Claudio De Pasquale - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Claudio De Pasquale

Animal, 2016

Sulla (Sulla coronarium L.) forage is valued for its positive impact on ruminant production, in p... more Sulla (Sulla coronarium L.) forage is valued for its positive impact on ruminant production, in part due to its moderate content of condensed tannin (CT). The duration of daily grazing is a factor affecting the feed intake and milk production of ewes. In this study, the effects of grazing sulla pasture compared with annual ryegrass, and the extension of grazing from 8 to 22 h/day, were evaluated with regard to ewe forage intake and milk production, as well as the physicochemical properties and fatty acid (FA) composition of cheese. During 42 days in the spring, 28 ewes of the Comisana breed were divided into four groups (S8, S22, R8 and R22) that grazed sulla (S) or ryegrass (R) for 8 (0800 to 1600 h) or 22 h/day, and received no feeding supplement. In six cheese-making sessions, cheeses were manufactured from the 48 h bulk milk of each group. Compared with ewes grazing ryegrass, those grazing sulla had higher dry matter (DM) intake, intake rate and milk yield, and produced milk that was lower in fat and higher in casein. Ewes grazing for 22 h spent more time eating, which reduced the intake rate, increased DM and nutrient intake and milk yield, and reduced milk fat. Due to the ability of CT to inhibit the complete ruminal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), the FA composition of sulla cheese was more beneficial for consumer health compared with ryegrass cheese, having lower levels of saturated fatty acids and higher levels of PUFA and n-3 FA. The FA profile of S8 cheese was better than that of S22 cheese, as it was higher in branched-chain FA, monounsaturated FA, PUFA, rumenic acid (c9,t11-C18:2), and had a greater health-promoting index. The effect of short grazing time on sulla was attributed to major inhibition of PUFA biohydrogenating ruminal bacteria, presumably stimulated by the higher accumulation of sulla CT in the rumen, which is related to a higher intake rate over a shorter eating time. Thus, grazing sulla improved the performance of ewes, thereby increasing, especially with short grazing time, the nutritional properties of cheese fat.

Journal Of Environmental Science And Health, Part A, Feb 1, 2012

The ability of two recently isolated actinobacteria, that degrade medium and long chain n-alkanes... more The ability of two recently isolated actinobacteria, that degrade medium and long chain n-alkanes in laboratory water medium, was investigated in soil microcosms using different standard soils that were artificially contaminated with n-alkanes of different length (C 12-C 20-C 24-C 30). The two strains, identified as Nocardia sp. SoB and Gordonia sp. SoCp, revealed a similar high HC degradation efficiency with an average of 75% alkane degraded after 28 days incubation. A selectivity of bacteria towards n-alkanes of different length was detected as well as a consistent effect of soil texture and other soil physical chemical characteristics on degradation. It was demonstrated the specific aptitude of these selected strains towards specific environmental conditions.

Il biorisanamento mediante l\u2019utilizzo di microrganismi ha un ruolo fondamentale nelle pratic... more Il biorisanamento mediante l\u2019utilizzo di microrganismi ha un ruolo fondamentale nelle pratiche di trasformazione di molecole potenzialmente tossiche quali gli idrocarburi, che quotidianamente vengono riversati negli ecosistemi provocando fenomeni di antropizzazione in equilibri naturali particolarmente sensibili. Numerosi ceppi batterici sono abili degradatori e mineralizzatori di sostanze inquinanti xenobiotiche di sintesi e recalcitranti non esistenti in natura, quali i derivati di idrocarburi aromatici e policlorobifenili (PCB). Mediante colture su mezzo minerale Bushnell-Haas agarizzato (BH) in presenza di una miscela di idrocarburi come unica fonte di carbonio sono stati isolati 5 ceppi di batteri Gram-positivi tra i fenotipi maggiormente rappresentati sulle piastre di isolamento. La caratterizzazione fenotipica e tassonomico-molecolare ha permesso di identificare i ceppi come appartenenti all\u2019ordine Actinomycetales e in particolare ai generi Nocardia (ceppo SoB), Gordonia (ceppi SoCg e SoCp) e Rhodococcus (ceppi SoD e SoF). La capacit\ue0 di degradare gli idrocarburi alifatici da parte di ceppi filogeneticamente vicini a questi isolati \ue8 stata attribuita alla presenza di geni alkB che codificano alcano-monoossigenasi di membrana coinvolte nell\u2019ossidazione degli alcani. Lo studio in cromatografia in spettrometria di massa (GC-MS) delle miscele di idrocarburi degradati da ciascun ceppo batterico \ue8 stato condotto su suoli standard con differenti caratteristiche chimico-fisiche (tessitura da sabbiosa ad argillosa; 5,2 64 pH 64 7; 1 64 sostanza organica % 64 2,4), utilizzando miscele di gasolio con differenti punti di ebollizione 100-140 C\ub0 e 150-190 C\ub0 sui quali su cui sono stati inoculati i ceppi Gordonia sp. SoCg e una miscela dei 5 isolati. I risultati hanno evidenziato la presenza dei geni alkB in tutti i ceppi isolati, una buona capacit\ue0 degradativa compresa tra il 98-50 % significativamente differente per i suoli oggetto di studio. Nonostante gli attinomiceti non siano tra gli ordini dominanti negli ambienti contaminati da idrocarburi, \ue8 ipotizzabile un loro ruolo chiave in condizioni ambientali specifiche quali quelle dei climi mediterranei soggetti a contaminazione da idrocarburi derivanti da attivit\ue0 umane interconnesse al settore petrolchimico

