Modeling roadway impacts and recovery from volcanic ashfall from the 2021 St. Vincent eruption.

Ashfall from the April 2021 La Soufrière volcano eruption significantly impacted the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. Out of all infrastructure sectors, transportation was the most affected across the island, with damages totaling $27.5 million (USD). Removal of ash is a debris management, public health, and disaster concern. This study uses the United States Geological Survey Ash3d model to estimate the thickness of ashfall covering roads, structures, and agricultural lands, totaling 9.4 million ft.3 on roadways, 4.8 million ft.3 on structures, and 147 million ft.3 in agricultural areas. Total ashfall on the island was estimated at 1.3 billion ft.3 Long-term planning and recovery challenges include the remote island location, limited resources, and the existing social and humanitarian needs intensified by the disaster. A staged approach to cleanup, debris management, temporary storage of ash, and sustainable reuse of ash as an aggregate for paving and building materials is proposed. The benefits of new technologies for converting ash into building materials using both off- and on-island systems should be considered for reconstruction materials. Using alternatives to sand mining and developing the adaptive reuse of disaster debris would support long-term recovery and resilience.

Metal(loid) bioaccessibility and risk assessment of ashfall deposit from Popocatépetl volcano, Mexico.

Ash emission from volcanic eruptions affects the environment, society, and human health. This study shows the total concentration and lung bioaccessible fraction of eight potential toxic metal(loid)s in five Popocatépetl ashfall samples. Mineralogical phases and particle size distribution of the ashfall were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) techniques, respectively. The bioaccessibility test of Gamble solution (GS) and Artificial Lysosomal Fluid (ALF) were conducted to simulate extracellular (pH 7) and intracellular (pH 4.5) conditions, respectively. The studied metal(loid)s showed the following total concentration (mg kg-1): 1.98 (As), 0.17 (Cd), 134.09 (Cr), 8.66 (Cu), 697.33 (Mn), 55.35 (Ni), 8.77 (Pb), and 104.10 (Zn). Geochemical indices suggested that some metal(loid)s are slightly enriched compared to the local soil background concentrations. Several mineralogical phases were identified in the collected ashfall deposits, such as plagioclase, pyroxene, and Fe-Ti oxide, among others. According to the risk assessment results, the non-carcinogenic risk related to ashfall exposure returns an HQ > 1 for children. In contrast, the estimation of carcinogenic risk was found to be within the tolerable limit. Metal(loid)s showed low bioaccessibility (< 30%) in GS and ALF, with the highest values found in ALF solution for As (12.18%) and Cu (7.57%). Despite their metal-bioaccessibility, our findings also showed that dominant ash particle size ranged between fine (< 2.5 µm) and extremely fine (< 1 µm), considered highly inhalable fractions. The results obtained in this work indicate that volcanic ashes are bioinsoluble and biodurable, and exhibit low bioaccessibility when in contact with lung human fluids.

Difference in microbial community structure along a gradient of crater altitude: insights from the Nushan volcano.

The variation in the soil microbial community along the altitude gradient has been widely documented. However, the structure and function of the microbial communities distributed along the altitude gradient in the crater still need to be determined. We gathered soil specimens from different elevations within the Nushan volcano crater to bridge this knowledge gap. We investigated the microbial communities of bacteria and fungi in the soil. It is noteworthy that the microbial alpha diversity peaks in the middle of the crater. However, network analysis shows that bacterial (nodes 760 vs 613 vs 601) and fungal (nodes 328 vs 224 vs 400) communities are most stable at the bottom and top of the crater, respectively. Furthermore, the soil microbial network exhibited a decline, followed by an increase across varying altitudes. The core microorganisms displayed the highest correlation with pH and alkaline phosphatase (AP, as determined through redundancy analysis (RDA) and Mantel tests for correlation analysis. The fungal community has a higher number of core microorganisms, while the bacterial core microorganisms demonstrate greater susceptibility to environmental factors. In conclusion, we utilized Illumina sequencing techniques to assess the disparities in the structure and function of bacteria and fungi in the soil.IMPORTANCEThese findings serve as a foundation for future investigations on microbial communities present in volcanic soil.

