FINAL REPORT
European Commission Directorate General Environment
Verification of Vulnerable Zones Identified Under the Nitrate Directive and Sensitive Areas Identified Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
Italy
June 2000
Environmental Resources Management 8 Cavendish Square, London W1M 0ER Telephone 0171 465 7200 Facsimile 0171 465 7272 Email [email protected] http://www.ermuk.com FINAL REPORT
European Commission Directorate General Environment
Verification of Vulnerable Zones Identified Under the Nitrate Directive and Sensitive Areas Identified Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive
Italy
June 2000
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1.1 BACKGROUND
This Final Report presents the findings of a project carried out on behalf of the European Commission – DG Environment entitled:
Verification of the Vulnerable Zones Identified Under the Nitrates Directive and Sensitive Areas Identified Under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive Contract B4-3040/98/000705/MAR/D1 This report presents the results of the investigations carried out in Italy.
1.2 SCOPE
This report is a review of the areas designated as Sensitive Areas in conformity with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC and Vulnerable Zones in conformity with the Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC in Italy. The review also includes suggestions for further areas that should be designated within the scope of these two Directives. Although the two Directives have different objectives, the areas designated as sensitive or vulnerable are reviewed simultaneously because of the similarities in the designation process.
The investigations will focus upon:
• Checking that those waters that should be identified according to either Directive have been; • in the case of the Nitrates Directive, assessing whether vulnerable zones have been designated correctly and comprehensively.
The identification of vulnerable zones and sensitive areas in relation to the Nitrates Directive and Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive is carried out according to both common and specific criteria, as these are specified in the two Directives.
1.2.1 The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC)
The Directive concerns the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater as well as biodegradable wastewater from certain industrial sectors.
The designation of sensitive and less sensitive areas is required by the Directive, since depending on the sensitivity of the receptor, treatment of a different level is necessary prior to discharge. According to the Directive, discharges into sensitive areas require more stringent treatment, whereas for those into some less sensitive areas a primary treatment is considered to be sufficient.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 1 Specifically, the designation of certain areas as sensitive is followed by the requirements that:
• Collection systems should have been provided at the latest by 31 December 1998 for agglomerations of more than 10,000 p.e. (Article 3 (1)); • Discharge into sensitive areas be subject to more stringent treatment that that described in Article 4, by 31 December 1998 at the latest for all discharges from agglomerations of more than 10,000 p.e.;
Under the terms of Article 5(5), more stringent standards than those required by Article 4 are also to be applied to discharges situated in the relevant catchment of sensitive areas and which contribute to the pollution of those areas. Article 4(1) of the Directive specifies secondary treatment as the norm for receiving waters which have neither been identified as a sensitive area nor as a less sensitive area.
Urban waste water discharges from agglomerations of between 10,000 to 150,000 p.e. into coastal waters and those from agglomerations of between 2,000 and 10,000 p.e into estuaries, in areas designated as less sensitive, are subject to treatment less stringent than the one prescribed in Article 4. According to the Directive such discharges should receive at least primary treatment, while comprehensive studies should indicate that they will not adversely affect the quality of the environment. Sensitive and less sensitive areas are identified in accordance with certain criteria laid down in Annex II. The identification process should have been completed by 31 December 1993 and reviewed at intervals of no more than four years. The criteria set by the Directive for the identification of sensitive areas are given in Annex II, as follows:
• Natural freshwater lakes, other freshwater bodies, estuaries and coastal waters which are found to be eutrophic or which in the near future may become eutrophic if protective action is not taken. The following elements might be taken into account when considering which nutrient should be reduced by further treatment:
• lakes and streams reaching lakes/reservoirs/closed bays which are found to have a poor water exchange, whereby accumulation may take place. In these areas, the removal of phosphorous should be included unless it can be demonstrated that the removal will have no effect on the level of eutrophication. Where discharges from large agglomerations are made, the removal of nitrogen may also be considered; • estuaries, bays and other coastal waters which are found to have a poor water exchange, or which receive large quantities of nutrients. Discharges from small agglomerations are usually of minor importance in those areas, but for large agglomerations the removal of phosphorous and/or nitrogen should be included unless it can be demonstrated that the removal will have no effect on the level of eutrophication
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 2 • surface freshwaters intended for the abstraction of drinking water which could contain more than the concentration of nitrate laid down under the relevant provisions of Council Directive 75/440/EEC concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the Member States, if action is not taken;
• areas where further treatment than the prescribed in Article 4 of this Directive is necessary to fulfil the Council Directives.
For the purpose of this Directive eutrophication is defined as “the enrichment of water by nutrients, especially compounds of nitrogen and/or phosphorous, causing an accelerated growth of algae and higher forms of plant life to produce an undesirable disturbance to the balance of the organisms present in the water and to the quality of the water concerned”.
1.2.2 The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC)
The Directive concerns the protection of water against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. The Directive has the dual objective of reducing water pollution caused or induced by agricultural sources and to prevent further pollution.
Since certain zones, draining into waters vulnerable to pollution from nitrogen compounds, require special protection, the Directive requires (Article 3) all Member States to identify waters that are affected or could be affected by pollution and designate as vulnerable zones all known areas of land which drain into these waters. The designation process should had been completed within two years of the notification of the Directive and reviewed whenever necessary, or at least every four years, to take into account changes and factors unforeseen at the time of the previous designation.
For the purpose of realising the objectives set by the Directive, Member States are requested to establish action programmes in respect of the designated vulnerable zones and which may be related to all vulnerable zones in the territory or may be different for different zones or parts of zones. Action programmes should be established within a two-year period following the initial designation or within one year of each additional designation.
The criteria for identifying nitrate-polluted waters, referred to in Article 3(1), are given in Annex I, as follows:
• “whether surface freshwaters, in particular those used or intended for the abstraction of drinking water, contain or could contain more than 50mg nitrate/l (if action pursuant to article 5 is not taken); • whether groundwaters contain more than 50mg/l nitrates or could contain more (if action pursuant to article 5 is not taken); • whether, natural freshwater lakes, other freshwater bodies, estuaries, coastal waters and marine waters are found to be eutrophic or in the near future may become eutrophic (if action pursuant to article 5 is not taken)”
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 3 For the scope of the Directive “pollution” is defined as “the discharge, directly or indirectly, of nitrogen compounds from agricultural sources into the aquatic environment, the results of which are such as to cause hazards to human health, harm to living resources and to aquatic ecosystems, damage to amenities of interference with other legitimate uses of water”. Article 6 of the Directive describes the requirements for the monitoring programme that should be established for the measurement of nitrate concentrations in surface and groundwaters, as well as the assessment of the eutrophic state of freshwaters.
1.3 INFORMATION GATHERING
In order to obtain the required information, all main organisations involved in water quality monitoring and data collection were contacted . It included national and regional authorities, national/regional agencies, water companies, research organisations and universities. These are listed in Table 1.1.
Table 1.1 Main organisations Contacted
Organisation
Acquedotto Pugliese, Siciliani, Vesuviano, Umbriana, di Torino ANPA (Agenzia Nazionale Protezione Ambiente) APS SPA di Padova ARIN di Napoli ARPA ASIS (Salerno, Cassino, Lazio, Campagnia, Calabria, Sicilia) Autorita’ di Bacino del Fiume Po Cattedra di Chimica Marina (Universita’ di Genova) CNR CNR ISDGM (Istituto per lo Studio della Dinamica delle Grandi Masse) Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia di Pallanza Consorzio Acque Potabili Di Milano Dirigente Settore Rilevamento Controllo Tutela e Risanamento Acque ENEA Federazione Gas Acqua ICRAM Ispettorato Centrale Difese del Mare IRSA Istituto Universitario Navale (IUN) Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale, Abruzzo e Molise “G. Caporale JRC, ISPRA Laboratorio di Studi Ambientali del Canton Ticino Laboratorio Oceanografico Biologico, Stazione Zoologica “A. Dohrn” Melenda di Catania (Zona Etnea) Meta di Modena Ministry of the Environment SEABO di Bologna Sector Water Researches Management, JRC Ispra (Varese) Ufficio Tutela delle Acque della Regione Lombardia
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 4 2 REVIEW OF IMPLEMENTATION IN ITALY
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.1.1 Water Policy Background
The Water Pollution Control Law (the “Merli” Law) of 1976 was the first comprehensive piece of legislation, controlling discharges into surface and ground water from industrial and municipal sources. In 1982 the first legislation for drinking water was introduced (Presidential Decree 515) which encompasses EC directive 75/440. Framework Law 183/1989 was then implemented and has been of great significance as it identified the river basin as the geographic basis for coordinating land use and water management issues. River basin authorities are given the authority to draw up watershed plans as opposed to the responsibility lying with the regions, as previously under the Merli law.
In January 1994 legislation dealing with water resources (the “Galli” law) was introduced. This enabled the regions and municipalities to set user charges and raise finance in the areas of both the supply of water and waste water treatment.
Both the Urban Waste Water Directive and the Nitrates Directive were implemented by Decreto Legislativo n.152 of 11 Maggio 1999. The implementation of both Directives in Italy is discussed in Section 2.2.2.
2.1.2 Institutional Framework
The Ministry of the Environment is responsible for ensuring investment in water-related programmes. Regional governments have the responsibility for implementing regional water management legislation, monitor water resources and drawing up resource inventories. The Merli law entitled them to formulate regional water purification plans which are then used to set priorities for investment in water supply and wastewater treatment.
Wastewater discharges from municipal sources are kept under control through permits issued by Provincial governments. These permits are a record for monitoring compliance. Municipal councils, supported by Local Health Units, are responsible for monitoring industrial wastewater. The treatment and delivery of drinking water is undertaken principally by these municipalities or by separate companies jointly owned by a collection of municipalities. Private companies tend to play only a small role.
In addition special-purpose bodies have also been set up. Under law 183/1989 on the integration of water and soil management , river basin authorities were set up whose role is to co-ordinate land and water use in their own basin. They are also required to create watershed plans which are then used as a guide for regional and local authorities in the respective basins.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 5 Investment priorities in water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment are additionally left to these authorities.
As reported in OECD (1994), “there are six “national” basins which together cover about 45 per cent of Italy’s land area; they include the Po, Adige, Arno and Tiber basins. A further 15 “regional” basins comprise 17 per cent, and 17 “inter-regional” basins cover the remaining 8 per cent of total territory. Each authority is comprised of representatives of central government agencies and the relevant regional bodies”.
2.2 URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT
The majority of agglomerations in Italy are serviced by a mixed type of sewerage reticulation system (i.e they carry rainwater runoff as well as sewage) which can cause problems due to fluctuating flows arriving at wastewater treatment plants.
In 1994 it was reported 1 that “in terms of municipal wastewater treatment, about half of the country’s sewage effluents are discharged untreated into receiving water, one quarter under goes primary treatment only, and one quarter receives secondary treatment or higher. Only about half of the municipalities, comprising just over 60 percent of the total population are connected to treatment plants”. The majority of the treatment plants are small scale and management problems are significant. Under law 36/1994 water utilities were consolidated into larger units to deal with problems related to treatment standards and process control.
Furthermore, “the present capacity of municipal treatment facilities can be estimated at about 67 million p.e. Funding has been approved to take this figure to more than 83 million p.e. Over and above this figure there is a residual demand of 53 million p.e. if the requirements of EC directive 91/271 are to be met. This directive requires the progressive installation by the year 2005 of secondary treatment capacity for all settlements with p.e. equal or greater than 10 000. The capital cost involved has been estimated at L 19 000 billion, i.e in the order of L 600 billion per annum between 1993 and 2005”.
2.3 THE URBAN WASTE WATER TREATMENT DIRECTIVE - REVIEW OF THE DESIGNATION PROCESS
2.3.1 Transposition of the Directive in Italy
(1) Introduction
Directive 91/271 concerning urban wastewater treatment was transposed by Decreto Legislativo n.152 of 11 Maggio 1999. Implementation of the Directive in Italy prior to this decree is reviewed below (see State of Implementation).
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 6 (2) Criteria for the Identification of Sensitive and Less Sensitive Areas
Closely following Directive 91/271, Allegato 6 of Decreto Legislativo n.152 of 11 Maggio 1999 states that hydrological systems falling under one of the following groups are to be considered as Sensitive Areas:
• natural lakes, other freshwaters, estuaries and coastal waters already eutrophic, or probably exposed to eutrophication in the absence of specific protective measures; • surface freshwaters intended for potable water which would contain, in the absence of intervention, more than 50 mg/L nitrates (in conformity with directive 75/440 concerning the quality of surface waters destined for the production of potable water); • areas which require, due to the presence of wastes, further treatment beyond secondary treatment in order to conform to the prescriptions given in this law.
(3) Designated Sensitive Areas
The designation of Sensitive Areas is addressed in Article 18, which states as follows:
1. Sensitive Areas are to be identified according to criteria set out in Allegato 6 (see Criteria for the identification of Sensitive and Less Sensitive Areas below).According to the first assessment, the following areas have been designated as Sensitive Areas: • “those lakes meeting the criteria in Allegato 6, also water courses entering them up to 10 km upstream; • the lagunes of Orbetello, Ravenna and Piallassa-Baiona, the Valli di Comacchio, saline lakes and the Po Delta; • wetlands identified under the Ramsar Convention of 2 February 1971 and Presidential decree n.448 of 13 March 1976; • the North-West Adriatic coast from the mouth of the Adige to Pesaro, and water courses entering the sea up to 10 km upstream; • water bodies where traditional fish production activities are carried out and require protection”.
3. Article 18 leaves unaltered current laws relating to the protection of Venice.
4. On the basis of the criteria established by Allegato 6, and consulting the Autorita’ di bacino, the Regioni may, within one year of entry into force of the law, designate further Sensitive Areas within those areas identified under clause 2 above, ie. water bodies not so far designated Sensitive Areas.
