Original scientific paper

Lichen biomonitoring of trace elements in the Mt. Amiata geothermal area (central Italy)

Stefano Loppi ; Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Universitä di Siena, Italy

Abstract

The possible contribution of Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn from geothermal exploitation to the environmental contamination of Mt. Amiata was evaluated by assaying the epiphytic lichen Parmelia sulcata from two sampling areas: Piancastagnaio, where there are geothermal power plants, and a remote site distant from geothermal power plants. The results showed that the geothermal power plants at Piancastagnaio do not represent a macroscopic source of atmospheric contamination by most elements. On the other hand, there are indications that for Co, Mo and Sb emissions from the geothermal power plants are a source of air pollution.

Keywords

trace elements; heavy metals; contamination; air pollution; geothermal energy; power plants; bioaccumulation; epiphytic lichens

Hrčak ID:

160515

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/160515

Publication date:

31.12.1998.

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