On March 27, 2025, TG Leonardo, the scientific news program of RAI, aired a report on the monitoring stations in the Seas of Taranto, featuring an interview with Prof. Michele Mossa.
Introduction to Taranto’s Environmental Challenges
1. Severe Air, Soil, and Marine Pollution
1.1 Air pollution is primarily caused by industrial emissions from large plants such as the former ILVA steelworks, the ENI refinery, and other heavy industries, leading to high levels of particulate matter, dioxins, and harmful substances.
1.2 The soil is contaminated with heavy metals, oils, and industrial residues, the result of decades of improper disposal.
1.3 Marine pollution stems from direct discharge or inadequate treatment of industrial wastewater, as well as the accumulation of contaminated sediments on the seabed.
2. Contamination of Marine Sediments
2.1 The seabed of Taranto 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 situation has led to the designation of a Site of National Interest (SIN), requiring urgent remediation efforts.
3. Presence of Hazardous Waste on the Seabed
3.1 The seabed contains high-risk waste, including wartime ordnance, sunken ships with toxic cargo, and lost containers, posing both ecological and navigational hazards.
3.2 Their removal requires 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 the worsening of pollution and safeguards marine biodiversity, protecting vulnerable species.
2. Promotion of Sustainable Development
2.1 Taranto aims to transform its image by becoming a center of excellence in pollution research and environmental recovery.
2.2 The collection of environmental data promotes the development of innovative technologies for water purification and sustainable resource management.
3. Creation of New Economic Opportunities
3.1 Water monitoring can attract investments and foster the emergence 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 monitoring in Taranto is essential to:
• Address severe environmental issues.
• Protect the ecosystem and public health.
• Facilitate the transition to 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 a source of prosperity due to fishing and industry, now reflect a compromised ecosystem. Pollution, long water renewal times, and human pressures pose severe threats to the marine environment. Studies conducted by Prof. Michele Mossa’s research group at the Polytechnic University of Bari have highlighted the urgent need for continuous and targeted monitoring.
Main Sources of Environmental Pressure
The Mar Piccolo, characterized by two inlets (First and Second Basin), and the Mar Grande, which is 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 the risk of contamination.
• Industrial and civilian discharges: Many waste materials are not adequately monitored or treated.
Key Indicators: Identifying Critical Areas
Studies have introduced three fundamental indicators:
Water Renewal Time (WRT): Measures the time required for the complete replacement of water in an area.
Water Transit Time (WTT): Measures the time it takes for a water particle to exit the basin.
Trapping Index (TI): Combines the previous two indicators to identify stagnation zones.
The Urgency of Environmental Monitoring
The results underscore the need for regular monitoring. Local authorities must:
• Adopt advanced technologies to detect pollution levels in real time.
• Implement integrated management plans to reduce stagnation and improve water renewal.
• Protect marine biodiversity and ensure the safety of marine-related economic activities.
Conclusion: A Future to Protect
The fate of Taranto’s waters depends on timely and targeted interventions. With 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
