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Lichen biomonitoring of trace elements in a geothermal area (central Italy)

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Abstract

The epiphytic lichen Parmelia caperata was used systematically to biomonitor trace elements in the Travale-Radicondoli geothermal field (central Italy). The results showed a very low occurrence of potentially toxic heavy metals such as Cd, Hg and Pb, and relatively high values for As, B, Mo and elements associated with soil dust (Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni). Boron was the principal element of geothermal origin. Arsenic seems to originate both from power plants and adjacent thermal springs. It is concluded that trace element pollution in the area is low.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Università di Siena, Via P. A. Mattioli 4, I-53100, Siena, Italy

    Stefano Loppi & Roberto Bargagli

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  1. Stefano Loppi
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  2. Roberto Bargagli
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Loppi, S., Bargagli, R. Lichen biomonitoring of trace elements in a geothermal area (central Italy). Water Air Soil Pollut 88, 177–187 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00157421

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