5. The Regions may also designate drainage basins in the Sensitive Areas that may contribute to the pollution of these areas.Every 4 years, the Sensitive Areas are to be re-assessed. 7. New Sensitive Areas identified under clause 4 and 6 must satisfy the requirements of Article 32 (which governs the discharge of urban waste
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 7 water in water bodies falling within Sensitive Areas) within 7 years of identification As can be seen above, the Decree does not provide a detailed lists of all the areas designated as Sensitive Areas. However information provided by the authorities show that the designated sensitive areas are:
• Lago di Iseo; • Lago di Garlate • Lago di Como; • Lago di Lugano; • Lago Maggiore; • Lago Trasimeno; • Lago di San Giovani • Area Lagunare Piallassa - Baione; • Area Lagunare Piallassa - Piombone; • Laguna di Venezia; • Delta del Po; • Aree Lagunari di Orbetello; • Area Costale dell’Adriatico Nord-Occidentale;
2.3.2 State of implementation of Directive 91/271/EEC
Directive 91/271/EEC has only been implemented recently in Italy. This section summarises the steps that were taken in Italy before the implementation of the Directive.
Before Directive 91/271 was properly implemented in Italy, the Senate had approved a text (Atto Senato 1780-A, art. 15) which provided for the adoption of measures for effective prevention and reduction of pollution, re-ordered the system of penalties, and provided for the revision of tariffs for water supply, sewerage and purification services in order to cover, at least in part, the costs of upgrading infrastructure to European norms, while unifying Italian laws for the protection of waters from pollution. Up to the implementation of Decreto Legislativo n.152 of 11 Maggio 1999, actions taken were considered to be in conformity with the guidelines of the Directive. Thus, Law 172/95, Article 1, established that the Regions must update plans to restore waters according to the Directive, and also revise plans taking into consideration the quality of each water body into which wastes discharge. Other actions included interventions at Laguna di Orbetello, the Sarno complex, the Venice lagoon, the Puglia region and the Po Basin.
In anticipation of the transposition of Directive 91/271/EEC, Decreto Legge 67/1997 Article 6 (later modified by Law 135/1997) provided for an ‘extraordinary Plan for completion and rationalisation of the system of collection and purification.’ The Plan anticipates possible interventions to be implemented in
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 8 agreement between the Regions, the Autorita’ di bacino nazionale and the local agencies. These include: Plans to clean waters, water basin Plans, regional programme Documents for the water sector financed within the Programma Triennale per la Tutela dell’Ambiente (PTTA) 1994-96.
The following main objectives were identified:
• protection of the following water bodies:
• rivers at risk; • highly compromised rivers; • lakes, lagoons and wetlands; • coastal waters;
• protection of soils and of aquifers where affected by waste waters. Areas identified for priority intervention included urban, industrial and coastal areas.
The Plan provides for the appointment of Commissioners ad acta in case of unjustified inertia of the competent organisations (Decreto legge 67/1997), in order to remove obstacles preventing realisation of the works.
Under Art.6 of Decreto Legge 67/1997, the Ministry of the Environment created an expert group to support the administration in the elaboration of plans, with the help of university and research centres. However, such actions and initiatives cannot be considered as effectively implementing the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive in any way.
2.4 DIRECTIVE 91/676/EEC - REVIEW OF THE DESIGNATION PROCESS
2.4.1 Transposition
Directive 91/676 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources was transposed into Italian law by Decreto Legislativo n.152 of 11 Maggio 1999. ‘Vulnerable Zones’ are defined under Article 2 as ‘territorial zones which discharge nitrate compounds of agricultural or agricultural origin directly or indirectly into water already polluted or which may become so as a consequence of such types of wastes.’ Article 19 states:
1. Vulnerable Zones are identified according to the criteria in Allegato 7/A-I (see Criteria for the identification of Vulnerable Zones below).
2. According to the first assessment, the areas listed in Allegato 7/A-III are designated as Vulnerable Zones (see below).
3. Within 6 months of the entry into force of the decree, on the basis of available data, and where possible on the basis of the criteria established in Allegato 7/A-I, the regions, in consultation with the Autorita’ di bacino, may
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 9 identify other Vulnerable Zones where, within the zones indicated in Allegato 7/A-III, there are parts which do not constitute Vulnerable Zones.
4. At least every 4 years, the regions, in consultation with the Autorita’di bacino, will review or complete the designation of Vulnerable Zones in order to take into account changes and factors unforeseen at the time of the present designation. To that end, the regions will plan and implement, every 4 years, a monitoring programme to verify the concentrations of nitrates in freshwaters for the period of one year, according to the prescriptions in Allegato 7/A-I, as well as re-assess the degree of nitrate- caused eutrophication of surface freshwaters, of “transition” waters and of coastal marine waters.
5. In the zones identified by clauses 2, 3 and 4 (article 19, Decreto Legislativo n.152 of 11 Maggio 1999), there must be implemented action programmes as specified at Clause 6, as well as the prescriptions contained in the code of good agricultural practice as given in the decree of the Minister for Agriculture dated 19.4.1999, published in S.O. at G.U. n.102 of 4.5.1999.
6. Within one year of entry into force of the present decree for the zones designated under Clauses 2 and 3 and within one year of the date of designation for those zones designated under Clause 4, the regions, on the basis of the criteria and of the measurements specified in Allegato 7/A-IV, will define or revise, if already put in place, obligatory action programmes for the maintenance and restoration of waters from pollution caused by nitrates of agricultural origin, and plan their implementation in the successive year for those vulnerable zones designated as specified at Clause 2 and 3, and in the succesive 4 years for those zones designated as specified at Clause 4.
7. The regions will also plan to:
• integrate, if appropriate, in relation to local requirements, the code of good agricultural practice, standardising its application; • plan interventions for training and information of farmers on the action programme and on the code of good agricultural practice; • elaborate and apply within 4 years from the definition or revision of the programmes as specified at Clause 6, the necessary instruments of control and verify the efficacy of these programmes on the basis of results obtained; where necessary, modify or integrate these individual programmes identifying, among the possible measures, those most effective, taking into account the cost of implementation.
8. Variations made to the designation, action programmes, results of the verification of effectiveness, and revisions made must be communicated to the Ministry of Environment, according to the means as indicated in Article 3, Clause 7. Timely notification of integration with the code of good agricultural practice as specified at Clause 7 a) above, as well as interventions for training and information must be given to the Ministry of Agriculture.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 10
9. In order to guarantee a general level of protection of waters, the code of good agricultural practice is recommended for application outside Vulnerable Zones.
2.4.2 Designated Vulnerable Zones
(a) Classification criteria
Allegato 7/A-I states:
Territorial zones which directly or indirectly discharge nitrate compounds in waters already polluted or which could become so as a consequence of such discharges are considered Vulnerable Zones. These waters are identified, based among other things on the following criteria:
• the presence of nitrates or their possible presence at a concentration >50
mg/l (expressed as NO3) in fresh surface waters, in particular those destined for the abstraction of drinking water, if no intervention taken under Article 19; • the presence of nitrates or their possible presence at a concentration >50
mg/L (expressed as NO3) in groundwaters, if no intervention taken under Article 19; • the presence of eutrophication or the possibility of verifying this phenomenon in the immediate future in natural freshwater lakes or other freshwaters, estauaries, coastal and marine waters, if no intervention taken under Article 19.
(b) Designated Vulnerable Zones
As stated in Allegato 7/A-III, in the first phase of implementation of the Directive, the following areas are designated as vulnerable to pollution by nitrates from agricultural sources:
• those already identified by the Regione Lombardia in implementation of Legge regionale n.37 of 15 December 1993; • those already identified by the Regione Emilia Romagna by deliberation of the regional council n.570 of 11 February 1997; • the conoid zone of the provinces of Modena, Reggio Emilia and Parma; • the area declared at risk of environmental crisis under Article 6 of Legge n.305 of 28 August 1989, of the Burana Po di Volano basin in the province of Ferrara; • the area declared at risk of environmental crisis under Article 6 of Legge n.305 of 28 August 1989, of the basins of the Rivers Fissero, Canal Bianco and Po di Levante (of the Regione Veneto).
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 11 More information on the identified Vulnerable Zones was requested. However, it appears that no detailed list/map of each of the designated Vulnerable Zones is available. Some of the areas listed above are those identified in legislation implemented prior to the implementation of the Nitrates Directive.
The information currently available, did not allow the consultant to clearly identified and locate each of the Vulnerable Zones designated by the Italian Authorities.
2.5 WATER MONITORING NETWORKS IN ITALY
2.5.1 Groundwater
The National Monitoring Network of Groundwaters of the Sistema Informativo Nazionale dell’Ambiente (SINA) is a national monitoring network which focuses on quantitative and qualitative monitoring of Italy’s most important aquifers. Detailed monitoring is carred out by the Regioni (regional administrations) within their administrative powers. In the first phase, SINA did not address mineral or thermal waters. The selection of aquifers was made using the latest available 1:500,000 hydrological map covering all Italy (that edited by CEE/CMP, 1983). A study initiated in 1990 by the Istituto di Ricerca Sulle Acque (IRSA) of the CNR, together with the Servizio Geologico Nazionale and a number of universities, investigated natural vulnerability and pollution risk in the Po Basin (the plains of Padana, Veneta, Friulana), an area of 45,000 sq km. Among the results are maps of the concentrations of nitrates in the principal aquifers (RSSA p.97, Fig.5), heavy metals, organo-chlorines and pesticides.
2.5.2 Surface water
The National Monitoring Network of Surface Waters of the Sistema Informativo Nazionale dell’Ambiente (SINA) began with an analysis of the geometry of the hydrological network and of the distribution of anthropogenic factors affecting surface waters. Sampling areas were selected for monitoring on the basis of their representativeness and national significance. The sampling areas represent all physiographic regions, the hydrological conditions and different land uses. The hydrological basin is used as the spatial unit for monitoring, and all basins of national and regional significance were considered. Within regions, basins were selected taking into account: the physical characteristics of the system, pressure factors affecting the system, and the presence of possible risk areas. The following basins were consequently selected:
• 11 basins classified of national significance in the sense of Law 183/89: Isonzo, Tagliamento, Livenza, Piave, Brenta-Bacchiglione, Adige, Po, Arno, Tevere, Liri-Garigliano e Volturno;
• 18 basins classified as of inter-regional significance in the sense of law 183/89: Lemene, Tartaro-C. Bianco, Reno, Marecchia, Conca, Tronto,
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 12 Sangro, Trigno, Saccione, Fortore, Ofanto, Bradano, Sinni, Magra, Fiora, Sele, Noce, Lao;
• 20 basins within areas declared (or to be declared) at high risk of environmental crisis under Law 349/89: Lambro, Olona e Seveso, Bormida, Burana-Po di Volano Polesine, Taro, Parma, Enza, Crostolo, Secchia e Panaro, Frigido, Sarno, Regi Lagni, Candelaro, Neto, Gela, Anapo, Flumentepido, Rio di Palmas;
• 4 basins identified for experimental actions for problems of environmental rehabilitation under Laws 183/89 and 305/89: Leogra-Timonchio, Serchio, Aterno-Pescara e Basento.
As this process resulted in some imbalance in geographical distribution of monitoring areas, other basins were added. In total, the sample covers 70% of the national area. Around 400 sampling sites were selected, providing, on average, a sampling station for every 800 sq km and a mean of 450,000 inhabitants.
Sampling is generally fortnightly but frequencies vary between regions and may be monthly or only once per season, while the Autorita’ di bacino sample bi-monthly or quarterly. For lakes and transitional waters, the frequency adopted is bi-annual under Law 10.5.1976 n.319. In conclusion, the new elements introduced by the SINA National Monitoring Network of Surface Waters are:
• use of the concept of ‘environmental control’ to verify the cause-effect relation between land use and analytical data; • standardisation at a national level of criteria of sampling, elaboration and transmission of the environmental data; • selection and activation of strategic, representative sampling stations.
The publication Relazione sullo Stato dell’Ambiente (Ministero dell’Ambiente, 1997) reports the first available regional data from the sampling stations of the national network. These reported data relate to the period 1991-1993, for the parameters used by IRSA-CNR for the attribution of quality classes. These parameters are: ammoniacal nitrate (NH4), phosphorus orthophosphate (PO4), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and faecal coliforms. To these were added values for nitrites (NO3). Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) were not considered due to variability in sampling methods preventing comparisons. Four levels of pollution are identified for each parameter.Table 2.1 IRSA-CNR classification scheme for attributing quality classes
Parameter unit Classes I Good II Medium III Poor IV Very Poor Dissolved oxygen mg/l 7-10 3-7 1-3 <1
BOD mg O2/l <3 3-7 7-10 10-1000
COD mg O2/l <10 10-20 20-30 30-1000 Ammonium mg N/l <0.03 0.03-0.5 0.5-1.0 1-300 Phosphates mg phosphorus/l <0.05 0.05-0.1 0.1-0.2 0.2-100
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 13 Fecal coliforms n/100 ml <101 101-2001 2001-20001 >20001 Nitrates mg N/l <0.05 0.05-1 1-10 >10
Figure 2.2 shows the class attributed to surface waters according to their nitrate concentration (as measured by the national network).
2.5.3 Overview of Water Quality in Italy
High population density in Italy generates a heavy domestic (urban) pollution burden, especially in Northern Italy. Industrial settlements are usually diffuse and this results in widely dispersed industrial pollution sources 1. It is reported in OECD (1994) that the available data “leave no doubt that in terms of water quality parameters surface waters are highly polluted at least in the lower reaches of most rivers”. The majority of lakes have also been monitored and it is reported that about twenty percent of them are considered to be eutrophic. It is also reports that many groundwater aquifers are vulnerable to human activity. Nitrate contamination has been reported, and together with other factors, does not allow abstraction of drinking water. On the whole, with the exception of the northern part of the Adriatic, coastal water quality appears to be satisfactory from about 3 kilometres from the shore 1. Of the various seas around Italy, the Adriatic is by far the most under pressure from contamination (mainly due to discharges from the various rivers in the northern basin). This has resulted in widespread bloom of micro and macroalgaes. Figure 2.2 shows the nitrate concentrations in surface water (where available). The figures clearly indicate 4 areas of concern:
• The Po basin (including the Milan agglomeration) ; • The north-western coast of the Adriatic; • The region of Umbria (around lake Trasimeno and Perugia) • The Mediterranean in the region of Naples.
