIA - Milano - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 02-66173328
GIORDANO PATRIZIA - Bologna - Researcher - Phone: +39 051-6398902
GREGORIS ELENA - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348937
IAKIMOV MIKHAIL - Messina - Research Director
LA CONO VIOLETTA - Messina - Researcher
LA MESA MARIO - Bologna - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 071-2078838
LA SPADA GINA - Messina - Researcher
LANGONE LEONARDO - Bologna - Research Director - Phone: +39 051-6398870
LO GIUDICE ANGELINA - Messina - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 090-6015414
LUPI ANGELO - Bologna - Researcher - Phone: +39 051-6399588
MAIMONE GIOVANNA - Messina - Technician - Phone: +39 090-6015423
MAZZOLA MAURO - Bologna - Researcher - Phone: +39 051-6399592
MISEROCCHI STEFANO - Bologna - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 051-6398880
MONTAGNA PAOLO - Bologna - Research Director - Phone: +39 051-63988913
NOGAROTTO ALESSIO - Bologna - Technician
PALADINI DE MENDOZA FRANCESCO - Messina - Researcher
PANSERA MARCO - Messina - Researcher
PAPALE MARIA - Messina - Researcher
PATROLECCO LUISA - Roma-Montelibretti - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 06-90672797
PESCATORE TANITA - Bologna - Researcher
PLINI PAOLO - Roma-Montelibretti - Researcher - Phone: +39 06-90672392
RAPPAZZO ALESSANDRO CIRO - Messina - Technician
RAUSEO JASMIN - Roma-Montelibretti - Researcher
SACCHETTO ALESSIO - Padova - Administrative assistant
SALERNO FRANCO - Milano - Senior Researcher (temporary assignment)
SALVATORI ROSAMARIA - Roma-Montelibretti - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 06-90672451
SARTORATO IVAN - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348992
SCALABRIN ELISA - Venezia - Researcher – Phone: +39 041-2348938
SCIACCA VIRGINIA - Messina - Researcher
SMEDILE FRANCESCO - Messina - Researcher
SPATARO FRANCESCA - Roma-Montelibretti - Researcher - Phone: +39 06-90672852
SPOLAOR ANDREA - Venezia - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348659
TESI TOMMASO - Bologna - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 051-6398864
TESSARIN ELISA - Venezia - Administrative assistant - Phone: +39 041-2348922
TURETTA CLARA - Venezia - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348947
VALENTINI EMILIANA - Roma-Montelibretti - Researcher -
VARDE' MASSIMILIANO - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348938
VENIER CHIARA - Venezia - Technologist - Phone: +39 041-2348992
VERAZZO GIULIO - Bologna - Technologist
VITALE VITO - Bologna - Research Director - Phone: +39 051-6399595
ZANELLA JACOPO - Padova - Technician - Phone: +39 049 8295714
ZANGRANDO ROBERTA - Venezia - Senior Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348945
ZANOTTO EMANUELA - Venezia - Technician - Phone: +39 041-2348902
ZUCCHETTA MATTEO - Venezia - Researcher - Phone: +39 041-2348937
High Performance Liquid Chromatograph Agilent 1100 Series HPLC Systems
Brief description
The HPLC-MS/MS system allows to quantitatively determine polar organic compounds in several environmental and vegetable matrices and biota samples. It is commonly used to investigate specific markers of sources or environmental processes in samples collected in polar regions. It is used to determine levoglucosan, key tracer of biomass burning, in ice core samples to provide historical profiles of fire regimes in paleoclimatic studies. Several water soluble organic compounds (free and combined amino acids, phenolic compounds) are determined using HPLC-MS/MS in aerosol samples to define chemical composition of atmosphere in urban and polar samples. Polar pesticide or toxins are commonly determined with HPLC-MS/MS in fresh water, sea water, biota or vegetable samples.
Instrument
High Performance Liquid Chromatograph Agilent 1100 Series HPLC Systems (Waldbronn, Germany) with a binary pump, vacuum degasser, autosampler and thermostated column compartment coupled with an API 4000 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (Applied Biosystem/MSD SCIEX, Concord, Ontario, Canada) using a TurboV source.
Contact person: Dr. Roberta Zangrando - roberta.zangrando AT cnr.it - CNR-ISP Venice Headquarters
Matrix and type of measurement
Analysis of discrete samples of several matrices: ice, snow, atmospheric aerosol, lacustrine water, fresh water, sea water, sediment, vegetable and biota samples. Analysis of polar organic compounds such as for example anhydrosugars, amino acids, phenolic compounds, organic acids.
Agilent 1100 series HPLC system coupled with API 4000, High Performance Liquid Chromatograph coupled with tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS). (IMAGE)
Liquid chromatograph UHPLC mod. Dionex Ultimate 3000 Dual Pump RS
Brief description
This instrument is the key system to perform semicontinuous analysis of organic compounds in ice core samples.
Instrument
Liquid chromatograph UHPLC mod. Dionex Ultimate 3000 Dual Pump RS (Thermo ScientificTM) with vacuum degasser, column thermostat.
Contact person: Dr. Elena Barbaro - elena.barbaro AT cnr.it - CNR-ISP Venice Headquarters
Matrix and type of measurement
Semicontinuos analysis of ice cores. This system is coupled with continuous flow analysis (CFA).
Dionex Ultimate 3000 Dual Pump RS Thermo Scientific, Liquid chromatograph UHPLC Dual Pump (IMAGE)
Mercur Plus - Analytik Jena AG, cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CV-AFS).
Brief description
Cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CV-AFS) is an analytical technique used for the quantification of mercury at trace/ultra-trace levels. This technique is mainly used on “clean” aqueous matrices (eg ice, snow, and water) from remote and uncontaminated areas.