Gordonia strain SoCg is a Gram-positive GC rich n-alkane degrader, isolated from a long-term cont... more Gordonia strain SoCg is a Gram-positive GC rich n-alkane degrader, isolated from a long-term contaminated beach in Sicily for her ability to degrade long (dodecane C12) and very long chain n-alkanes up to hexatriacontane (C36) (P.Quatrini et al., J. Appl. Microbiol., 2007). PCR analysis, using degenerated primers, reveled that it carries one alkane-hydroxylase gene (alkB); PFGE and Southern analysis showed that this gene is localized on the chromosome. In order to isolate the alk cluster of Gordonia strain SoCg, an enriched gene bank was constructed in E.coli DH10B by isolating restriction fragments of the desired size from a preparative gel. One clone, containing a DNA insert of about 7 kb was detected by colony PCR and Southern hybridization and completely sequenced. The Gordonia SoCg alk locus shows 84% similarity with a 4.5 kb fragment from Gordonia TF6, that was necessary to confer n-alkanes biotrasformation ability in E.coli. (T.Fujii et al., Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 2004) The expression of alk genes in SoCg was monitored by qRT-PCR analysis, using total RNA extracted throughout the growth in the presence of n-alkanes or fructose, respectively, as sole C source. The potential role of the alkane hydroxylase AlkB in long chain n-alkanes degradation was explored by comparing the alkB gene expression with hexadecane (C16) and triacontane (C30) consumption, determined by GC-MS analysis. Alkanes longer than C16 support growth of many microorganisms, but the enzyme systems required for their degradation are still unknown. This work will allow to gain insight in the molecular mechanisms of long chain n-alkanes catabolic pathways in GC rich Gram positive bacteria, recognized as ideal candidates for biodegradation of hydrocarbons in soil

Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 2010

EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, Apr 1, 2009

Low resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry revealed that triglycerides in extra-... more Low resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry revealed that triglycerides in extra-virgin olive oils are organized in inverse-micelle-like supramolecular structures held together by weak interactions such as van der Waals and hydrogen bonding. The formers can be established among the external apolar tails, while hydrogen bonds are present among the internal polar triglyceride heads, involving also the polar minor constituents of extra- virgin olive oils. The supramolecular assembly has been supported by experiments conducted by heating the samples in the NMR probe at four different temperatures. In addition all the oils were also added with increasing amounts of glacial acetic acid (AcOH). NMR relaxometry data at room temperature revealed that T1 values increased with the amount of the added AcOH. Moreover, it was noticed that when the volume of acetic acid was around 20 % of the sample volume, a separation between an oily layer and an acetic acid phase was achieved. The latter appeared to contain from 50 to 80 % of the total amount of the minor polar constituents of extra-virgin olive oils (i.e. polyphenols, chlorophylls, sterols, some terpenes and so on). Such findings were interpreted with a conformation re-arrangement of triglycerides from ordered supramolecular inversemicelle- like systems to micelle-like leading to formation of emulsions. Based on the results of the present study, it can be suggested that extra-virgin olive oils are not disordered and amorphous liquids but systems whose constituents are arranged in tidy supramolecular aggregates. The compartmental evidence of the minor polar extra-virgin olive oil components may pose new questions about their absorption pathways in the human nutrition

