Sila Massif Research Articles

Morpho‐Tectonic Evolution of the Southern Apennines and Calabrian Arc: Insights From Pollino Range and Surrounding Extensional Intermontane Basins

AbstractThe evolution of topography in forearc regions results from the complex interplay of crustal and mantle processes. The Southern Apennines represent a well‐studied forearc region that experienced several tectonic phases, initially marked by compressional deformation followed by extension and large‐scale uplift. We present a new structural, geomorphic and fluvial analysis of the Pollino Massif and surrounding intermontane basins (Mercure, Campotenese and Castrovillari) to unravel their evolution since the Pliocene. We constrain multiple tectonic transport directions, evolution of the drainage, and magnitude and timing of long‐term incision following base level falls. Two sets of knickpoints suggest two phases of base level lowering and allow to estimate ∼500 m of long‐term uplift (late Pleistocene), as observed in the Sila Massif. On a smaller spatial scale, the evolution and formation of topographic relief, sedimentation, and opening of intermontane basins is strongly controlled by the recent increase in rock uplift rate and fault activity. At the regional scale, an along‐strike, long‐wavelength uplift pattern from north to south can be explained by progressive lateral slab tearing and inflow of asthenospheric mantle beneath Pollino and Sila, which in turn may have promoted extensional tectonics. The lower uplift of Le Serre Massif may be explained as result of weak plate coupling due to narrowing of the Calabrian slab. The onset of uplift in the Pollino Massif, ranging from 400 to 800 ka, is consistent with that one proposed in the southern Calabrian forearc, suggesting a possible synchronism of uplift, and lateral tearing of the Calabrian slab.

Green photocatalytic mixed matrix membranes for simultaneous arsenic photo-oxidation and water recovery via membrane distillation

This work proposes an innovative integration of Membrane Distillation (MD) and photo-oxidation for a continuous recovery of water from arsenic (As) contaminated solutions coupled with the oxidation of arsenite (As(III)) into arsenate (As(V)). Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) as photocatalyst were developed. A systematic study elucidated the effect of TiO2 NPs on membranes’ morphology prepared via non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) using triethyl phosphate (TEP) as a green solvent for PVDF solubilization. Vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) tests carried out by irradiating the MMMs with ultraviolet (UV) radiation demonstrated the possibility of recovering up to 80 % of the water from As-contaminated synthetic and real multi-ions aqueous solutions from Sila Massif (Italy). The distillate was recovered at a rate of 6.9–7.2 kg·m−2·h−1 (feed inlet temperature of 60 °C), while the presence of 7 wt% of TiO2 in PVDF membranes enabled the photo-oxidation of 95 % of the As(III) to As(V) at a first order kinetic constant of 0.0106 min−1. After 5 cycles of As-remediation experiments, post-hoc mechanical testing on the membrane suggested the emergence of polymer embrittlement induced by UV radiation (total irradiation time of 7.5 h), highlighting the urgent need for developing photocatalytic membranes with long-term stability.Overall, this study elucidates at laboratory scale the performance of a coupled and continuous Membrane Distillation (MD) and photo-oxidation system for arsenic (As) remediation, employing microporous hydrophobic green membranes doped with a photocatalyst.

LEPIDOPTERA TORTRICIDAE FROM THE SILA MASSIF AND SURROUNDING TERRITORY (SOUTHERN ITALY) WITH DESCRIPTION OF ACLERIS SILANA SP. N.

In the paper 89 species of Lepidoptera Tortricidae collected in the Sila Massif and surrounding territory (Calabria, southern Italy) are listed. Acleris silana sp. n. Trematerra is described and 17 species were added to the Calabrian fauna. Notes related to tortricid fauna of the region with biogeographic study and chorological analysis are also reported. Key Words: Lepidoptera Tortricidae, fauna, Calabria, new data, Sila Massif, southern Italy

Environmental Factors Affecting Amphibian Communities in River Basins of the Southern Apennines

