Integrated physical–chemical and ecotoxicological approach in the management of dredging sediments from Palermo Harbour

Abstract

With regard to the impact of dredging activities in harbour environments on aquatic ecosystems, the aim of this study was to integrate results obtained from a research project carried out in Palermo Harbour in 1999. In particular, an ecotoxicological approach, together with physical–chemical analysis, was introduced to assess the quality of the dredging sediment. This study provides important data and information for the realisation of a handbook on handling of marine sediments in Italy.

Keywords:

• marine sediments
• ecotoxicology
• dredging
• harbour
• management

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Prof. Dr Francesca Brewerton for her priceless help in the translation into English. This research was supported by the Port Authority of Palermo.