The Open Magnetic Resonance Journal, Jun 18, 2010

Reafforestation is generally based on the planting of exotic fast growing tree species suitable f... more Reafforestation is generally based on the planting of exotic fast growing tree species suitable for adapting to even harsh environments. Once the introduced plants ameliorate soil conditions, they can be progressively replaced by autochthonous plant species. Reafforestation is applied worldwide. However, only few studies on the effect of reafforestation on lands from Mediterranean regions are available. This paper reports the characterization by cross polarization 13 C NMR spectroscopy of fresh leaves and superficial litters from a reafforestated area in central Sicily (Italy). NMR assignment is attempted. A differentiation among the molecular systems within leaves and litters is also done on the basis of NMR assessment. Results showed that the main differences among the leaves of four forest trees (two eucalyptus spp., one cypress sp. and one pine sp.) occur in the distribution of the aromatic and alkyl carbons. In particular, the alkyl moieties in the eucalyptus spp. leaves were attributed to branched structures belonging to the eucalyptus oil, whereas linear fatty acids were more representetive in the NMR spectra of pine and cypress leaves. In addition, the aromatic carbons of the conifer leaves were assigned not only to lignin-and tannin-like structures, but also to common olefin carbons in unsaturated fatty acids and abietic acid-like systems. The spectra of the litters resembled, as expected, those of the leaves. However, the presence of very large carbohydrate NMR signals suggested that degradation processes were still ongoing in litters. A comparative evaluation of CPMAS 13 C NMR spectra was done by applying principal component analysis. This paper confirmed the suitability of CPMAS 13 C NMR spectroscopy in evaluating the differences among natural bio-masses which are the major nutrient sources for soil microorganisms and the main input for humification processes.

Catena, Apr 1, 2019

Biochar application to soil can be considered as a means to improve soil quality, thereby optimiz... more Biochar application to soil can be considered as a means to improve soil quality, thereby optimizing irrigation management and reducing irrigation needs, especially in dryland regions. This paper is aimed at investigating the effect of biochar (BC) on a desert sandy soil (Al Foah, United Arab Emirates) in terms of bulk density, porosity, water retention, plant available water (AW max), aggregate stability (AS) and specific surface area (BET-SSA). BC was produced from forest biomass (Italy). Soil water retention was measured by the High Energy Moisture Characteristic (HEMC) and by pressure plate measurements, by using BC fractions equal to 0 (soil only), 0.014, 0.091, 0.23, 0.33 and 1 (BC only). The results indicated that BC significantly (p = 0.05) increased soil porosity and the amount of storage pores. As a consequence, water retention was enhanced and AW max from 19.3 mm/m for the sandy soil (f bc = 0), to 60.8, 102.3 and 107.6 at f bc = 0.091, 0.23, and 0.33, respectively, was raised. No significant effects of BC were detected on the soil water retention curve of the BC-amended soil at f bc = 0.014, compared to the original condition. The significant increase in the structural index (SI) at f bc , ≥0.091, indicated that BC improved soil aggregate stability. The BET-SSA was measured by nitrogen adsorption measurements and indicated that the connected porosity was significantly increased by the 0.091 BC fraction. Both AW max and SI were found to be correlated with BET-SSA. This showed an outcome that has been so far little investigated, namely that the BET-SSA played a significant role in the mechanism affecting the soil response to BC addition. The results showed that application of BC can improve soil structure and water retention and therefore optimize irrigation management by reducing irrigation needs, in the Al-Foah area and/or in similar dryland regions.

pesticidi,organofosforici,quantomeccanic

Chemical Engineering Transactions, 2015

In recent years, oxygen content regulation during malaxation has been noted as a process paramete... more In recent years, oxygen content regulation during malaxation has been noted as a process parameter. As concluded by many studies, the presence of oxygen during malaxation has a key role in for improving the quality of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) in terms of volatile and phenolic components. There are, however, very few studies of the influence of oxygen in the malaxation machine headspace on the fatty acid composition of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of oxygen in the malaxation machine headspace on Nocellara del Belice EVOO fatty acids. During of the malaxation process, the atmosphere inside the malaxation machine was modified by blowing pure oxygen from cylinders at specific stages of the process (i.e. 15, 25, and 35 minutes after the start of malaxation), using a system which ensures the automatic and continuous maintenance of a known amount of oxygen into the headspace at a given moment throughout the malaxation process. The r...