The study of the environmental features affecting amphibian communities is a priority task for addressing effective conservation initiatives. In the southern edge of the Apennines (Sila Massif, Calabria Region, Italy), we surveyed the distribution of amphibians in lotic freshwater habitats (eight rivers, 17 sampling stations, 87 transects) and recorded nine environmental variables, including the occurrence of potential predators (fish and Eurasian otter Lutra lutra), potentially affecting the distribution and breeding success of amphibian species. A total of seven amphibian species was recorded (75.9% of transects). Fish occurred in all rivers while the otter was found in four rivers (Amato, Lese, Neto, and Savuto). Illuminance and bank heterogeneity were the main factors affecting amphibian reproduction, while neither otter nor fish presence showed significant effects on the amphibian community. Overall, habitat complexity and coevolution history seemed to shape the distribution of amphibians and their breeding sites, while the ongoing recolonization of the study area by the otter is expected to have a negligible impact on the richness of the amphibian community.

Geochemistry of mudrocks from the Calcare di Base Formation (Catanzaro Basin, Calabria): preliminary data

The Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) occurred in the Mediterranean area during the late Miocene, between two glacial stages with a strong tectonic activity characterized by paleoclimate variations (alternated dry and warm/humid period). The geochemical composition of mudrocks of the Calcare di Base Formation (Catanzaro Basin, Calabria) was studied using X-Ray Flurescence. The data reveals that the Si, Ti, Al, Na, K, Mn and P concentrations are generally depleted relative to values of the PAAS (Post- Archaean Australian Shales). In particular, Na, K and Al depletions are probably due to the paucity/absence of feldspars and clay minerals. The relationships between the mobile and immobile elements indicate a weak- moderate source area(s) weathering environments with a paleoclimate characterized by persistent dry and warm/arid conditions alternating with relatively wet conditions. The geochemical proxies of the studied samples based on elemental ratios suggest a provenance from a mainly felsic source such as the rocks composed the Sila Massif.

Indoor radon measurements in Calabria (Southern Italy)

ABSTRACT Radon gas from the ground is the main source of indoor concentrations in buildings, regardless of construction characteristics. According to Council Directive 2013/59/EURATOM, EU Member States must establish national reference levels for indoor radon concentrations in workplaces and draw up a National Radon Plan. In Calabria (Southern Italy), maps of indoor measurements at regional scale are not available. A set of 1434 average annual measurements, taken between 2010 and 2021, has been analysed. For a limited sector, a geostatistical approach allowed to map the expected concentrations at ground floor, the spatial uncertainty of estimates, and the probability of exceedance of the 300 Bq m−3 Italian threshold for workplaces. Highest values characterize the eastern border of the Sila massif. Obtained maps might be used to optimize locations of additional dosimeters, based on geological constraints. Such studies may support urban planning policies and provide recommendations on building techniques.

Faecal DNA-based genetic survey of a relict Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) population (Sila Massif, S Italy)

Faecal DNA-based genetic analysis is a suitable tool for assessing both population size and genetic diversity of threatened and elusive species. We applied microsatellite analysis and mtDNA sequencing for investigating the southernmost Italian (Sila Massif, Calabria Region) population of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). This relict population, filed as extinct in the mid-1980s, is currently expanding but still quite isolated. On the two main rivers hosting otters permanently since 2014, we collected 47 spraints, out of which 24 (51.1%) were successfully genotyped (on average 2.0 alleles per locus). Thirteen individuals were identified: seven females and three males (sex identification success of 76.9%). Population size was assessed as 16 individuals (13–22), corresponding to a density of 0.15 (0.13–0.21) ind/km. Successfully amplified mtDNA samples (N = 16) confirmed the occurrence of a haplotype—H10—which had been previously reported only for Southern Italy, bringing new evidence of the unicity of the Italian otter population. Although density values complied with those reported for the core area of otter Italian range, the small size and genetic isolation of this population require special attention. To assist the ongoing re-colonisation of the Sila Massif, habitat management should aim to enhance fish availability and connectivity with the core area.

