On February 11, 2025, Professor Michele Mossa was interviewed by RAI regarding the meteorological and marine monitoring stations in the Mar Grande and the Navigable Canal of the Mar Piccolo.
Overview of Taranto's Environmental Challenges
1. Severe Air, Soil, and Marine Pollution
1.1 Atmospheric pollution is primarily caused by industrial emissions from large facilities such as the former ILVA steel plant, the ENI refinery, and other heavy industries, leading to high levels of particulate matter, dioxins, and hazardous substances. 1.2 The soil is contaminated by heavy metals, oils, and industrial residues, resulting from decades of improper waste disposal. 1.3 Marine pollution stems from direct discharges or inadequate treatment of industrial wastewater, in addition to the accumulation of contaminated sediments on the seabed.
2. Contamination of Marine Sediments
2.1 Taranto’s seabed has been found to contain heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, arsenic), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), with severe consequences for the ecosystem and food chain. 2.2 The severity of the contamination has led to the designation of the area as a Site of National Interest (SIN), requiring urgent remediation efforts.
3. Presence of Hazardous Waste on the Seabed
3.1 The seabed hosts high-risk waste, including unexploded ordnance, sunken vessels with toxic cargo, and lost containers, posing both ecological threats and navigation hazards. 3.2 Their removal demands advanced technologies capable of operating under extreme depth and material complexity conditions.
Reasons for Marine Water Monitoring
1. Protection of Natural Resources and Environmental Restoration
1.1 Monitoring helps identify the most contaminated areas, providing essential data for targeted remediation efforts. 1.2 Continuous monitoring prevents further pollution deterioration and safeguards marine biodiversity by protecting vulnerable species.
2. Promotion of Sustainable Development
2.1 Taranto aims to transform its image into a center of excellence for pollution research and environmental restoration. 2.2 The collection of environmental data fosters the development of innovative technologies for water purification and sustainable resource management.
3. Creation of New Economic Opportunities
3.1 Marine water monitoring can attract investments and encourage the growth of businesses in the green economy, such as startups specializing in remediation, marine biotechnology, and environmental consulting. 3.2 Reliable environmental data is crucial for securing national and international funding, supporting an innovation-driven economy.
Conclusions
Marine water monitoring in Taranto is essential to:
Address severe environmental challenges.
Protect the ecosystem and public health.
Foster the transition toward a sustainable development model.
Taranto and Its Sea: The Importance of Environmental Monitoring
Introduction: The Fragile Marine Balance of Taranto
The waters of the Mar Piccolo and Mar Grande, once sources of prosperity through fishing and industry, now reflect a compromised ecosystem. Pollution, prolonged water renewal times, and anthropogenic pressures pose severe threats to the marine environment. Research conducted by Professor Michele Mossa’s team at the Polytechnic University of Bari has highlighted the necessity for continuous and targeted monitoring.
Major Environmental Pressure Sources
The Mar Piccolo, consisting of two basins (First and Second Inlet), and the Mar Grande, closely interconnected, are vulnerable to multiple sources of pressure:
Heavy Industry: The former ILVA steel plant, one of Europe’s largest, the ENI refinery, and other industrial facilities release pollutants.
Military and Port Activities: The presence of a naval base and an industrial port increases contamination risks.
Industrial and Civil Discharges: Many waste products are inadequately monitored and treated.
Key Indicators: Identifying Critical Areas
Research has introduced three fundamental indicators:
Water Renewal Time (WRT): Indicates the time required for complete water replacement in a given area.
Water Transit Time (WTT): Measures the duration a water particle takes to exit the basin.
Trapping Index (TI): Combines the two previous indicators to identify stagnation zones.
The Imperative of Environmental Monitoring
Findings emphasize the urgency of regular monitoring. Local authorities must:
Implement advanced technologies to detect pollution levels in real time.
Develop integrated management plans to reduce stagnation and enhance water renewal.
Protect marine biodiversity and ensure the safety of maritime-related economic activities.
Conclusion: A Future to Protect
The future of Taranto’s waters depends on timely and targeted interventions. Through collaboration among institutions, scientists, and citizens, it is possible to preserve this fragile ecosystem, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.
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LIC - Coastal Engineering Laboratory
