Assessment of heavy metal background values in the soils of inland coastal areas of Venice, Italy.

The main aim of this project was to assess background levels of heavy metals in soil in the inland coastal area of Venice, Italy. The pilot study area is located near the industrial area of Porto Marghera, considered of national interest in terms of contaminated soil remediation (Environmental Ministerial Decree n. 471/1999). The Decree under consideration emphasises the importance of the assessment of background values in soil remediation. Results will show cases (As and Sn) in which background values are greater than concentration limit standards given by legislation.