Title: Copper pollution in some vineyard soils of the Piedmont region (Italy): accumulation and mobility

Authors: Eva Beno, Aurelio Facchinelli, Marinella Franchini Angela, Stefania Fornelli Genot

Addresses: Dipartimento di Scienze Mineralogiche e Petrologiche, Universita degli Studi di Torino, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Torino, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Scienze Mineralogiche e Petrologiche, Universita degli Studi di Torino, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Torino, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Scienze Mineralogiche e Petrologiche, Universita degli Studi di Torino, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Torino, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Scienze Mineralogiche e Petrologiche, Universita degli Studi di Torino, via Valperga Caluso 35, 10125 Torino, Italy

Abstract: Cu-based fungicides have been heavily used against the mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola, widespread in the Piedmont region (NW Italy). Vineyards with high Cu contents in the top soil, have been studied. The past Cu input was compared with the amounts of Cu actually measured. Downward migration rate of Cu was investigated by applying a mathematical model. A chemical, physical and mineralogical characterisation of the soil led to an interpretation of the remarkable difference in migration rate. Finally, the migration model was applied to forecast the future Cu evolution within the profiles.

Keywords: copper pollution; Italy; vineyard soils; accumulation; mobility; soil contamination; mathematical modelling; migration rate.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2009.026350

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2009 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.336 - 353

Published online: 07 Jun 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article