Enhancing the performance of hazard indexes in assessing hot spots of harbour areas by considering hydrodynamic parameters. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mali, Matilda; De Serio, Francesca; Dell'Anna, Maria Michela; Mastrorilli, Piero; Damiani, Leonardo; Mossa, Michele
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 73(2017)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Hazard assessment indexes -- Hydrodynamic parameters -- Harbor sediment -- Cumulative contamination index -- Hot-spot identification; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2016.09.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Hydrodynamic conditions acting within the shallow port basin are investigated. Bottom shear stress controls fine-grain sediments resuspension in the surface layers. High correlation between sediment hazard index and bottom shear stress is found. Port hydrodynamics knowledge boosts predictable responses on hot spot identification. Port survey strategy requires combination of hydrodynamic with bio-chemical datasets. Abstract: The hazard assessment strategies for harbour areas usually rely on tools able to predict environmental threats posed by contaminated sediments, mostly based on biological and chemical parameters and distinctly less on hydrological factors. Although ports are considered semi-enclosed and low-energy systems with scarce capacity to disperse contaminants to the open sea, the hydrological pattern established within the port basin cannot be neglected, especially when the localisation of hot spots is required for clean-up and remediation actions. In the present study we considered both approaches (biological/chemical and hydrological) for assessing hot spots of harbour areas. In particular, the relationship between the sediment hazard assessment c_NWAC (cumulative Normalized and Weighted Average Concentration) index (which is based on chemical and biological data) and a properly selected hydrodynamic parameter (the bottom shear stress) of the port area was investigated. This study demonstrates that marine currents influence significantly the fine-grained fraction distribution of the surficial sediments, and thus, the spatial and temporal variability of contaminant concentration. The evaluation of hydrodynamic parameters enhances the performance of hazard tools in the localization of areas of most concern and thus a detailed knowledge of the hydrodynamic features of the port seabed is advisable before defining a proper characterisation strategy for the harbour area.