Metal variability in small pelagic fish Scomber colias as influenced by volcanic events in the Canary Islands.

Offshore volcanic activity occurs when an underwater volcano erupts. These volcanoes can be located underwater or on land and can be very dangerous to marine life. The aim of this study is to examine whether the influence of two volcanoes has an effect on the concentrations of metals and trace elements in the Atlantic mackerel Scomber colias in the Canary Islands. For the study, ten specimens of S. colias were obtained from each sampling area in March 2022. Metal concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES). The specimens of Scomber colias from the area affected by the Tajogaite volcano (La Palma) showed higher concentrations of all metals and trace elements analyzed than those from the other study areas. The specimens from the area of influence of the Tagoro Volcano (El Hierro) showed the second highest concentration of the elements studied, although this volcanic process is in a state of degassing.

Impacts of a newly formed lava delta on the marine environment: Lava-induced upwelling and abrupt chlorophyll depletion during the Tajogaite eruption (La Palma, 2021).

The 2021 Tajogaite eruption in La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) emitted vast volumes of lava during 85 days, which reached the ocean in several occasions at the western flank of the island. Most of these flows merged to create a primary lava delta, covering an area of 48 ha, with an additional 30 ha underwater. Here we characterize the effects of the lava-seawater interaction on the surrounding marine environment. The area was sampled during two multidisciplinary oceanographic cruises: the first one comprised the days before the lava reached the ocean and after the first contact; and the second took place a month later, when the lava delta was already formed but still receiving lava inputs. Physical-chemical anomalies were found in the whole water column at different depths up to 300 m in all measured parameters, such as turbidity (+9 NTU), dissolved oxygen concentration (-17.17 µmol kg-1), pHT25 (-0.1), and chlorophyll-a concentration (-0.33 mg m-3). Surface temperature increased up to +2.3 °C (28.5 °C) and surface salinity showed increases and decreases of -1.01 and +0.70, respectively, in a radius of 4 km around the lava delta. In the water column, the heated waters experimented a lava-induced upwelling, bringing deeper, nutrient-rich waters to shallower depths; however, this feature did not trigger any phytoplankton bloom. In fact, integrated chlorophyll-a showed an abrupt decrease of -41 % in just two days and -69 % a month later, compared to prior conditions. The chlorophyll-a depletion reached a distance larger than 2.5 km (not delimited).

A global map of species at risk of extinction due to natural hazards.

An often-overlooked question of the biodiversity crisis is how natural hazards contribute to species extinction risk. To address this issue, we explored how four natural hazards, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, overlapped with the distribution ranges of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles that have either narrow distributions or populations with few mature individuals. To assess which species are at risk from these natural hazards, we combined the frequency and magnitude of each natural hazard to estimate their impact. We considered species at risk if they overlapped with regions where any of the four natural hazards historically occurred (n = 3,722). Those species with at least a quarter of their range subjected to a high relative impact were considered at high risk (n = 2,001) of extinction due to natural hazards. In total, 834 reptiles, 617 amphibians, 302 birds, and 248 mammals were at high risk and they were mainly distributed on islands and in the tropics. Hurricanes (n = 983) and earthquakes (n = 868) affected most species, while tsunamis (n = 272), and volcanoes (n = 171) affected considerably fewer. The region with the highest number of species at high risk was the Pacific Ring of Fire, especially due to volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, while hurricane-related high-risk species were concentrated in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and northwestern Pacific Ocean. Our study provides important information regarding the species at risk due to natural hazards and can help guide conservation attention and efforts to safeguard their survival.

Rapid volcanic ash entombment reveals the 3D anatomy of Cambrian trilobites.

