Open AccessBiomonitoring Studies in Geothermal Areas: A Review
Author(s) -
Pierfranco Lattanzi,
Renato Benesperi,
Guia Morelli,
Valentina Rimondi,
Giovanni Ruggieri
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
frontiers in environmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.225
H-Index - 37
ISSN - 2296-665X
DOI - 10.3389/fenvs.2020.579343
Subject(s) - biomonitoring , geothermal gradient , lichen , environmental science , mercury (programming language) , environmental protection , environmental resource management , ecology , environmental chemistry , geology , computer science , chemistry , biology , geophysics , programming language
Biomonitoring is a widely employed approach to track changes in the environment. Its use to assess the impact of geothermal energy exploitation for power production is comparatively minor, and largely referred to Tuscany, Italy, geothermal fields. Most examples describe impacts on vegetation, particularly lichens. Biomonitoring proved useful as a tool to reveal the distribution of specific contaminants (e.g., mercury and H 2 S), and as an overall indicator of the impact on ecosystems. In consideration of the comparatively low cost/benefit ratio, the use of biomonitoring should be encouraged. In particular, it could prove useful to establish the natural background prior to development of geothermal exploitation, and to document any subsequent change.