Assessing contamination sources and environmental hazards for potentially toxic elements and organic compounds in the soils of a heavily anthropized area: the case study of the Acerra plain (Southern Italy)

• DOI: 10.3934/geosci.2022030
• Publication Date: 2022-09-01T10:42:09Z
• Authors: Stefano Albanese; Annalise Guarino
• Keywords: QE1-996.5; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; potential hazards; urban areas; Geology; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 3. Good health; agricultural land; organochlorine pesticides; anthropogenic pollution; 13. Climate action; inorganic contaminants; 11. Sustainability; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

<abstract> <p>Epidemiological and environmental studies demonstrated that the rate of cancer mortality in Acerra area, better known as "Triangle Death", and, more general, Neapolitan metropolitan territory are higher than regional average values. In Death" has been mostly related to presence toxic wastes illegally buried agricultural areas which have contaminating soils groundwater for decades. Thus, collecting a total 154 samples over an area about 100 km<sup>2</sup>, detailed study was carried out assess geochemical-environmental conditions aiming at defining hazard proceeding from 15 potentially elements (PTEs), 9 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) 14 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with soil contamination. The also targeted discriminating contamination sources these pollutants. Results showed PTEs, 5 PAHs 6 OCPs featured by concentrations guideline values established Italian Environmental laws, especially proximities inhabited centers industrial areas. source analysis revealed that, regards chemical elements, they dual origin due both natural composition (Co-Fe-V-Tl-Be) pressure exerted on environment anthropic activities such vehicular traffic (Pb-Zn-Sb-Sn) practices (Cu-P). As far organic compounds concerned, can be mainly attributed combustion biomass (i.e., grass, wood coal), while pesticides, although use some them prohibited Italy since 1980s, it found still widely used local farmers.</p> </abstract>