0000000000963235
AUTHOR
Sergio Bellomo
Zirconium–hafnium and rare earth element signatures discriminating the effect of atmospheric fallout from hydrothermal input in volcanic lake water
The geochemical behaviour of Rare Earth Elements, Zr and Hf was investigated in the thermal waters of Nevado del Ruiz volcano system. A wide range of pH, between 1.0 and 8.8, characterizes these fluids. The acidicwaters are sulphate dominatedwith different Cl/SO4 ratios. The important role of the pH and the ionic complexes for the distribution of REE, Zr a nd Hf in the aqueous phase was evidenced. The pH rules the precipitation of authigenic Fe and Al oxyhydroxides producing changes in REE, Zr, Hf amounts and strong anomalies of Cerium. The precipitation of alunite and jarosite removes LREE from the solution, changing the REE distribution in acidic waters. Y-Ho and Zr-Hf (twin pairs) have a…
Geochemistry and mineralogy of travertine deposits of the SW flank of Mt. Etna (Italy): Relationships with past volcanic and degassing activity
Abstract Travertine deposits outcropping in the lower SW flank of Mt. Etna were studied for their mapping, as well as for their chemical, mineralogical and isotopic compositions. These deposits are dated to about 24 to 5 ka in the Adrano area, located at the western limit of the study area. In this area travertines show high Mg contents and are composed mostly of dolomite, thus apparently ruling out any primary deposition in favour of a diagenetic origin. Travertines outcropping near Paterno, in the east part of the study area, should be younger than 18 ka. Those located to the SSW of Paterno (Paterno–Diga) show high Sr contents and aragonite as dominant mineralogical phase, thus suggesting…
The impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on groundwater quality in an active volcanic/geothermal system under semi-arid climatic conditions: The case study of Methana peninsula (Greece)
Abstract A comprehensive hydrogeochemical study of the cold and thermal groundwaters of the presently quiescent volcanic system at Methana was undertaken that involved collecting 71 natural water samples. Methana is a peninsula in Peloponnesus, Greece whose arid climate and hydrological situation is similar to that of the nearby small islands of the Aegean Sea. Similarly, the chemical and isotopic compositions of its water are dominated by the mixing of seawater with meteoric water both through direct intrusion and meteoric recharge. However, the simple mixing trends at Methana are modified by water–rock interaction processes, enhanced by the dissolution of endogenous CO2, which lead to str…
Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting groundwater quality of an active volcano (Mt. Etna, Italy)
Abstract New geochemical data on dissolved major and minor constituents in 276 groundwater samples from Etna aquifers reveal the main processes responsible for their geochemical evolution and mineralisation. This topic is of particular interest in the light of the progressive depletion of water resources and groundwater quality in the area. Multivariate statistical analysis reveal 3 sources of solutes: (a) the leaching of the host basalt, driven by the dissolution of magma-derived CO2; (b) mixing processes with saline brines rising from the sedimentary basement below Etna; (c) contamination from agricultural and urban wastewaters. The last process, highlighted by increased concentrations of…
Atmospheric Deposition around the Industrial Areas of Milazzo and Priolo Gargallo (Sicily–Italy)—Part A: Major Ions
The chemical composition of rainwater was studied in two highly-industrialised areas in Sicily (southern Italy), between June 2018 and July 2019. The study areas were characterised by large oil refining plants and other industrial hubs whose processes contribute to the release of large amounts of gaseous species that can affect the chemical composition of atmospheric deposition As in most of the Mediterranean area, rainwater acidity (ranging in the study area between 3.9 and 8.3) was buffered by the dissolution of abundant geogenic carbonate aerosol. In particular, calcium and magnesium cations showed the highest pH-neutralizing factor, with ~92% of the acidity brought by SO42− and NO…
Volcanogenic fluorine in rainwater around active degassing volcanoes: Mt. Etna and Stromboli Island, Italy
Many studies have assessed the strong influence of volcanic activity on the surrounding environment. This is particularly true for strong gas emitters such as Mt. Etna and Stromboli volcanoes. Among volcanic gases, fluorine compounds are potentially very harmful. Fluorine cycling through rainwater in the above volcanic areas was studied analysing more than 400 monthly bulk samples. Data indicate that only approximately 1% of fluorine emission through the plume is deposited on the two volcanic areas by meteoric precipitations. Although measured bulk rainwater fluorine fluxes are comparable to and sometimes higher than in heavily polluted areas, their influence on the surrounding vegetation i…
Preliminary results of biomonitoring survey at Virunga Volcanic Province (D.R. Congo), Eastern Africa.
