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GIULIA SANTUNIONE

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2024 - Identificazione di metaboliti secondari coinvolti nella risposta a radiazione UV-B in cellule in coltura di Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Carli, Andrea; Sgarbi, Elisabetta
abstract

Il callo ottenuto da espianti fogliari di vite Vitis vinifera ssp. vinifera (cv Lambrusco Marani e Sangiovese) è stato esposto in condizioni controllate a radiazione UV-B per valutare la capacità di produzione di composti fenolici in risposta allo stress. L’esposizione short-term ai raggi UV-B ha indotto cambiamenti nel metabolismo fenolico: solo nel callo della cv L. Marani è stata osservata una maggiore produzione di polifenoli totali. Nel callo di entrambe le cultivar è stata identificata una decina di molecole, la maggior parte delle quali è presente solo dopo esposizione alla radiazione UV-B. Il sistema utilizzato offre interessanti prospettive per ottenere in vitro metaboliti secondari ad azione antiossidante.

2023 - An experimental protocol using N. commune as pioneer organism to induce bio-deterioration of surfaces: comparison between new and soiled surfaces [Articolo su rivista]
Santunione, G.; Muscio, A.; Sgarbi, E.
abstract

Biological growth on building surfaces can be responsible for degradation of their aesthetical and functional properties. This is damaging for solar reflective materials (SRM), which are characterised by the ability to reflect solar radiation in the whole wavelength spectrum. SRM represent one of the most efficient countermeasures to the urban heat Island effect. The present study compares different experimental setups to expose SRM samples to laboratory bio-ageing and define which setup is the most repeatable in terms of biodegradation on surfaces.

2023 - Assessment of hemp hurd-derived biochar produced through different thermochemical processes and evaluation of its potential use as soil amendment [Articolo su rivista]
Puglia, Marco; Morselli, Nicolo; Lumi, Marluce; Santunione, Giulia; Pedrazzi, Simone; Allesina, Giulio
abstract

: Biochar is a carbon-rich and porous material that finds application in different sectors and can be extremely useful in agriculture as soil improver. This paper provides a comparison between biochars produced with different slow pyrolysis processes and biochar produced in a downdraft gasifier. A blend of residual lignocellulosic biomasses (hemp hurd and fir sawdust) was pelletized and used as starting feedstock for the tests. The biochars produced were analyzed and compared. Temperature proved to be the main driver in conditioning the chemical-physical characteristics of the biochars more than residence time or the configuration of the pyrolysis process. The higher the temperature, the higher the carbon and ash content and the biochar pH and the lower the hydrogen content and the char yield. The most noticeable differences between pyrolysis and gasification biochars were the pH and the surface area (considerably higher for gasification char) and the low content of hydrogen in the gasification biochar. Two germinability tests were carried out to assess the possible application of the various biochars as soil amendment. In the first germinability test, watercress seeds were placed in direct contact with the biochar, while in the second they were placed on a blend of soil (90%v/v) and biochar (10%v/v). The biochars with the best performance were those produced at higher temperatures using a purging gas and the gasification biochar (especially mixed with soil).

2023 - Effects of LED Lights and New Long-Term-Release Fertilizers on Lettuce Growth: A Contribution for Sustainable Horticulture [Articolo su rivista]
Sgarbi, Elisabetta; Santunione, Giulia; Barbieri, Francesco; Montorsi, Monia; Lancellotti, Isabella; Barbieri, Luisa
abstract

The horticulture sector has been directed by European guidelines to improve its practices related to environmental sustainability. Moreover, the practice of horticulture in urban areas is increasing since it provides fresh products that are locally produced. At the same time, horticulture needs to implement circular economy approaches and energy-efficient models. Therefore, to address these issues, this study investigated the effects of an integrated fertilizer-box-based cultivation system equipped with LED lights and coated porous inorganic materials (C-PIMs), which was applied as fertilizer, on Lactuca sativa L. growth. Two different types of lightweight aggregates were formulated considering agri-food and post-consumer waste, and they were enriched with potassium and phosphorus. Involving waste in the process was part of their valorization in the circular economy. Using PIMs as fertilizers enabled the controlled release of nutrients over time. The tests were carried out in controlled conditions using two LED lighting systems capable of changing their light spectrum according to the growth phases of the plants. The effects of two different lighting schemes on the growth of lettuce plants, in combination with different amounts of aggregates, were studied. The results showed that increasing the amount of C-PIMs statistically improved the lettuce growth in terms of dry biomass production (+60% and +34% for two different types of PIM application) when the plants were exposed to the first LED scheme (LED-1). Plant height and leaf areas significantly increased when exposed to the second LED scheme (LED-2), in combination with the presence of C-PIMs in the soil. The analysis of the heavy metal contents in the lettuce leaves and the soil at the end of the test revealed that these elements remained significantly below the legislated thresholds. The experimental achievements of this study identified a new approach to improve the environmental sustainability of horticulture, especially in an urban/domestic context.