First Pre‐Miocene Paleomagnetic Data From the Calabrian Block Document a 160° Post‐Late Jurassic CCW Rotation as a Consequence of Left‐Lateral Shear Along Alpine Tethys

AbstractThe Calabrian block, along with Alboran, Kabylies, and Peloritani form isolated and enigmatic igneous/metamorphic terranes (AlKaPeCa) stacked over the Meso‐Cenozoic sedimentary successions of the Apennines and Maghrebides. They are commonly interpreted as fragments of the Hercynian chain rifted apart from Europe during Jurassic Alpine Tethys spreading, drifted southward during Neogene roll‐back of (Neo) Tethyan slab fragments for hundreds of kilometers on top of nappe piles. We report on the paleomagnetism of upper Triassic‐lower Miocene sedimentary rocks from the Longobucco succession that is transgressive over the crystalline Sila Massif (NE Calabria). Well‐defined magnetization directions carried by hematite were isolated in 10 sites (122 samples) in Jurassic rocks. Nine Toarcian and one Tithonian Ammonitico Rosso sites yielded a dual polarity “A” magnetization component whit a direction over 40° from the geocentric axial dipole (GAD) field direction, that supports a positive fold test. Five sites yielded a “B” normal polarity component NE (<40°) of the GAD direction characterized by a negative fold test. We interpret the B component as a Miocene magnetic overprint later clockwise rotated by ∼20° during the well‐known Pleistocene (1–2 Ma) rotation of Calabria. When corrected for such rotation, the A component defines a ∼160° counterclockwise (CCW) rotation of the Calabrian block with respect to Europe. Of these, ∼90° likely occurred along with Corsica‐Sardinia block during its Eocene‐Miocene rotation from the Provençal margin. Thus, the Calabrian block underwent an additional Cretaceous‐Eocene 70° CCW rotation that we relate to Early‐mid Cretaceous >500 km left‐lateral transcurrent motion between Africa and Europe.

Weathering processes and rates of scarp retreat in a Mediterranean mountain environment: A multi-analytical approach from terrestrial laser scanning to microscale surveys

Estimating the rates of Earth surface processes may provide a deeper comprehension of landscape shaping at different spatial/temporal scales in the light of ongoing or future climate changes and geomorphological hazards. This study explores the use of terrestrial laser scanner combined with macro/micromorphological and compositional analyses to assess three-year surface and volume changes on three granodiorite scarps in a Mediterranean upland environment (Sila Massif, Italy), estimate erosion/accumulation rates and relate them to specific geomorphic processes, weathering patterns and grades. The three scarps, affected by intermediate to high weathering grade classes, respond differently according to aspect and grain size. On coarser-grained granite of the W-facing, scarp 1 rounded weathering patterns developed because of the moister, less insolated conditions. On the finer-grained rocks of the SE-facing scarp 2, with prolonged insolation and temporary moisture, angular patterns prevail. Fine vs. coarse weathered material detached from the scarps is facilitated by prevalent chemical or physical rock degradation processes. On scarp 3, the coexistence of zones affected by pronounced physical breakdown and others influenced by pervasive chemical weathering is due to intermediate microclimatic conditions brought about by varying E and NE-facing aspect of the scarp. Rock jointing likely controls rockfall processes. The average retreat/advance rates of the scarps range from n × 10−6 to 10−2 m yr−1, with net erosion rates in the range 1 × 10−2–3 × 10−4 m yr−1 and are consistent with literature data. 3D models also allow the assessment of pre-failure landslide processes affecting the scarps and their relationships with weathering.

Pore system evolution in arenaceous regoliths - Case study from the Sila Massif (southern Italy)