Chemical engineering transactions, 2017

Pomegranate juice has many health properties as the fruits contain anticarcinogenic, antimicrobia... more Pomegranate juice has many health properties as the fruits contain anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds. Its consumption has greatly increased throughout the world in recent years due to the potential of its different components, polyphenols and anthocyanins among all. Many studies have been performed on the pomegranate juice yield demonstrating its influence on the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of the juice. Commercial pomegranate juice production involves pressing fruits procedures. As a consequence, there is a need to investigate the pressing machine types and optimization in order to achieve juice yield and enhance its health properties. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the pressing systems on pomegranate juice yield and health properties after the extraction. Pomegranate fruits of the Wonderful One variety were manually harvested in November 2014 and mechanically processed to extract juice. Two different pressing systems were...

Acta Horticulturae, 2019

Pomegranate juice has many health properties as the fruits contain anticarcinogenic, antimicrobia... more Pomegranate juice has many health properties as the fruits contain anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds. Its consumption has greatly increased throughout the world in recent years due to the potential of its different components, polyphenols and anthocyanins mostly. Many studies have been performed on the pomegranate juice yield demonstrating its influence on the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of the juice. Commercial pomegranate juice production involves pressing the fruits. As a consequence, there is a need to investigate the pressing machine types and adjustment in order to maximize juice yield and enhance its health properties. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the pressing system on the pomegranate juice yield and properties. Pomegranate fruits of the 'Wonderful One' cultivar were manually harvested in November 2014 and mechanically processed to extract juice. Two different pressing systems were used. The first one was an hydraulic pressing machine where the fruits were put after being sliced in half; the second extraction method consisted in using a destemming machine for the entire fruit followed by a pneumatic press, typically applied in grape processing. The juices obtained with the two systems were analysed and compared in order to identify the best extraction technique.

La pollina \ue8 tradizionalmente utilizzata in agricoltura come fertilizzante organico grazie al ... more La pollina \ue8 tradizionalmente utilizzata in agricoltura come fertilizzante organico grazie al suo alto contenuto in nutrienti immediatamente disponibili per le piante (principalmente azoto, potassio e fosforo). Nonostante i vantaggi apportati alle colture, l\u2019eccessivo uso della pollina come ammendante del suolo pu\uf2 causare gravi problemi ambientali, tra cui rischi per la salute umana e lisciviazione di nitrati o altri inquinanti nelle acquee sotterranee. Per diminuire i rischi legati al suo utilizzo, una soluzione alternativa potrebbe essere il ri-utilizzo energetico della pollina tramite la sua conversione in biochar. Il biochar \ue8 una sostanza carboniosa derivante dalla pirolisi di qualsiasi materiale organico. Grazie alle sue caratteristiche fisico-chimiche (elevata porosit\ue0, alto contenuto in carbonio e nutrienti), \ue8 risultato essere un ottimo ammendante dei suoli. Infatti ne aumenta la ritenzione idrica, la fertilit\ue0 e la capacit\ue0 di scambio cationico. Le propriet\ue0 fisico-chimiche del biochar sono per\uf2 fortemente influenzate dalle condizioni di pirolisi, in particolare dalla temperatura massima raggiunta e dal tempo di residenza. Questo studio si propone di valutare l\u2019influenza della temperatura di pirolisi e del tempo di residenza sulle propriet\ue0 fisico-chimiche del biochar prodotto da pollina. In particolare tre biochar sono stati ottenuti a 350\ub0C, 450\ub0C e 600\ub0C. Il tempo di residenza in muffola \ue8 stato di 30min e 120min per ogni temperatura. Gli spettri CPMAS 13C NMR hanno mostrato che le caratteristiche chimiche dei biochar sono maggiormente influenzate dalla temperatura piuttosto che dal tempo di pirolisi. Tuttavia, indagini in risonanza magnetica nucleare a basso campo in rilassometria protonica (misure di T2 a campo fisso e T1 a campo variabile) hanno evidenziato che le propriet\ue0 superficiali dipendono anche dal tempo di pirolisi oltre che dalla temperatura. Questo studio ha dimostrato che la combinazione di pi\uf9 tecniche NMR (alto e basso campo, campo fisso e campo variabile) consente di riconoscere le differenze tra biochar ottenuti in condizioni differenti. La conoscenza della natura chimico-fisica del biochar in funzione dei processi con cui esso \ue8 ottenuto \ue8 fondamentale per la comprensione dei possibili usi tecnologici di questo nuovo materiale biosostenibile

