Atmospheric deposition in the lagoon of Venice and river inputs from the watershed were collected and analysed over more than one year (1999-2000) using the same analytical methods. The input from riverine sources largely prevails (>70%) over that from the atmosphere for As, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, nitrogen and phosphorus. Equivalent amounts of Hg, Pb, PCB, HCB are discharged into the lagoon from the two sources, whilst atmospheric inputs prevail for Cd, ammonia and dioxins. A comparison with figures of maximum allowable discharges (MAD) for various compounds, recently set by the Italian Ministry for the Environment, showed that total inputs (riverine + atmospheric) of trace metals were lower than the MAD only for Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn. The total inputs of Cu and Ni, and Cr and Zn were approximately 20% and 40% of the MAD limit, respectively. The total phosphorus input of 284 t was close to the imposed limit, whilst the total inorganic nitrogen load (>4000 t) was much higher than the MAD. For those metals and POPs (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, PCDD/Fs) where the MAD states that the load should tend to “0” (no discharge), the measured inputs of 4.8 (As) and 5.1 t (Pb), 151 (Cd) and 39 kg (Hg), 18 g (PCDD/F) and 440 mg (TEQPCDD/F) are by definition “above” the MAD. Using principal component analysis (PCA) data have been compared with available input profiles (markers) related to production typologies, both in the watershed and in the industrial zone located on the lagoon border (Porto Marghera). PCA showed that river and atmosphere contributions can be easily separated and recognised due to their different fingerprints. In particular, riverine inputs were more similar to chemical and glass work production markers, whereas atmospheric ones appeared to be mainly influenced by industry (PVC and VCM production), metallurgy and paper-mill. These results highlight the need to implement improved technologies in order to arrive at a “good ecological status” for all surface and ground water bodies by 2015, as stated by the EU Water Framework Directive.

Relative contribution of atmospheric and riverine inputs of metals, nutrients and POPs into the Lagoon of Venice.

BETTIOL, Cinzia;MOLINAROLI, Emanuela;
2005-01-01

Abstract

Atmospheric deposition in the lagoon of Venice and river inputs from the watershed were collected and analysed over more than one year (1999-2000) using the same analytical methods. The input from riverine sources largely prevails (>70%) over that from the atmosphere for As, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, nitrogen and phosphorus. Equivalent amounts of Hg, Pb, PCB, HCB are discharged into the lagoon from the two sources, whilst atmospheric inputs prevail for Cd, ammonia and dioxins. A comparison with figures of maximum allowable discharges (MAD) for various compounds, recently set by the Italian Ministry for the Environment, showed that total inputs (riverine + atmospheric) of trace metals were lower than the MAD only for Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn. The total inputs of Cu and Ni, and Cr and Zn were approximately 20% and 40% of the MAD limit, respectively. The total phosphorus input of 284 t was close to the imposed limit, whilst the total inorganic nitrogen load (>4000 t) was much higher than the MAD. For those metals and POPs (As, Cd, Hg, Pb, PCDD/Fs) where the MAD states that the load should tend to “0” (no discharge), the measured inputs of 4.8 (As) and 5.1 t (Pb), 151 (Cd) and 39 kg (Hg), 18 g (PCDD/F) and 440 mg (TEQPCDD/F) are by definition “above” the MAD. Using principal component analysis (PCA) data have been compared with available input profiles (markers) related to production typologies, both in the watershed and in the industrial zone located on the lagoon border (Porto Marghera). PCA showed that river and atmosphere contributions can be easily separated and recognised due to their different fingerprints. In particular, riverine inputs were more similar to chemical and glass work production markers, whereas atmospheric ones appeared to be mainly influenced by industry (PVC and VCM production), metallurgy and paper-mill. These results highlight the need to implement improved technologies in order to arrive at a “good ecological status” for all surface and ground water bodies by 2015, as stated by the EU Water Framework Directive.
2005
550
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10278/15365
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