Soil contamination by heavy metals at Libiola abandoned copper mine, Italy

Abstract

Exploitation of ores has surely represented a risk for contamination of environmental matrices for a long time. This paper reports the results of a study concerning soil contamination by heavy metals at Libiola abandoned copper mine (Italy). This deposit has surely got special importance in Italy because of its historical, environmental and mining features. From a historical viewpoint, Libiola deposit was known since Copper Age, with maximum exploitation at the end of the 19th century. Our investigation plan was elaborated in order to characterize the environmental matrices there, and it provided for inspection of the zones (included in the valley of Gromolo stream) which, according to our preliminary studies and according to literature, could be most affected by past mining activity. Within our selected zones, some soils (even cultivated) were collected in order to check their contamination by heavy metals. Results from the analysis of the collected soil samples showed that the content of heavy metals often exceeds limits provided by the Italian Law 152/06. The knowledge of situation concerning pollution can give useful indications about the influence of mining activities on the surrounding environment, and it can also be valid support in order to organize an optimal future use of the studied mining area, which has been abandoned since its closure (1962).