Heavy metal and arsenic distributions in sediments of the Elba-Argentario basin, southern Tuscany, Italy

 Arsenic, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel, vanadium and zinc distributions in surficial and core sediments of the Elba-Argentario marine basin (southern Tuscany, central-western Italy) are reported. Analysis of such distributions compared with grain size and mineralogical data allowed the identification of areas showing trace element enrichments with respect to natural background. These enrichments are moderate and essentially restricted to Pb and Zn; only As shows a widespread, though not high, positive anomaly. This general pattern is in good agreement with the minor industrialization affecting the basin's watershed. An unexpected anomaly, concerning Co, Pb, and As, as well as Fe and Ti, has been pointed out close to Montecristo Island. This has been ascribed to illegal local dumping of chemical waste. Received: 12 January 1996 / Accepted: 9 September 1996