Wildfires as a Source of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Soil: A Case Study from Campania Region (Italy)

Abstract

The worldwide increase in fire events has attracted global attention, as potentially toxic elements (PTEs) have been widely recognised within the produced ash. Ash is transported, dispersed by wind, and deposited into the soil and surficial waters even far from fires. Considering that their composition can be enriched in PTEs, they represent a potential hazard for humans and other animals exposed to airborne particles and, afterwards, to resuspended matter, even at a considerable distance from the source. This study aimed to assess the environmental impact of fire events that occurred during the 2017 summer season at two different sites in the Campania region (Southern Italy). One of the fires affected a waste disposal site west of Caserta, and one involved a forest on the slopes of Mt. Somma-Vesuvius, a few kilometres southeast of Naples, the regional capital. Changes to the PTE concentration in the topsoil in the surroundings of both sites, after the fire events, were investigated. Enrichment factors (EFs) of a selection of PTEs were determined by comparing geochemical data from two sampling campaigns, one completed before and one after the fire events. A combined application of multivariate statistics (based on robust principal component analysis; RPCA) and geospatial analysis was used to determine the materials affected by the fire on the slopes of Mt. Somma-Vesuvius, and roughly locate their place. Specifically, a statistically significant enrichment of Hg was identified in the topsoil of both study areas. In addition, in soil samples collected at Mt. Somma-Vesuvius, more PTEs showed significant changes in their concentration. For both areas, Hg enrichments were related to the deposition of ash proceeding from waste burning; furthermore, as regards the soil of the Vesuvian area, Cr and Cd enrichments were associated with the fallout of ash generated during biomass combustion, and the increase in Cu and Zn concentrations was linked to the burning of crops on cultivated lands. Apart from the specific results obtained, concerning the examined case studies, the methods applied can be seen as a reliable option to determine the compositional characteristics of materials burned during a fire event, even with the prospect of improving the eventual assessment process of the related environmental hazards.

Fires in Raised Bog: Their Influence and Changes to Geochemical Elements in Peat Layers

“…Thus, higher concentrations can be found in the non-burnt area. Also, a natural process such as long-distance transmission (air transfer) is an important source of PTEs in a natural ecosystem such as the Čepkeliai bog [59,60]. No point source pollution has been identified in the area.…”

Knowledge Mapping for Fire Risk Assessment: A Scientometric Analysis Based on VOSviewer and CiteSpace

“…In order to address the uncertainty associated with wildfire risk assessment and management, Thompson et al compiled existing decision support systems and mapped the uncertainties of fire into appropriate decision-making tools, thereby enhancing the capabilities of human and ecological value in wildfire risk management [7]. Furthermore, Park et al conducted a risk assessment of lithium-ion battery explosions, toxicological information on leaked chemicals, and the associated potential health risks, proposing advanced technical reference solutions to tackle the issue [8]; Pacifico et al used two different types of fires as an example to collect and risk assess potentially toxic elements in fire ash, using robust principal component analysis and geospatial analysis to provide a feasible method for characterizing the composition of burning materials in fire events [9]; Dimitrios E. Alexakis summarized the results of major and micronutrient testing of ash from residential and wilderness areas burned by wildfires, discussed the potential hazards and regional distribution characteristics of wildfire ash, and assessed the health risks associated with wildfire ash to human health and terrestrial ecological receptors [10]. However, due to the wide range of disciplines and knowledge foundations involved in the field of fire risk assessment, organizing and analyzing it systematically is challenging.…”