Porous and permeable crystalline rocks have the potential of being hydrocarbon reservoirs. In many cases, reservoir properties are created by rock-altering physico-chemical processes occurring in the near-surface environment. Hydrocarbon reservoirs in altered granitoids may comprise both arenaceous (clay-poor) and argillaceous (clay-rich) palaeoregoliths, and hence outcrop analogues from various environments are required. In the Sila Massif, southern Italy, the arenaceous weathering of medium to coarse grained granodioritic rocks has been studied. The pore system, dominated by microfractures, was described and quantified at each stage in the weathering process (altered coherent rock facies → saprock facies→ lower and upper saprolite facies → soil) in relation to changes in chemical and physical properties. The transformation of rock to saprolite was close to an isochemical process, as demonstrated by the low variations in the bulk mass transfer coefficient (τbulk). At the same time, trans-, intra- and intermineral microfractures increased in frequency and aperture upwards through the regolith profile. It was the main reason for the reduction of bulk densities (ρb) from 2.66 g/cm3 in the altered coherent rock to 1.88 g/cm3 in the saprolite, corresponding to the formation of up to 30% porosity (φc). The results suggest that a volume increase of >50%, represented by the volumetric strain factor (ε), was the main cause for the transformation of solid crystalline rock to porous saprolite. Anisovolumetric arenaceous regoliths with minimal mass loss, are the result of one of the major weathering processes, notwithstanding that they are much less understood than isovolumetric, anisochemical, argillaceous regoliths. Arenaceous saprolites potentially can have excellent porosity and permeability properties, with open and well-connected microfractures. Reservoir quality of arenaceous saprolites is in stark contrast to the poor permeability observed in some argillaceous saprolites where porosity is dominated by isolated dissolution voids within a clay-rich matrix.

The Petilia-Sosti Shear Zone (Calabrian Arc, southern Italy): An onshore-offshore regional active structure

The integrated interpretation of different types of data, consisting of a detailed Digital Terrain Model, field structural and morphotectonic observations, high resolution seismic data, seismological and Synthetic Aperture Radar interferometry information (vertical and horizontal movements), associated with a review of the available literature, has allowed to analyze the shallow expression of the regional-scale Petilia-Sosti Shear Zone (PSSZ). It is one of the major NW-trending tectonic lineaments affecting the Calabrian Arc and is characterized by a present-day tectonic and gravity-driven deformation. This study investigated the portion of the PSSZ between the offshore Crotone Peninsula, located along the Ionian sea of Calabria, and the central part of the Sila Massif.A complex tectonic history is documented since middle Miocene onward for the PSSZ. It consists of an alternation of sinistral and dextral transpressional and transtensional tectonic phases correlated with the geodynamic events occurred during the SE migration of the Calabrian Arc.The shallow expression of the investigated part of the PSSZ consists of a roughly 14 km wide, ca. 80 km long NW-trending tectonic zone including synthetic NW- to NNW-trending faults and N-NE antithetic minor structures. The main identified NW-trending faults, which show a development between 30 and 50 km, are the Sila and Lakes faults in the Sila Massif, and the Marcedusa-Steccato, Fosso Umbro and Tacina faults located in the SW part of the Crotone Basin and in its offshore area. Currently, the fault segments of the Sila Massif exhibit a prevailing normal kinematics with a left-lateral component, whereas a more complex geological framework occurs in the south-western part of the onshore-offshore Crotone Basin. The latter is dominated by gravity-driven movements, associated with the SE migration of the Crotone Megalandslide and with the regional uplift of Calabria, whereas normal kinematics with a small left-lateral component of movement, locally replaced by reverse/transpressional tectonics, was observed along the southern coast in the late Pleistocene deposits of the Le Castella marine terrace.The seismological data highlight that some strong earthquakes occurred in 1638, 1744 and 1832, with magnitude Mw between 5.7 and 6.8, might be associated with the Lakes, Fosso Umbro and Tacina faults respectively. In this frame, the PSSZ is proposed as a new potential NW-oriented active composite seismogenic source for the central-northern Calabria.

Vulnerability to Nitrate Occurrence in the Spring Waters of the Sila Massif (Calabria, Southern Italy)

Knowledge of spring waters’ chemical composition is paramount for both their use and their conservation. Vast surveys at the basin scale are required to define the nature and the location of the springs and to identify the hydrochemical facies of their aquifers. The present study aims to evaluate the hydrochemical facies and the vulnerability to nitrates of 59 springs falling in the Sila Massif in Calabria (southern Italy) and to identify their vulnerability through the analysis of physicochemical parameters and the use of the Langelier–Ludwig diagram. A spatial analysis was performed by the spline method. The results identified a mean value of 4.39 mg NO3−/L and a maximum value of 24 mg NO3−/L for nitrate pollution in the study area. Statistical analysis results showed that the increase in electrical conductivity follows the increase in alkalinity values, a correlation especially evident in the bicarbonate Ca-Mg waters and linked to the possibility of higher nitrate concentrations in springs. These analyses also showed that nitrate vulnerability is dependent on the geological setting of springs. Indeed, the Sila igneous–metamorphic batholith, often strongly affected by weathering processes, contributes to not buffering the nitrate impacts on aquifers. Conversely, anthropogenic activities, particularly fertilization practices, are key factors in groundwater vulnerability.

