Trace elements in the thermal groundwaters of Vulcano Island (Sicily)

The chemical concentrations of many trace elements that have never before been examined in Vulcano Island groundwaters are reported. Chemical data indicate that rock composition is not the only factor determining the metal content in the aqueous system. The observed concentrations depend mainly on: (1) the chemical composition of the host rocks; (2) the chemical–physical conditions of the weathering solution (temperature, acidity, redox conditions); (3) input of magmatic gases; (4) adsorption of metal ions on oxide particles, formation of soluble complexes and/or precipitation of solid phases. Chloride complexes in solution are of minimal significance for all elements with the exception of Cd, whereas carbonate complexes are important for Pb, UO2, Zn and Ni. Temperature and trace element distribution maps are also presented.