Organic (Halocarbons) and Inorganic (Elements) Characterization of Soil and Rivers in the North Latium Region

This paper shows a characterization of the organic and inorganic fraction of river waters (Tiber and Marta) and ores/soil samples collected in the Northern Latium region for evaluating the anthropogenic/natural source contribution to the environmental pollution of that area. For the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the inorganic fraction it is highlighted the use of an analytical nuclear method, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, which allows to have more information as possible from the sample without performing any chemical-physical pre-treatment. The results have evidenced high levels of mercury, antimony, strontium and zinc whereas Rare Element Earths show levels similar to the literature data. Particular considerations are drawn for arsenic: the levels found in this paper explain the high content of such element (as arsenates) in the aquifer, a big issue in that area. For organic compounds, organochloride volatile compounds in Tiber and Marta Rivers were analysed by two different clean-up methods (i.e. liquid-liquid extraction and static headspace) followed by GC-ECD analysis. The results show very high concentrations of bromoform, due to the presence of greenhouse crops, and chloroform and tetrachloroethene, due to the presence of handicrafts installations.