2023 - Spirulina, A Sustainable Microorganism to Enrich Baked Goods with Precious Nutrients [Altro]
Montevecchi, G.; Santunione, G.; Masino, F.; Riggio, A.; Salani, L.; Panciroli, P.; Köker, Ö.; Faro, Lo; Licciardello, F.; Sgarbi, E.; Fava, P.; Antonelli, A.
abstract

2022 - Enrichment of wheat flour with Spirulina. Evaluation of thermal damage to essential amino acids during bread preparation [Articolo su rivista]
Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Santunione, Giulia; Licciardello, Fabio; Köker, Ömer; Masino, Francesca; Antonelli, Andrea
abstract

Microalgae and cyanobacteria represent a sustainable and valuable source of essential amino acids and bio-active molecules (e.g. poly-unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants) which, if added to staple food, could enrich its nutritional profile and the human diet. In this study, two different composite mixtures were obtained by adding different percentages (1% and 2%) of Spirulina powder to “Italian type 1” semi-whole wheat flour (W = 300) after which the chemical, physical, alveographic, and rheological parameters were subsequently analyzed. Spirulina powder did not cause drastic changes at the rheological level when added up to 2%. Furthermore, the concentration of proteins significantly increased in the samples enriched with 1% Spirulina (3.17%) and 2% Spirulina (5.12%), while at the same time the gluten content decreased by 5.62% and 7.41%, respectively. The total amount of essential amino acids in the samples enriched with 1% and 2% Spirulina (48,209 and 55,286 mgaa/kgDW, respectively), was higher in comparison with 45,433 mgaa/kgDW of the control, and those concentrations were maintained after the baking process. Spirulina powder confirmed the hypothesis of being able to improve the supply of essential amino acids that is lacking in wheat flour. The next steps include an investigation into the sensory and liking characteristics of the product.

2021 - A low impact alternative to common weed control systems: the case of syngas-powered flame weeding [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Morselli, N.; Puglia, M.; Balboni, C.; Ottani, F.; Parenti, M.; Santunione, G.; Pedrazzi, S.; Allesina, G.; Tartarini, P.
abstract

In this work, a simple model was created to estimate the benefits of replacing the LPG, currently used in flame weeding, with the syngas generated from a biomass gasification system. Results shown that 60.1 kg ha-1 of agripellet are enough to substitute 16.4 kg ha-1 of LPG when a gasification efficiency of 70% is considered. The model shown a CO2 generation of 49.8 kg ha-1 for each treatment using the LPG device and 94.5 kg ha-1 for the biomasspowered weeder which is, however, a biogenic source of carbon with a neutral impact on the climate. Moreover, for the gasification facility, a 3.3 kg ha-1 co-production of char was considered which led to the possible stock of 9.6 kgCO2 ha-1 each treatment. Eventually, the proposed model suggests that a net saving of 58.5 kgCO2 ha-1 can be realized if LPG flame weeding treatment is replaced with a syngas-powered flame weeder.

2021 - Co-composted biochar (Combi) production and its effects on ocimum basilicum plants growth [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Ottani, F.; Parenti, M.; Santunione, G.; Pedrazzi, S.; Allesina, G.
abstract

In agriculture, in recent years, more and more attention has been given to the COMBI. COMBI is a soil improver obtained from a composting process of organic material with biochar, added at the beginning of the process itself. Biochar has been used for several years and many studies have shown the benefits it brings when applied to soils, while COMBI is still little studied. This article aims to demonstrate both the effects of COMBI on the growth of Ocimum basilicum specie plants and to quantify the best quantity to be applied within the substrate. The experimental trials were performed in a greenhouse with controlled temperature and humidity, according to the following growth tests theses: Control: Soil for gardens composed mainly of peat (CTRL); thesis 1: Soil mixed with COMBI at 10% v/v (COMBI10); thesis 2: Soil mixed with COMBI at 20% v/v (COMBI20); thesis 3: Soil mixed with COMBI at 40% v/v (COMBI40); thesis 4: Soil mixed with COMBI at 80% v/v (COMBI80); thesis 5: 100% COMBI (COMBI100). The results showed good growth of basil plants in the COMBI10 and COMBI20 cases, compared to the control. COMBI80 and COMBI100 theses, on the other hand, did not lead to positive results; in particular COMBI100 did not allow either seeds germination in most cases. To compare the quality of the basil plants, the total amount of essential oil for CTRL, COMBI10, COMBI20 and COMBI 40 theses was extracted and quantified.