Some of these areas are assessed in more detail in the subsequent sections. It must be stressed that many of the results of the monitoring campaigns initiated in the last few years are not yet fully available. Furthermore, the quality and quantity of data available vary significantly from one region to another. For instance, most of the data available are for the North of Italy, and more particularly the Alpine lakes, the Province of Milan, the Po catchment and the Adriatic. The further south, the less data are available. It can be seen in Figure 2.1 that no data are available for the centre-south of Italy. Impact of Agriculture on the Quality of Water
Agriculture has traditionally been a primary activity in Italy and above 70% of the land area is devoted to agricultural activities. In recent years, the impact of agriculture on the quality of water has become more and more apparent. The quality of groundwaters is of particular concern as, in many areas, it is
1 OECD (1994), Environmental Performance Reviews - Italy
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 14 the only source of water. According to Euraqua (1) , the situation has been such that the authorities “were obliged to temporarily raise the acceptability limits for potable water”.
Animal husbandry is widespread all over the country. The region with most animals are Piedmont, Lombardy, Venetian Plain, Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. In the Po basin, farm with more than 10,000 pigs are not uncommon. These region also have the highest consumption of nitrogen fertilisers. Agriculture is considered to be the main source of water contamination.
(1) EurAqua (1999), Farming without Harming: The Impact of Agricultural Pollution on Water Systems, Fifth Scientific and Technical Review.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 15 Figure 2.1 Nitrate Concentrations in Surface Waters
Source: Ministero dell’Ambiente (1997)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 16 3 THE NORTHERN LAKES
3.1 INTRODUCTION
About two years ago, a Working Group on deep southern Alpine lakes was formed and published a series of papers on these lakes, the most relevant of which are summarised in this chapter. These pluriannual studies have allowed an assessment of the current trophic state of the lakes: oligotrophy in the case of Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda, and eutrophication in the case of Lake Como, Lake Iseo, Lake Idro and Lake Lugano. It also provides data to assess the trends in the eutrophication phenomenon observed in these lakes (over the last ten years). It is reported that a clear improvement has been observed in lakes Maggiore and Lugano and a definite deterioration in Lake Iseo. Regarding lakes Como and Idro, the lack and discontinuity of data does not allow a definite trend to be identified. It must be mentioned that the eutrophication phenomenon is accentuated by the incomplete circulation in most these lakes (Mosello et al.) i. As detailed in Section 1 of this report, the following lakes have designated as Sensitive Areas:
• Iseo; • Lugano ; • Garlate; • Maggiore; • Como;
The following sections provide an assessment of the quality of the Northern lakes which are not listed above: Lake Orta, Lake Idro and Lake Garda.
3.2 CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS USED
For classification of lake waters, reference is made to data for samples collected from the whole water column at collection stations in the centre of each lake. For some of these points, many measurements are made each year, for others measurements are made only in spring and autumn at surface, half depth and lake-floor. Four methods of classification have been applied: • Classification of lake waters in the Regione Lombardia in the recovery plan; • OECD classification for internal waters for the determination of trophic levels; • EC classification, limited to aspects related to eutrophication; • Proposed common classification system for the natural lakes of the EU.
These systems are shown in the tables below.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 17 Table 3.1 Classification of freshwater lakes adopted in Lombardy (Italy)
Class Water allowable use A oligotrophic lakes: total P 10 mg/m3 - Drinking water supply, class 1, conservation of the natural environment and uses listed in B-D. B oligo-mesotrophic lakes: total P 10-20 mg/m£. Drinking water supply, class 2, fishery class 1, conservation of the natural environment, bathing and uses listed in C-D. C mesotrophic and meso-eutrophic lakes: total P 20-25 mg/m3. Drinking water supply, class 3, fishery class 2, conservation of the natural environment, bathing and uses listed in C-D. D eutrophic lakes: total P 50-100 mg/m3. Fishery class 2, agriculture and industrial uses, absence of acute toxicity with reference to the aquatic life. I polluted lakes: no use, except navigation
Table 3.2 OECD boundary values (fixed) for trophic classification
Trophic (P) (Chl) Max Chl (Sec.) Min* Sec. Category mg/m3 mg/m3 mg/m3 m m Ultra-oligotrophic <4 <1 <2.5 >12 >6 Oligotrophic <10 <2.5 <8.0 >6 >3 Mesotrophic 10-35 2.5-8 8-25 6-3 3-1.5 Eutrophic 35-100 8-25 25-75 3-1.5 1.5-0.7 Hyper-eutrophic >100 >25 >75 <1.5 <0.7 (*) these values will only apply in lakes which are free of significant water colour
Table 3.3 ECE -classification of the ecological quality for lakes
Variable I II III IV V Oligotrophic Mesotrophic Moderately Strongly Hypertrophic eutrophic eutrophic A. Oxygen regime DO (%) epilimnion (stratified waters) 90-110 110-120 120-130 130-150 >150 hypolimnion (stratified 90-70 70-50 50-30 30-10 <10 waters) unstratified waters 90-70 70-50 50-30 30-10 <10 DO (mg/l) >7 7-6 6-4 4-3 <3
COD-Mn (mgO2/l) >3 3-10 10-20 20-30 >30
B. Eutrophication Total P (µgP/l) <10 10-25 25-50 50-125 >125 Total N (µgP/l) <300 300-750 750-1500 1500-2500 >2500 Chlo -a (µg/l) <2.5 2.5-10 10-30 30-110 >110
C. Acidification pH (values <9.0 only) 9-6.5 6.5-6.3 6.3-6.0 6.0-5.3 <5.3 Alkalinity (mg CaCO3/l) >200 200-100 100-20 20-10 <10
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 18 3.3 OVERVIEW OF THE DEEP SOUTHERN ALPINE LAKES
Introduction
The southern Alpine lakes (from west to east: Orta, Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo, Idro and Garda) are of great environmental importance given their size and location (see map). Their total volume of 122.7 km3 represents c.82% of the estimated total 150 km3 for all Italian lakes.
Figure 3.1 Locations of the deep subalpine lakes
Source: Mosello et al. 1997
Mosello et al. (1997) present a synthesis of the most important studies performed by the Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia on the deep insubrian lakes (Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo and Garda). Samples taken continuously over recent decades form the basis for a description of the trophic evolution of the lakes, inferred from concentrations of algal nutrients and dissolved oxygen. The results show an improvement in the condition of Lake Maggiore, currently in a state approaching oligotrophy, and in that of lakes Como and Lugano, which are still nevertheless in an unacceptably eutrophic state. In contrast, the condition of lakes Garda (oligomesotrophic) and Iseo (eutrophic) has deteriorated over the last ten years, as is evidenced by the increase in mean phosphorus concentrations. It is noteworthy that the consequences of eutrophication are accentuated by the incomplete circulation in the five lakes studied. This situation has particularly affected Lake Iseo, causing permanently anoxic conditions below a depth of 150 m.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 19 3.3.2 Phosphorus
Where intervention has effectively eliminated the excess phosphorus load (Maggiore, Lugano), a substantial improvement of the chemical and biological quality of the waters has been observed, as evidenced by a reduction in mean P concentrations in the lakes. Recent changes in the level of eutrophication in lakes Maggiore, Como, Iseo and Garda may be examined by considering the mean concentrations of reactive Phosphorus (RP) and total Phosphorus (TP) shown in the figures below.
Figure 3.2 Trend in concentrations of (a) reactive Phosphorus (mean concentrations at the point of maximum depth) and (b) total Phosphorus (mean concentrations at the point of maximum depth)
Source: Mosello et al 1997 For Lake Lugano, RP levels rose from under 10 µg P l-1 in 1946 to 30 µg P l-1 by the end of the 1950s, to mean values of c.150 µg P l-1 by the second half of the
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 20 1970s. For lakes Como and Maggiore, RP values rose from under 10 µg P l-1 in the 1950s to their highest levels, 66 µg P l-1 and 27 µg P l-1 respectively, during the 1970s, falling to values of 40 µg P l-1 and 9 µg P l-1 in 1995. Levels of RP in Lake Garda rose from under 10 µg P l-1 in the first helf of the 1980s to 11-12 µg P l-1 in the mid 1990s. Levels if RP in Lake Iseo rose from under 10 µg P l-1 in the late 1960s, held at values around 30 µg P l-1 in the period 1975 to 1985, and then rose again to c.50 µg P l-1 in the 1990s.
Information for TP commences in 1973. Recent trends confirm the increase in concentrations in lakes Iseo and Garda and reduction in lakes Maggiore and Como. Particularly evident is the rise in concentrations in Lake Garda, with TP now almost 20 µg P l-1.
3.3.3 Nitrates
Figure 3.4 shows concentrations of nitrates, which constitute the most important fraction of dissolved nitrogen in lakes Maggiore, Como, Iseo and Garda, for which lakes the concentrations of ammonium and nitrites are generally under 10 µg N l-1. In lakes Maggiore, Como and Iseo, nitrate concentrations show an increasing trend, from 0.4-0.5 mg N l-1 in 1955-1960 to 0.8-0.85 mg N l-1 in the mid 1990s. For Lake Garda, concentrations have held fairly constant at 0.3-0.4 µg N l-1.
Figure 3.3 Evolution of concentrations of nitric nitrogen (mean concentrations at the point of maximum depth)
Source: Mosello et al 1997
The increase in concentrations of nitrates in lakes Maggiore, Como and Iseo is determined above all by an increase in levels of nitrogen in the atmosphere,
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 21 and only in part by sewage and industrial wastes. Studies on trends in concentrations of pollutant concentrations in atmospheric depositions in the subalpine and north west alpine areas have revealed a marked increase in nitrate concentrations. The contribution of N from fertilizers is limited because the agricultural area within these watersheds is extremely limited.
3.3.4 Dissolved oxygen
Levels of dissolved oxygen give an indication of the extent of eutrophication, in so far as consumption of oxygen in relation to saturation levels is proportional to the mass of autochthonous and allochthonous organic sediment.
Figure 3.4 Trends in dissolved oxygen concentrations in waters below 200 m depth
Source: Mosello et al. 1997
Lakes Maggiore, Como and Iseo show a continuing reduction in dissolved oxygen, while the reduction is less marked for Lake Garda. As noted above, Lake Lugano (not shown in the figure) is wholly anoxic below 150 m depth. All lakes experienced a reduction in dissolved oxygen during the periods 1970-1978 and 1981-1990. In the early 1990s, lakes Maggiore, Como and Garda have experienced an improvement while Iseo has experienced a continuing reduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 22 3.4 LAKE ORTA
3.4.1 General overview
Lake Orta, with a volume of 1.29 km3 is the seventh largest Italian lake in volume. The lake has a maximum depth of 143 m and a watershed surface area of c.116 km2. Recent studies of Lake Orta are reviewed by Calderoni et al. (1997a) from which the following summary has been taken. The lake has been an emblematic case of industrial pollution by heavy metals and acidifying products (ammonium sulphate). From 1926, the lake was heavily polluted by the discharge of sulphates and ammonium from the Bemberg textile factory which produces rayon with a copper-ammoniacal process. Within a few years, the lake became uninhabitable for pelagic and benthic organisms. Since the late 1960s, the discharge of numerous electro-galvanising elements (Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn) constituted a second source of pollutants, whose effects were accentuated by the acidification of the entire lake, provoked by the processes of biochemical oxidation of ammonium to nitrate. Until 1989, it was the largest and deepest acidified lake in the world. The low pH values, in the range of 3.8-4.4, maintained high levels of ionic toxic compounds in solution in the water, mainly copper, aluminium, zinc and nickel.
In 1989, liming treatment brought pH back to neutral values, leading to the precipitation of heavy metals and the recovery of chemical conditions more favourable to the establishment of a normal plankton community. Since then, intensive studies aimed at describing the phases of chemical and biotic recovery have been carried on.
3.4.2 Ammonia and nitrates
Recent levels of nitrates are shown in the figure below.
Figure 3.5 Concentrations of nitrates in the epilimnic layer (0-25 m) in the period 1988- 1997
Source: Calderoni et al. 1997a
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 23 The addition of carbonates with the liming operation in 1989-1990 lead to rapid acceleration of the biochemical oxidation of ammonium to nitrates, such
that mean concentrations of ammonia in the lake fell from 1.2 mg N-NH4 l-1 in
May 1989 to 0.2 mg N-NH4 l-1 in December 1990, and to values approaching
zero by ealy 1993. Increases in N-NH4 concentrations in 1996 and 1997 are attributed to renewed industrial waste discharges. Nitrate levels rose from 1927 to the 1960s, reaching c.5.5 mg N l-1, as a result of the process of oxidation of ammonia discharges from the Bemberg factory. In the successive 20 years, the acidification of the lake greatly reduced the rate of oxidation. Mean levels of nitrates remained more or less constant, reducing slightly, until after 1982 when ammonium wastes from Bemberg were reduced from 2500 to 30 t a-1. From 1982, recharge of the lake waters by tributaries lead to a rapid fall in nitrate levels. Nitrate levels rose again following liming to 4 mg N l-1 in late 1990, since when levels have slowly diminished as a result of the flux of water and the activity of phytoplankton. However, nitrate levels rose again in 1998 and are still far from a state of balance.
3.4.3 Conclusion
The conditions in Lake Orta are clearly the results of industrial discharges. The available information does not indicate a need for designation under Directive 91/271/EEC or Directive 91/676/EEC. Careful monitoring of eutrophication is also warranted, as studies on the tributaries indicate that the burden of P from urban and industrial sources is above permissible limits.
