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Toxic Emissions from a Military Test Site in the Territory of Sardinia, Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Mauro Cristaldi

    (Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, via A. Borelli 50, Rome 00161, Italy)

  • Cristiano Foschi

    (Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, via A. Borelli 50, Rome 00161, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Germana Szpunar

    (Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, via A. Borelli 50, Rome 00161, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Carlo Brini

    (Formerly with Veterinary Service of Local Health Agency, Biella 13900, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Fiorenzo Marinelli

    (Molecular Genetic Institute of Research National Council at I.O. Rizzoli, c/o Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli-via di Barbiano 1/10, Bologna 40136, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Lucio Triolo

    (Formerly with BAS-SIC (Environmental and Health Safety Lab.), ENEA-Casaccia, Rome 00123, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

This work assesses the environmental impact from chemical emissions due to military tests and routine activities in the area occupied by the Italian Inter-force Test Range (PISQ), located at Salto di Quirra, Sardinia, Italy. After reviewing the military activities carried out at PISQ, such as rocket launching, blasting and armament destruction, projectile and mortar fire impact, the associated pollution is evaluated. Chemical analyses were performed by means of Scanning Electronic Microscopy and Energy Dispersion Spectrometry on biotic and abiotic matrices. Residues of Rb, Tl, W, Ti and Al were found in matrices collected in the PISQ areas and environs. A review of experimental data on air, water, soil, milk, forage and animal tissues obtained by various Public Agencies of Sardinia proved that toxic element residues often exceeded the legal limits. PM 10 and PM 2.5 air concentrations also exceeded the legal limits after military blasting. Cd and Pb contents in the liver and kidneys of sheep living in farms at PISQ and in control farms that were located more than 20 km away from PISQ were higher than the legal limits. This work was performed to investigate concentration of xenobiotics in ecosystems emitted from PISQ activities. This assessment could be useful to focus future epidemiological studies carried out in PISQ and its neighbouring areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Mauro Cristaldi & Cristiano Foschi & Germana Szpunar & Carlo Brini & Fiorenzo Marinelli & Lucio Triolo, 2013. "Toxic Emissions from a Military Test Site in the Territory of Sardinia, Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:10:y:2013:i:4:p:1631-1646:d:25140
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Awny Naim & Hedaya Al Dalies & Mohammed El Balawi & Eman Salem & Kholud Al Meziny & Raneem Al Shawwa & Roberto Minutolo & Paola Manduca, 2012. "Birth Defects in Gaza: Prevalence, Types, Familiarity and Correlation with Environmental Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-16, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Paola Manduca & Nabil Al Baraquni & Stefano Parodi, 2020. "Long Term Risks to Neonatal Health from Exposure to War—9 Years Long Survey of Reproductive Health and Contamination by Weapon-Delivered Heavy Metals in Gaza, Palestine," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-20, April.
    2. Marcello Campagna & Ilaria Pilia & Gabriele Marcias & Andrea Frattolillo & Sergio Pili & Manuele Bernabei & Ernesto D’Aloja & Pierluigi Cocco & Giorgio Buonanno, 2017. "Ultrafine Particle Distribution and Chemical Composition Assessment during Military Operative Trainings," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-15, May.

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