Knowledge of Cambrian animal anatomy is limited by preservational processes that result in compaction, size bias, and incompleteness. We documented pristine three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of trilobites fossilized through rapid ash burial from a pyroclastic flow entering a shallow marine environment. Cambrian ellipsocephaloid trilobites from Morocco are articulated and undistorted, revealing exquisite details of the appendages and digestive system. Previously unknown anatomy includes a soft-tissue labrum attached to the hypostome, a slit-like mouth, and distinctive cephalic feeding appendages. Our findings resolve controversy over whether the trilobite hypostome is the labrum or incorporates it and establish crown-group euarthropod homologies in trilobites. This occurrence of moldic fossils with 3D soft parts highlights volcanic ash deposits in marine settings as an underexplored source for exceptionally preserved organisms.

Can metals and radionuclides in Shiveluch (Kamchatka) volcanic ash affect human health?

Volcanic eruption is associated with the release of large volumes of pollutants in the environment, which can pose a risk to humans and other living organisms. The elemental and radioisotope composition of ash released during the Shiveluch Volcano eruption in 2023 was analyzed using ICP-MS and low-background gamma spectrometry. The ash consisted of 59% SiO2, 16.7% Al2O3, 5.3% CaO, 4.6 % Na2O, 4.5% Fe2O3, 1.4% K2O, 0.48% TiO2, 0.17% P2O5, 0.15% S, 0.078% MnO and 44 trace elements. Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index were calculated in order to evaluate the potential health risks to children and adults due to exposure to contaminants via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. All values were below the unit, indicating a low probability of non-carcinogenic and cancerogenic risk occurrence in target groups. The average activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides were 350, 12.4 and 4.84 Bq/kg for 40K, 226Ra and 232Th. Radiological indices, including external and internal risk assessment, radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose, gamma index, and excess lifetime cancer risk were calculated to estimate the radiological hazard for the population. The values of all indices were below the recommended safety limits, indicating a low level of hazard for the exposed population.

Exploring Rare Earth Element behavior in the Mount Etna volcanic aquifers (Sicily).

This study presents the first data on REY (Rare Earth Elements plus Yttrium) in the aquifer of Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy). Patterns normalized to chondrites indicate strong water-rock interaction, facilitated by a slightly acidic pH resulting from the dissolution of magma-derived CO2. REY patterns provide insights into the processes of both mineral dissolution and the formation of secondary phases. The relative abundance of light to heavy rare earth elements is compatible with the prevailing dissolution of ferromagnesian minerals (e.g., olivine or clinopyroxenes), reinforced by its strong correlation with other proxies of mineral dissolution (e.g., Mg contents). Pronounced negative Ce anomalies and positive Y anomalies demonstrate an oxidizing environment with continuous formation of secondary iron and/or manganese oxides and hydroxides. The Y/Ho fractionation is strongly influenced by metal complexation with bicarbonate complexes, a common process in C-rich waters. In the studied system, the measured REY contents are always below the limits proposed by Sneller et al. (2000, RIVM report, Issue 601,501, p. 66) for surface water and ensure a very low daily intake from drinking water.

Effects on local atmospheric environment of volcanic ash from Sakurajima volcano, inferred from atmospheric deposition of Potassium-40 at Kagoshima City, Japan.

In this study, we statistically demonstrated that an anomalous high of 40K fallout in the atmospheric fallout in Kagoshima City is caused by heavy ashfall associated with eruptions of Sakurajima volcano. Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan, and its repeated explosive eruptions cause large amounts of ash to fall on Kagoshima City. The fallout of crust-derived natural radionuclides, 40K, 212Pb, and 214Bi, from the atmosphere in Kagoshima City showed a significant correlation with the number of eruptions of Sakurajima volcano and the amount of ashfall in Kagoshima City. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between 40K and 7Be fallout. The 40K fallout indicates that almost all of the atmospheric fallout in Kagoshima City is composed of volcanic ash particles. The contribution from mineral and sea salt particles other than volcanic ash is minimal. The mass balance of the observed 40K fallout, ashfall, and atmospheric fallout yield indicates that there is a significant amount of volcanic ash deposition that is not accounted for as ashfall. In most cases, the ash deposition observed as ashfall is only 30-70 wt% of the total deposition collected as atmospheric fallout samples, and the remaining portion is fine-grained and behaves as suspended volcanic ash particles, which significantly impact the atmospheric environment.

