Environmental distribution of mercury and other trace elements in the geothermal area of Bagnore (Mt. Amiata, Italy)

The environmental distribution of mercury and other trace elements in the g eothermal area of Bagnore (Mt. Amiata, central Italy) and its surroundings was evaluated by means of lichens used as bioaccumulators. Adopting a 'befo re-after' strategy, the impact of a recently built power plant was also eva luated. Four sites were sampled: (1) S. Fiora, a town 2 km SE of Bagnore; ( 2) Bagnore, a village where geothermal power is generated; (3) Aiole, a loc ality 1.5 km NW of Bagnore with an abandoned Hg smelting plant and a waste pile of roasted cinnabar; (4) Arcidosso, a town 3.5 km NW of Bagnore. At S. Fiora and Arcidosso, where most of the population is concentrated, mercury levels in lichens were within the background range (0.1-0.2 mug/g dw). On the contrary, at Aiole, Hg concentrations (0.63-0.67 mug/g dw) were much hi gher than background. After the new geothermal power plant went into operat ion at Bagnore, lichen concentrations of Hg showed a 50% increase from 0.22 to 0.32 mug/g dw. This value, however, is in line with those found in lich ens from natural areas with hot springs and fumaroles. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.