An integrated membrane distillation, photocatalysis and polyelectrolyte-enhanced ultrafiltration process for arsenic remediation at point-of-use

Arsenic contamination of drinking water is a result of natural and/or anthropogenic activities, causing undesirable detrimental effects on the environment and the human health. Herein, an integrated process based on Membrane Distillation (MD), photocatalysis and Polymer-enhanced Ultrafiltration (PEUF) was developed for an effective remediation of arsenic (As). This approach, whose effectiveness was demonstrated by experimental tests on artificial solution mimicking As-contaminated water in the area of Sila Massif (Italy), ensured a near total water recovery and a rational management of residual contaminants.MD allowed to produce high-quality freshwater from contaminated feedwater containing As in the range of 0.059-5 mg·L-1, without deterioration of the transmembrane flux up to a recovery factor of 98.8%. Furthermore, a photocatalytic step was applied on MD retentate to convert arsenite As (III) into arsenate As(V), the latter subsequently removed by PEUF with efficiency of 98.2%. Speciation analysis demonstrated the necessity to reduce the feed pH to 5.6 in order to avoid the risk of scaling in MD stage, whereas Na2CO3 softening at pH 9 before the photocatalytic stage ensured both the reactive precipitation of Ca and Mg ions and the depletion of bicarbonate ions.

Environmental Estimation of Radiation Equivalent Dose Rates in Soils and Waters of Northern Calabria (Italy)

In this study, the equivalent dose rate of natural radionuclides ( H T ) in 99 spring water and surface soil samples was determined using an alpha, beta, and gamma high sensitivity detector up within a Geiger-Muller tube and with an external probe NaI (Tl). The samples were collected in the Crati basin (southern Italy), and during sample collection, water quality parameters were detected in situ and at the University of Calabria laboratories. A Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was applied to identify and clarify the relationships between water physical-chemical properties and soil and water radioactivity. Results show that the mean H T for spring waters is 97.07 μSv/h. Furthermore, the mean H T for surface soils is 97.92 μSv/h, thus evidencing higher mean H T values than worldwide ones reported in a previous literature. Low correlation coefficients were detected between water H T and conductivity and pH. On the contrary, a reasonable correlation was found between H T in spring water and in soil. This relationship is associated with some rocks of the Sila Massif and of Coastal Chain, i.e., plutonic and metamorphic crystalline rocks. Finally, the estimation of the health risk was calculated: results did not evidence serious dangers for people living in the studied environment. The results from this survey for the H T evaluation provide an extensive assessment of the background exposure levels in the investigated area.

Whole tree system evaluation of thinning a pine plantation in southern Italy

In Italy, some silvicultural treatment as thinning could be carried out in an economic way adopting systems based on small-scale mechanization. This paper examines the productivity standards of wood biomass in coniferous plantation thinning in Southern Italy under the conditions of small-scale forestry. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the incidence of different silvicultural treatments on productivity and harvesting costs and create productivity models for typical harvesting system used for wood thinned from Calabrian pine. Three different sites were monitored on the Sila Massif forest, and the experimental plan included three area tests, subjected in the last thirty years to intermediate cuttings with different thinning grade: light thinning (A thesis), moderate thinning (B thesis), heavy thinning (C thesis). The authors developed a productivity model for motor-manual felling and skidding timber with wheeled farm tractors, equipped with winch using a time motion study. Whole tree extraction system in coniferous plantation applied with typical felling system traditional has guaranteed productivity standards at a reasonable cost reducing high operational cost per unit harvested. The results, therefore, underlined that it economic possible to wood biomass harvest relatively small-diameter from thinning stands favoring moderate and heavy thinning.

