Using the Sediment Flow Connectivity Index to assess the environmental risk of naturally occurring fluoro-edenite: the unique case of Biancavilla (Italy)

Monitoring soil pollution caused by contaminated sediment transport is an increasing concern, particularly in areas exposed to specific mineralogical hazards. This study introduces an innovative experimental application of the Sediment Flow Connectivity Index (SfCI) to enhance soil pollution monitoring at the Biancavilla site (Etna, Italy), an area severely affected by fluoro-edenite fiber contamination. By applying the SfCI, we aim to characterize sediment dynamics and identify regions potentially prone to the transport and accumulation of pollutants. A key contribution of the SfCI lies in its ability to enable the detection of potential pollution hotspots, offering an efficient means of preliminary monitoring. This capability allows us immediately identify areas that need further field investigation and detailed sampling. The most significant key finding is that the index identified two primary sediment pathways crossing the quarry, which then diverge through the urban area and surrounding territory before entering the watercourse. Although the current application remains theoretical, we propose future validation through targeted soil sampling and hyperspectral imaging to confirm model predictions and refine monitoring accuracy. This approach presents a promising framework for integrating geomorphological connectivity analyses into soil pollution management strategies, providing real-time insights and enhancing the efficiency of monitoring in contaminated environments