Search

Groundwater monitoring is critically important, even though it is costly and often neglected. In this study, a judgmental monitoring of groundwater offering solutions based on a cost and time-effective research approach is presented. The method was performed in three Mediterranean areas in Greece and Italy to examine its advantages and disadvantages. As a first step, a multi-statistical analysis was practiced to assess and apportion the potential contributions of pollution sources of groundwater. Pearson correlation, principal component analysis, and factor analysis were applied to groundwater samples to characterize the evolution of hydrochemical processes. High concentrations of chlorides and nitrates highlight that salinization and the extensive use of nitrate fertilizers dominate in the coastal part of Eastern Thermaikos Gulf, the dissolution of carbonate rocks and livestock/industrial activities drive the groundwater quality status in the Upper Volturno basin, while in the Mouriki basin thermal power plant and the use of zinc fertilizers are the main factors of groundwater quality degradation. The determination of the critical sampling points was applied, considering the land use and hydrogeological and morphological characteristics of the areas. The application of the judgmental sampling approach provides reliable results regarding groundwater evolution. These results were compared to previous works and found that a non-probability sampling technique can provide the same results as a more costly method in the Mediterranean region. Thus, judgmental sampling is crucial for the optimal application of water resource management and control techniques in basins to avoid gaps in data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), baseline circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) variant allele fraction (VAF) might serve as a surrogate of disease burden and should be evaluated in comparison with CEA and RECIST-defined sum of target lesions.Methods: In this pre-planned analysis of the VALENTINO trial, we included patients with RAS wild-type mCRC receiving upfront FOLFOX/panitumumab with available baseline liquid biopsy. CtDNA was analysed by means of a 14-gene NGS panel. For each patient, the gene with the highest VAF in ctDNA was selected.Results: The final cohort included 135 patients. The median VAF was 12.6% (IQR: 2.0-45.2%). Higher VAF was observed in patients with liver metastases and with synchronous metastases presentation. Patients with high VAF had poorer median OS compared to those with low VAF (21.8 vs 36.5 months; HR: 1.82, 95%CI: 1.20-2.76; p = 0.005). VAF outperformed baseline CEA and target lesion diameter in the prognostic stratification and remained significantly correlated with OS (p = 0.003) in a multivariate model. VAF was not significantly correlated with dimensional response and PFS.Conclusion: CtDNA measured by VAF is prognostic in patients with RAS wild-type mCRC. Response and PFS after an anti-EGFR-based first-line strategy are independent from initial tumour burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and mercury were investigated in smoked catfish illegally sold and confiscated by Italian authorities in Turin (North-western Italy). The mean benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) concentration was 73 ± 11 μg kg−1 and the total mean PAH concentration (ΣPAH) was 243 ± 38 μg kg−1, both exceeding the EU maximum limits (2.0 and 12 μg/kg) set in muscle of smoked fish and fishery products. Mercury was recovered at 0.59 ± 0.09 mg kg−1 d.w. Poor smoking treatment performed in street food by ethnic minorities can expose these groups of population to serious health risks. PAH food contamination poses particular concern for the populations who traditionally consume these products, such as African communities. There is an urgent need to take appropriate action and raise awareness of risk among exposed population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the modified SINTACS method, a rating-based groundwater vulnerability approach, was applied to data from the Campanian Plain, southern Italy, to identify groundwater vulnerable areas accurately. To mitigate the subjectivity of SINTACS rating and weighting schemes, a modified SINTACS model was formulated by optimizing parameter ratings using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and the weight scores using the evolutionary algorithms including artificial bee colony (ABC) and genetic algorithm (GA) methods. The validity of the models was verified by analyzing the correlation coefficient between the vulnerability index and nitrate (NO3) and sulfate (SO4) concentrations found in the groundwater. The correlation coefficients between the pollutant concentrations and the relevant vulnerability index increased significantly from − 0.35 to 0.43 for NO3 and from − 0.28 to 0.33 for SO4 after modifying the ratings and weights of typical SINTACS. Besides, a multi-pollutant vulnerability map considering both NO3 and SO4 pollutants was produced by amalgamating the best calibrated vulnerability maps based on the obtained correlation values (i.e., the Wilcoxon-ABC-based SINTACS vulnerability map for NO3 and the Wilcoxon-GA-based SINTACS vulnerability map for SO4). The resultant multi-pollutant vulnerability map coincided significantly with a land use map of the study area, where anthropogenic activities represented the main sources of pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deterioration of groundwater quality due to the introduction of pollutants from natural and anthropic sources has become a major environmental issue. We tested three methodologies in assessing groundwater quality and intrinsic aquifer vulnerability in the Agro-Aversano area (Southern Italy). A geographic information system (GIS)-based groundwater quality index (GQI) was realized to assess groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation use and, in parallel, standard SINTACS