The sensitivity of the instrument is fully harnessed by using official methods such as USEPA1631 version E or UNI-EN 15853: 2010. The Hg present in the matrix is oxidized to Hg2+ with BrCl solution and then reduced to elemental mercury(Hg0) con SnCl2. The Hg0 is stripped from the aqueous matrix using an inert carrier gas (argon) and successively transported to gold traps for the pre-concentration by amalgam formation. Following thermal desorption at T between 450-500 °C, the Hg0 is desorbed from the gold traps and is transported into a quartz cell.
Light from a mercury vapor lamp passes through the quartz cell that contains the sample mercury in a flow of argon carrier gas and excites all the mercury atoms which then emit a characteristic fluorescence radiation at 253.7 nm. The amount of light emitted by the mercury atoms in the sample is proportional to the amount of mercury passing through the quartz cell. The CV-AFS of the CNR-ISP is located inside a dedicated clean room.
Instrument
Mercur Plus - Analytik Jena AG, cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CV-AFS).
Contact person: Dr. Massimiliano Vardè - massimiliano.varde AT cnr.it - CNR-ISP Venice Headquarters
Matrix and type of measurement
Aqueous matrices: atmospheric deposition, snow, ice, drinking water, mineral water, natural water, seawater. Mercury, as total mercury, or as dissolved, filtered and unfiltered after sample pre-treatment.
Mercur Plus - Analytik Jena AG, cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (CV-AFS). (IMAGE)
Gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS)
Brief description
The GC-MS system allows the quantification of volatile apolar compounds in environmental matrices. In the environmental field GC-MS finds main application in the determination of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as PCBs, PBDEs, PAHs, pesticides, in environmental matrices both in urban and remote areas such as polar areas. As well as it used in the determination of personal care products such as fragrances that have been observed not only in urban areas but also in Antarctica.
In the ISP-CNR there are 3 GC-MS systems. Among these, the system equipped with a cryogenic trap allows the preconcentration of volatile compounds (allowing the quantification of volatile compounds difficult to analyze in GC even at very low levels). There is also a GC-MS system equipped with a pyrolyser that allows the analysis of non-volatile materials such as plastic materials.
Instrument
• GC-MS 7890A-5975C (Agilent) /
• GC-MS GC7890A+MS5975C (Agilent) with cryogenic trap (MARKES Int)
• GC-MS GC6890+MS5973 (Agilent) with Pyrolysis system Pyroprobe 5000 Series
Contact person: Dr. Elena Argiriadis - elena.argiriadis AT cnr.it - CNR-ISP Venice Headquarters
Matrix and type of measurement
Analysis of discrete samples of several matrices: ice, snow, atmospheric aerosol, lacustrine water, fresh water, sea water, sediment, vegetable and biota samples. Compounds analyzed: Apolar volatile compounds such as PCBs, PBDEs, PAHs, pesticids, fragrances, sterols.
GC-MS 7890A-5975C Agilent (IMAGE)
Brief description
Microplastics are considered emerging pollutants and they are present in different environmental compartments (e.g. seawater, soil, atmosphere, etc.). In 2019 the European Chemical Agency has clearly defined microplastics and their sizes: “a material composed of solid polymer-containing particles, to which additives or other substances may have been added, with particle dimensions ranging from 1 nm to 5 mm and with fiber lengths ranging from 3 nm to 15 mm and length to diameter ratio of >3. ECHA has also firmly stated the need of polymer identification when analyzing microplastics. Microplastics can be primary and secondary, according to their sources; sources of primary microplastics are discharges from household washing machines, road dust, tire wear and cosmetics. Particles and fibers of plastics can be vector of other pollutants and pathogens. An accurate quantification and characterization of microplastics allow evaluating the environmental risk assessment and designing future actions of environmental management and recovery.
Instrument
Micro-FTIR Nicolet™ iN™10 Infrared Microscope Thermo Scientific, it couples optic microscopy with IR spectroscopy. Two different detectors are present: DTG (Deuturate Triglycine sulfate) detector enables room temperature analysis, and MCT (Mercury Cadmium Telluride ) detector works with liquid nitrogen and allows the analysis of samples down to 10 µm. Samples can be analyzed on transmittance mode, reflectance mode and ATR mode.
Matrix and type of measurement
Non-destructive analysis of microplastics in different environmental samples (seawater, sediments, soil, permafrost, aerosol, snow, raw and treated water, discharges from household washing machines, etc.) and in different biota (crustaceans, mollusks, fish, etc.). Micro-FTIR allows quantification and simultaneous polymer identification of plastic particles and fibers and of additives, plasticizers. and other synthetic and natural fibers. It can be employed for analysis of microplastics, but also for analysis of microfossils, artistic handiworks, etc.
Contact person: Dr. Fabiana Corami - fabiana.corami AT cnr.it - CNR-ISP Venice headquarters
The section Open Administration is organized according to Legislative Decree no. 33 of 14 March 2013 Reorganization of the discipline concerning the obligations for advertisement, transparency and diffusion of information by the public administration (GU Serie Generale n. 80, 05/04/2013), as amended by D.lgs. 25 May 2016 n. 97 (GU Serie Generale n. 132, 08/06/2016).
The manager of transparency and bribery prevention of Institute of Polar Sciences is Prof. Carlo Barbante, Director ISP-CNR (email direttore.isp AT cnr.it).
Provision of nomination (n.48 del 20/04/2020)
Invitations to tender and contracts
- year 2024
- year 2023
- year 2022
- year 2021
- year 2020
- year 2019
Ministero dell'Universita e Ricerca
Programma Ricerche Artico
Programma Nazionale di Ricerca in Antartide
Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale
L'Italia e l’Artico
L’Italia e l’Antartide
CNR-ISP
National Research Council
Institute of Polar Sciences
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