Biomonitoring techniques have been widely used in environmental studies to monitor anthropogenic pollutants. Recently such techniques have been also applied to ascertain the impact of contaminants naturally released by volcanic activity (Calabrese et al., 2015; Arndt et al., 2017). In the present study a biomonitoring survey has been performed in different sites around Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira (D.R. Congo), active volcanoes in the western branch of the East African Rift. We applied both active and passive biomonitoring techniques in order to investigate the release of some harmful chemical elements by Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira: the former was performed by exposing moss-bags (Sphagnum sp.…
Fluorine adsorption by volcanic soils at Mt. Etna, Italy
Abstract Fluorine adsorption experiments were performed on 28 samples of the first 5 cm of topsoil collected on the flanks of Mt. Etna. The soil samples were equilibrated with F-rich rainwater (3.25 mg/L) at a soil/water weight ratio of 1/25. Aliquots of the supernatant were collected after 1, 7, 72, 720 and 5640 h and analysed for F content. The soil samples could be subdivided into three groups based on their F-adsorption behaviours after 1 h and at the end of the experiment: (1) negative adsorption (F released from the soil to the solution) after 1 h and negative or moderately positive adsorption at the end, (2) from negative after 1 h to strongly positive adsorption at the end, and (3) …
Degassing and Cycling of Mercury at Nisyros Volcano (Greece)
Nisyros Island (Greece) is an active volcano hosting a high-enthalpy geothermal system. During June 2013, an extensive survey on Hg concentrations in different matrices (fumarolic fluids, atmosphere, soils, and plants) was carried out at the Lakki Plain, an intracaldera area affected by widespread soil and fumarolic degassing. Concentrations of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), together with H2S and CO2, were simultaneously measured in both the fumarolic emissions and the atmosphere around them. At the same time, 130 samples of top soils and 31 samples of plants (Cistus creticus and salvifolius and Erica arborea and manipuliflora) were collected for Hg analysis. Mercury concentrations in fum…
Nitrate, sulphate and chloride contents in public drinking water supplies in Sicily, Italy.
Water samples collected from public drinking water supplies in Sicily were analysed for electric conductivity and for their chloride, sulphate and nitrate contents. The samples were collected as uniformly as possible from throughout the Sicilian territory, with an average sampling density of about one sample for every 7,600 inhabitants. Chloride contents that ranged from 5.53 to 1,302 mg/l were correlated strongly with electric conductivity, a parameter used as a proxy for water salinity. The highest values are attributable to seawater contamination along the coasts of the island. High chloride and sulphate values attributable to evaporitic rock dissolution were found in the central part of…
Sulphur-gas concentrations in volcanic and geothermal areas in Italy and Greece: Characterising potential human exposures and risks
Abstract Passive samplers were used to measure the atmospheric concentrations of SO 2 naturally emitted at three volcanoes in Italy (Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli) and of H 2 S naturally emitted at three volcanic/geothermal areas in Greece (Milos, Santorini and Nisyros). The measured concentrations and dispersion patterns varied with the strength of the source (open conduits or fumaroles), the meteorological conditions and the area topography. At Etna, Vulcano and Stromboli, SO 2 concentrations reach values that are dangerous to people affected by bronchial asthma or lung diseases (> 1000 μg m − 3 ). H 2 S values measured at Nisyros also exceed the limit considered safe for the same group of …
Trace elements mobility in soils from the active hydrothermal area of Nisyros (Greece)
Nisyros Island, Greece, is a stratovolcano known for its intense hydrothermal activity. On June 2013, during a multidisciplinary field campaign, soil samples were collected in the caldera area to determinate the main mineralogical paragenesis and to investigate the distribution of trace elements concentrations and the possible relationship to the contribution of deep originated fluids. Soil samples were analysed with XRD and for the chemical composition of their leachable (deionized water) and near total (microwave digestion) fraction both for major and trace elements. All data were compared to a local background soil. The results allow to divide the samples in 2 groups: Lakki Plain and Ste…