was applied to evaluate the intrinsic vulnerability of the aquifer. Nitrate concentrations and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) in groundwater samples were used to verify the reliability of vulnerability data. GQI analysis pointed to a general poor quality of groundwater both for drinking and irrigation use, especially in sub-urban areas. The spatial pattern of water quality from GQI analysis was positively related to nitrate and fluoride concentrations for drinking use and to bicarbonate and sodium concentrations for irrigation use, whose levels exceeded the WHO and FAO recommended thresholds, respectively. Standard SINTACS was found to be inadequate for describing the aquifer state, its results showing no correlation with nitrate concentration or SAR. Because of this inconsistency, we tested a novel approach combining GQI with SINTACS analysis. Results showed positive correlation with nitrate (r = 0.63) and SAR (r = 0.64) contents, thus pointing to combined SINTACS-GQI as a more reliable approach than standard methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is an essential natural resource and has a significant role in human and environmental health as well as in the economy. Management of subsurface storage remains an important option to meet the combined demands of humans and ecosystems. The increasing need to find multi-purpose solutions to address water scarcity is a global challenge. Thus, the interactions leading to surface runoff and groundwater recharge have received particular attention over the last decades. Additionally, new methods are developed to incorporate the spatial-temporal variation of recharge in groundwater modeling. In this study, groundwater recharge was spatiotemporally quantified using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in the Upper Volturno-Calore hydrological basin in Italy and the results were compared with other two basins in Greece (Anthemountas and Mouriki). SWAT model was applied in actual and future projections (2022–2040) using the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 emissions scenario to evaluate changes in precipitation and assess the future hydrologic conditions, along with, the Driving Force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework that was applied in all the basins as a low-cost analysis of integrated physical, social, natural, and economic factors. According to the results, no significant variations in runoff are predicted in the Upper Volturno-Calore basin for the period 2020–2040 while the potential evapotranspiration percentage varies from 50.1% to 74.3% and infiltration around 5%. The limited primary data constitutes the main pressure in all sites and exaggerates the uncertainty of future projections. [Display omitted] • Simulating future groundwater recharge with SWAT was the base for DPSIR model. • DPSIR model results cross-compared in three Mediterranean catchments. • High-frequency monitoring is essential for groundwater balance projections. • Groundwater depletion constitutes a major threat to water supply sustainability. • Small eco-friendly recharge dams might be a solution for groundwater scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The restriction of the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in industrial production has led manufacturers to employ several BPA analogues. The endocrine-disrupting activity of these substitutes has been proven, and some of them are already widespread in the environment. The intake of these endocrine-disrupting chemicals through diet represents a public concern, and food contamination data are still scarce in scientific literature. To investigate the levels of BPA and its analogues in the production chain of buffalo milk, we developed and validated two analytical methods based on UHPLC–MS/MS and HPLC–FLD. The methods were used to analyse feed and feed additives, raw milk, drinking water, and blood serum samples from buffalo farms in the Campania region, Southern Italy. BPA was found to be the most abundant contaminant, proving that the presence of this compound is still significant and should be monitored. Bisphenol A (BPA) and some of its analogues are well known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), i.e., compounds that can affect the physiological hormonal pathways in both animals and humans, causing adverse health effects. The intake of these substances through diet represents a public concern, compounded by the scarce data in the literature about contamination levels in food. In the framework of a research project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, we determined the contamination levels of BPA and 19 EDCs in the production chain of buffalo milk, analysing feed, drinking water, buffalo milk, and blood sera. Overall, 201 feed, 9 feed additive, 62 drinking water, 46 milk, and 190 blood serum samples were collected from 10 buffalo farms in the Campania region, Southern Italy, between 2019 and 2020, and analysed. Moreover, 15 retail bovine milk samples packaged both in Tetra Pak and in PET were analysed to further evaluate consumers' exposure to EDCs. The results of our work showed no contamination by EDCs in drinking water samples, whereas in 43% of all of the other samples from the farms at least one bisphenol was detected. The most abundant bisphenol detected was BPA (32% of the samples from the farms and 80% of the retail milk samples), thus proving that this compound is still widely used for plastic production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal areas have become increasingly vulnerable to groundwater salinization, especially in the last century, due to the combined effects of climate change and growing anthropization. In this study, a novel methodology named GALDIT-SUSI was applied in the floodplain of the Volturno River mouth for the current (2018) and future (2050) evaluation of seawater intrusion accounting for the expected subsidence and groundwater