Impact of hydrothermal alteration processes on element mobility and potential environmental implications at the Sousaki solfataric field (Corinthia - Greece)

Abstract

Samples of efflorescences and encrustations of hydrothermal origin were collected at Sousaki (Greece) and analysed for their mineralogical (XRD) and chemical composition. Solutions obtained both from mineralization with HNO3 and from leaching with deionised water were analysed for major (ICP-OES), minor and trace metals (ICP-MS) and sulfate contents (IC). Results evidence the dependence of the chemical and mineralogical composition on micro-environmental conditions i.e. humidity, oxygen-rich or -poor environment, exposed or sheltered from meteoric agents. In fact, the presence of highly soluble sulfate minerals with elevated contents of many metals (e.g. Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, etc.) further underscores the important influence of hydrothermal activity on elements' mobility, whilst the sometimes very high concentrations in toxic elements like Al, Cr, Ni suggest also possible environmental impacts.