Atmospheric sources and sinks of volcanogenic elements in a basaltic volcano (Etna, Italy)
Abstract This study reports on the first quantitative assessment of the geochemical cycling of volcanogenic elements, from their atmospheric release to their deposition back to the ground. Etna’s emissions and atmospheric depositions were characterised for more than 2 years, providing data on major and trace element abundance in both volcanic aerosols and bulk depositions. Volcanic aerosols were collected from 2004 to 2007, at the summit vents by conventional filtration techniques. Precipitation was collected, from 2006 to 2007, in five rain gauges, at various altitudes around the summit craters. Analytical results for volcanic aerosols showed that the dominant anions were S, Cl, and F, and…
Major-ion bulk deposition around an active volcano (Mt. Etna, Italy)
Bulk atmospheric deposition of major cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and anions (Cl, F, SO4) were measured at 15 sites around an active volcano, Mount Etna, from 2001 to 2003. Their composition indicates several natural sources, among which deposition of plume-derived volcanogenic gas compounds is prevalent for F, Cl and S. Plume-derived acidic compounds are also responsible for the prevailing acidic composition of the samples collected on the summit of the volcano (pH in the 2.45–5.57 range). Cation species have complex origin, including deposition of plume volcanogenic ash and aerosols and soil-dust wind re-suspension of either volcanic or carbonate sedimentary rocks. Variation of the deposition …
A christmas gift: Signature of the 24th December 2018 eruption of Mt. Etna on the chemical composition of bulk deposition in eastern sicily
The eruption of Mt. Etna which occurred on December 24th 2018 was characterized by strombolian activity and fire fountains, emitted by the New South-East Crater and along a fissure that propagated towards the SE. The influence of volcanic emissions on atmospheric deposition was clearly detectable at several kilometres from the source. Wet and dry (bulk) deposition samples were collected each month, through a network of eleven collectors, in the areas of Milazzo, and Priolo between June 2018 and June 2019. They were analysed for major ions and trace elements concentrations. The pH values range from 3.9 to 8.3, while the EC values range from 7 to 396 μS cm-1. An extensive neutralization of th…
Impact of hydrothermal alteration processes on element mobility and potential environmental implications at the Sousaki solfataric field (Corinthia - Greece)
Abstract Samples of efflorescences and encrustations of hydrothermal origin were collected at Sousaki (Greece) and analysed for their mineralogical (XRD) and chemical composition. Solutions obtained both from mineralization with HNO3 and from leaching with deionised water were analysed for major (ICP-OES), minor and trace metals (ICP-MS) and sulfate contents (IC). Results evidence the dependence of the chemical and mineralogical composition on micro-environmental conditions i.e. humidity, oxygen-rich or -poor environment, exposed or sheltered from meteoric agents. In fact, the presence of highly soluble sulfate minerals with elevated contents of many metals (e.g. Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, etc…
Different methods for soluble salt removal tested on late-Roman cooking ware from a submarine excavation at the island of Pantelleria (Sicily, Italy)
Abstract This paper deals with the comparative evaluation of different procedures of salt extraction designed for archaeological ceramics from submarine burial environments. The experimental work was carried out on a particular type of late-Roman cooking ware finds (Pantellerian ware) found in a shipwreck near the shoreline of the Island of Pantelleria (Sicily). The studied ceramic test-pieces were first recognised in terms of bulk characteristics (mineralogy, petrography and chemistry). SEM-EDS observation allowed verification of the presence of various secondary minerals at the surface and in the pore spaces formed after the prolonged permanence in seawater under oxidising or reducing con…
Fluorine speciation in topsoils of three active volcanoes of Sicily (Italy)