Animal, 2016

Sulla (Sulla coronarium L.) forage is valued for its positive impact on ruminant production, in p... more Sulla (Sulla coronarium L.) forage is valued for its positive impact on ruminant production, in part due to its moderate content of condensed tannin (CT). The duration of daily grazing is a factor affecting the feed intake and milk production of ewes. In this study, the effects of grazing sulla pasture compared with annual ryegrass, and the extension of grazing from 8 to 22 h/day, were evaluated with regard to ewe forage intake and milk production, as well as the physicochemical properties and fatty acid (FA) composition of cheese. During 42 days in the spring, 28 ewes of the Comisana breed were divided into four groups (S8, S22, R8 and R22) that grazed sulla (S) or ryegrass (R) for 8 (0800 to 1600 h) or 22 h/day, and received no feeding supplement. In six cheese-making sessions, cheeses were manufactured from the 48 h bulk milk of each group. Compared with ewes grazing ryegrass, those grazing sulla had higher dry matter (DM) intake, intake rate and milk yield, and produced milk that was lower in fat and higher in casein. Ewes grazing for 22 h spent more time eating, which reduced the intake rate, increased DM and nutrient intake and milk yield, and reduced milk fat. Due to the ability of CT to inhibit the complete ruminal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), the FA composition of sulla cheese was more beneficial for consumer health compared with ryegrass cheese, having lower levels of saturated fatty acids and higher levels of PUFA and n-3 FA. The FA profile of S8 cheese was better than that of S22 cheese, as it was higher in branched-chain FA, monounsaturated FA, PUFA, rumenic acid (c9,t11-C18:2), and had a greater health-promoting index. The effect of short grazing time on sulla was attributed to major inhibition of PUFA biohydrogenating ruminal bacteria, presumably stimulated by the higher accumulation of sulla CT in the rumen, which is related to a higher intake rate over a shorter eating time. Thus, grazing sulla improved the performance of ewes, thereby increasing, especially with short grazing time, the nutritional properties of cheese fat.

Journal Of Environmental Science And Health, Part A, Feb 1, 2012

The ability of two recently isolated actinobacteria, that degrade medium and long chain n-alkanes... more The ability of two recently isolated actinobacteria, that degrade medium and long chain n-alkanes in laboratory water medium, was investigated in soil microcosms using different standard soils that were artificially contaminated with n-alkanes of different length (C 12-C 20-C 24-C 30). The two strains, identified as Nocardia sp. SoB and Gordonia sp. SoCp, revealed a similar high HC degradation efficiency with an average of 75% alkane degraded after 28 days incubation. A selectivity of bacteria towards n-alkanes of different length was detected as well as a consistent effect of soil texture and other soil physical chemical characteristics on degradation. It was demonstrated the specific aptitude of these selected strains towards specific environmental conditions.

Il biorisanamento mediante l\u2019utilizzo di microrganismi ha un ruolo fondamentale nelle pratic... more Il biorisanamento mediante l\u2019utilizzo di microrganismi ha un ruolo fondamentale nelle pratiche di trasformazione di molecole potenzialmente tossiche quali gli idrocarburi, che quotidianamente vengono riversati negli ecosistemi provocando fenomeni di antropizzazione in equilibri naturali particolarmente sensibili. Numerosi ceppi batterici sono abili degradatori e mineralizzatori di sostanze inquinanti xenobiotiche di sintesi e recalcitranti non esistenti in natura, quali i derivati di idrocarburi aromatici e policlorobifenili (PCB). Mediante colture su mezzo minerale Bushnell-Haas agarizzato (BH) in presenza di una miscela di idrocarburi come unica fonte di carbonio sono stati isolati 5 ceppi di batteri Gram-positivi tra i fenotipi maggiormente rappresentati sulle piastre di isolamento. La caratterizzazione fenotipica e tassonomico-molecolare ha permesso di identificare i ceppi come appartenenti all\u2019ordine Actinomycetales e in particolare ai generi Nocardia (ceppo SoB), Gordonia (ceppi SoCg e SoCp) e Rhodococcus (ceppi SoD e SoF). La capacit\ue0 di degradare gli idrocarburi alifatici da parte di ceppi filogeneticamente vicini a questi isolati \ue8 stata attribuita alla presenza di geni alkB che codificano alcano-monoossigenasi di membrana coinvolte nell\u2019ossidazione degli alcani. Lo studio in cromatografia in spettrometria di massa (GC-MS) delle miscele di idrocarburi degradati da ciascun ceppo batterico \ue8 stato condotto su suoli standard con differenti caratteristiche chimico-fisiche (tessitura da sabbiosa ad argillosa; 5,2 64 pH 64 7; 1 64 sostanza organica % 64 2,4), utilizzando miscele di gasolio con differenti punti di ebollizione 100-140 C\ub0 e 150-190 C\ub0 sui quali su cui sono stati inoculati i ceppi Gordonia sp. SoCg e una miscela dei 5 isolati. I risultati hanno evidenziato la presenza dei geni alkB in tutti i ceppi isolati, una buona capacit\ue0 degradativa compresa tra il 98-50 % significativamente differente per i suoli oggetto di studio. Nonostante gli attinomiceti non siano tra gli ordini dominanti negli ambienti contaminati da idrocarburi, \ue8 ipotizzabile un loro ruolo chiave in condizioni ambientali specifiche quali quelle dei climi mediterranei soggetti a contaminazione da idrocarburi derivanti da attivit\ue0 umane interconnesse al settore petrolchimico

