Ricerc@Sapienza

Developing an inexpensive, effective and environmentally-friendly method of remediation of
persistent organic pollutants is still an emerging need. Exploiting natural rhizosphere
microorganisms, having capacity to degrade various xenobiotics, in association to plants able to
accumulate the pollutants into their biomass, is a promising alternative to conventional remediation
techniques. In this respect, fungi can play a key role.
Several reports are showing high potential of Cucurbitaceae in phytoremediation of DDT and its

This paper reports the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological data from a disposal pit, whose use started after the partial closure of a staircase, and from a mortar surface within a former porch in the Santi Quattro Coronati complex in Rome, Italy. The two contexts were in use in the Early Modern Age, when the complex served as a cardinal seat.