Levels of four (Hg, Cd, Pb, As) potential harmful elements (PHE) were measured in three different
environmental matrices (sediments, macroalgae, and fishes) from the Aeolian Archipelago and control areas
both after one and ten months form a volcanic activity of particular relevance occurred at the end of October
2002. Results were analysed on a multivariate statistical basis with the aim to evaluate: I) general levels of
pollution and increase of PHE due to the event; II) differences observed among tested matrices in the time of
recovery after the occurrence of the critical event; III) the biological enrichment of PHE along the trophic
web produced by the geological event. Results evidenced that volcanic emissions could represent a local
source of particular relevance able to determine great enrichments of considered PHE in sediments and
biological species. After ten months from the event, levels in sediments and macroalgae notably decreased,
whereas fish species evidenced an increase, principally related to the greater dimensions of fishes caught
during the second campaign. On the basis of the BEF, major enrichments were evidenced after one month
whereas after ten months were recorded values reliable to an incomplete recovery. Concerning Cd, the BEF
higher levels reported for the species S. cabrilla was probably related both to the diet and to the specific
detoxification rates of this species.
