Influence of shipping activities on air and water quality in the Northern Adriatic Sea: A high-resolution modelling study

This study examined shipping's impact on air and water quality in the Northern Adriatic Sea using high-resolution models. Studied pollutants included cadmium, lead, benzo-a-pyrene, fluoranthene, ozone, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5). Shipping emissions, estimated via the Ship Traffic Emission Assessment Model (STEAM), were integrated with land-based emissions to simulate water and air quality using the ChemicalDrift and System for Integrated modeLling of Atmospheric coMposition (SILAM) models. Shipping contribution to water and sediments pollution is concentrated along shipping lanes, especially in early summer. Shipping contributes significantly to SO2 and NOx levels near harbours and shipping lanes, while O3 and PM2.5 changes affect the entire study area. A holistic evaluation for any management scenario considering both water and air quality will be needed to identify the best strategy to ensure both human health and marine environment protection.