Uncovering the microbial community structure and physiological profiles of terrestrial mud volcanoes: A comprehensive metagenomic insight towards their trichloroethylene biodegradation potentiality.

Mud volcanoes are dynamic geological features releasing methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydrocarbons, harboring diverse methane and hydrocarbon-degrading microbes. However, the potential application of these microbial communities in chlorinated hydrocarbons bioremediation purposes such as trichloroethylene (TCE) has not yet been explored. Hence, this study investigated the mud volcano's microbial diversity functional potentiality in TCE degradation as well as their eco-physiological profiling using metabolic activity. Geochemical analysis of the mud volcano samples revealed variations in pH, temperature, and oxidation-reduction potential, indicating diverse environmental conditions. The Biolog Ecoplate™ carbon substrates utilization pattern showed that the Tween 80 was highly consumed by mud volcanic microbial community. Similarly, MicroResp® analysis results demonstrated that presence of additive C-substrates condition might enhanced the cellular respiration process within mud-volcanic microbial community. Full-length 16 S rRNA sequencing identified Proteobacteria as the dominant phylum, with genera like Pseudomonas and Hydrogenophaga associated with chloroalkane degradation, and methanotrophic bacteria such as Methylomicrobium and Methylophaga linked to methane oxidation. Functional analysis uncovered diverse metabolic functions, including sulfur and methane metabolism and hydrocarbon degradation, with specific genes involved in methane oxidation and sulfur metabolism. These findings provide insights into the microbial diversity and metabolic capabilities of mud volcano ecosystems, which could facilitate their effective application in the bioremediation of chlorinated compounds.

Solidification/stabilization of lead-contaminated soil using alkali-activated volcanic ash.

The bioaccumulation of lead in soil poses a significant human health risk. The solidification/stabilization (S/S) technique, employing binders like Portland cement or lime, is a common method for remediating lead-contaminated soil. However, cement production has adverse environmental impacts, prompting the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives like alkali-activated materials (AAMs). This study assesses AAM efficacy in the S/S of lead-contaminated soil. The effects of several factors, including varying amounts of volcanic ash (VA), lead concentration, curing temperatures, and curing times are investigated. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS), toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test (TCLP), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and field emission scanning electron microscope-energy-dispersive spectroscopy-mapping analyses (FESEM/EDS/mapping) analyses are used to study the specimens. The findings indicated a substantial increase in the UCS of lead-contaminated soil treated with 15% VA (under oven curing (OC) conditions), and 10% VA (under ambient curing (AC) conditions) exhibited remarkable increases of up to 600% and 458%, respectively. Moreover, the leaching of Pb2+ ions from samples contaminated with 10,000 mg/kg (under OC conditions) and 2500 mg/kg (under AC conditions) experienced significant reductions of 87% (from 135.14 to 13.36 ppm) and 91% (from 26.32 to 2.21 ppm), respectively. The S/S process in these samples operated through three primary mechanisms of chemical bonding, physical encapsulation, and the formation of insoluble silicate. The formation of N-A-S-H and hydroxy sodalite structures played a vital role in facilitating these mechanisms. Therefore, alkali-activated VA demonstrated excellent performance in the remediation of lead-contaminated soil.

Changes in holopelagic Sargassum spp. biomass composition across an unusual year.

The year 2021 marked a decade of holopelagic sargassum (morphotypes Sargassum natans I and VIII, and Sargassum fluitans III) stranding on the Caribbean and West African coasts. Beaching of millions of tons of sargassum negatively impacts coastal ecosystems, economies, and human health. Additionally, the La Soufrière volcano erupted in St. Vincent in April 2021, at the start of the sargassum season. We investigated potential monthly variations in morphotype abundance and biomass composition of sargassum harvested in Jamaica and assessed the influence of processing methods (shade-drying vs. frozen samples) and of volcanic ash exposure on biochemical and elemental components. S. fluitans III was the most abundant morphotype across the year. Limited monthly variations were observed for key brown algal components (phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, and alginate). Shade-drying did not significantly alter the contents of proteins but affected levels of phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, mannitol, and alginate. Simulation of sargassum and volcanic ash drift combined with age statistics suggested that sargassum potentially shared the surface layer with ash for ~50 d, approximately 100 d before stranding in Jamaica. Integrated elemental analysis of volcanic ash, ambient seawater, and sargassum biomass showed that algae harvested from August had accumulated P, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Ni, probably from the ash, and contained less As. This ash fingerprint confirmed the geographical origin and drift timescale of sargassum. Since environmental conditions and processing methods influence biomass composition, efforts should continue to improve understanding, forecasting, monitoring, and valorizing sargassum, particularly as strandings of sargassum show no sign of abating.

