Lichen biomonitoring of trace elements in the Mt. Amiata geothermal area (central Italy)

The possible contribution of Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn from geothermal exploitation to the environmental contamination of Mt. Amiata was evaluated by assaying the epiphytic lichen Parmelia sulcata from two sampling areas: Piancastagnaio, where there are geothermal power plants, and a remote site distant from geothermal power plants. The results showed that the geothermal power plants at Piancastagnaio do not represent a macroscopic source of atmospheric contamination by most elements. On the other hand, there are indications that for Co, Mo and Sb emissions from the geothermal power plants are a source of air pollution