Gordonia strain SoCg is a Gram-positive GC rich n-alkane degrader, isolated from a long-term cont... more Gordonia strain SoCg is a Gram-positive GC rich n-alkane degrader, isolated from a long-term contaminated beach in Sicily for her ability to degrade long (dodecane C12) and very long chain n-alkanes up to hexatriacontane (C36) (P.Quatrini et al., J. Appl. Microbiol., 2007). PCR analysis, using degenerated primers, reveled that it carries one alkane-hydroxylase gene (alkB); PFGE and Southern analysis showed that this gene is localized on the chromosome. In order to isolate the alk cluster of Gordonia strain SoCg, an enriched gene bank was constructed in E.coli DH10B by isolating restriction fragments of the desired size from a preparative gel. One clone, containing a DNA insert of about 7 kb was detected by colony PCR and Southern hybridization and completely sequenced. The Gordonia SoCg alk locus shows 84% similarity with a 4.5 kb fragment from Gordonia TF6, that was necessary to confer n-alkanes biotrasformation ability in E.coli. (T.Fujii et al., Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 2004) The expression of alk genes in SoCg was monitored by qRT-PCR analysis, using total RNA extracted throughout the growth in the presence of n-alkanes or fructose, respectively, as sole C source. The potential role of the alkane hydroxylase AlkB in long chain n-alkanes degradation was explored by comparing the alkB gene expression with hexadecane (C16) and triacontane (C30) consumption, determined by GC-MS analysis. Alkanes longer than C16 support growth of many microorganisms, but the enzyme systems required for their degradation are still unknown. This work will allow to gain insight in the molecular mechanisms of long chain n-alkanes catabolic pathways in GC rich Gram positive bacteria, recognized as ideal candidates for biodegradation of hydrocarbons in soil

Fresenius Environmental Bulletin, 2010

EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, Apr 1, 2009

Low resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry revealed that triglycerides in extra-... more Low resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry revealed that triglycerides in extra-virgin olive oils are organized in inverse-micelle-like supramolecular structures held together by weak interactions such as van der Waals and hydrogen bonding. The formers can be established among the external apolar tails, while hydrogen bonds are present among the internal polar triglyceride heads, involving also the polar minor constituents of extra- virgin olive oils. The supramolecular assembly has been supported by experiments conducted by heating the samples in the NMR probe at four different temperatures. In addition all the oils were also added with increasing amounts of glacial acetic acid (AcOH). NMR relaxometry data at room temperature revealed that T1 values increased with the amount of the added AcOH. Moreover, it was noticed that when the volume of acetic acid was around 20 % of the sample volume, a separation between an oily layer and an acetic acid phase was achieved. The latter appeared to contain from 50 to 80 % of the total amount of the minor polar constituents of extra-virgin olive oils (i.e. polyphenols, chlorophylls, sterols, some terpenes and so on). Such findings were interpreted with a conformation re-arrangement of triglycerides from ordered supramolecular inversemicelle- like systems to micelle-like leading to formation of emulsions. Based on the results of the present study, it can be suggested that extra-virgin olive oils are not disordered and amorphous liquids but systems whose constituents are arranged in tidy supramolecular aggregates. The compartmental evidence of the minor polar extra-virgin olive oil components may pose new questions about their absorption pathways in the human nutrition

