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 geothermal area of Bagnore (Mt. Amiata, central Italy) and its surroundings was evaluated by means of lichens used as bioaccumulators. Adopting a ‘before–afterʹ strategy, the impact of a recently built power plant was also evaluated. 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 locality 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 μg/g dw). On the contrary, at Aiole, Hg concentrations (0.63–0.67 μg/g dw) were much higher than background. After the new geothermal power plant went into operation at Bagnore, lichen concentrations of Hg showed a 50% increase from 0.22 to 0.32 μg/g dw. This value, however, is in line with those found in lichens from natural areas with hot springs and fumaroles.