salinization rates. Several input variables such as digital surface model, land use classification, subsidence rate and drainage system have been mapped via remote sensing resources. The current assessment highlights how areas affected by salinization coincide with the semiperennial lagoons and inland depressed areas where paleosaline groundwaters are present. The future assessment (2050) shows a marked increase of salinization vulnerability in the coastal strip and in the most depressed areas. The results highlight that the main vulnerability driver is the Revelle index, while predicted subsidence and recharge rates will only slightly affect groundwater salinization. This case study indicates that GALDIT-SUSI is a reliable and easy-to-use tool for the assessment of groundwater salinization in many coastal regions of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace element (TE) pollution in groundwater resources is one of the major concerns in both developing and developed countries as it can directly affect human health. Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba), and Rubidium (Rb) can be considered as TEs naturally present in groundwater due to water-rock interactions in Campania Plain (CP) aquifers, in South Italy. Their concentration could be predicted via some readily available input variables using an algorithm like the iterative classifier optimizer (ICO) for regression, and novel hybrid algorithms with additive regression (AR-ICO), attribute selected classifier (ASC-ICO) and bagging (BA-ICO). In this regard, 244 groundwater samples were collected from water wells within the CP and analyzed with respect to the electrical conductivity, pH, major ions and selected TEs. To develop the models, the available dataset was divided randomly into two subsets for model training (70% of the dataset) and evaluation (30% of the dataset), respectively. Based on the correlation coefficient (r), different input variables combinations were constructed to find the most effective one. Each model's performance was evaluated using common statistical and visual metrics. Results indicated that the prediction of As and Ba concentrations strongly depends on HCO 3 −, while Na+ is the most effective variable on Rb prediction. Also, the findings showed that the most powerful predictive models were those that used all the available input variables. According to models' performance evaluation metrics, the hybrid ASC-ICO outperformed other hybrid (BA- and AR-ICO) and standalone (ICO) algorithms to predict As and Ba concentrations, while both hybrid ASC- and BA-ICO models had higher accuracy and lower error than other algorithms for Rb prediction. [Display omitted] • Groundwater trace elements concentration has been predicted using novel machine learning algorithms. • The ensemble ASC-ICO algorithm has proven to give the most reliable results in predicting As, Ba and Rb concentrations. • All the ensemble algorithm showed enhanced performance than canonical machine learning algorithm. • The high concentrations of As, Rb and Ba stated the importance of the volcanic (tuff) water-rock interaction in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Based on a small retrospective study, rechallenge with cetuximab-based therapy for patients with KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who were previously treated with the same anti-epidermal growth factor receptor-based regimen might be efficacious. Recent data suggest the role of liquid biopsy as a tool to track molecular events in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)., Objective: To prospectively assess the activity of cetuximab plus irinotecan as third-line treatment for patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC who were initially sensitive to and then resistant to first-line irinotecan- and cetuximab-based therapy., Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter phase 2 single-arm trial conducted from January 7, 2015, to June 19, 2017. Liquid biopsies for analysis of ctDNA were collected at baseline. Main eligibility criteria included RAS and BRAF wild-type status on tissue samples; prior first-line irinotecan- and cetuximab-based regimen with at least partial response, progression-free survival of at least 6 months with first-line therapy, and progression within 4 weeks after last dose of cetuximab; and prior second-line oxaliplatin- and bevacizumab-based treatment., Interventions: Biweekly cetuximab, 500 mg/m2, plus irinotecan, 180 mg/m2., Main Outcomes and Measures: Overall response rate according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. Secondary end points included progression-free survival and overall survival and, as an exploratory analysis, RAS mutations in ctDNA., Results: Twenty-eight patients (9 women and 19 men; median age, 69 years [range, 45-79 years]) were enrolled. Six partial responses (4 confirmed) and 9 disease stabilizations were reported (response rate, 21%; 95% CI, 10%-40%; disease control rate, 54%; 95% CI, 36%-70%). Primary end point was met because lower limit of 95% CI of response rate was higher than 5%. RAS mutations were found in ctDNA collected at rechallenge baseline in 12 of 25 evaluable patients (48%). No RAS mutations were detected in samples from patients who achieved confirmed partial response. Patients with RAS wild-type ctDNA had significantly longer progression-free survival than those with RAS mutated ctDNA (median progression-free survival, 4.0 vs 1.9 months; hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.18-0.98; P = .03)., Conclusions and Relevance: This is the first prospective demonstration that a rechallenge strategy with cetuximab and irinotecan may be active in patients with RAS and BRAF wild-type mCRC with acquired resistance to first-line irinotecan- and cetuximab-based therapy. The evaluation of RAS mutational status on ctDNA might be helpful in selecting candidate patients., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02296203.