Environmental contamination by naturally occurring asbestos (NOA): Analysis of sentinel animal lung tissue

Ophiolites are known sources of naturally occurring asbestos (NOA). In Calabria (Southern Italy) NOA are mainly concentrated in the ophiolitic sequences cropping in the Mount Reventino area, in the southern part of the Sila massif, and along the Coastal Chain. The most common type of asbestos identified in the rocks of these areas belongs to the tremolite-actinolite series. Another identified asbestiform mineral is fibrous antigorite belonging to the serpentine mineral group with a minor amount of chrysotile. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the diffusion of natural asbestiform fibers from NOA using sentinel animals. Fifteen lung samples of sheep, goats and wild boars from Mount Reventino area and two from an area free from NOA were collected. The lung samples were subjected to anatomopathological examination and lung fiber burden analysis by electron microscopy. Abundant tremolite and few antigorite fibers were detected in the lung samples coming from the NOA area. No corpuscle of asbestos was observed. No fiber was found in the two lung samples of sheet from the area free from NOA. These concentrations of fibers per gram of dry weight of lung tissue (f/gdw) ranged from 104 to 106 f/gdw. The asbestos fibers detected in the lungs of the examined animals reflect the geological features of the areas where they grazed and lived. The anatomopathological analysis showed that 60% of the examined animals had macroscopic lesions affecting their lungs. The presence of tremolite fibers in the lungs confirms the diffusion of mineral fibers in the environment and the real advantage of using animal populations in the study areas.

Chemical weathering of crystalline rocks in contrasting climatic conditions using geochemical proxies: An overview

Weathering profiles of granitoid rocks from the Sila Massif (southern Italy) have been studied to characterize weathering processes that affect this area. Chemical weathering indices of the Sila Massif weathered granitoids were compared to those of different areas of the world characterized by different climates (Malaysia, Puerto Rico, Georgia, China, Nigeria, Colorado, Switzerland, and Sweden) to decipher their weathering characteristics. The geochemical indices show values of CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration) ranging from 55 to 97, CIW (Chemical Index of Weathering) ranging from 60 to ~100, PIA (Plagioclase Index of Alteration) ranging from 55 to ~100, WIP (Weathering Index of Parker) ranging from 7 to 64 and RR (Ruxton Ratio) ranging from 2.14 to 3.96. All these geochemical proxies closely resemble each other and show variations mainly related to the different climatic and tectonic settings. Malaysia and Puerto Rico granitoids showing high CIA values (respectively 97 and 95 on average) underwent very intensive chemical weathering alteration; Georgia, China and Nigeria showing medium-high CIA values (respectively 86, 90 and 92 on average) underwent moderate-intensive chemical weathering alteration; southern Italy and Colorado granitoids showing medium-low CIA values (68 on average) underwent moderate-weak chemical weathering alteration, whereas Switzerland and Sweden granitoids showing low CIA values (respectively 58 and 55 on average) underwent weak chemical weathering alteration. Those values are mainly related to the climatic conditions in term of temperature and precipitation of each area. CIA vs. climate histograms display a shift towards higher CIA values with increasing of warm-humidity (‘tropical’) conditions, whereas granitoids weathered under conditions inferred to be cold-arid-polar climate show lower CIA values.

Reforestation and soil recovery in a Mediterranean mountain environment: Insights into historical geomorphic and vegetation dynamics in the Sila Massif, Calabria, southern Italy

