The presence of heavy metals in air particulate at Vulcano island (Italy)

Here we evaluate the presence and the dispersion pattern of heavy metals in air particulates at Vulcano island, Italy. To assess the impact of the volcanic source the metal content of a set of 42 lichen samples of the species Parmelia was determined. Soil contribution in lichens was taken into account by the integrated use of data normalized to an element of definite crustal origin and by enrichment factors. The elements Pb, Br, Sb, As, Cu, Zn and Au appeared to be enriched in lichens with respect to local crustal material. The distribution maps of the enrichment factors clearly show how the entire island is subject to fallout by Pb, Br and Zn while the other elements are preferentially enriched along a E–SE direction, following the main wind direction.