2021 - Techno-economic study of a small scale gasifier applied to an indoor hemp farm: From energy savings to biochar effects on productivity [Articolo su rivista]
Pedrazzi, S.; Santunione, G.; Mustone, M.; Cannazza, G.; Citti, C.; Francia, E.; Allesina, G.
abstract

The hemp market is fast growing due to demand for cannabidiol, nutraceutical and hemp fiber products. This work demonstrates the economical advantage of biomass gasification application to indoor hemp production. Gasifiers provide electrical energy, heat and biochar: these are highly valuable products for indoor growers where lights and thermal management are key costs of the business. Energy produced in an autonomous and renewable way increases the sustainability and in the facility. In this paper a small scale gasifier is fueled with certified “A1 plus” wood pellets to test its behavior and its biochar production rate. Biochar is used for hemp growing tests in an indoor hemp production facility. Results show how a 22 kW power plant is sufficient to guarantee almost complete sustainability in a 80 m2 facility. In the best case scenario where energy saving, biochar and thermal energy selling are considered, the gasifier investment has a payback time of about 3.5 years. At the end of the gasifier lifespan, the Net Present Value reaches 249 k€ considering a discount rate of 6%. Consequential results were also obtained from biochar application to pot growing substrates: there was a 7.7% increase in dry flower production and a 33.9% increase in total plant fresh biomass. Cannabinoids profiles resulted not affected by biochar application.

2021 - Urban surfaces analysis with remote sensing data for the evaluation of UHI mitigation scenarios [Articolo su rivista]
Despini, F.; Ferrari, C.; Santunione, G.; Tommasone, S.; Muscio, A.; Teggi, S.
abstract

Considering the new IPCC report and its recent suggestions, it is important to pay serious attention to the Urban Heat Island issue. In this study, satellite images acquired by the Worldview3 sensor (WV3) were processed to classify the different kinds of urban surface and to compute the albedo value for each surface. Then several UHI mitigation scenarios were analyzed, varying selectively the surface albedo by choosing solar reflective materials. Clay tile pitched roofs, dark roofs and parking areas were considered as “modifiable surfaces” and their albedo values were increased on the basis of the literature and of data made available by product manufacturers. For each proposed scenario, the reduction of intensity of the Urban Heat Island effect (ATD), the energy saving brought by lower absorption of air conditioning systems (ΔE) and the consequent cost savings were calculated. All the scenarios proved to be convenient and with a relatively fast return on investment. In particular, two scenarios involving the modification of several surfaces at the same time proved to be the most promising ones from the perspective of a public administration, with significant benefits on the well-being of the population, as well as with similar and relatively short payback periods.

2020 - Hemp by-product valorization [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Pedrazzi, S.; Morselli, N.; Puglia, M.; Santunione, G.; Parenti, M.; Ottani, F.
abstract

This paper investigates possible circular economy pathways which can be applied in different hemp agriculture regimes using hemp by-products. Not only open field hemp cultivation but also the case of hemp growing in indoor greenhouses is presented. Several valorization technologies has been applied to achieve economic and environmental advantages for the farmer: Composting of green and wet residues, combustion and gasification of hemp stalks and hurds, co-composting of hemp green residues (leafs and branches) and biochar obtained from hemp ligneous residues (stalk and hurd). Every pathways is discussed from the practical point of view and also considering the entire framework including all the stakeholder involved in the process.

2020 - Il bosco urbano come strategia di mitigazione microclimatica: un caso-studio a Reggio Emilia [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Muscio, Alberto; Sgarbi, Elisabetta
abstract

2020 - On Bio-Deterioration of Solar Reflective Materials: An Innovative Experimental Procedure to Accelerate the Ageing Process of Surfaces [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Ferrari, Chiara; Muscio, Alberto; Sgarbi, Elisabetta
abstract

2020 - Production and use of co-composted biochar as soil amendment for cannabis sativa sp. Growth [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunionea, G.; Turi, E.; Paris, R.; Francia, E.; Montanari, M.; Cannazza, G.
abstract

