Ecosystem Ecology

Our research group builds upon the well-established scientific tradition of mercury ecotoxicology at the University of Siena, which originated from pioneering studies conducted in the Mediterranean region in the 1970s.

We study biogeochemical cycles and ecotoxicological processes in terrestrial ecosystems, with a particular focus on the dynamics of trace elements within the atmosphere-plant-soil continuum. By integrating field studies with advanced laboratory analyses, we aim to gain deeper insights into key processes such as uptake mechanisms, organism-environment interactions, and trophic transfer across both terrestrial and aquatic systems.

Our methodological approach relies on the analysis of biotic biological and environmental matrices derived from bioindicator organisms or passive sampling. It is designe to clarify mechanisms governing interaction biotic-abiotic components. These methods are applicable across diverse environments, with particular emphasis on post-mining and industrial landscapes requiring ecological risk assessment and remediation strategies.

Current research priorities include the application of  stable isotope analysis to mercury biogeochemistry in freshwater ecosystems and reconstructing historical contamination patterns and climate adaptation responses through dendrochemistry. By integrating fundamental ecological principles with applied environmental science, our work provides new insights into ecosystem resilience under changing environmental conditions.

Our research is supported by the EASIER Laboratory (Ecology of Elements and Stable Isotopes Research), equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for mercury speciation and stable isotope analyses.