3.5 LAKE IDRO
3.5.1 Introduction
Lake Idro is an artificially regulated, natural lake in the Orobian Alps at the extreme north-west of Brescia province. Recent studies conducted in 1994 and 1995 are reported in Garibaldi et al. (1997b). The lake is considered meromitic and exhibits various analogies with the north basin of Lake Lugano - in particular in terms of chemical characteristics and the high level of eutrophication.
Biotope
The northern shore of the lake hosts, on the muddy and sandy deposits, some associations of Cryptogams, Algae, Mosses, Epatic plants (Riccio cavernosae- Physcomitrelletum) and Phanerogams (Eleocharitetum acicularis). The biotope also hosts reed thickets (Phragmitetum australis) and sedge fields (Caricetum gracilis, Caricetum elatae, etc.). On this very shore, a tributary river flows into the lake, crosses the alluvial plain and shapes a valley where you can find vast sedge fields .
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 24 Figure 3.6 Location of lake Idro
Source: www.parks.it
3.5.2 Nitrates
Nitrate levels in the epilimnic layer range from 150 (summer) to 600 µg N l-1 (winter), while at maximum depth nitrate levels remain below 100 µg N l-1. Anoxic conditions at depth result in maximum ammonium concentrations of 1500-2800 µg N l-1.
3.5.3 Phosphorus
The water chemistry and seasonal variation of the chemical variables are typical of eutrophic water, caused by excessive discharge of P from the watershed. Total P in the epilimnic layer are 10-20 µg P l-1 reaching a maximum of 27 µg P l-1 in January 1995. Mean concentrations of reactive and total P for the whole water column are 102 and 111 µg P l-1 respectively. Garibaldi et al. (1997b) conclude that a detailed study on sources of P and identification of the relative importance of various sources (metabolic, domestic, agricultural, animal-rearing, industrial) would be very useful.
3.5.4 Eutrophication
In a study by Garibaldi et al.ii, the trophic conditions of the lake are discussed on the basis of seasonal variations of the main ions and algal nutrients measured monthly from June 1994 to June 1995. The results indicate that no complete overturn has occurred since measurements began in 1969. The lack of overturn determines a progressive gradient of ion concentrations and of density between epi- and hypolimnetic waters. In this situation a
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 25 progressively higher amount of energy is needed to reach a complete overturn, which is becoming more and more improbable.
The marked difference in density between the surface and deep waters is determined by solute concentrations more than temperature. The water chemistry and seasonal variation of the chemical variables are reported to be typical of eutrophic waters. Indeed, the present chemistry of Lake Idro indicates a high trophic state - total phosphorous and nitrogen never assume concentrations so low as to limit primary production, and the seasonal variations of other chemical variables are typical of eutrophic waters ( oxygen oversaturation, high pH, decrease of alkalinity, etc). The very high hypolimnetic phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations also indicate a high trophic status.
Eutrophication-induced processes such as the increased precipitation of calcium carbonate and the hypolimnetic anoxia, increase the difference in density between the surface and deep water, making the chemical stratification more marked.
3.5.5 Conclusions
Although limited information is available on Lake Idro, it seems that its eutrophic condition has been clearly established. Excessive inputs of phosphorous from the watershed are the likely cause of this state of things, but information on the sources and load of P and other nutrients from the watershed are currently not available. This should clearly be the subject of clarifications from the responsible authorities.
Looking at the CORINE Land Cover use it seems that nutrient source are likely to originate from point sources and be of a civil origin. Therefore it is suggested that this lake should be designated as a Sensitive Area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
3.6 LAKE GARDA
3.6.1 General
Lake Garda, with a volume of 49.04 km3, surface area of 370 km2, a maximum depth of 350 m and a watershed surface area of 2350 km2 is the largest Italian lake in volume. Recent studies of Lake Garda are reported in Salmaso et al. (1997), Caggiati et al. (1997) and ABP (1997) from which the following data are taken. The lake has been the object of numerous studies since 1970 through the use of pelagic stations.
Caggiati et al. (1997) provide classifications (according to various national and international methodologies) of the lake waters for Lake Garda for the period 1989-1993, according to which the lake is classified as between oligotrophic and mesotrophic. The condition of oligo-mesotrophia results from low concentrations of P in the productive surface layers.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 26 3.6.2 Phosphorus
Mean annual surface values of total P in 1995-96 were 10 µg P l -1; the corresponding values at 200 m and 300 m in the north west basin were c. 3 and 4 times greater, indicating the high trophic potentiality of hypolimnetic waters during spring overturns. Studies show a progressive increase in the global content of total P for the whole lake, with concentrations rising from c. 10 µg P l -1 at the beginning of 1980s to c.17 µg P l -1 in 1995-96.
These results indicate a worsening of overall trophic conditions. The increase in P concentrations is due to an increase in nutrient burdens from the watershed. ABP (1997) reports that more than 50% of the phosphorus burden discharged into the lake is from urban origin. This is linked to the incomplete linkage of the sewage network, leakage from the network itself, and discharge into the lake itself of wastes in excess of the network capacity.
3.6.3 Nitrates
Surface layer (0-20 m) N levels for the period December 1994 to December 1996 ranged between c.65-350 µg N l-1. At greater depth, N levels ranged between 250-400 µg N l-1. A strong reduction in Nitrates in the warmest months is particulalry evident in the 0-2m layer, with values ranging from 100 to 175 µg N/l in July (1995) and reaching 86 µg N/l in July 1996. Nitarte has been found as the principal form of nitrogen - in the whole water column, ammonium and nitrite never exceed 40 and 6 µg N/l respectively.
3.6.4 Biological characteristics
The oligo-mesotrophic condition suggested by the low epilimnetic P concentrations is confirmed by moderate phytoplankton development and satisfactory water trasparency; annual mean values of epilimnetic chlorophyll-a and Secchi disk from 1991 to 1996 ranged between 2.3-4.0 µg l -1 and 7.0-13.8 m respectively. 3.6.5 Conclusions
Detailed/recent investigations have confirmed the oligomictic character of the lake. The last complete overturn was documented in 1991. Available long- term observations show a significant increase in the global content of phosphorus compounds in the lake beginning from the mid-80’s, with a consequent increase of the concentration gradients in the water column and a more pronounced oxygen depletion during the recent pluriannual periods of incomplete water mixing. Short-term limnological investigations which consider only the productive layer might provide incomplete or wrong indications about the condition of the lake due to undervaluation of its trophic potentiality (Salmaso et al., 1997). Long-term and in-depth limnological studies are not available.
The cause of increasing P concentrations is a rise in the P load from the watershed. However, the source and quanitifications are not known.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 27 However, it is indisputable that one of the most severe problems in the last years is that of increased human impact in recent decades as a consequence of economic development. Days spent in the region by tourists increase from 2 million daus/year in the 60’s to about 12 million days/year in the mid-90’s (Pasini, 1992). It appear evident that a main source of nutrients loads are urban discharges.
On basis of international eutrophication criteria, the lake can be classified as oligo-mestrophic. This situation is determined by the low P concentrations in the euphotic zone, a limited phytoplkton abundance and high transparency. However, it is crucial to bear in mind the lake’s oligomictic character and high nutrient concentrations in the deep layers (iii), the actual trophic state of the lake is not so easily or unequivocally defined.
On this basis it is suggested that Lake Guarda should be designated as Sensitive Area under Directive 91/271/EEC.
3.7 CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of their trophic status, steady increase in nutrient (P) concentrations in the last decade, and civil origin of nutrients, it can reasonably be concluded that the following lakes should be designated under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive:
• Lake Idro • Lake Garda
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 28 4 THE ADIGE BASIN
4.1 INTRODUCTION
The region of Trentino Alto Adige is characterised by mountainous areas with low population density. The majority of agglomerations in this region are located on the river Adige itself. The rest of the Adige basin is located into the plains and discharges directly in to the Adruatic Sea.
Recent nutrient loads in the River Adige basin have been reviewed by Lunelli (1995). The chemical contamination of the Adige has predominantly urban origins, more particularly in the upper section (Alto Adige). Contaminants of industrial and agricultural origin are present but not in quantities such as to compromise potability.
4.1.1 Regional Industries
Tourism
Tourism represents one of the main source of economic development for the region. Simultaneously it also represent the main pressures on the regional environment and the quality of the Adige basin. Trends for tourism in the region are upwards at the rate of about 2% between 1997 and 1998. The index of Pressure from tourism calculated by ISTAT (1995) is the highest in Italy (10.81). Figure XXX shows that the main source of nitrogen in the region comes from populations, of which tourism represent > 90%.
Agriculture
60% of the agricultural surface is covered in woodlands and 31% of the agricultural surface is used for farming purposes. Lately the production of fruits (strawberry, cranberry, etc.) has increased significantly. Animal husbandry also takes place in the region: cattle (48000), sheep (20000) and pigs (8000).
Industry
Generally speaking, the regional manufacturing activities (classified as small industry under Italian legislation) are decreasing. The number of productive activities (various nature) that discharge directly within the river basin are 76 in Trentino and 48 in Verona.
The following graph illustrate the theoretical calculation of nutrients (N and P) from different sources: residents, tourism, industry farming and the soil, for the 4 basin of the province of Bolzano (only about 50% of the region territory).
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 29 Figure 4.1 Theoretical Nutrient Load (Kg/year) - Monte di Bugusio (Provincia de Bolzano)
450,000 400,000 350,000 300,000 250,000 Population Industry Kg/a 200,000 150,000 Agriculture 100,000 50,000 0 Nitrogen Phosphorus
Source: CNT-AIM (99)
Figure 4.2 Theoretical Nutrient Load (Kg/year) - Monte di Castelbello (Provincia de Bolzano)
600,000
500,000
400,000 Population 300,000 Industry Kg/a 200,000 Agriculture
100,000
0 Nitrogen Phosphorus
Source: CNT-AIM (99)
Figure 4.3 Theoretical Nutrient Load (Kg/year) - Valle di Naturo(Provincia de Bolzano)
3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 Population Industry Kg/a 1,500,000 Agriculture 1,000,000 500,000 0 Nitrogen Phosphorus
Source: CNT-AIM (99)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 30 Figure 4.4 Theoretical Nutrient Load (Kg/year) - Valle di Bolzano (Provincia de Bolzano)
45,000,000 40,000,000 35,000,000 30,000,000 Population 25,000,000 Industry Kg/a 20,000,000 15,000,000 Agriculture 10,000,000 5,000,000 0 Nitrogen Phosphorus
Source: CNT-AIM (99)
4.1.2 Discharges and treatment plants
The hydrological balance of the region is significantly disturbed by the heavy water extraction for hydroelectric purposes. There are a total of 78 industrial discharges in the river basin: 2 in Bolzano (upstream) and 76 in Trento (downstream).
There are also 18 urban waste water discharge points in basin: 10 are treated in Imhoff tanks and 8 are untreated.
4.2 ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY
4.2.1 Monitoring
A network of 29 monitoring stations (26 for chemical indicators and 3 for biological indicators) is in place on the Adige basin. Monitoring of chemical indicators is usually not carried out on a monthly basis. The province of Verona for example has done 5 sampling in 1997 and 4 in 1998.
Indicators which are monitored include Dissolved oxygen, BOD, COD, NH4,
NO3, P2O5, faecal coliforms and total coliforms. 4.2.2 Nitrates
Nitrate concentration (annual average) in the basin range from 0.67 to 8.48
mg/l NO3. The highest concentrations are encountered in the provinces of Verona and Padova. The general trend is upwards from upstream to downstream. It is argued to be due to higher upstream concentrations of
ammonia (N-NH4).
Although the annual concentrations are may appear to be low in relation to
the limit prescribed by the Directive (50 mg NO3/l) , these are not representative of the actual levels encountered. The waters at each monitoring stations have also been classified according to the level of pollution
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 31 encountered (as prescribed in Lgs. 152.99 implementing the Directive). The results obtained in relation to nitrates is illustrated in the table below.
Table 4.1 Level of Pollution in the Adige river
Province Monitoring Station No. NO3 Level (1997) NO3 Level (1998) Bolzano 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 3 5 3 3 6 3 3 7 3 3 Trento 8 3 3 9 3 3 10 3 3 11 3 3 12 3 3 13 3 3 Verona 14 4 3 15 4 4 16 4 4 17 4 3 18 4 4 19 4 4 Padova 20 4 4 21 4 4 22 4 4 23 4 4 Rovigo 24 4 3 25 4 3 26 3 3
Note: level 3 = ≤ 5 mg N/l and level 4 = ≤ 10 mg N/l
As can be notice, the levels of nitrates increase from upstream to downstream and reaches very high levels when the Adige enters the Venetian plains of Po
basin. The result obtained show that the levels reach about 45 mg NO3/l (10 mg N/l). This seems to be in accordance with the characteristic of the basin where agriculture becomes a predominant activity as the river enters the plains.
Furthermore, the Adriatic coast, where the Adige discharges, shows severe signs of eutrophication. It can only be assumed that the waters of the Adige contribute to the trophic conditions of this section of the Adriatic. Nitrates from the source to the mouth of the Adige register a constantly increasing trend. Their concentration along the course of the river is c.2-4 mg l-1 with maxima between Badia Polesine and Boara Polesine and at the confluence of the Alpone with the Adige. Recent data on the loads of nitrates and phosphorus discharged into the Adriatic by the Adige are not available. Data for 1988 give 12,600 t N per year and 1,200 t P per year.
Data for 1989-1995 for Cavanella d’Adige (station 222) near the mouth of the Adige (see figures below) show that concentrations of nitrates which make up
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 32 90% of total N, show a slight but progressive decrease, while concentrations of soluble P have decreased markedly.
4.2.3 Phosphate
Phosphate concentrations are usually very low (< 0.1 mg/l) through the basin. A small increase is noticeable between 1997 and 1998.