Fluorine is one of the many environmental harmful elements released by volcanic activity. The content of total oxalate-extractable and water-extractable fluorine was determined in 96 topsoils of three active volcanic systems of southern Italy (Mt Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano). Total fluorine (F) content (F TOT) ranges from 112 to 7,430 mg kg−1, F extracted with oxalate (F OX) ranges from 16 to 2,320 mg kg−1 (2–93% of F TOT) and F extracted with distilled water ( $$ F_{{{\text{H}}_{{\text{2}}} {\text{O}}}} $$ ) ranges from 1.7 to 159 mg kg−1 (0.2–40 % of F TOT). Fluorine in the sampled topsoils derives both from the weathering of volcanic rocks and ashes and from the enhanced deposition due t…
Environmental impact of magmatic fluorine emission in the Mt. Etna area
-UniversitA degli Studi di Palermo, Italy -Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia, Sezione di Palermo - Unione Europea, Fondo Sociale Europeo
MOBILITY OF MERCURY IN THE VOLCANIC/GEOTHERMAL AREA OF NISYROS (GREECE)
Το καλοκαίρι του 2013, προσδιορίστηκαν οι συγκεντρώσεις υδραργύρου στο έδαφος και τον αέρα του ενεργού ηφαιστείου της Νισύρου (Ελλάδα), το οποίο ανήκει στο ενεργό ηφαιστειακό τόξο του νοτίου Αιγαίου. 102 δείγματα εδάφους συλλέχθηκαν και 2119 αναλύθηκαν για υδράργυρο με τη χρήση ψυχρού ατμού ατομικής απορρόφησης αναλυτή, σύμφωνα με τη μέθοδο ΕΡΑ 7473. Ταυτόχρονα, στα ίδια σημεία πραγματοποιήθηκαν συγκεντρώσεις υδραργύρου στον αέρα, με φορητό φασματοφωτόμετρο (Lumex RA- 915M). Οι τιμές των εδαφικών συγκεντρώσεων υδραργύρου κυμαίνονται από 0.023 έως 13.7 mg/g. Οι συγκεντρώσεις υδραργύρου στον αέρα έδειξαν υψηλότερες τιμές υποβάθρου στην περιοχή Λακκί της καλδέρας, μεταξύ 21 και 36 ng/m3 και μέ…
Magma-derived gas influx and water-rock interactions in the volcanic aquifer of Mt. Vesuvius, Italy
We report in this paper a systematic investigation of the chemical and isotopic composition of groundwaters flowing in the volcanic aquifer of Mt. Vesuvius during its current phase of dormancy, including the first data on dissolved helium isotope composition and tritium content. The relevant results on dissolved He and C presented in this paper reveal that an extensive interaction between rising magmatic volatiles and groundwaters currently takes place at Vesuvius.Vesuvius groundwaters are dilute (mean TDS ∼ 2800 mg/L) hypothermal fluids ( mean T = 17.7°C) with a prevalent alkaline-bicarbonate composition. Calcium-bicarbonate groundwaters normally occur on the surrounding Campanian Plain, l…
Dissolved major and trace elements in meteoric depositions on the flanks of Mt. Etna (Italy): the impact of volcanic activity on the environment
In the framework of the “Save the Etna World” research project, which investigates the impact of the volcanic activity on the surrounding environment, three bulk collectors were deployed on the flank of the Mt. Etna volcano to collect the meteoric depositions. The sampling sites were at distances between 5.5 and 13 km from the summit vents of the volcano on its eastern flank, that is the most exposed to the volcanic plume due to the high-altitude prevailing winds direction. The sites were selected in order to have a gradient of exposition with respect to the volcanic emissions, the most exposed being CIT, the intermediate ILI and the least NIC. Samples were collected monthly from July 2017 …
Characterization of trace elements in thermal and mineral waters of Greece
: Natural thermal and mineral waters are widely distributed along the Hellenic region and are related to the geodynamic regime of the country. The diverse lithological and tectonic settings they are found in reflect the great variability in their chemical and isotopic composition. The current study presents 276 (published and unpublished) trace element water data and discusses the sources and processes affecting the water by taking into consideration the framework of their geographic distribution. The dataset is divided in groups using temperature- and pH-related criteria. Results yield a wide range of concentrations, often related to the solubility properties of the individual elements and…
Influence of volcanic activity on the quality of water collected in roof water catchment systems at Stromboli Island (Italy)
Abstract With the aim of detailing the interaction between volcanic emissions and water harvesting by Roof Water Catchment Systems (RWCSs), the present work illustrates the results of a study carried out at Stromboli Island, a small but densely populated active volcanic area in the South of Italy. Concentrations of major and trace elements determined in RWCS waters and sediments revealed clear clues of a contamination with gases and suspended particles of volcanic origin, even if the values of those contaminants considered by the World Health Organization as dangerous for human health are always below the Maximum Admitted Concentration (MAC). In particular, cistern water showed a compositio…
