Atmospheric pollution in Venice,Italy, as indicated by isotopic analyses

Rainwater samples collected in Venice over a period of about 1 yr were studied along with stone samples collected from buildings and monuments. Isotopic measurements of O, S, and C were carried out on rainwater, rainwater dissolved sulfate, carbonate in stone, and sulfate present in altered limestone, with the purpose of proving that atmospheric pollution is mainly responsible for the deterioration of monuments and buildings. The results obtained lead to the conclusion that, in spite of the geographic position of the city, atmospheric sulfate in Venice is basically tied to the emission of anthropogenic SO₂ and that only minor contribution can be expected from seawater spray and aerosols. The measurements carried out on stone samples clearly indicate that stonework is damaged by the interaction between limestone and S-bearing atmospheric pollutants.