4.3 CONCLUSION
Looking at the overall set of chemical indicators it is possible to conclude that the quality of the river improves downstream in the provinces of Padova and Rovigo while it is worst in the upstream provinces of Bolzano, Trento and Verona. However, with regard to the level of nitrates, an inverted profile can be observed when compared to other indicators. Indeed levels of nitrate increase in the lower section of the river, as it enters the plains and where agricultural activities intensify. Any high levels of nitrates in the upper section of the Adige are most likely to be due to urban waste waters, as illustrated by the nutrient budgets shown in Figure 4.1-4.4. Although no the data summarised in the previous sections are not very detailed, it suggests clearly that nitrates are a problem in the lower sections of the Adige basin. Indeed, as it enters the plains, concentrations are shown to
reach levels close to the mandatory limit of 50 mg NO3/l. Furthermore, the Adige discharges directly into the Adriatic. At it’s point of discharge, the waters of the Adriatic are eutrophic and the Adige most certainly contributes to this situation.
As shown in Annex I of this report, the lower part of the Adige basin is located in the plains, where agricultural land is predominant. As
• nitrate concentrations increase to very high levels as the Adige enters the plains; • the waters of Adriatic show severe signs of eutrophication where the Adige discharges;
it therefore seems reasonable to conclude that the lower section of the Adige basin should be designated under Directive 91/767/EEC.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 33 5 THE PO BASIN
5.1 BACKGROUND
5.1.1 Characteristics
The Po basin covers an area of about 71,000 km2, over six regions of Italy: Lombardia, Piemonte, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Veneto, Valle d’Aosta and the autonomous province of Trento. The Po river is the largest river in Italy that flows in the Adriatic Sea. The total population on the basin is about 15,700,000 inhabitants. There are two major urban municipalities in the basin: Turin and Milan. The settlements with the highest density are found in the Lambro-Olona-Seveso catchment basin.
Figure 5.1 The Po Basin
Source: www.adbpo.it
Agriculture is a major activity in the basin and farming activities are intensive and carried out over an area of some 30,000 km2 of cultivated soil.
The highest density of settlements is found in the Lambro-Olona-Seveso catchment basin with 1,478 inhabitant per square kilometre (PRBA, 1999). The lowest levels are in the upper part of the Trebbia and Parma sub-basin, with 24/26 inhabitant per square kilometre.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 34 Figure 5.2 The Po Basin - Hydrological Network
Source: The Po River Basin Authority
Figure 5.3 Po Basin - Demography
Source: The Po River Basin Authority
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 35 5.1.2 Physical Characteristics
In terms of orography, it is possible to distinguish five areas: • the ranges of the Ligurian, Maritime, Cottian, Graian and Pennine Alps encircling the basin to the west; • the Lepontine and Rhaetion Alps with the associated prealpine strip to the north; • the Apennines to the south; • the high plateau including the morainic strip and the large fluvial cones; • the plain itself.
From a geomorphological point of view, the Po basin consist of the following sub-basins: • the Cuneo plain; • the Lombardo-Veneto plain; • the Alessandria plain; • the Emilia-Romagna plain and • the Po delta Mountains account for about 50% of the area and the tributaries of the Po river show different characteristics depending on the Alpine or Apennine origin.Agricultural activities
Agricultural activities are highly developed in the Po basin. It occupies some 3,400,000 hectares. A great part of it is occupied by sown ground and horticulture (about 55% of exploited agricultural area). The main crops grown are winter cereals (especially wheat and barley), maize (single crop), sugar beet and rotating fodder (lucerne, especially in Emilia). It is also reported that importance is attached to meadow and pasture which cover about 1,000,000 hectares. About 7% the agricultural area is also occupied by vineyards and ochards. These activities inevitably involve high chemical inputs.
With regards to animal breeding, the latest figures available date from 1982: 5,232,236 pigs and 4,188,168 head of cattles which represent 56 and 47% of national production. It must be mentioned that the 2000 figures may look significantly different due to changes in recent years.
5.1.4 Water Quality - Overview
Due to high population density, intensive agriculture and high level of industrial activty, the entire basin is exposed to a high level of anthropogenic pressure generating an organic load equivalent to that of 114 million inhabitants (1) . It is estimated that 15% is attributable to urban waste, 52% to industrial waste and 33% to agriculture (including animal production). In terms of pollution load, three areas are particularly at risk: the Po river immediately downstream from the cities of Turin and Milan and the Po river after its confluence with the river Lambro. According to the Po River Basin Authority (PRBA), responsibility for this situation is shared equally amongst
(1) From:the Po River Basin Authority (http://www.adbpo.it)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 36 urban areas, industry and agriculture. This renders the river itself unsuitable for bathing, supporting aquatic life and supply of drinking water but also contributes to the eutrophication of several water bodies, including the Adriatic Sea. According to the PRBA, the situation outlines above is confirmed by data collected for the principal indicators of water contamination (including nitrates). With regards to groundwater, it is important to draw a distinction between the two main systems: the mountain area and the plains area. The aquifer system of the plains area is of major importance as the physical situations not only determines different degrees of vulnerability but also the conditions in which contamination takes place. It is recognised that the main source of pollution is agriculture (both fertilisation and animal production). Moreover, most agricultural soils in N-E Italy are shallow gravelly soils which have a low water retention capacity and a high mineralisation index. This means that contamination by nitrogen compounds is very high (Miceli et al.) iv. Although the level of 50 mg/l may not have been reached all over the basin, it is recognised that trends are on the rise and that action must be taken in order to reach the threshold level. The quality of groundwater is discussed in more detail in Section 7 of this report.
5.2 INTER-REGIONAL WATER QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK
5.2.1 Establishment of the network
Research supported by the ‘Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque del CNR’ (CNR Institute for Water Research) on the quality of the surface waters of the River Po, and reported in quaderni n.32 of 1977 and n.92 of 1991, is reviewed by Caggiati et al. (1997, p.11). In particular, they note that in quaderno n.92, two areas of the Po were identified as having severe pollution (faecal coliforms, ammonia, metals, etc.) on the basis of analytical data collected over a period of c.15 years, namely the tract affected by the Torino area, and the tract receiving waters from the Lambro basin. Urban, industrial and agricultural sources of pollution were found to be equally responsible for the condition of the river. Together, these pollutants rendered the river unsuitable for bathing, for the normal development of aquatic life, and for the extraction of water for aqueducts destined for human use. Consequently, the Autorita` di bacino del fiume Po, in collaboration with the Regioni, the Provincia Autonoma di Trento, the Ufficio Idrografico di Parma and the Magistrato per il Po, established (under deliberation no. 15/93 of July 1993) an inter-regional monitoring network for the classification of water courses based on various qualitative characteristics, taking into account change over time (Caggiati et al. 1997, p.11). The network was established in order to evaluate not only the status of the waters, but also the efficiency of interventions for purification, and of the introduction of specific regulations. (This new network was established on the basis of a pre-existing network of monitoring stations, established autonomously by each regione/provincia - Regione Piemonte, Regione Autonoma Valle d’Aosta, Regione Lombardia, Provincia Autonoma di Trento, Regione Emilia Romagna, Regione Liguria, Regione Veneto - under law 319/76 as amended by the deliberation of 4.2.77.)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 37 5.2.2 Distribution of sampling stations
A total of 58 sampling stations (see map) were selected from a pre-existing sampling network in Piemonte, Lombardia, Emilia Romagna, Valle d’Aosta, the Provincia Autonoma di Trento and the Veneto (Caggiati et al. 1997, p.13- 15). Of these 58 stations:
• 12 are on the main course of the River Po, at a mean interval of c.50 km;
• 36 are on the tributaries (at the mouths of sub-basins, or at some critical intermediary points): Dora Riparia, Dora Baltea, Cervo-Sesia, Agogna, Toce-Ticino, Lambro-Olona, South Olona, Adda, Oglio, Sarca-Mincio, Bormida-Belbo-Tanaro, Scrivia, Trebbia, Nure, Arda-Ongina, Taro, Parma, Enza, Crostolo, Secchia, Panaro;
• 10 are on the principal alpine lakes: Maggiore, Como, Iseo, Garda. Data are collected at these stations by the Agenzie regionali per la protezione dell’Ambiente (ARPA) and the Presidi Multizonali di Prevenzione, transmitted to the Regioni and the Provincia Autonoma di Trento and on to the Autorita` del bacino del Po.
5.3 CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR SURFACE WATER BODIES
The classification system used is summarised in Caggiati et al. (1997, pp.26- 28). Qualitative parameters for the classification of water quality for bathing, for aquatic life, and for drinking were selected from numerous chemical, physical, biological and microbiological parameters normally investigated in the regional monitoring stations. Qualitative data from provincial and regional sources related to the period 1990-1992 were analysed according to the classification system defined by the Istituto di Ricerca sulle Acque, IRSA-CNR and reported in Quaderno n.84 of 1990. The system uses 6 parameters (dissolved oxygen, ammoniacal nitrogen
N-NH4, phosphorus-orthophosphate P-PH4, BOD5, COD, faecal coliforms) and 4 quality classes. Class 1 indicates waters of good quality, Class 2 waters of medium quality or slightly polluted, Class 3 waters of bad quality or polluted, and Class 4 waters of very bad quality or very polluted.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 38 Figure 5.4 Po Basin - Monitoring Network
Source: PRBA (2000) Key: (triangle) Quali-quantitative stations (circle) Quantitative stations ------Border of sub-basin Source: ABP (1996)
In addition to these 6 parameters, a seventh parameter, N-NO3, was added as
a measure of pollution from mainly urban and agricultural origin. N-NO3 is ubiquitous, deriving from many sources (urban, agricultural, industrial), and
as a result of its behaviour in the environment. The introduction of N-NO3 provides, even where limited data are available, a first impression of nitrate pollution of surface waters.
Table 5.3 OECD boundary values (fixed) for trophic classification
Trophic (P) (Chl) Max Chl (Sec.) Min* Sec. Category mg/m3 mg/m3 mg/m3 m m
Ultra-oligotrophic <4 <1 <2.5 >12 >6 Oligotrophic <10 <2.5 <8.0 >6 >3 Mesotrophic 10-35 2.5-8 8-25 6-3 3-1.5 Eutrophic 35-100 8-25 25-75 3-1.5 1.5-0.7 Hyper-eutrophic >100 >25 >75 <1.5 <0.7 (*) these values will only apply in lakes which are free of significant water colour Source: Caggiati et al. 1997
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 39 This table indicates, for each class, the range of values in each quality class for each parameter. For each parameter, a tract of water is assigned a particular quality class if 70% or more of samples fall within the value range for that class, or if the majority of samples fall within that class (Caggiati et al. 1997, p.28). A tract is assigned an intermediate class if 70% or more of samples fall within two adjacent classes.
5.4 WATER QUALITY
5.4.1 N-N03 and N-NH4 levels, 1990-1992
All data in this section is derived from Caggiati et al. (1997). Caggiati et al. point out that the consistency of data among the sampling stations is variable, due to differing frequencies of sampling used by each Region or Province.
Overall water quality
Figures 5.3 - 5.6 summarise data for the three year period 1990-1992 for the River Po and its tributaries. The colours identify, for each tract and sampling station, the assigned overall water quality class (for all seven parameters considered together). The figures also show the principal sources of eutrophication, namely, the Torino hinterland, the rice cultivation area, the Lambro area, and the cattle- and pig-rearing areas).
N-NO3 and N-NH4
The figure below shows the percentage of stations along the Po River falling
within each quality class for the parameters N-NO3 and N-NH4 for the years 1990, 1991 and 1992.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 40 Figure 5.3 NO3 and NH4 Concentrations
Sources: ABP (1997)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 41 Figure 5.4 Classification of the stations of the monitoring network for the year 1990
Source: Caggiati et al. 1997
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 42 Figure 5.5 Classification of the stations of the monitoring network for the year 1991
Source: Caggiati et al. 1997
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 43 Figure 5.6 Classification of the stations of the monitoring network for the year 1992
Source: Caggiati et al. 1997
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 44 Figure 5.7 Classification of N-NO3 present in the water at monitoring stations in 1990
Keys: (same for each fig.): River Po and tributaries of interest, first class, second class, etc. Square boxes (bold lower case type) (all three figs.) give sources of pollutants: rice cultivation area, cattle- and pig-rearing area, intensive vineyards. Square boxes (upper case type) (all three figs.): stations at the mouths of sub-basins; stations on the Po River Source: Caggiati et al. 1997
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 45 Figure 5.8 Classification of N-NO3 present in the water at monitoring stations in 1991
Source: Caggiati et al. 1997
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 46 Figure 5.9 Classification of N-NO3 present in the water at monitoring stations in 1992
Source: Caggiati et al. 1997
Figures 5.7 - 5.9 show the class assigned in relation to N-NO3 levels for each monitoring station and each tract of the River Po for the years 1990, 1991 and
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 47 1992. For each year, the majority of stations belong to Class 3, including 80% of stations on the Po River and the majority of those stations at the mouths of the principal tributaries.
The main sources are wastes from chemical synthesis, as well as natural products from animal effluents. Other less important sources are domestic and industrial effluents. The classification of these stations in Class 3 did not preclude the extraction of water for drinking because the maximum
concentrations of N-NO3 measured of 45 mg/l were within the limit of 50 mg/l permitted by Italian regulations.
With regards to N-NH4, most stations belong to Classes 1 or 2, except for some critical areas found in all three years 1990-1992, namely: the Lambro-north Olona system which is affected by the incomplete water treatment system (for Milan in particular) and heavy industry diffused throughout the area; and the River Po at Senna Lodigiana, immediately below the confluence with the Lambro; and the Crostolo and Panaro stations.
The water quality of the Crostolo is strongly compromised, as demonstrated
by concentations of Ptotal of 0.78 mg l-1 (mean) and 1.98 mg l-1 (max.), and of N- -1 -1 NH4 of 01.65 mg l (mean) and 5.94 mg l (max.). For the Crostolo and
Panaro rivers, the presence of N-NH4 in class 4 and 3-4 is constant. This indicates an incompatibility between present human activities and the water courses, which are incapable of diluting the effluents they receive from cattle- and pig-rearing areas. Though in part treated, these effluents are one of the major sources of eutrophication in the Po basin, together with those urban/industrial sources present in some areas of the Lombardy bank (the hinterland of Milan).