Hydrogen sulfide measurements in air by passive/diffusive samplers and high-frequency analyzer: A critical comparison
In this study, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) measurements in air carried out using (a) passive/diffusive samplers (Radiello® traps) and (b) a high-frequency (60 s) real-time analyzer (Thermo® 450i) were compared in order to evaluate advantages and limitations of the two techniques. Four different sites in urban environments (Florence, Italy) and two volcanic areas characterized by intense degassing of H2S-rich fluids (Campi Flegrei and Vulcano Island, Italy) were selected for such measurements. The concentrations of H2S generally varied over 5 orders of magnitude (from 101e103 mg/m3), the H2S values measured with the Radiello® traps (H2SR) being significantly higher than the average values measure…
A geochemical traverse along the “Sperchios Basin – Evoikos Gulf” graben (Central Greece): Origin and evolution of the emitted fluids
The studied area is a 130 km long fast spreading graben in Central Greece. Its complex geodynamical setting includes both the presence of a subduction slab at depth responsible for the recent (Quaternary) volcanic activity in the area and the western termination of a tectonic lineament of regional importance (the North-Anatolian fault). A high geothermal gradient is made evident by the presence of many thermal springs with temperatures from 19 to 82 °C, that discharge along the normal faults bordering the graben. In the period 2004–2012, 58 gas and 69 water samples were collected and their chemical and isotopic analysis revealed a wide range of compositions. Two main groups of thermal water…
Characterization of the Etna volcanic emissions through an active biomonitoring technique (moss-bags): Part 1 – Major and trace element composition
Active biomonitoring using moss-bags was applied to an active volcanic environment for the first time. Bioaccumulation originating from atmospheric deposition was evaluated by exposing mixtures of washed and air-dried mosses (Sphagnum species) at 24 sites on Mt. Etna volcano (Italy). Concentrations of major and a large suite of trace elements were analysed by inductively coupled mass and optical spectrometry (ICP-MS and ICP-OES) after total acid digestion. Of the 49 elements analysed those which closely reflect summit volcanic emissions were S, Tl, Bi, Se, Cd, As, Cu, B, Na, Fe, Al. Enrichment factors and cluster analysis allowed clear distinction between volcanogenic, geogenic and anthropo…
Effect of solid waste landfill organic pollutants on groundwater in three areas of Sicily (Italy) characterized by different vulnerability
The aim of this study was to obtain information on the presence and levels of hazardous organic pollutants in groundwater located close to solid waste landfills. Eighty-two environmental contaminants, including 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 20 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 29 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 7 dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, PCDDs) and 10 furans (polychlorinated dibenzofurans, PCDFs) were monitored in areas characterised by different geological environments surrounding three municipal solid waste landfills (Palermo, Siculiana and Ragusa) in Sicily (Italy) in three sampling campaigns. The total concentrations of the 16 PAHs were always below t…
Volcanic plume monitoring at Mount Etna by diffusive (passive) sampling
[1] This paper reports the use of diffusive tubes in determining HF, HCl, and SO2 in the volcanic plume of Mount Etna in an attempt to highlight the potential of this method in studying volcanoes. In a first application a network of 18 diffusive tubes was installed on Etna's flanks, aimed at evaluating the atmospheric dispersion of the volcanic plume on a local scale. Results showed a monotonic decrease in volatile air concentrations with distance from the craters (HF from 0.15 to <0.003 μmol m−3, HCl from 2 to <0.01 μmol m−3, and SO2 from 11 to 0.04 μmol m−3), revealing the prevalently volcanic contribution. Matching of SO2/HCl and HCl/HF volatile ratios with contemporaneous measurements a…
A model for Ischia hydrothermal system: Evidences from the chemistry of thermal groundwaters.