Biochar is a carbonaceous by-product of thermochemical conversion of ligno-cellulosic biomass. Its application to soil positively influences various soil physico-chemical properties. Biochar high specific surface area and high micro and macro porosity raise the soil water retention and nutrients absorptivity from the soil, enhancing biomass yield. However, biochar itself contains low nutrients amount and its amendment properties could be improved through organic matter addition, rich in microelements and nutrients. This work studies the integration of fresh organic matter and biochar in co-composting biochar process in order to investigate co-composted biochar (hereby called COMBI) effects on soil amelioration compared to biochar only. Specifically, biochar used in this study is the result of thermochemical conversion of lingo-cellulosic biomass waste through PP30 30 kW gasification power plant. Green matter comes from CREA Institute in Anzola (Bologna) hemp fields: After the fibers harvest, the organic wastes was collected and co-composted with biochar (15% v/v) to achieve a mature COMBI. The co-composting biochar process has been carried out in a 105 L volume composter for 3 weeks. It has been mixed by turning the composter to allow oxygenation during organic matter degradation reactions. The temperature profile, the humidity and the C/N content were monitored during the maturation process of COMBI. Then, COMBI has been applied to Cannabis sativa sp. pot growth test (Finola cultivar), where the effects of no amendment soil was used for control plants (C), 5% v/v biochar only amendment (5% B), 10% and 20% v/v co-composting biochar (10% COMBI and 20% COMBI) amendment soil were investigated and compared. The biomass production of Finola plants, the flowers weight and THC-CBD content were analyzed and ANOVA statistical analysis was performed among the four groups of plants.

2019 - Accelerated biological ageing of solar reflective and aesthetically relevant building materials [Articolo su rivista]
Santunione, G.; Ferrari, C.; Siligardi, C.; Muscio, A.; Sgarbii, E.
abstract

The properties of building materials relevant to their thermal or aesthetical performance can be seriously influenced by the colonization of external surfaces by microorganisms. Deterioration phenomena due to biological aggression cause the loss of energy performance of solar reflective materials because of the decrease of solar reflectance. Bio-deterioration also affects cultural heritage, damaging the aesthetic appearance and thus the historic value. In order to investigate the consequences of biological aggression in short times, an accelerated test method based on a laboratory-reproducible set-up is proposed. Specific and controlled environmental conditions are chosen to accelerate as much as possible biological growth on building materials. In this regard, a reproducible bio-ageing protocol has been outlined and it allows a set of materials to reach an advanced bio-aged level in a short time (8 weeks or less). This test method is aimed to comparatively evaluate different materials under a given set of ageing conditions. Through surface, microstructural and chemical analysis, the evolution of the materials’ properties after ageing is investigated. Attention is also paid to bacterial and algal growth rate by analysing time-progressive images.

2019 - Effect of Temporary Immersion System on in vitro development of Himantoglossum robertianum (Loisel.) P. Delforge (Orchidaceae) [Poster]
Sgarbi, Elisabetta; Ranieri, Raffaella; Santunione, Giulia
abstract

Orchids reveal to be amazing plants when their life cycle, reproductive strategies and ecological relationships are investigated. They go through different and peculiar steps, from seed germination to adult plant, in which they change their trophic status. In the first phase of germination they can establish a specific relationship with symbiotic fungi, which supply nutrient to embryos – seeds have not storage tissues - and protocorms. In these early developmental stages, orchids are myco-heterotrophic, i.e. totally dependent by fungi for sustenance. This condition is particularly binding for terrestrial orchids, which also in the adulthood maintain a symbiotic relationship with fungi at root level. To grow orchids out of their natural habitat is possible by applying in vitro technics, providing them inorganic macro- and microelements, source of carbon and nitrogen, often in organic form. Despite appropriate media and favourable culture conditions are now available, the seeds of some orchid species require a long time to germinate and to develop protocorms, and a lot of months to grow plantlets. The main aim of this work has been to evaluate if the application of a Temporary Immersion System (TIS), in which plants are periodically immersed in liquid medium following optimized cycles, is effective to improve orchids growth in comparison with traditional in vitro culture systems. In this study, we selected three accessions of seeds of Himantoglossum robertianum, maintained in conservation in the Unimore Seed Bank. The seeds, after scarification treatment with NaOCl solution, were sown on BM2 medium with some modification. Only one accession of seeds gave high percentage of germination and a sufficient number of protocorms to set up all the following tests. In a first test, 50 little protocorms (diameter 2-3 mm) were taken from agarized medium and transferred both on the same medium without activated charcoal in Microbox vessels, and in Plantform Bioreactors (TIS). in this last using BM2 medium without activated charcoal and Plant Agar. Air inside Plantform was renewed for 10 min every 4 hours, whereas the condition of temporary immersion were 10 min every 8 hours. This first test has been repeated twice, within two months of each other. A second test has been carried out with the same experimental design using larger protocorms (about 5 mm diameter), which already presented a shoot apex. All cultures were maintained in a growth chamber at 23 °C, 12-h photoperiod for 33-36 days. The growth of protocorms were evaluated as Relative Growth Rate (RGR) index, based on the initial and final fresh weights of the plant material and the time of culture. The comparison of protocorm growth on agarized medium and in TIS in first test did not show any difference. Interestingly, when this first test was considered by maintaining separate each of two repetitions, a significant difference emerged. This result could be related to the characteristics of a natural population of seeds, as protocorms firstly used are those that firstly developed in culture, likely individuals with higher growth potential. During the second test an evident and definite protocorm development was observed, as many plantlets with green leaves and roots occurred both in Microbox and in Plantform within one month. However, a noticeable increase of growth was obtained in TIS in comparison with that observed agarized system. TIS is known to be a useful device to obtain a rapid and effective propagation in vitro, until now widely applied in micropropagation. A lot of advantages, i.e. better nutrients supply and more effective dispersal of toxic metabolites can be obtained with bioreactors based on TIS. In the light of these first results, Plantform system may be considered a good biotechnological device to grow terrestrial orchids in comparison with traditional systems, mainly to increase plant biomass.