Downstream of the Torino hinterland, a progressive improvement of water quality from 1990 (Class 3 and 3-4) to 1992 (Class 2) reflects the expansion of the treatment capacity of purification plants. The qualitative status of many of the left-bank tributaries was satisfactory, while the quality of some Appennine streams gave cause for concern.
5.4.2 Water quality post-1992
Caggiati et al. (1997) report data for five parameters (Ptotal, N-NO3, N-NH4, COD, dissolved oxygen) for the period 1993-1995, summarised in the graphs below.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 48 Figure 5.10 Trend in percentiles for three parameters (Ptotal, N-NO3, N-NH4) for the 13 monitoring stations on the Po River for the period 1990-1995
Source: Caggiati et al. 1997
The elaboration on data collected along the Po River in the period 1993-1995 tends to confirm inferences for the preceding years in relation to the qualitative characteristics of the water course. Comment on these same graphs is provided in ABP (1996) as follows:
• The highest levels of Ptotal are found at stations n.2 and n.7 while, overall along the Po river, medium values confirm a progressive improvement of water quality. In the final tract of the Po, the values surpass the limits proposed by models in order to contain the problem of eutrophication in the Adriatic, confirming again the need to control and ultimately reduce the discharge of phosphorus into the river.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 49
• Medium levels of N-NO3 are found, highest in the first stations and the final tract of the river, supporting a judgement of mediocre quality for the waters of the Po. This situation is also confirmed by the 1998 data (see Table 5.4).
• For N-NH4, the Senna Lodigiana station (immediately downstream of the confluence of the Lambro) possesses the highest mean values, while high concentrations are also found at stations n.2 and n.10.
• COD shows the first elevated levels at the Brandizzo station (station n.2) in the sub-basin of the Torino area, most probably due to the reduction of water resources caused by extraction in the area. Downstream, the concentration of COD increases from station n.3 reaching high levels again at station n.7 after the emission into the Po of the Lambro river. These levels remain substantially unchanged along the river until the delta, giving a judgement of water of medium quality.
• Brandizzo station along with that of Cremona has the lowest levels of dissolved oxygen, while all other stations show medium levels between 8- 10 mg/l, confirming the good re-oxygenation capacity of the waters of the Po.
The Table below shows the monitoring stations at which very high nitrate concentrations were measured during the 1998 period.
Table 5.4 Nitrate Concentrations in the Po Basin - 1998
River Commune Date NO3 (mg N/l) AGOGNA BORGOLAVEZZARO 16/02/1998 48.7 AGOGNA BORGOMANERO 19/08/1998 30.3 AGOGNA BORGOMANERO 15/12/1998 27.3 AGOGNA BORGOLAVEZZARO 19/08/1998 22.4 AGOGNA BORGOMANERO 16/02/1998 19.3 AGOGNA BORGOLAVEZZARO 20/10/1998 18.6 AGOGNA BORGOMANERO 20/10/1998 16.6 AGOGNA BORGOLAVEZZARO 20/04/1998 14.2 AGOGNA BORGOMANERO 20/04/1998 12.4 CHISOLA VOLVERA 26/02/1998 31.4 DORA RIPARIA BUTTIGLIERA ALTA 25/02/1998 16.3 DORA RIPARIA COLLEGNO 03/11/1998 11 DORA RIPARIA OULX 25/02/1998 14.6 DORA RIPARIA ROSTA 25/02/1998 17.7 DORA RIPARIA ROSTA 02/11/1998 17.2 DORA RIPARIA SANT'ANTONINO DI SUSA 25/02/1998 15.9 DORA RIPARIA SUSA 25/02/1998 24.7 DORA RIPARIA SUSA 02/11/1998 16.3 MAIRA SAVIGLIANO 09/12/1998 23.905 MAIRA SAVIGLIANO 19/10/1998 22.577 MAIRA RACCONIGI 19/10/1998 20.806 MAIRA SAVIGLIANO 23/04/1998 19.035 MAIRA SAVIGLIANO 23/06/1998 19.035
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 50 MAIRA VILLAFALLETTO 19/10/1998 18.15 MAIRA RACCONIGI 01/12/1998 16.822 MAIRA RACCONIGI 23/06/1998 15.936 MAIRA RACCONIGI 25/02/1998 15.494 MAIRA SAVIGLIANO 25/02/1998 15.494 MAIRA RACCONIGI 23/04/1998 15.051 MAIRA VILLAFALLETTO 09/12/1998 14.608 MAIRA RACCONIGI 24/02/1997 11.5 MALONE BRANDIZZO 29/02/1996 13.2 MALONE LOMBARDORE 29/02/1996 12.7 MALONE FRONT 02/02/1998 11.54 MALONE FRONT 29/02/1996 11.3 MALONE BRANDIZZO 26/05/1998 11 ORCO SAN BENIGNO CANAVESE 30/07/1998 15.04 ORCO CHIVASSO 30/07/1998 13.92 ORCO SAN BENIGNO CANAVESE 20/02/1996 11.93 ORCO CHIVASSO 01/12/1998 11.71 PO BRANDIZZO 12/01/1998 82.96 PO BRANDIZZO 13/02/1996 69.93 PO BRANDIZZO 30/03/1998 68.85 PO BRANDIZZO 02/02/1998 52.2 PO BRANDIZZO 13/07/1998 42.26 PO BRANDIZZO 28/09/1998 42.26 PO BRANDIZZO 30/11/1998 41.5 PO BRANDIZZO 26/10/1998 40.21 PO BRANDIZZO 05/08/1998 28.26 PO BRANDIZZO 12/05/1998 14.94 PO BRANDIZZO 16/06/1998 12.33 PO BRANDIZZO 24/09/1996 11.77 PO BRUSASCO 12/01/1998 19.97 PO BRUSASCO 28/09/1998 18.52 PO BRUSASCO 02/02/1998 16.81 PO BRUSASCO 04/03/1998 16.32 PO BRUSASCO 30/11/1998 16.32 PO BRUSASCO 26/10/1998 16.14 PO BRUSASCO 30/03/1998 13.68 PO BRUSASCO 05/08/1998 13.21 PO BRUSASCO 13/07/1998 11.99 PO CARDE' 27/07/1998 15.051 PO CARDE' 17/03/1998 12.838 PO CARDE' 16/09/1998 11.952 PO CARDE' 14/12/1998 11.51 PO CARDE' 22/06/1998 11.067 PO CASALGRASSO 22/06/1998 142.986 PO CASALGRASSO 16/11/1998 13.723 PO CASALGRASSO 17/03/1998 13.28 PO CASALGRASSO 14/12/1998 12.395 PO CASALGRASSO 16/09/1998 11.51 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 13/07/1998 21.29 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 12/01/1998 18.85 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 28/09/1998 18.52 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 11/11/1998 17.21 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 02/02/1998 16.66 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 30/11/1998 16.35 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 04/03/1998 16.13 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 26/10/1998 15.4 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 30/03/1998 13.66 PO SAN SEBASTIANO DA PO 05/08/1998 12.45
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 51 PO VERRUA SAVOIA 02/02/1998 15.45 PO VERRUA SAVOIA 28/09/1998 14.93 PO VERRUA SAVOIA 12/01/1998 13.77 PO VERRUA SAVOIA 30/03/1998 12.91 PO VERRUA SAVOIA 13/07/1998 12.9 PO VERRUA SAVOIA 30/11/1998 11.66 SANGONE SANGANO 26/02/1998 32.7 SANGONE MONCALIERI 26/02/1998 22.1 SANGONE MONCALIERI 28/12/1998 20.8 SANGONE MONCALIERI 29/06/1998 18.5 SANGONE MONCALIERI 31/08/1998 17.7 SANGONE MONCALIERI 02/11/1998 15.4 STURA DI LANZO TORINO 28/12/1998 15 STURA DI LANZO VENARIA 28/12/1998 11.9 STURA DI LANZO VENARIA 28/07/1998 11.1 TANARO ALBA 25/06/1998 24.347 TANARO ALBA 15/12/1998 11.067 TANARO ASTI 27/08/1996 13 TANARO ASTI 11/12/1998 12 TANARO ASTI 10/09/1998 11 TANARO ASTI 29/10/1998 11 TANARO CASTELLO DI ANNONE 27/08/1996 13 TANARO CASTELLO DI ANNONE 11/12/1998 12 TANARO CASTELLO DI ANNONE 29/10/1998 11 TANARO NARZOLE 25/06/1998 11.952 TANARO NEIVE 15/12/1998 30.102 TANARO NEIVE 27/10/1998 26.118 TANARO SAN MARTINO ALFIERI 27/08/1996 13 TANARO SAN MARTINO ALFIERI 11/12/1998 12 TICINO OLEGGIO 11/11/1998 13.2 VARAITA CASTELDELFINO 23/02/1998 26.561 VARAITA POLONGHERA 23/02/1998 20.806 VARAITA POLONGHERA 09/12/1998 19.478 VARAITA POLONGHERA 19/10/1998 18.15 VARAITA POLONGHERA 22/06/1998 15.494 VARAITA SAVIGLIANO 22/06/1998 14.166 VARAITA SAVIGLIANO 09/12/1998 12.395 VARAITA SAVIGLIANO 19/10/1998 11.51
The above table shows that very high nitrate concentrations are found in the in most sub-basin upstream the river Po (Tanaro, Varaita, Sangone, Dora Riparia, Stura di Lanzo, Malone, Orco, Sesia, Agogna, Ticino) and in upstream sections of the river Po itself.
This undoubtedly affects the quality of the basin’s water downstream and contributes to high nutrients discharges in the Adriatic Sea.
5.5 CONCLUSIONS
The results presented in the previous sections clearly showed that there are clear cases of nitrate contamination in the Po basin. As a general rule, it is reasonable to assume that
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 52 • the Piemonte (Western section of the Po basin) and Emiliana (South and Eastern sections) parts of the basin suffer from diffuse pollution resulting from agricultural activities (including animal husbandry); • The Lombard section (Northern part of the basin) suffers fom point source pollution resulting from the lack of wastewater treatment infrastructure.
5.5.1 Designations required under 91/676/EEC
As described in the previous sections, agriculture is a very intensive on the whole basin and forms important activity in the basin. It is partly responsible for the high nutrient loads encountered throughout the basin. The CORINE Land Cover Map in Annex I of this report clearly shows that a great part of the Po basin is composed of agricultural land.
The data available (as summarised in the previous sections) shows that high nitrate concentrations are encountered throughout the basin, and especially in the western part of the basin, and that diffuse pollution from agricultural activities is the main origin of such contamination. Data from 1998 suggest that the following sub-basin should be designated as Vulnerable Zones under the Nitrates Directive:
• Tanaro; • Maira; • Varaita; • Sangone; • Dora Riparia; • Stura di Lanzo; • Malone; • Orco; • Sesia; • Agogna; • Ticino
However, this situation contributes to the contamination of the rest of the basin and, ultimately, the Adriatic. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that the Po basin contributes significantly to the eutrophication of the Adriatic Sea (north basin).
It can therefore be concluded that due to:
• high nitrate concentration is surface water in a large section of the basin; • the predominance of agricultural activities and related diffuse pollution; • the contribution of the Po basin to the eutrophic conditions of the Adriatic sea;
the entire Po basin does qualify for designation as Vulnerable Zone under the Nitrates Directive
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 53 5.5.2 Designations under 91/271/EEC
It has been shown that there are several agglomerations, such as Milan and Turin, are responsible for the high nitrate concentrations encountered in several rivers of the basin: the Po river itself, the Lambro, the Olona, the Panaro. The main reason for such situation in these areas are the lack of wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure.
Although such situation is more obvious in the sub-basins of Lambro-Seveso- Olona and Adda, as well as around the Northern sub-Alpine lakes, this situation (according to the Po River Basin Authority), can be extended to the entire basin (1) . It has also been shown in Section 3 of this report that several lakes in the northern parts of the Po basin require designation under 91/271/EEC (in addition to those already designated). It therefore seems reasonable to conclude that, on the basis of high nitrate concentrations in surface waters and eutrophication of lakes that the entire sub-basin where these water bodies are located should be designated as Sensitive Areas under 91/271/EEC. These sub-basins are:
• Sarca-Mincio; • Oglio; • Adda; • Lambro-Olona-Meridion; • Ticino.
(1) Contenuto Notiziaro 19-20, Serie Speciale No. 2 - Il monitoraggio della qualita delle acque superficiali e sotterranee.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 54 6 TUSCANY (THE ARNO, THE OMBRONE AND TOSCAN COAST)
6.1 THE ARNO
6.1.1 Description of the area
The Arno river basin is characterised by a high population density, intensive agricultural and industrial activities. The pollution load is estimated at approximately 8,500,000 p.e. Strong urbanisation in the post-war years gave rise to concentrations of population along the river between Florence and Pisa in urban areas that often lacked adequate sewers and wastewater treatment plants.
Over the years the situation has improved as several treatment plants have been built. However, these plants do not always work to capacity because the sewer connections to the plants are insufficient. The most serious situation in terms of urban wastewaters is Florence, with a pollution load of about 1,000,000 p.e. The city releases its waters directly into the Arno without any treatment at all.
The river Arno runs through three different provinces in Toscana: Arezzo, Firenze e Pisa. The river is 241 km long and its basin covers an area of 9,116 km2. Between the years of 1997 and 1998 its flow varied from a minimum of 8,1m3/sec in summer 1998 to a maximum of 135m3/sec in winter 1997. On the river basin live a total of 2,581,369 people divided in 163 municipalities with an average density of 314 inh/km2.
The territorial configuration is composed of the “industrialised” countryside along the Arno river, the tourist and industrial areas along the coast, the urban areas and the countryside. Significant pressures originate from the leather district of Lucca, Pontedera and Santa Croce sull’Arno and the textile district around the province of Prato.