The Open Magnetic Resonance Journal, Jun 18, 2010

Reafforestation is generally based on the planting of exotic fast growing tree species suitable f... more Reafforestation is generally based on the planting of exotic fast growing tree species suitable for adapting to even harsh environments. Once the introduced plants ameliorate soil conditions, they can be progressively replaced by autochthonous plant species. Reafforestation is applied worldwide. However, only few studies on the effect of reafforestation on lands from Mediterranean regions are available. This paper reports the characterization by cross polarization 13 C NMR spectroscopy of fresh leaves and superficial litters from a reafforestated area in central Sicily (Italy). NMR assignment is attempted. A differentiation among the molecular systems within leaves and litters is also done on the basis of NMR assessment. Results showed that the main differences among the leaves of four forest trees (two eucalyptus spp., one cypress sp. and one pine sp.) occur in the distribution of the aromatic and alkyl carbons. In particular, the alkyl moieties in the eucalyptus spp. leaves were attributed to branched structures belonging to the eucalyptus oil, whereas linear fatty acids were more representetive in the NMR spectra of pine and cypress leaves. In addition, the aromatic carbons of the conifer leaves were assigned not only to lignin-and tannin-like structures, but also to common olefin carbons in unsaturated fatty acids and abietic acid-like systems. The spectra of the litters resembled, as expected, those of the leaves. However, the presence of very large carbohydrate NMR signals suggested that degradation processes were still ongoing in litters. A comparative evaluation of CPMAS 13 C NMR spectra was done by applying principal component analysis. This paper confirmed the suitability of CPMAS 13 C NMR spectroscopy in evaluating the differences among natural bio-masses which are the major nutrient sources for soil microorganisms and the main input for humification processes.

Catena, Apr 1, 2019

Biochar application to soil can be considered as a means to improve soil quality, thereby optimiz... more Biochar application to soil can be considered as a means to improve soil quality, thereby optimizing irrigation management and reducing irrigation needs, especially in dryland regions. This paper is aimed at investigating the effect of biochar (BC) on a desert sandy soil (Al Foah, United Arab Emirates) in terms of bulk density, porosity, water retention, plant available water (AW max), aggregate stability (AS) and specific surface area (BET-SSA). BC was produced from forest biomass (Italy). Soil water retention was measured by the High Energy Moisture Characteristic (HEMC) and by pressure plate measurements, by using BC fractions equal to 0 (soil only), 0.014, 0.091, 0.23, 0.33 and 1 (BC only). The results indicated that BC significantly (p = 0.05) increased soil porosity and the amount of storage pores. As a consequence, water retention was enhanced and AW max from 19.3 mm/m for the sandy soil (f bc = 0), to 60.8, 102.3 and 107.6 at f bc = 0.091, 0.23, and 0.33, respectively, was raised. No significant effects of BC were detected on the soil water retention curve of the BC-amended soil at f bc = 0.014, compared to the original condition. The significant increase in the structural index (SI) at f bc , ≥0.091, indicated that BC improved soil aggregate stability. The BET-SSA was measured by nitrogen adsorption measurements and indicated that the connected porosity was significantly increased by the 0.091 BC fraction. Both AW max and SI were found to be correlated with BET-SSA. This showed an outcome that has been so far little investigated, namely that the BET-SSA played a significant role in the mechanism affecting the soil response to BC addition. The results showed that application of BC can improve soil structure and water retention and therefore optimize irrigation management by reducing irrigation needs, in the Al-Foah area and/or in similar dryland regions.

pesticidi,organofosforici,quantomeccanic

Chemical Engineering Transactions, 2015

In recent years, oxygen content regulation during malaxation has been noted as a process paramete... more In recent years, oxygen content regulation during malaxation has been noted as a process parameter. As concluded by many studies, the presence of oxygen during malaxation has a key role in for improving the quality of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) in terms of volatile and phenolic components. There are, however, very few studies of the influence of oxygen in the malaxation machine headspace on the fatty acid composition of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of oxygen in the malaxation machine headspace on Nocellara del Belice EVOO fatty acids. During of the malaxation process, the atmosphere inside the malaxation machine was modified by blowing pure oxygen from cylinders at specific stages of the process (i.e. 15, 25, and 35 minutes after the start of malaxation), using a system which ensures the automatic and continuous maintenance of a known amount of oxygen into the headspace at a given moment throughout the malaxation process. The r...

