Qualità ambientale e problemi di conservazione dei fontanili nella pianura tra Piacenza e Parma

Environmental quality and conservation problems of the lowland springs in the Provinces of Piacenza and Parma (Italy) - The “fontanili” are natural resurgences occurring along the alluvial fans of the main watercourses, namely in the transition zone from the higher to lower plain which is characterized by changes in slope profile and sediment granulometry. From 1998 to 2002, environmental characteristics of lowland springs in the provinces of Piacenza and Parma were analysed. The main hydrochemical and physical variables and parameters were measured. Most of the biotopes exhibited poor water quality, especially due to high nitrate concentrations. The lack of conservation measures, together with inappropriate management practices, led to a progressive loss of biological diversity, in particular of species adapted to cold water environments.