Lung Function and Symptoms of Exposure to the Volcanic Eruption in the Canary Islands: First Follow-Up of the ASHES Study.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to gases and particulate matter released during volcanic eruptions can prove harmful to population health. This paper reports the preliminary results of the ASHES study, aimed at ascertaining the respiratory health effects of the 2021 volcanic eruption in La Palma Island (Spain) on the adult population without previous respiratory disease. METHODS: Ambispective cohort study on the healthy adult population. Three exposure groups were considered: Group 1, high exposure; Group 2, moderate exposure; and Group 3, minor or no exposure. We carried out a descriptive analysis of symptoms during and after the eruption, as well as measure lung function after the eruption (through forced spirometry and diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide). RESULTS: The analysis included 474 subjects: 54 in Group 1, 335 in Group 2, and 85 in Group 3. A significant increase in most symptoms was observed for subjects in the groups exposed during the eruption. After the eruption, this increase remained for some symptoms. There seems to be a dose-response relationship, such that the higher the exposure, the higher the odds ratio. A prebronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio<70% was observed in 13.0% of subjects in Group 1, 8.6% of subjects in Group 2, and 7.1% of subjects in Group 3. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to report a dose-response relationship between exposure to volcanic eruptions and the presence of symptoms in adults. Furthermore, there is a tendency toward obstructive impairment in individuals with higher exposure.

Variation of total alpha and beta activities and Rn-222 concentrations in the water supply system of an Italian volcanic region: How safe is tap water for human consumption?

Total alpha and beta activities and Rn-222 concentrations were determined in water from different sections of seven aqueducts belonging to the water supply system of Campania region (Italy), known worldwide for its volcanism. Statistical analysis was performed on data to account for their variability across the aqueduct sections, and results were discussed considering the geology of reservoirs, the potential mixing processes occurring along the pipe network, the building/constituting materials of the aqueduct sections, and the integrity of the infrastructure. Guidelines proposed by Italian and international regulation entities were considered to determine if total alpha and beta activities and Rn-222 concentrations found at the taps of the different aqueducts should be considered detrimental to public health. Based on a deterministic and a stochastic approach, a health risk assessment was also tested for Rn-222, assuming direct ingestion and showering as potential exposure pathways. Results showed that applying guidelines returned an absence of hazard, whereas risk assessment returned a high probability of exposure to unacceptable Rn-222 doses for some aqueducts. Beyond the usefulness of obtained results to plan actions to improve the safety of drinking water in Campania, our outcomes represent a warning for bodies dealing with public health at any level: the use of guidelines can bring an underestimation of the risks exerted by the exposure to Rn-222 on human health. Further, using a probabilistic approach in risk assessment accounting for uncertainty can favor risk forecasts based on more "realistic" scenarios.

Climate-forced Hg-remobilization associated with fern mutagenesis in the aftermath of the end-Triassic extinction.

The long-term effects of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, a large igneous province connected to the end-Triassic mass-extinction (201.5 Ma), remain largely elusive. Here, we document the persistence of volcanic-induced mercury (Hg) pollution and its effects on the biosphere for ~1.3 million years after the extinction event. In sediments recovered in Germany (Schandelah-1 core), we record not only high abundances of malformed fern spores at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, but also during the lower Jurassic Hettangian, indicating repeated vegetation disturbance and stress that was eccentricity-forced. Crucially, these abundances correspond to increases in sedimentary Hg-concentrations. Hg-isotope ratios (δ202Hg, Δ199Hg) suggest a volcanic source of Hg-enrichment at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary but a terrestrial source for the early Jurassic peaks. We conclude that volcanically injected Hg across the extinction was repeatedly remobilized from coastal wetlands and hinterland areas during eccentricity-forced phases of severe hydrological upheaval and erosion, focusing Hg-pollution in the Central European Basin.

