Marano, Alessandra (2026) EMERGING CONTAMINANTS IN EXTREME URBAN ENVIRONMENTS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON MICROBIAL DIVERSITY. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

Thermal and mineral waters represent complex hydrogeological systems where deep geological processes, water–rock interaction, and anthropogenic pressures coexist. This PhD research provides an integrated hydrogeochemical, geochemical, microbiological, and analytical investigation of selected Italian thermal environments, focusing on three representative areas characterized by different geological settings and degrees of anthropogenic impact: Ischia Island (Campania), Castellammare di Stabia (Campania), and free thermal springs in Tuscany. The study combines classical hydrochemical approaches with advanced analytical techniques to characterize major ions, trace elements, rare earth elements (REEs), emerging contaminants, organic compounds, and microbial communities. A robust methodological framework was established, including tailored sampling strategies, matrix-specific analytical protocols, and extensive method validation procedures for high-salinity geothermal waters. High-resolution techniques such as ion chromatography, UV–Vis spectrophotometry, ICP-MS, and GC–MS were applied to ensure reliable detection and quantification across a wide range of analytes. Hydrogeochemical mapping and facies classification revealed that the chemistry of thermal waters is primarily controlled by water–rock interaction, CO₂-rich deep fluid inputs, and marine intrusion, particularly in volcanic coastal systems such as Ischia. Distinct hydrogeochemical facies were identified, reflecting variable residence times, lithological controls, and structural pathways. Trace elements and REEs provided additional constraints on fluid circulation depth and redox conditions, with REEs generally showing low mobility and concentrations below quantification limits in non-volcanic systems. Organic contaminants (PAHs, VOCs, total hydrocarbons) were largely absent or below quantification limits in most thermal waters, particularly in the Tuscan sites, suggesting minimal anthropogenic impact and effective natural attenuation. In contrast, selected sites in Ischia showed correlations between temperature and organic compound occurrence, highlighting the role of geothermal processes in contaminant behavior. Microbiological analyses further supported the link between physicochemical conditions and microbial community structure. Overall, this research demonstrates the value of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach for understanding the complexity of thermal water systems and provides a comprehensive framework for environmental monitoring, resource management, and risk assessment in geothermal and thermal environments.

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