2019 - Effects of abiotic stress induced by a standard mix of atmospheric pollutants in Chlorella mirabilis (Chlorophyceae) [Poster]
Santunione, Giulia; Boni, Giulio; Muscio, Alberto; Sgarbi, Elisabetta
abstract

This study evaluates the level of oxidative stress induced by a mix of standard atmospheric pollutants in the green microalga Chlorella mirabilis. Genus Chlorella has been found as one of the most widespread among the phototrophic organisms occurring also in urban context, where it forms biofilms on monumental and building surfaces (1, 2). Aerial and sub-aerial algae are considered suitable bio-indicators to study the effects of pollutants because their species-specific sensitivity may be greater than in higher plants along with faster physiological responses. Furthermore, they are easy to handle and to maintain in controlled conditions (3). For these reasons, Chlorella mirabilis was used in the present study as testing organism to evaluate the response to atmospheric pollutants. With the aim to apply a lot of pollutants without increase the variability of the system, we chose a standard mix of atmospheric pollutants, i.e. ASTM D-7897-2015 (American Society for Testing and Materials International). As result of studies set up on urban surfaces depositions (4,5), used to stress building materials and evaluate their “accelerate ageing” (6), it consists in four kinds of atmospheric particles: soot (carbon), dust, salts, and particulate organic matter, which together represent a dark solution called “soiling mix” (7). Chlorella mirabilis was firstly grown in a specific culture medium (Bold’s Basal Medium, BBM) in aseptic conditions at 23 °C, under 14 h photoperiod. To evaluate the effects of pollutants, algal cultures were carried out at the same time in a new medium (BBM-SM) obtained by mixing “soiling mix” with BBM (1:5 v/v). Stress level in algae growing inside BBM-SM was assessed through the quantitative determination of photosynthetic pigments (Chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids) and malondialdehyde (MDA), this last considered as marker of lipid peroxidation. The extraction of photosynthetic pigments and oxidative metabolites was performed according with the methods of Lichenthaler (8) and Heath and Packer (9), respectively. Cell density was monitored during the experimental tests and the algal growth curve was described in both cultures conditions, after 15 day of algal growth. Results of repeated tests on algae cultures stressed by pollutants underline an increase over 60% of MDA compared with control cultures, highlighting the occurrence of oxidative stress. At the same time the concentration of chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids decreases over 60%, 20% and 70%, respectively. Observation under light microscope shows shape and colour changes in algal cells during their growth in BBM-SM. Nevertheless, C. mirabilis proved to be able to survive in critical environmental conditions characterized by high concentration of pollutants and dark particulate. These results may represent an important first step to use this species in studies on cell response to different stress factors and moreover may have interesting effects on many fields of applied plant biology.

2019 - Energy and biochar co-production from municipal green waste gasification: A model applied to a landfill in the north of Italy [Articolo su rivista]
Pedrazzi, Simone; Santunione, Giulia; Minarelli, Andrea; Allesina, Giulio
abstract

This work discusses the advantages that can be obtained from the integration of landfill gas with biomass gasification. The case study presented consists of a landfill located in the province of Reggio Emilia, in the north of Italy. Landfill gas from municipal-waste fuels four internal combustion engines with overall nominal power of 2 MW, the electricity is sold back to the grid, while the thermal power is used for the heating of an industrial greenhouse compartment for basil production. Within the same facility, green waste is collected from the surrounding municipalities then chipped and sieved. Fine particles are disposed into a composting plant close by, while the sieved fraction is sold to the market for electricity production in large-scale boiler-based power plants. The idea here presented and discussed consists of the implementation of a gasifier to convert the sieved fraction of green waste into a syngas fuel directly on site. Syngas is blended with the landfill gas and then fed to the gas engines. In this work green waste gasification is tested in a commercial small-scale gasifier, proving that sifted green waste is a suitable fuel for this application. A specific consumption of 1.2 kg/kWh and a total electrical efficiency of 16.22% were measured. The sizing of the full-scale gasification facility is based on both the experimental results and data about the local availability of green waste. The economic return of the investment is then discussed. Finally, a further level of integration between gasification and the existing site is proposed: gasification-derived biochar is investigated as soil amendment for the on site company at the landfill that grows basil commercially. Results of 55 days in vivo tests show an increase in the biomass production of the basil of 53% compared to the control test group.

