Atmospheric pollution originating from the interaction of different gaseous effluents

During the last few years, several episodes of atmospheric pollution have been reported in a limited area near Guidonia, Rome. The area contains a disposal plant, Inviolata, for the collection of municipal solid waste (MSW) and a famous thermal water resort, the Acque Albule spring, which is a source of water rich in H2S. We conducted a multiparametric study in the areas surrounding the solid waste disposal plant and the Acque Albule spring. The concentration of main gaseous effluent was continuously monitored over a period of 4 months and the data relating to the meteorologic conditions in the area during the last few decades were examined. Our results suggest that most of the atmospheric pollution is due to the interaction of different gaseous effluents. Specifically, the presence of relatively high levels of hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere, constantly released in large amounts by the Acque Albule springs, and of biogases (mainly hydrocarbons) from the organic matter present in the solid waste continuously unloaded and stored at the disposal plant, lead to mixing and photochemical interactions between these chemical compounds, which in turn are responsible for most of the polluting effects. Such interactions are promoted by the strong solar irradiation in the area that is enhanced by the peculiar local meteorological features that do not allow the pollutants to disperse.