432
M. Dall' Aglio et aL
•
0
10
20 I
!
Em > 200
.bW .. 200-70
~ .. 40-70
run = 20-40
1--1 -- < 20
•
Fig. 5. Isoconcentration curves of total As (mglkg cLw.) in marine sediments around Elba Island
complete picture of the situation, in spite of the
lack of exhaustive data. Two very extensive and
distinct aureoles can be distinguished: one originating from the mining sector of the eastern
Elba Island (high arsenopyrite content in sulfide
deposits) and the other located in mainland
Tuscany and represented by multiple dispersion
sources. Conversely, the scale of both marine
and continental aureoles is completely unexpected.
Conclusions
The data presented stress the interrelations existing between continental and marine sediments
with respect to geochemical anomalies of Hg and
As in the case of the Tuscany region and the
Tyrrhenian Sea. As distribution, in particular,
showed unexpected aureoles both in continental
and marine sediments. These observations point
to the need for urgently initiating research in
these two complementary areas, with a view to
correctly assessing the related geochemical risk.
In effect, it is necessary and urgent: (1) to determine the distribution of As in the various surface
dispersing media of both Elba Island and of the
suspected mainland areas as accurately as possible; (2) to gain greater insight into the bioavailability of As, its critical pathways and possible
transmission along trophic chains. There is a
poor availability of data especially on the marine
environment. Furthermore, the EU might introduce acceptability limits for terrains and sediments having such high As concentrations as
those reported here.
Shareable and sustainable development can
only rely on the responsible assessment and
maximization of the value of natural resources
and on mitigation of natural risks, among which
the geochemical risk is the one with the greatest
number of potential consequences in our country. The issues related to this risk were discussed
by Dall'Aglio (1996, 1997) and Dall'Aglio and
Marinelli (1994). "Prevention is better than cure"
is the leitmotiv of a recent volume published by
M. Dall' Aglio et aL
•
0
10
20 I
!
Em > 200
.bW .. 200-70
~ .. 40-70
run = 20-40
1--1 -- < 20
•
Fig. 5. Isoconcentration curves of total As (mglkg cLw.) in marine sediments around Elba Island
complete picture of the situation, in spite of the
lack of exhaustive data. Two very extensive and
distinct aureoles can be distinguished: one originating from the mining sector of the eastern
Elba Island (high arsenopyrite content in sulfide
deposits) and the other located in mainland
Tuscany and represented by multiple dispersion
sources. Conversely, the scale of both marine
and continental aureoles is completely unexpected.
Conclusions
The data presented stress the interrelations existing between continental and marine sediments
with respect to geochemical anomalies of Hg and
As in the case of the Tuscany region and the
Tyrrhenian Sea. As distribution, in particular,
showed unexpected aureoles both in continental
and marine sediments. These observations point
to the need for urgently initiating research in
these two complementary areas, with a view to
correctly assessing the related geochemical risk.
In effect, it is necessary and urgent: (1) to determine the distribution of As in the various surface
dispersing media of both Elba Island and of the
suspected mainland areas as accurately as possible; (2) to gain greater insight into the bioavailability of As, its critical pathways and possible
transmission along trophic chains. There is a
poor availability of data especially on the marine
environment. Furthermore, the EU might introduce acceptability limits for terrains and sediments having such high As concentrations as
those reported here.
Shareable and sustainable development can
only rely on the responsible assessment and
maximization of the value of natural resources
and on mitigation of natural risks, among which
the geochemical risk is the one with the greatest
number of potential consequences in our country. The issues related to this risk were discussed
by Dall'Aglio (1996, 1997) and Dall'Aglio and
Marinelli (1994). "Prevention is better than cure"
is the leitmotiv of a recent volume published by