2019 - Evaluation of heat-wrap thermal transient behavior: The development of an experimental test procedure [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santangelo, Paolo Emilio; Santunione, Giulia; Muscio, Alberto
abstract

Heat wraps represent the most used thermotherapy methods over the last 2 decades as a self-administered practice for pain relief. A deep knowledge regarding their performance has become a priority within healthcare industry. However, the majority of the available studies have been focused on in vivo clinical performance, whereas a standardized, quantitative approach to evaluate and compare the various heat-wrap types against each other is lacking. An experimental methodology is proposed to carry out a comparative assessment between heat wraps in terms of their transient thermal behavior. A simple setup was developed to measure wrap/substrate interface temperature trend. The approach was validated by a preliminary infrared-thermography assessment and statistical analysis on the extensive dataset acquired on commercial heat-wrap types for low-back and neck pain relief. The heat-release trend was found to be qualitatively similar over all the investigated types, consisting of rapid growth, stationary phase, decay and end of the reactions. A set of parameters is also proposed to summarize heat-wrap thermal performance.

2019 - Experimental methodology for quantitative assessment of heat-wrap thermal transient behavior [Articolo su rivista]
Santangelo, Paolo Emilio; Santunione, Giulia; Muscio, Alberto
abstract

Among the numerous thermotherapy methods, heat wraps have been largely used over the last 2 decades as a self-administered practice for pain relief. Therefore, understanding their performance has become instrumental within the healthcare industry. However, the majority of the available studies have been focused on in vivo clinical performance, whereas a standardized, quantitative approach to evaluate and compare the various heat-wrap types against each other is lacking. An experimental methodology is proposed to carry out a comparative assessment between heat wraps in terms of their transient thermal behavior. A simple setup was developed to measure wrap/substrate interface temperature trend. The approach was validated by a preliminary infrared-thermography assessment and statistical analysis on the extensive dataset acquired on commercial heat-wrap types for low-back and neck pain relief. The heat-release trend was found to be qualitatively similar over all the investigated types, consisting of rapid growth, stationary phase, decay and end of the reactions. A set of parameters is also proposed to sum-marize heat-wrap thermal performance.

2019 - Study of copper content distribution through the thermochemical conversion chain of vine pruning biomass [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Bigi, Alessandro; Puglia, Marco; Morselli, Nicolò; Sebastianelli, Lorenzo; Tartarini, Paolo
abstract

Viticulture is mostly affected by a continuous use of copper-based fungicides to contrast fungal diseases. This treatment, used in both traditional and organic cultures, results in a considerable accumulation of Cu in the top soil, then into plants and soil biota. Furthermore, Copper tends to migrate into air, water and soil ecosystem, posing serious threats to the environment and human health because of its toxicity. At the same time, vineyard pruning represent a valiant woody biomass source for renewable energy production through gasification, the thermochemical process where carbonaceous material is converted into a gaseous flammable fuel called syngas. Currently, one of the important challenges for bioenergy production through gasification is the management of heavy metal-contaminated biomasses used as fuel. This study is aimed to investigate the distribution of copper through thermochemical conversion chain of wood grape, from biomass to electrical and thermal energy production. Starting to the amount of Cu based fertilizers applied to traditional and organic viticulture, the heavy metal residues have been checked and analyzed into ashes biomass derived, into gas emissions coming out from PP20 gasifier and into biochar as gasification process by-product. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) methods have been performed in order to quantify the amount of residual Copper into the different tested arrays. The assessment of Cu persistence along the thermochemical treatment chain of grape biomass is provided. © 2019 ETA-Florence Renewable Energies.

