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The article presents study on the trace element distribution in the air and atmospheric depositions around the Murano glass-making district in Venice, Italy. Study reveals that the atmospheric concentrations of cadmium, selenium and zinc were 1-2 orders of magnitude greater on the island than in the nearest urban areas. It finds out that the atmospheric deposition fluxes of all elements were also high. Results suggest the necessity of remedial action in the Lagoon of Venice.

Studies have revealed the potential risks to which human health and ecosystems are exposed in the Venice Lagoon, due to the atmospheric deposition of persistent pollutants such as trace metals and organic compounds. A total of 77 atmospheric bulk deposition samples were collected monthly from April 2002 to December 2004, from three sites located in the cities of Mestre and Venice, and inside the industrial area of Porto Marghera. Samples were analyzed by HRGC/HRMS for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content. Spatial variations of atmospheric fallout were investigated, and source identification was attempted using diagnostic ratios and multivariate statistical analysis. Different conditions were recorded, with three anthropic signatures: i) industrial, mainly affected by local industrial sources and diesel engine emissions, ii) urban, mostly influenced by high traffic density, especially petrol car emissions and iii) lagoonal, characterized by diesel emissions from boat engines and oil burning, with random transport of industrial emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]