Abstract Ischia volcano, in Central Italy, has long been known for its copious surface hydrothermal manifestations, signs of a pervasive circulation of hot fluids in the subsurface. Because of the significant chemical heterogeneity of fumarolic gas discharges and hot spring discharges, evidences of a complex hydrothermal setting, a definite model of fluid circulation at depth is currently unavailable, in spite of the several previous efforts. Here, we report on the chemical and isotopic composition of 120 groundwater samples, collected during several sampling surveys from 2002 to 2007. The acquired data suggest that the composition of surface manifestations reflect contributions from meteor…
Impact of acidic volcanic emissions on ash leaching and on the bioavailability and mobility of trace metals in soils of Mt Etna
We report on original geochemical data, which combine the rainfall trace metal contents from three different areas of Mt. Etna, variably fumigated by the volcanic plume, and those from soils, collected over the whole volcano. Trace element contents in rainfall appear mostly related to acidic ash leaching, while only for the most volatile elements (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Sb, Tl, Se) we suggest a derivation from magmatic degassing. We analyzed separately the labile fraction of soil samples, considered the fraction bioavailable to plants and soil organisms living in. The complexing medium used to extract the bioavailable fraction simulates the growth environment of plant roots.The contents of tra…
Mount Etna volcano (Italy) as a major “dust” point source in the Mediterranean area
Volcanic emissions represent one of the most relevant natural sources of trace elements to the troposphere. Due to their potential toxicity, they may have important environmental impacts from local to global scale. They can also severely affect the atmospheric and terrestrial environment at timescales ranging from a few to millions of years. Mt. Etna volcano is known as one of the largest global contributors of magmatic gases (CO2, SO2 and halogens) and particulate matter, including some toxic trace elements. The aim of this study is to characterize the chemical composition and the mineralogical features of the volcanogenic aerosol passively emitted from Mt. Etna. Twenty-five samples were c…
Water chemistry and abiogenic methane content of a hyperalkaline spring related to serpentinization in the Argolida ophiolite (Ermioni, Greece)
Abstract Hyperalkaline mineral springs related to active continental serpentinization are a theme of growing interest since they may contain significant amounts of abiotic gas and have important implications for energy resource exploration, subsurface microbiology and astrobiology. We report the discovery of a new hyperalkaline (pH∼12) spring issuing in the Agioi Anargyroi monastery at Ermioni (Greece), connected to serpentinization of peridotites of the Argolis ophiolite. Two water samples have been collected from separated springs and analysed for the chemical composition of major, minor and trace elements, and isotopic composition (2H and 18O) of water by IC, ICP-OES, ICP-MS and IRMS, an…
Chemical-physical parameters, major, minor and trace elements composition of thermo-mineral groundwaters of Greece
This dataset comprises samples of thermo-mineral waters collected by the same team over the period from October 2004 to March 2020 and analysed in the same laboratory. Samples were collected on the whole territory of Greece.
Chemical-physical parameters, major, minor and trace elements compositions of big karst springs of Greece
This database consists of samples of karst springs collected in Greece and selected on the base of their water flow (> 50 L s-1), over the period from May 2016 to October 2022