Lichens and mosses as biomonitors of trace elements in areas with thermal springs and fumarole activity (Mt. Amiata, central Italy)

Authors
Loppi, S Bonini, I
Citation
S. Loppi et I. Bonini, Lichens and mosses as biomonitors of trace elements in areas with thermal springs and fumarole activity (Mt. Amiata, central Italy), CHEMOSPHERE, 41(9), 2000, pp. 1333-1336
Citations number
24
Categorie Soggetti
Environment/Ecology
Journal title
CHEMOSPHERE
ISSN journal
00456535 → ACNP
Volume
41
Issue
9
Year of publication
2000
Pages
1333 - 1336
Database
ISI
SICI code
0045-6535(200011)41:9<1333:LAMABO>2.0.ZU;2-I
Abstract
The contribution of thermal springs and fumaroles to environmental levels o f Al, As, B, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mo, Pb, S, Sb and Zn was evaluated by means of lichens (Parmelia sulcata) and mosses (Hypnum cupressiforme) used as bioac cumulators. Compared to the data reported for unpolluted areas, accumulatio n of Hg, S and Al was found, with values of Hg and S in the same range as i n the vicinity of geothermal power plants. Furthermore, fumaroles turned ou t to be a significant source of atmospheric arsenic. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.