MG, MN, FE, AND V CONCENTRATIONS IN THE GROUND WATERS OF MOUNT-ETNA (SICILY)

Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Europe and one of the most active i n the world, is the site of an important circulation of ground waters that as, a consequence of the peculiar geological, hydrogeological and petrological features of Etna volcanics, are enriched in certain chem ical species (i,e. HCO3-, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and many trace elements). Th is is mainly due to the interaction between ground waters and volcanic gases, mainly CO2, that are present in the underground atmosphere. CO 2 is dissolved into water thus making it very aggressive towards the h ost volcanic rocks so that cations are gradually brought into solution . Mg, Mn, Fe and V concentrations above the Maximum Admissible Concent rations (MACs) fixed by the European standards were found in most of t he potable waters of Etna, especially in those from its eastern and we stern flanks, where the amount of CO2 dissolved in the ground water is greatest. Therefore, about 700,000 people have used potable waters wi th Mg contents exceeding the European MACs, 90,000 have used those wit h Mn exceeding MACs, 63,000 have used those with Fe exceeding MACs and more than 600,000 have used waters with V above the EPA acceptability level. Considering that these elements are essential for humans and t hat Mg, Mn and Fe contents in Etna. waters account for only a small pe rcentage of their total dietary intake it is unlikely that direct heal th consequences can derive from drinking such waters. As this problem can be present in all the geographical areas where waters are naturall y enriched in dissolved minerals, a revision of current standards for drinking waters is desirable.