Geochemistry of trace elements in surface waters of the Arno River Basin,northern Tuscany,Italy |
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| Authors: | Gianni Cortecci Tiziano Boschetti Enrico Dinelli Rosa Cidu Francesca Podda Marco Doveri |
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| Institution: | 1. Instituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, Area della Ricerca CNR, Via Moruzzi 1, I-56124 Pisa, Italy;2. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Parma, Via G.P. Usberti 157a, I-43100 Parma, Italy;3. Centro Interdipartimentale per le Scienze Ambientali (CIRSA), “Alma Mater Studiorum” Università di Bologna, Centro di Ravenna, Via Sant’Alberto 163, I-48100 Ravenna, Italy;4. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e Geologico-Ambientali, “Alma Mater Studiorum” Università di Bologna, Piazza Porta San Donato 1, I-40126 Bologna, Italy;5. Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Università di Cagliari, Via Trentino 51, I-09127 Cagliari, Italy |
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| Abstract: | Trace element geochemistry of the Arno River and its main tributaries was investigated on the basis of two sampling campaigns carried out in November 1996 and June 1997. By analyzing filtered and unfiltered water samples, Fe and Al are found in solution mainly as colloidal particles of size lower than 0.45 μm. In June (lower flow rate), Fe and Al are enriched in the filtered waters from the main river, and this feature was interpreted in terms of higher water temperature promoting the formation of smaller particles, thus reducing their aggregation properties. Iron and Al show perfectly synchronous downstream profiles along the Arno River, correlate quite well each to other, and display abrupt concentration increases near to Florence, where the lithology of the catchment changes from siliciclastic dominated to clay-sand (lacustrine-marine)-dominated. The same behaviour is shown by most of the other trace elements in the river, thus supporting a general lithological control. Trace elements in the final part of the Arno River are influenced by flocculation processes in addition to mixing. Adsorption phenomena on oxy-hydroxides are denoted by good elemental correlations with Fe (and Al). Sporadic anomalous concentration values, possibly related to anthropogenic contributions, may prevent such correlations. Referring to the quality of waters for potable use and fish life, toxic elements are below the acceptable limits of current European regulations, with few exceptions for Hg exceeding guideline values. Multivariate analysis groups trace elements according to geochemical affinities and natural or anthropogenic sources, thus distinguishing contaminated from uncontaminated samples. The results achieved in this work will help regional and national Authorities for compliance with the EU water policy, especially in assessing the water quality at the river basin scale and its vulnerability to human activities. |
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