Historical heritage sites, while culturally invaluable, often harbor a complex legacy of potentially toxic element contamination from past anthropogenic activities. This study investigates the long-term environmental impact on soils at the Certosa di Calci, a monumental monastic complex near Pisa town (Tuscany, Italy), with centuries of diverse historical functions including artisanal workshops and military uses. A comprehensive multi-analytical approach combining spatial distribution, environmental and health risk assessment, and advanced source apportionment (i.e., Positive Matrix Factorization, Principal Component Analysis, correlation analysis) was employed on surface and core soil samples. Results revealed significant enrichment of Pb, Zn, Hg, and Cu, with content frequently exceeding Italian regulatory limits and exhibiting high ecological risk. Six distinct source factors were identified, clearly distinguishing natural geogenic sources from anthropogenic inputs related to historical glassmaking, metalworking, pharmaceutical preparations, pigment use, and buried lead pipes. Contamination was primarily confined to surface soil layers, consistent with historical surface-based activities. Crucially, a site-specific human health risk assessment for both museum visitors and summer camp attendees indicated non-significant cumulative non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, despite observed soil contamination. Oral soil ingestion, particularly for children, and indoor inhalation of elemental mercury vapor were identified as the main pathways of potential concern, though remaining within acceptable limits. This research provides critical, unprecedented data for the Certosa di Calci, offering a robust framework for assessing environmental quality and managing legacy contamination in historical heritage sites, serving as a vital case study for global preservation efforts.
Unraveling the anthropogenic legacy: multi-source contamination and health risk of potentially toxic elements in historical heritage soils (Certosa Di Calci, Italy)
Arrighi, Simone;Ghezzi, Lisa;Fornasaro, Silvia
Ultimo
2025-01-01
Abstract
Historical heritage sites, while culturally invaluable, often harbor a complex legacy of potentially toxic element contamination from past anthropogenic activities. This study investigates the long-term environmental impact on soils at the Certosa di Calci, a monumental monastic complex near Pisa town (Tuscany, Italy), with centuries of diverse historical functions including artisanal workshops and military uses. A comprehensive multi-analytical approach combining spatial distribution, environmental and health risk assessment, and advanced source apportionment (i.e., Positive Matrix Factorization, Principal Component Analysis, correlation analysis) was employed on surface and core soil samples. Results revealed significant enrichment of Pb, Zn, Hg, and Cu, with content frequently exceeding Italian regulatory limits and exhibiting high ecological risk. Six distinct source factors were identified, clearly distinguishing natural geogenic sources from anthropogenic inputs related to historical glassmaking, metalworking, pharmaceutical preparations, pigment use, and buried lead pipes. Contamination was primarily confined to surface soil layers, consistent with historical surface-based activities. Crucially, a site-specific human health risk assessment for both museum visitors and summer camp attendees indicated non-significant cumulative non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, despite observed soil contamination. Oral soil ingestion, particularly for children, and indoor inhalation of elemental mercury vapor were identified as the main pathways of potential concern, though remaining within acceptable limits. This research provides critical, unprecedented data for the Certosa di Calci, offering a robust framework for assessing environmental quality and managing legacy contamination in historical heritage sites, serving as a vital case study for global preservation efforts.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
