Mercury in abiotic and biotic compartments of an area affected by a geochemical anomaly (Mt. Amiata, Italy)

Abstract

Data both from the literature and from our own research are reported on the Hg levels in the soil, waters, sediment , atmosphere and some plants of the mineralized Monte Amiata region (Italy) with the aim of evidencing the interactions between the different environmental compartments. The presence of cinnabar in the soil affects the whole area, particularly near the mines, roasted cinnabar deposits and at the steam jets used for the geothermal power plants. Soil degassing represents the main source of atmospheric Hg which shows a concentration range of 5 to 200 ng m−3. Vegetables display high Hg levels (0.06 to 9.80 µg g−1) especially in the leaves. The aqueous transport of dissolved mercury is of no importance; suspended particulate matter, however, is able to carry a significant load of Hg.