2019 - Zero-waste approach for combined energy and fertilizer production: The case of Ravenna, Italy [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Baniasadi, M.; Santunione, G.; Moradi, A.; Tartarini, P.
abstract

There is a need to find a solution to solve the problem of increasing agricultural practices which can lower the pressure on soil. Application of compost or biochar to the soil is proved to be a suitable solution to counteract this problem. Mixed application of these two products is even more sustainable environmental solution due to its effectiveness in the long-term carbon preservation. The biochar can be produced through gasification of municipal waste as a method for renewable energy production. This makes a new market for the unused biomass which is currently incinerated or landfilled. This paper summarizes the technical and economic aspect of system innovation toward utilizing organic and green waste for composting and energy production via gasification and application of the products (compost and biochar) for soil amendment, considering the case of Ravenna city in Italy. The municipal statistic data on waste management were used for this purpose. Gasification experiment of green waste for electricity production was performed in an open-top gasifier. The obtained results showed that the available waste in Ravenna could be used for production of large portion of energy consumption and at the same time provide biochar and compost mixture to be used in 700 hectare/y of the agricultural land in Ravenna. Moreover, the available methods and conditions in literature for mixing of biochar and compost were reviewed. The related European directives were also discussed.

2018 - Gasification of cotton crop residues for combined power and biochar production in Mozambique [Articolo su rivista]
Allesina, Giulio; Pedrazzi, Simone; Allegretti, Francesco; Morselli, Nicolò; Puglia, Marco; Santunione, Giulia; Tartarini, Paolo
abstract

Cotton agricultural industry is an important sector for some developing countries, whose energy consumption is dramatically rising. Here, biomass is the most important source of energy, but they are used in an inefficient way, causing atmospheric pollution and wasting resources. Combined energy generation and biochar production using cotton residues briquettes as fuel in a PP20 gasifier plant is investigated. The machine has demonstrated similar performances to its “conventional” use: 14% global efficiency and 1.16 kg/kWhelspecific consumption of cotton briquettes are observed. It is calculated that one-hectare field can generate more than 4 MWh and about 130 kg of biochar per year. Biochar represents a valuable by-product; if used as amendment for cotton growth it can improve the soil conditions, both decreasing the need of fertilizers up to 50%. A circular economic model based on cotton waste gasification is proposed. Clean and affordable energy can be produced, in order to promote a sustainable development of rural areas.

2018 - On field evaluation of solar reflectance: how the 1918A masks affect the albedo measurements [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Ferrari, Chiara; Muscio, Alberto
abstract

2017 - Cool roofs with high solar reflectance for the welfare of dairy farming animals [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Libbra, Antonio; Muscio, Alberto
abstract

Ensuring livestock welfare in dairy farming promotes the production capacity of the animals in terms of both quantity and quality. In welfare conditions, the animals can produce at their full potential. For the dairy cattle the most debilitating period of the year is summer, when the stress arising from overheating induces physiological alterations that compromise the animals’ productivity. In this study, the summer discomfort of dairy animals is primarily quantified and the production loss is quantified versus the Temperature Humidity Index (THI), which correlates the values of temperature and relative humidity to the thermal stress. In order to reduce or eliminate such thermal stress, it is then proposed to coat the roof of the stables with a paint having high solar reflectance and thermal emittance, that is a cool roof product. This type of roofing solution can considerably limit the overheating of stables caused by solar radiation, thus providing a positive impact on the animals’ welfare and improving significantly their productivity in summer.

2017 - Gasification biochar amendment effects on O. basilicum growth [Poster]
Santunione, Giulia; Pedrazzi, Simone; Allegretti, Francesco; Sebastianelli, Lorenzo; Allesina, Giulio
abstract

In this work, the application of biochar from gasification as soil amendant, is studied. The effect on Ocimum basilicum growth with three different substrates was investigated: standard soil as the control sample, soil with 30% wt. of compost added, soil with 30% wt. of biochar added, which biochar was obtained as by-product of a fixed bed gasification process. Five samples for each of the substrates were used in order to increase the statistical validity of the results. 55 days of Ocimum basilicum growth showed that the biochar contributed to an acceleration of the growth and increased the fresh and dry weights with about 50%. In addition, plant height and essential oil content was higher with biochar-based substrates. This application can lead to more efficient and sustainable agricultural processes, giving new impulse to bio-energy production and recycling of by-products in a circular economy context.

2017 - How accelerated biological aging can affect solar reflective polymeric based building materials [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Ferrari, C.; Santunione, G.; Libbra, A.; Muscio, A.; Sgarbi, E.
abstract

Among the main issues concerning building materials, in particular outdoor ones, one can identify the colonization by microorganisms referred to as biological aggression. This can affect not only the aesthetical aspect but also the thermal performance of solar reflective materials. In order to improve the reliability of tests aimed to assess the resistance to biological aggression and contextually reduce the test duration, an accelerated test method has been developed. It is based on a lab reproducible setup where specific and controlled environmental and boundary conditions are imposed to accelerate as much as possible biological growth on building materials. Due to their widespread use, polymeric materials have been selected for the present analysis, in the aim of reaching an advanced bio-aged level in a relatively short time (8 weeks or less) and at the same time comparatively evaluate different materials under a given set of ageing conditions. Surface properties before, during and after ageing have been investigated by surface, microstructural and chemical analyses, as well as by examination of time progressive images to assess bacterial and algal growth rate.