6.1.2 Regional Activities
Agricultural activities
Most of the pollution from crop and livestock farming is concentrated in the area around Val di Chiana and is the cause of significant diffuse pollution.
About 50% of the basin’s land is dedicated to agricultural activities, especially in the region of Arezzo and Sienna where animal husbandry form a significant activity.
Industrial activities
Industrial activities are mainly concentrated in two areas: the leather district of the lower Arno (Valdarno inferiore) and the textile industries of the area of
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 55 Prato. From the Arezzo area of the Arno, the only discharges with a strong impact on the river originate from the electroplating industry, (linked to the goldworking activities in the area). The textile and leather district affect the river downstream of Florence.
The leather district is composed of small-medium industries which provides for the 35% of the national production of leather for clothing and 95% of the national production for leather for shoes (cuoio). The leather district is responsible for a pollution load of 3,200,000 p.e. (3,000,000 of which is treated).
The textile district is formed by a high number of small to medium enterprises. The environmental impact of these has been tackle with the introduction of treatment systems and the relocation away from urban areas. Furthermore a new industrial sewage system for the reuse of industrial waters is in the process of being completed. The textile district is responsible for a pollution burden of 1,400,000 p.e. (of which 1,100,000 is treated).
6.1.3 Pressures
The major pollutants in the river due to these activities are: biodegradable organic substances; phosphates; coliform bacteria; surfactants; and heavy metals. The organic substances come mainly from urban wastewaters, animal husbandry, and the paper, tanning and distilling industries; the phosphates and coliforms from urban wastewaters and livestock farming; the surfactants from municipal wastewaters, laundries, and the textile industries; and the heavy metals mostly from the textile, tanning and electroplating industries. The high presence of surfactants downstream from Florence is evidenced by the foam they generate in the most turbulent sections, especially when the water level of the river is low.
The pressure exerted on the Arno worsen during dry periods, which favour eutrophication and deoxygenation of the river, and floodwaters which bring significant amount of nutrients directly from the fields.
6.1.4 Discharges
The different sources of contamination in the Arno basin have been summarised in Table 4.1 (ANPA, 1999). It shows the source, geographical origin and estimated polluting load.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 56 Table 6.2 Polluting pressure in population equivalents
Polluting source Area of origin Inhabitants equivalents Urban Diffused on the whole basin 2,500,000 Farming Canale della Chiana, Dell’Ambra e del 1,000,000 T. Ciuffena Industry: textile Greve, Ombrone and Bisenzio basins 1,200,000 Industry: leather Egola e Usciana basins 3,000,000 Industry others (pulp) 800,000 TOTAL 8,500,000
Waste Water treatment
In recent years 12 waste water treatment plants have been built throughout the Arno basin. Several of them were specifically set up to meet the needs of the industrial districts. In the leather district for example, the plant of Acquarno a S. Corce receives the waste waters of around 470 companies. The plants of the leather district have chemical-physical primary treatment, biological treatment and tertiary treatments using active carbon. Although the effluents waters are oxygenated before re-entering the basin, they are prone to process of anaerobic fermentation due to their high organic level. Such process give raise to ammonia and sulphuric hydrogen that contribute to air pollution particularly during the summer months.
Tributaries
Throughout the Arno basin, problems are found where tributaries flow into the Arno river. The main problem areas are summarised in the table below.
Table 6.2 Problem areas with the tributaries
Affluents Problems Consequences or responses Sieve Anthropic pressure and the building of the new 3 treatment are operating, a high speed train corridor forth one is in the process of being built Greve Greve (town) - no treatment Downstream pollution problems with occasional eutrophication.
Bisenzio Upstream quality is acceptable thanks to Not specified treatment plant in Vernio and Vaiano. In the province of Firenze water quality deteriorates due to high concentration of organic substances
Ombrone Receives the treated water of the textile district Some of the waste water from pistoiese and of the city of Prato Prato are not treated.
Canale Treated water from the paper and other industry Some waste water from industry Usciana are not treated.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 57 6.1.5 Assessment of water quality
Introduction
There are 18 monitoring stations along the river (see Figure 6.1). Some of them have not produced data.
Figure 6.1 The Arno basin - Monitoring Stations
Source: ANPA (1999)
Nitrate
Nitrates levels throughout the basin, on average, vary between 1 to 4 mg N/l for 1997 and 1998. During both year 1997 and 1998, nitrates level increases dramatically from monitoring station 4 to monitoring station 7 which include the area of the province of Arezzo. Such high nitrate concentrations (> 10 mg N/l) are for agricultural origins. Indeed the province Arezzo is responsible for the 50% of regional pig farming, 25% of regional agriculture activities and 25% of cattle farming.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 58 Nitrates level also increases downstream of Florence (monitoring station 12 to 14) during winter 1997. In 1998 data from those stations are not available. A possible cause could be the discharges from the Florence area plus the problem of the affluent Bisenzio highlighted in paragraph 1.2.4.
Figure 6.2 Nitrate Levels in Surface Water (River Arno)
Source: ANPA (1999)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 59 Phosphate
Phosphates level is contained between 0.1 and 0.4 mg/l during year 1997. Between monitoring stations 11 and 16, downstream of Firenze, the level of phosphates increases dramatically (up to 1,5 mg/l) in summer and autumn 1997. Explanation could be the discharges of the Firenze urban area but also the affluents of Arno carrying the treated and untreated waters of the provinces of Prato where a large textile district is located.
As for year 1998, monitoring of phosphate between station 11 and 13 are not available. However, during summer 1998 data show that from monitoring
station 14, P-PO4 where very high (1mg/l), and considerable (0.3mg/l) during other seasons of the year.
6.1.6 Conclusion
The area downstream of the province of Arezzo has proved to be particularly sensitive to nitrates both in the monitoring campaigns of 1997 and 1998. Possible cause are the combined presence and concentration of pig farming, cattle farming and other intensive agricultural activities. This area there qualifies for designation under Directive 91/676/EEC.
The area downstream of Firenze has been proved to be a sensitive area to phosphate and partly (1997) nitrates but lack of monitoring data do not enable a detailed assessment to be carried out.
6.2 THE OMBRONE
6.2.1 Introduction
The basin of the river Ombrone includes parts of the provinces of Siena and Grosseto and is 3.589 km2 wide with an average flow of 32m3/sec. The basin includes the territories of 50 municipalities totalling 419.000 inhabitants with an average density of 68inh/km2.
The economy of the area is based mainly on two sectors: agriculture and services.
Agricultural activities
50% of the land on the Ombrone basin is dedicated to agriculture. The province of Grosseto is responsible for the 56% of cattle farming while in the province of Siena are located 53% of the pig farming of the area.
Industrial activities
A report produced by the province of Grosseto shows how this is one of the less industrialised area in Italy. The de-industrialisation was cause by the closure of the mining site in the Colline Metallifere and in the Amiata and by the problem of the chemical poles of Scarlino and Orbettello.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 60 6.2.2 Pressures
According to the ATO1 plan, the total burden on the river basin is estimated at 2.700.662 p.e. (from both urban and agricultural sources). The river has two main tributaries: the Merse and the Orcia. No quantitative data are available on the tributaries although it is clear that the Orcia is contaminated by both animal husbandry activities and small urban areas.
6.2.3 Assessment of water quality
Monitoring
There are 14 monitoring stations along the river which register the usual
chemical qualities of the river (BOD, COD, NH4, N-NO3, P-PO4, total coliform and fecal coliform).
Figure 6.3 The Ombrone Basin
Source: ANPA (1999)
Nitrate
NO3 are concentrating upstream very high (up to 21 mg N/l) between monitoring station 1 and 4. They also raise around a peak of 7 mg/l between
(1) 1 ATO = Area Territoriale Omogenea, an are characterised by a similar Territorial Area
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 61 station 5 and 7. The trend of nitrates shows an increase between 1997 and 1998.
Figure 6.4 Nitrate Concentration (River Ombrone, 1997-1998)
Source: ANPA (1999)
Phosphate
Monitoring of phosphates present a considerable lack of data particularly from the upstream monitoring stations. Levels for 1997 are in some cases above 0.15mg/l. Between monitoring station 8 and 9 reading increases
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 62 considerably during both years. This could be explained by the conjunction with effluent Merse.
6.2.4 Conclusion
Pollution of the river Ombrone originates primarily from agricultural activities (including animal husbandry). Critical levels are reached in the first section of the river which, according to available data do qualify for designation under Directive 91/676/EEC.
6.3 THE COAST OF TUSCANY
6.3.1 Description of the Area
Introduction
The coast of Tuscany covers a length of 400 km (which extends to 600 km if the islands are considered) and represents one third of the total length of the Italian coast on the west sea. The coast can be divided in two main area: the south coast (part of the province of Livorno and Grosseto) including the islands (Elba and the others) which is rocky and deep with waters characterised by a good mixing of the waters; and the north coast (Versilia, the province of Pisa and part of Livorno) with sandy and shallow beaches characterised by calm waters and low mixing waters.
Along such north-south divide, the islands can be seen as a barrier between the north coast, which receives a significant pollution load from the rivers along the coast , and the south and islands coast with low nutrient and pollutant levels and good mixing of the waters.
The currents are often flowing from south to north because of the different gradient and higher depth of the sea of Liguria. The temperature of the waters of the coast of Tuscany varies from 13-14 degrees in the winter to spring seasons to 26 degrees in the summer season.
Agglomerations
The total population is the highest in the central part of the Tuscan coast along the province of Livorno. However if we consider the population density, it is clear that the higher concentrations are in the north part of the coast between the province of Carrara and Pisa (929 to 501 inh/km2) and they decrease as we move southward to the province of Grosseto (300 to 16 inh/km2) while reaching the minimum in the islands (79 inh/km2 in Elba).
Figure 6.5 Tuscan Coast
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 63 Source: ANPA (1999)
Pressures
Generally speaking the coast of Tuscany is characterised by a low presence of agricultural activities and a high/variable population due to tourism. Exception to this rule are the provinces of Massa Carrara and Pisa with low tourism and the province of Grosseto with higher presence of local agricultural systems.
Industry
The principal activity of the coast of the region Tuscany is tourism which employees 50% of the work force of the area. Agriculture including fishing is relatively little represented while industrial activities employ 20% of the workforce, one third of which works for high environmental impact sectors such as food industry, energy, transport and heavy industry.
Considering the present and past situation, it is possible to conclude that the north part of the coast is, and has been, subject to the highest environmental pressure caused by tourism. However it is important to notice that, although the conditions of the southern coast are today relatively good, if we look at estimates of the index of tourist pressure1 this part of the coast appears to be likely to be exposed to higher environmental stress in the future.
1 Index that considers the number of tourists in relation to the number of residents
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 64 6.3.2 Assessment of water quality
Monitoring
The coast monitored is the whole of the continental coast plus the coast of the island Elba. There are 44 stations for the monitoring of biological parameters and 23 stations for the monitoring of eutrophication. The data presented refers only to the 23 stations closer to the coast during the two campaigns of 1997- 1998 and 1998-1999.
Nitrate
The levels of NO3 are normally higher in during the wet season (winter and spring) on the north part of the coast but on average they remain between 5 and 10 µM/l. Occasionally the south part of the coast register higher level (as far as above 15µM/l) in the area of the Laguna of Orbetello. The levels of nitrates appear to be constant during the two monitoring campaigns.
As conformed in ANPA (1999), very little data is currently available and, in relation to river discharges into the coastal waters, data are only available (as seasonal averages) for the Arno and the Cornia. Nitrate concentrations at the mouth of these two rivers are shown in Figure 6.6.
Figure 6.6 Nitrate concentrations (Mg N/l) at the mouth of river Arno and river Cornia for the year 1997
10 9 8 7 6 5 Arno
Mg N/l 4 Cornia 3 2 1 0 Winter Spring Summer Fall Annual
Source: ANPA (1999)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 65 Figure 6.7 Distribution of the Concentrations of Nitrates along the coast of Tuscany
Source: ANPA (1999)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 66 The data are relatively similar for the year 1997 and 1998. This enables to confirm that these two rivers are the main source of nutrients for the Toscan cost. According to ANPA (1999), most effects are observed in the proximity of the mouth of the Serchio (directly north of the Arno). Therefore, this part of the Tuscan coast is the one most at risk from eutrophication.
Phosphate
Total phosphates follow the same pattern of NO3 with higher concentration in the winter/spring season and in the north part of the coast of Tuscany. Levels remain on average between 0.5 and 1 µM/l during the two campaigns. An improvement can be noted between 1997-1998 and 1998-1999 with many monitoring stations showing levels below 0.5 µM/l during the second campaign.
Eutrophication
The highest levels of Chlorophyll -a are found in the north part of the coast along the provinces of Pisa and Massa Carrara. On the south coast of Livorno and Grosseto, the levels of chlorophyll -a are low, especially around the Elba island. In general level are higher during the winter and spring season and lower during the rest of the year. An upward trend between 1997-1998 (average between 0.5 and 1 µg/l) and 1998-1999 (average of 1 to 2.5 µg/l) can be noted.
However, as can be seen in Figure 6.8, relatively high levels of Chlorophyll -a (> 5 µg/l) are found in the northern part of the Tuscan coastal water. This seems to indicate a relative potential for eutrophication conditions to develop.
However, the limited available data does not show any clear case of eutrophication, nor nitrate concentrations approaching the limit value of 50 mg NO3/l. An assessment of the eutrophication was made using the TRIX indicator. TRIX is an eutrophication aggregate index derived from the linear 1 combination of 4 variables (OD, Chlorophyll a, Ptot, and NH4 + NO2 + NO3) . It is mentioned by Italian law (Decree 152/99) as a useful indicator. TRIX levels varies in a range from 2 (low level of eutrophication) to 8 (high level).
