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Mediterranean coasts at threat:
Hazards and challenges in the context of climate variability

sediments. A small Van Veen grab was used for sampling of superficial sediments.
Then sterile polystyrene/glass containers were used for storing samples at 4 °C until
laboratory analysis.

2.3 Laboratory analysis
Grain size distribution was determined by using the UNI EN 933-1 method, through
sieves type ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) E 11-70. All particle
fractions were subsequently dried at 105 °C, weighed and classified.
The chemical analysis were carried out in order to determine heavy metals, TriButylTin
(TBT), Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), PolyChlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs)
and hydrocarbons (C > 12) concentrations. A detailed description of the methodology
used in the present paper is reported in the work of FERRANTINI (2012).

P.le Marina

Figure 2. Sampling strategy for characterization of about 10.000 m2 of harbour seabed.

3. Results
The implementation of the conceptual model allowed the identification of four potential
sources of contamination, facing the harbour basin: (1) the gas station in front of the
quay, (2) the Florio industries where tuna processing was performed, (3) the
Camperia’s building (where boat’s storage and maintenance was performed) and (4) a
discharge of untreated waste water. A flow diagram of conceptual model for
contamination is reported in Fig. 3. The characterization of superficial sediments
allowed to determine both physical and chemical properties of particles. The grain size
revealed a percentages of silt and clay of about 1% (which increase with depth) and a
D50 of approximately 0,215 mm. The analytical tests detected a moderate exceedances
of limits indicated in column A and B of Annex 5 to Part IV of Legislative Decree
152/2006, for Cadmium, Arsenic, Lead, Tin, ΣPAH and TBT. The exceedances have led
to classify sediments with "yellow" color, when they fall within the 90% limit imposed
by the column 5 of Annex B to Part IV of LD n. 152/2006.

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