We investigated the genesis and local response of soils in mountain sites of the Sila Massif (Calabria, southern Italy), reforested ca. 60 years ago, and their relationships with geomorphic dynamics and forest stand structure. A multidisciplinary approach is proposed, focused on an often neglected soil profile scale and horizon-wise sampling strategy, and including pedological field observations, physical, chemical, mineralogical analyses, isotope geochemistry including fallout radionuclides (137Cs and 210Pbex), geomorphology, historical documentation of anthropogenic land cover changes, forestry and dendrometric measurements. Reforestation was carried out following extreme land degradation, which took place after forest clearance and field cultivation. Different tree species and soil preparation techniques were used according to site conditions. We focused on the main properties of selected soil profiles and the distribution of some radionuclides, in order to understand the effects of forest stands on hampering soil erosion and promoting novel soil formation, and to evaluate the potential hazard of natural gamma radiation. A comparison with soil profiles developed under naturally regenerated forest and field crops was achieved. The soil profiles in reforested sites showed a poor degree of development and a complex history of reworking processes alternated with soil-formation processes, in line with modern to historical radiocarbon dates increasing downprofile, the presence of buried horizons and 137Cs in the topsoils. Inventory changes obtained for 210Pbex and 137Cs highlight a process of soil stabilization occurred after reforestation, with more efficient effects under Calabrian pine than oak forest, whereas major geomorphic dynamics (erosion and accumulation) were triggered by forest coppicing, thinning and agricultural practices. Our data remark a positive response of the soil ecosystem to reforestation against erosion, trapping mobile material, stabilizing buried soils, promoting humus accumulation leading to new shallow topsoils, and the protective role of forests against anthropogenic and climatic-induced threats. Average values of the annual outdoor effective dose equivalents of gamma-emitting radionuclides calculated for all the soil horizons showed lower values than the population-weighted world’s average, with the exception of the soil profiles under forest stands developed on granite, exceeding this threshold. A deeper comprehension of soil genesis, geomorphic processes, land use and vegetation dynamics in vulnerable ecosystems such as mountain environments represents a fundamental basis for sustainable land management policies.

Arsenic-contaminated groundwaters remediation by nanofiltration

Arsenic (As) is one of the most dangerous inorganic pollutants for the environment and human health that can be found in water streams. Membrane processes, like nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO), have successfully been applied for the removal of arsenic, but mainly from model solutions. Therefore, their efficiency in treating real contaminated sources, where also other species are present, still needs to be deeply investigated. In this direction, the present research deals with the application of NF for the remediation of natural As(V)-contaminated groundwaters. The sampling area was located in the Sila Massif (Calabria, Italy) where high values of arsenic in different environmental matrices, such as rocks, soils and waters, were detected. The geochemical analysis of three groundwaters showed As values exceeding the permitted content (10 ppb). These samples were treated by NF using two types of membranes commercialized by GE Osmonics, named HL and DK, both made of polyamide thin-film and with the same molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), but presenting different MgSO4 rejections and water fluxes. During the experiments, the water flux and the As rejection for each membrane at different operating pressures were evaluated. Both membranes led to an arsenic concentration in the permeate lower than 10 pbb for groundwaters with arsenic contents ranging from 59 to 118 pbb, while the highest water flux was obtained with the HL membrane.

Lepidopterological fauna of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., forests in the Sila Massif (southern Italy) (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

In this paper we described the Lepidoptera fauna of the Calabrian black alder forests in the Sila Massif, southern Italy. We sampled eight stands for moths and four stands for diurnal Lepidoptera, at 1250-1397 meters of altitude. One UV-Led light traps per stand was turned on once per month from March to November 2017 to sample moths, one semi-quantitative transect per stand carried out once every two weeks from April to September 2017 to sample diurnal Lepidoptera. We collected 9,140 individuals belonging to 402 species, of which 117 species of diurnal Lepidoptera and 306 of nocturns Lepidoptera. Orthosia incerta (Noctuidae) andEilema lurideola (Erebidae) were the most abundant nocturns Lepidoptera species, Maniola jurtina (Nymphalidae) and Polyommatus icarus (Lycaenidae) were the most abundant diurnal species. Particularly interesting was the presence of many species of great biogeographic and/or conservation interest such as Dychagiris signifera, Acossus terebra, Plusidia cheiranthi, and Zygaena nevadensis among Heterocera, and Zerynthia cassandra, Parnassius mnemosyne, Brenthis ino and Phengaris arion among Rhopalocera. Furthermore, the finding of Eupithecia trisignaria strongly improve the importance of black alder forests for the conservation of biodiversity.