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6HGLPHQWFKDUDFWHULVDWLRQ FIGURE 4 Sampling strategy for characterisation of about 10,000
A preliminary characterisation was carried out by m2 of harbour seabed
analytical investigations (of chemical and physical
parameters), considering only superficial sediments Society for Testing and Materials) E 11-70. Mesh
collected in four sampling stations deemed as sieves with light 1000 Ăm, 500 Ăm, 250 Ăm, 180 Ăm,
representative of the harbour area having extension of 125 Ăm, 63 Ăm and 38 Ăm have been used. All particle
about 100x90 m. The main goal of the characterization fractions were subsequently dried at 105 °C, weighed
of sedimentary bodies potentially contaminated and classified.
is to determine the spatial distribution (horizontal The chemical analyses were carried out at the
and vertical) of the concentrations of contaminants “Laboratory for the Exploitation of Raw Materials and
within the identified critical areas. It is very useful to Fluids” of Sapienza University of Rome, with regard
define the most appropriate remediation strategies. to heavy metals determination, and at the laboratory
Another set of objectives can be pursued through of the Technical Unit Characterization, Prevention
characterization, such as: and Environmental Remediation (UTPRA/GEOC)
• textural characteristics of the material; of ENEA Casaccia Research Centre, for TBT, PAHs,
• possible relationship between the distribution of PCBs and hydrocarbons (C > 12) determination. No
microbiological analyses were performed on the
contaminants and grain size of the particles; samples. A detailed description of the methodology
• thickness of the sedimentary layers and the used is reported in the work of Ferrantini [13].

morphology of the rocky substrate; 7HFKQLFDODQGHFRQRPLFDQDO\VLV
• bioavailability and effects of contamination on RIUHPHGLDWLRQWHFKQRORJLHV
A detailed technical and economic analysis of the
marine organisms and their possible transfer; treatment and remediation technologies was conducted
• concentration of the contaminants along the water on the basis of literature review [14], budget estimation
(market research) and results of tests carried out on
column in sensitive areas; other contaminated sites. The most reliable sources
• natural or anthropogenic origin of trace metals, of data and information have been catalogued,
classified and, for each technology, a range of costs was
particularly in areas where there are geological determined.
formations with abnormal levels of them.
In the present work we have chosen a deterministic
strategy [11, 12], which provides the positioning of
sampling stations in areas where accumulation of
pollutants takes place. Four sampling stations were
chosen near the dock in front of Piazzale Marina (Figure
4), which is the first barrier hindering the deposition of
coastal sediments. Frequent siltation of the structure is
due to the anticlockwise circulation inside the harbour
generated during mistral winds.
A Van Veen grab (bucket-type) with a capacity of
about 5 liters was used for sampling of superficial
sediments. Samples were then collected from the
bucket using sterile polystyrene/glass containers
and stored in the refrigerator at 4 °C until laboratory
analysis.
The physical analyses were conducted at the
“Laboratory for the Exploitation of Raw Materials
and Fluids” of Sapienza University of Rome. Grain
size distribution was determined by using the UNI EN
933-1 method, through sieves type ASTM (American

40 EAI Energia, Ambiente e Innovazione 4/2015