Estrés comunitario frente a múltiples desastres durante la erupción volcánica y la pandemia covid-19: un estudio transversal / Community stress facing multiple disasters during the volcanic eruption and the covid-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar el estrés durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y afrontar las erupciones volcánicas y analizar los factores relacionados. Métodos: Esta investigación fue de tipo observacional analítica cuantitativa con un diseño transversal. El número de muestras fue de 352 pacientes mediante la técnica de muestreo accidental. El instrumento de investigación utiliza la escala de estrés percibido (PSS) -10 ítems y la escala de estrés COVID-19. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizaron las pruebas Kendal Tau y Chi-Cuadrado. Resultados: La mayoría de los encuestados experimentaron estrés leve durante la pandemia de COVID-19 (66,2%) y estrés moderado al lidiar con erupciones volcánicas (98,9%). Las variables relacionadas con el estrés durante una pandemia fueron género (p.017), educación (p.027), ingresos (p<.001) y distancia desde casa hasta la cima del volcán (p<0.036), mientras que las relacionadas con el estrés que enfrentan las erupciones volcánicas es sólo una experiencia de desastre de entrenamiento (p.033). Conclusiones: El estudio encontró que el nivel de estrés al enfrentar una erupción volcánica era mayor que durante la pandemia de COVID-19. El género, la educación, los ingresos y la distancia desde el hogar hasta la cima de un volcán están relacionados con el estrés durante una pandemia. Al mismo tiempo, la experiencia de la formación en desastres fue el único factor asociado con el estrés al afrontar las erupciones volcánicas. (AU)

Primary Goal: This study is to determine stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with volcanic eruptions and analyze the related factors. Methods: This research was an analytic observational quantitative with a cross-sectional design. The number of samples was 352 patients using the accidental sampling technique. The research instrument uses the Perceived stress scale (PSS)-10 items and the COVID-19 Stress Scale. Kendal Tau and Chi-Square tests were used for data analysis. Results: Most respondents experienced mild stress during the COVID-19 pandemic (66.2%) and moderate stress when dealing with volcanic eruptions (98.9%). Variables related to stress during a pandemic were gender (p.017), education (p.027), income (p<.001), and distance from home to the top of the volcano (p<0.036), while those related to the stress faced Volcanic eruptions are just a training disaster experience (p.033). Conclusions: The study found that the stress level of facing a volcanic eruption was higher than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gender, education, income, and distance from home to the top of a volcano are related to stress during a pandemic. At the same time, the experience of disaster training is the only factor associated with stress in dealing with volcanic eruptions. (AU)

Dhikr and Qur'an Recitation Therapy: An Idea to Recover the Mental Health of Families of the Death Victims of Mount Marapi Eruption in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Volcanic eruption is one of the most common disasters in Indonesia. One of the most fatal volcanic eruptions in Indonesia in 2023 was the eruption of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra. This caused a psychological impact on the survivors and families of the victims who died. PROBLEM: Psychological interventions are usually only provided to survivors. It is very rare to find psychosocial assistance provided to the families of victims who died, even though they also experience acute and prolonged mental health disorders, such as trauma and even depression. So, we offer the idea of remembrance therapy and reading the Qur'an to restore the mental health of the families of the deceased victims. CONCLUSION: Dhikr and Qur'an recitation therapy fosters sincerity, patience, and self-acceptance so as to restore mental health in the families of the victims of the Mount Marapi eruption. The therapy serves as a calming factor for the soul because it contains various wisdoms for the calamities experienced. The whole series of therapy is closed with prayer as a form of surrendering the soul to God.