Chemical engineering transactions, 2017

Pomegranate juice has many health properties as the fruits contain anticarcinogenic, antimicrobia... more Pomegranate juice has many health properties as the fruits contain anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds. Its consumption has greatly increased throughout the world in recent years due to the potential of its different components, polyphenols and anthocyanins among all. Many studies have been performed on the pomegranate juice yield demonstrating its influence on the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of the juice. Commercial pomegranate juice production involves pressing fruits procedures. As a consequence, there is a need to investigate the pressing machine types and optimization in order to achieve juice yield and enhance its health properties. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the pressing systems on pomegranate juice yield and health properties after the extraction. Pomegranate fruits of the Wonderful One variety were manually harvested in November 2014 and mechanically processed to extract juice. Two different pressing systems were...

Acta Horticulturae, 2019

Pomegranate juice has many health properties as the fruits contain anticarcinogenic, antimicrobia... more Pomegranate juice has many health properties as the fruits contain anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial and antiviral compounds. Its consumption has greatly increased throughout the world in recent years due to the potential of its different components, polyphenols and anthocyanins mostly. Many studies have been performed on the pomegranate juice yield demonstrating its influence on the organoleptic and physicochemical properties of the juice. Commercial pomegranate juice production involves pressing the fruits. As a consequence, there is a need to investigate the pressing machine types and adjustment in order to maximize juice yield and enhance its health properties. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the pressing system on the pomegranate juice yield and properties. Pomegranate fruits of the 'Wonderful One' cultivar were manually harvested in November 2014 and mechanically processed to extract juice. Two different pressing systems were used. The first one was an hydraulic pressing machine where the fruits were put after being sliced in half; the second extraction method consisted in using a destemming machine for the entire fruit followed by a pneumatic press, typically applied in grape processing. The juices obtained with the two systems were analysed and compared in order to identify the best extraction technique.

La pollina \ue8 tradizionalmente utilizzata in agricoltura come fertilizzante organico grazie al ... more La pollina \ue8 tradizionalmente utilizzata in agricoltura come fertilizzante organico grazie al suo alto contenuto in nutrienti immediatamente disponibili per le piante (principalmente azoto, potassio e fosforo). Nonostante i vantaggi apportati alle colture, l\u2019eccessivo uso della pollina come ammendante del suolo pu\uf2 causare gravi problemi ambientali, tra cui rischi per la salute umana e lisciviazione di nitrati o altri inquinanti nelle acquee sotterranee. Per diminuire i rischi legati al suo utilizzo, una soluzione alternativa potrebbe essere il ri-utilizzo energetico della pollina tramite la sua conversione in biochar. Il biochar \ue8 una sostanza carboniosa derivante dalla pirolisi di qualsiasi materiale organico. Grazie alle sue caratteristiche fisico-chimiche (elevata porosit\ue0, alto contenuto in carbonio e nutrienti), \ue8 risultato essere un ottimo ammendante dei suoli. Infatti ne aumenta la ritenzione idrica, la fertilit\ue0 e la capacit\ue0 di scambio cationico. Le propriet\ue0 fisico-chimiche del biochar sono per\uf2 fortemente influenzate dalle condizioni di pirolisi, in particolare dalla temperatura massima raggiunta e dal tempo di residenza. Questo studio si propone di valutare l\u2019influenza della temperatura di pirolisi e del tempo di residenza sulle propriet\ue0 fisico-chimiche del biochar prodotto da pollina. In particolare tre biochar sono stati ottenuti a 350\ub0C, 450\ub0C e 600\ub0C. Il tempo di residenza in muffola \ue8 stato di 30min e 120min per ogni temperatura. Gli spettri CPMAS 13C NMR hanno mostrato che le caratteristiche chimiche dei biochar sono maggiormente influenzate dalla temperatura piuttosto che dal tempo di pirolisi. Tuttavia, indagini in risonanza magnetica nucleare a basso campo in rilassometria protonica (misure di T2 a campo fisso e T1 a campo variabile) hanno evidenziato che le propriet\ue0 superficiali dipendono anche dal tempo di pirolisi oltre che dalla temperatura. Questo studio ha dimostrato che la combinazione di pi\uf9 tecniche NMR (alto e basso campo, campo fisso e campo variabile) consente di riconoscere le differenze tra biochar ottenuti in condizioni differenti. La conoscenza della natura chimico-fisica del biochar in funzione dei processi con cui esso \ue8 ottenuto \ue8 fondamentale per la comprensione dei possibili usi tecnologici di questo nuovo materiale biosostenibile