2017 - MISURA E OTTIMIZZAZIONE DELLA RIFLETTANZA SOLARE DI TETTI VERDI [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Ferrari, Chiara; Libbra, Antonio; Sgarbi, Elisabetta; Muscio, Alberto
abstract

Tra le diverse soluzioni finalizzate alla sostenibilità ambientale e al contenimento del fabbisogno energetico estivo degli edifici vi sono i cosiddetti green roof, o tetti verdi. La loro efficacia dipende dalla tipologia di vegetazione che li costituisce, in relazione alla quale esistono ampie le possibilità di ottimizzazione in virtù della vastissima biodiversità vegetale disponibile. In questo lavoro, con l’intento di migliorare l’efficienza energetica dei tetti verdi attraverso l’aumento della loro albedo, si sono analizzate sperimentalmente le proprietà radiative di una specie erbacea con elevate potenzialità, la Stachys byzantina

2016 - Un nuovo approccio per lo studio del deterioramento delle proprietà superficiali: l’invecchiamento biologico accelerato [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Ferrari, Chiara; Libbra, Antonio; Sgarbi, Elisabetta; Siligardi, Cristina; Muscio, Alberto
abstract

La colonizzazione delle superfici esterne da parte dei microorganismi, può influenzare seriamente le proprietà dei materiali edili. Il fenomeno del deterioramento, dovuto all’aggressione biologica causa infatti perdita nelle performance energetiche dei materiali “cool” a causa di un decadimento della riflettanza solare. Inoltre, i problemi relativi al bio-deterioramento affligono anche i monumenti del patrimonio artistico, danneggiando sia il loro valore estetico, sia il loro valoro storico-culturale. Al fine di investigare quali sono le conseguenze dell’aggressione biologica sui materiali edili in tempi ristretti, questo lavoro mostra un metodo di prova di invecchiamento accelerato e riproducibile in laboratorio. Sono state accuratamente scelte specifiche condizioni ambientali per accelerare il più possibile la crescita biologica sui materiali. È stato messo a punto un protocollo di invecchiamento biologico ben dettagliato e riproducibile al fine di ottenere un buon livello di aggressione biologica ai set di materiali selezionati in un breve lasso di tempo (8 settimane). Si è volute inoltre testare tramite lo stesso protocollo di bio-deterioramento accelerato, l’efficacia dell’azione protettiva di alcuni prodotti alghicidi in commercio. Tale metodo permette di valutare e confrontare le performance di diversi materiali sottoposti alle medesime condizioni ambientali. Grazie alle caratterizzazioni delle superfici questo studio definisce come le proprietà dei materiali cambiano nel post invecchiamento attraverso analisi chimiche fisiche e strutturali, la crescita algale è stata inoltre monitorata attraverso periodiche acquisizioni di immagini analizzate con software specifici.

2015 - Review on the Influence of Biological Deterioration on the Surface Properties of Building Materials: Organisms, Materials, and Methods [Articolo su rivista]
Ferrari, Chiara; Santunione, Giulia; Libbra, Antonio; Muscio, Alberto; Sgarbi, Elisabetta; Siligardi, Cristina; Barozzi, Giovanni Sebastiano
abstract

A strong attention is recently paid to surface properties of building materials as these allows controlling solar gains of the building envelope and overheating of buildings and urban areas. In this regard, deterioration phenomena due to biological aggression can quickly damage solar-reflecting roof surfaces and thus increase sharply solar gains, discomfort, air-conditioning costs and waterproofing degradation. The same deterioration problem has deleterious effect on cultural heritage, ruining its huge historic and artistic value. This work is aimed at providing an overview on the different organisms that affect the surface of most used building materials, to support the design of new building materials with long-lasting surface properties and to find a way to preserve cultural heritage. Artificial ageing is the long-term aim of this investigation, in which what in nature happens after months or years is compressed in a very short time by forcing the growth of microorganisms through a strict control on the different conditioning factors. Both natural and artificial ageing are eventually outlined in the last part of this work to provide a comprehensive idea of what is necessary to study in a complete way biological ageing protocols on building materials. Several characterization techniques are also introduced to analyse the influence of microorganisms on the surface of different building materials.

2015 - Superfici "cool" ad alta riflettanza solare per il benessere animale nell'allevamento da latte [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Santunione, Giulia; Libbra, Antonio; Muscio, Alberto
abstract