Trace metal anomalies in surface soil and vegetation on two active island volcanoes: Stromboli and Vulcano (Italy)

The distribution of trace metals was investigated for two active volcanoes (Stromboli and Vulcano). As previously found at Mt. Etna, soil and vegetation Hg data were different from those of Hawaiian, African and Icelandic volcanoes. In contrast to previous hypotheses, the present data suggest that it is highly improbable that the active volcanoes of southern Italy constitute the principal Hg source to the Mediterranean basin. As regards other metals, probably the most significant impact on the terrestrial and coastal environment of southern Vulcano can be attributed to the lavas of the Primordial Vulcano, which have a very high content of Cu and other metals. © 1991