Trace elements in vegetables grown in an area exposed to the emissions of geothermal power plants

Concentrations of three trace elements were determined in the edible portions of lettuce plants, other vegetable plants and in forages from a geothermal area in Tuscany (Central Italy). No phytotoxicity evidence was observed. When compared to samples collected from the market and in fields far from the geothermal fields, increase in As, Hg and Sb was found, but levels reported did not seem to pose either phytopathological implications or health risks for consumers. A relevant fraction of the metal load was simply deposited onto the leaf surfaces.