1 TRIX=[log109Cha.D%O.N.P) - (a)]/b where Cha=chlorophyll a (µg dm-3); D%O=dissolved oxygen as absolute % deviation from saturation (100-O2D%); N=dissolved inorganic nitrogen (µg dm-3); P=total phosphates (µg dm-3); a and b are constants set on the max and min levels of the parameters for the area considered.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 67 Figure 6.8 Chlorophyll -a Concentrations along the Coast of Tuscany
Source: ANPA (1999)
The development of the TRIX index aimed at making available an objective and comparable indicator of eutrophication across different Italian marine environment. Empirical tests comparing the value of the TRIX algorithm index with the actual values1 of chlorophyll a in the coast of Emilia-Romagna, has revealed a good correlation between the two. Such result supports the conclusion that the TRIX.
All along the Tuscan coast, the TRIX values are low (ranging from > 2 to 3.8) with the highest values found at the mouth of the Arno river (monitoring
1 The value of chlorophyll a was transformed in its log10.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 68 station 4). It also shows that the Northern part of the Tuscan coast is more at risk from eutrophication that the southern part (Tyrrhenian Sea).
Figure 6.9 TRIX Index along the Tuscan Coast
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0 1234567891011121314151617181920 Monitoring Stations
Source: ANPA (1999)
6.3.3 Conclusion
The quality of the water of the coast of Tuscany appears good and slightly improving between 1997-8 and 1998-9 (excluding total phosphates). The quality of the water reflects the morphological characteristics of the coast with higher concentration of nutrients and chlorophyll -a in the northern coast which is shallow and with has lower mixing. Water quality also decreases near to the delta of the river Arno and Magra and in the vicinity of the islands (Elba). The south part of the coast is characterised by lower level of pressure on the environment both from an anthropogenic point of view (less ports and tourist infrastructure) and a morphological point of view (higher depth of waters with strong level of energy).
6.4 CONCLUSIONS
6.4.1 River arno and Tributaries
The Arno
On the whole, it is reported (ANPA, 1999) that the section of the Arno downstream of Florence (valle di Firenze) is characterised by an increase of almost all criteria. This includes average nitrate concentrations approaching 10 mg N/l which indicate a need for actions to be taken. It is suggested (ANPA, 1999) that this overall increase in the pollution load is due to untreated discharge from the Florence agglomeration.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 69 It therefore appears that this section of the Arno does qualify for designation as Sensitive area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
Further upstream, in the province of Arezzo, the Arno has been shown to be under pressure and subject to high nutrient concentrations. Indeed nitrate concentration reach up to 15 mg N/l (average). This is mainly due to the intensive agricultural activities, including pig and cattle farming. It therefore appears that this area requires designation as Vulnerable Zone under Directive 91/676/EEC.
The Greve
High nutrient concentrations have been reported in the Greve river which flows into the Arno downstream of Florence. Although no data allowing a detailed assessment to be carried out, it is reported (ANPA, 1999) that the high nutrient concentrations causing occasional eutrophication episodes are due to wastewater discharges from the agglomeration of Greve. It therefore seems that the Greve river does qualify for designation as Sensitive Area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
As also mentioned in earlier sections, the entire area at the south of Greve (between Arezzo and Siena) is an agricultural intensive area (both crop farming and cattle rearing). Therefore, the contribution of these activities to the reported eutrophication events on the Greve river can not be ruled out. However, there are currently no data available which could enable confirmation of this situation. It therefore suggested that the Greve basin, for the purpose of this report, should be classified as “grey” area and additional information clarifying the situation should be provided by the responsible authorities.
6.4.2 The Ombrone
Available data show very high nitrate concentration in the first sections of the Ombrone (up to 21 mg N/l). Since this are is characterised by intensive agricultural activities, it seems reasonable to assume that that section of the Ombrone basin does qualify for designation as Vulnerable Zone under the Nitrates Directive.
6.4.3 The Tuscan Coast
Although no clear eutrophication conditions have been reported, the current chlorophyll -a levels (and TRIX indicator to a lesser extent) indicate that there is a potential for such conditions to develop. The physical characteristics of the coast (shallow water and low mixing) form the ideal environment for the development of eutrophication conditions. It therefore seem crucial for the authorities to demonstrate that such conditions will not develop. The contrary should result in the designation of the north part of the Tuscan Coast as a Sensitive Area under Directive 91/271/EEC.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 70 7 THE ADRIATIC
7.1 INTRODUCTION
In general terms, it can be said that the eutrophication in the Southern Adriatic is episodic and generally not widespread (UNEP, 1996) 1. This is, however, not the case throughout the Northern Adriatic which not only receives significant amounts of nutrients from agricultural activities but is also relatively shallow and has hydrodynamic characteristics which tend to segregate the nearshore and offshore system.
Section 1.3 of this report provides an assessment of the trophic conditions of the Northern Adriatic. Section 1.2 provide an overview of the trophic condition of the Mediterranean in general.
7.2 OVERVIEW EUTROPHICATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
A UNEP report v published in 1996 reviewed the state of eutrophication in the Mediterranean (including the Adriatic). This assessment carried out in Italy was based on research carried out over a period of decades. Within the context of this report, some of the data used may be viewed as being out of date. Nevertheless, the main conclusions of this report indicate cases of eutrophication around the coast of Italy, and especially in the Northern basin of the Adriatic. The following sub-sections (Sections 1.2.1 - 1.2.6) provide an overview of the trophic conditions of the Mediterranean around the Italian coast.
7.2.1 Tyrrhenian Sea
The Lagoon of Orbetello (Grosseto - southern Tuscany) is an area reportedly suffering from high trophic conditions and dystrophic processes. Nutrients from urban origin are the main cause of the algal blooms which significantly affect the fish population of the lagoon ecosystem. Short term measures have been adopted such as the forced exchange of waters and the collection of the macroalgal biomass.
Other eutrophic environment areas are reported in the lagoons of Sabaudia, Miseno and Patria (Naples), including a report of a bloom of Gymnodinium catenatum (dinoflagellate capable of synthesizing PSP group toxins) with concentration of 6,000,000 cells at the Lagoon of Fusaro.
7.2.2 Gulf of Naples
Here two subsystems have been identified namely that of “open sea water” with oligotrophic characteristics and a near shore system showing
1 R.A. Vollenweider, A. Rinaldi, R. Viviani and E. Todini (1996), Assessment of the State of Eutrophication in the Mediterranean Sea, UNEP, MAP Technical Reports Series No. 106, Mediterranean Action Plan MED POL.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 71 pronounced euthrophic phenomena. Ribera D’Alcalà et al . (1989) encountered algal blooms in the area most affected by effluents for the city of Naples in May 1987 which reached, although not widespread, peak concentrations of chlorophyll-a of 176 mg/m3.
7.2.3 Sardinia
A bloom of Gymnodinium sp. was reported in the Gulf of Olbia in September 1985. The discharges of sewage from Olbia town were the main cause and resulted in kills of fish and molluscs. A similar situation was also recorded by Cossu et al. in 1989-1993, in the Lagoon of Santa Giusta (central-western Sardinia) also due to states of anoxia. As mentioned in UNEP (1996), the phenomenon is associated to the abnormal growth of microalgae (Ulvaceae) and caused by high eutrophicationing inputs of urban origin. The Gulf of Cagliari also reported high nutrient concentrations in areas affected by urban and industrial effluents.
7.2.4 Sicily
Northern coast
Here again excessive inputs of nutrients largely from sewage as well as from industrial discharges have resulted in algal blooms in the Gulf of Palermo, Castellammare, the province of Messina and the Bay of Milazzo. In the latter, blooms of Chlamysomonadaceae (De Domenico, 1979) were also reported. The province of Messina has additionally reported eutrophication in the brine Lakes of Ganzirri (Magazzu’ et al., 1991). Here again large fish kills resulted. Dinophysis sacculus (a toxic species capable of synthesizing DSP group toxins) reaching 40,000 cells/l have been reported in other brine lakes (Olivieri and Tinderi) in the same area.
The Gulf of Castel Marre has also been showed to be eutrophic due to excessive input of nutrients from sewage (UNEP, 1996). Reggio (1992) reports an succession of biological indicators in the same are. As a consequence of eutrophication, the bivalve Mytilaster minimum which favours eutrophic environments was partially supplanted by Mytilus galloprovincialis that grows better in eutrophic-hypertrophic conditions.
7.2.5 Southern and Central Adriatic Sea
Puglia, Gargano, Abruzzi, Marche
The eastern coast reports far higher numbers of eutrophiciation events compared to the southern and central Adriatic. Areas of oligotrophic conditions and high concentrations of phytoplankton organisms are found, especially in Puglia. High trophic levels affect the coastal Lake of Varano with a high risk of dysrtophic consequences. In a case study carried out from May 1985 to April 1986, Tolomio et al. (1990) highlight the presence of high concentrations of nutrients and autotrophic biomass.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 72 It is reported that there are few reports on the eutrophication of the south and central Adriatic. It can generally be considered to be oligotrophic. However, eutrophication has been observed south of the Conero promontory, especially along the coast near river mouths and urban agglomerations.
The northern coast reports the largest bloom of Gymnodinium sp. in the last twenty years, started in July 1984 (dying out in December of the same year), affecting the north-western Adriatic recorded by Artegiani et al. (1985). The bloom coincided with an increase in water temperature and was unaffected by salinity. As it floated when dead there was no episode of anoxia of the bottom waters.
As reported in UNEP (1996), “in 1969 the area also experienced the first widespread bottom fauna kill; the zone involved reached from the Po delta to the northern part of Marche’s coast. Other cases of anoxia occurred along the Marche’s coasts. Caused more by the passive transport of anoxic waters from the North than by abnormal proliferations of microalgae, are referred to by Penna et al. (1986), who record the beaching of benthic organisms along the coast of the Pesaro area in June 1986”.
7.2.6 North-western Adriatic
Microalgal blooms in the coastal band of the Northern Adriatic are usually caused by diatoms. In other areas, blooms of Skeletonema and Chaetoceros occur with reported values of up to 36,000,000 cells/l (Regione Veneto, 1991). This particular study demonstrated that the distributions of nutrients are particularly significant in the areas influenced by rivers, especially the Livenza, Sile, Brenta and Adige.
Emilia-Romagna Coasts
The Emilia-Romagna waters to the south of the Po delta report the highest levels of eutrophication (Rinaldi and Montanari 1988) of the Mediterranean. Immense blooms of flagellates causing widespread anoxia in the bottom waters have been observed with a certain regularity during the summers. As reported in UNEP (1996), “the blooms which occur in this area are normally caused by Diatoms and Dinoflagellates (Regione Emilia Romagna, 1981-1991 and Vollenweider et al., 1992). The dramatic consequences or these recurrent anoxia in the bottom waters have led to the reductions in the original populations of the least mobile bottom organisms (molluscs, crustaceans and polychaetes) which are more sensitive to oxygen deficiency”.
The economic impacts on the region related to tourism and fisheries is stressed as well as the disappearance of fifteen species of molluscs and three of crustaceans. The waters are not attractive to bathers due to poor transparency and odours. Bans on the harvesting and sale of mussels in the coastal and lagoon areas of Emilia-Romagna have occurred (Viviani et al., 1990; Boni et al., 1992).
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 73 Lagoons
The lagoons around Ravenna and the Sacca di Goro (Po delta) are eutrophication problem areas. These transition basins are affected both by phytoplankton blooms and by the invasive presence of microalgae (Ulvaceae in particular). As well as the increase in nutrients from agricultural areas the deterioration of the lagoons is aggravated by the effects that result from the construction of new installations (ports, quays and breakwaters) which in many cases have lead to a reduction in the water exchange between the lagoon and the sea resulting in an increase in residence times.
The Gulf of Venice
The lagoon of Venice has seriously deteriorated in recent decades, mainly due to the discharge of urban waste water. Recent figures (Cossu et al., 1992) indicate that the potential nutrient input from domestic effluents (taking into account treatment facilities and discharge methods for the whole population) amount to 2,188 t (potential) and 1208 t (real) of nitrogen and 445t (potential) and 275 t (real) of phosphorous. The consequence is that there are frequent algal blooms and proliferation of Ulvaceae. It was reported that in the Commune of Venice, the density of the macroalgal biomass reaches 15 kg/m2 causing highly anoxic states and high levels of hydrogen sulphide.
Gulf of Trieste
Intense blooms of Peridinium ovum were observed as early as 1974. Microalgal blooms have increased significantly since the end of the 1970’s. It was reported that blooms were caused by Noctiluca miliaris, Prorocentrum lima and Scrippsiella trochoidea, particularly in the Gulf of Trieste which is characterised by limited water exchange.
Cases of anoxia in the coastal band were reported for the bay of Muggia (Orel, 1990). More persistent and widespread crises of anoxia were also recorded for the deeper waters of the Gulf of Trieste and the coast of Istria. Unlike the western coast, these were not caused by algal blooms and were caused by the stratification of the waters.
7.3 THE UPPER (NORTHERN) ADRIATIC
Recent studies on the eutrophication of the Adriatic are reported in ARPA Emilia-Romagna (1999), CSRIRMC, UOBOD2 & ECOLMARE (1992) and Regione Emilia-Romagna (1998). The results from these studies form the basis of this section.
7.3.1 Introduction
The upper Adriatic is one of the areas of the Mediterranean most subject to possible trophic change as a result of the conditions affecting it (discharges
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 74 from the Po Basin, geo-morphological caracteristics of the watersheds, coastal hydrodynamics, etc.) (ARPA Emilia-Romagna 1999).
Principal river basins discharging into the upper Adriatic
Caggiati and Piazza (1995) identify the following as the principal river basins of national importance discharging into the upper Adriatic:
• Isonzo (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) • Tagliamento (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia) • Livenza (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia) • Piave (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia) • Brenta-Bacchiglione (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia) • Adige (Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige) • Po (Piemonte, Valle d’Aosta, Liguria, Lombardia, Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, Toscana, Emilia-Romagna)
Marine monitoring network for the upper Adriatic
ARPA Emilia-Romagna (1999) reviews numerous monitoring activities, including:
• Weekly monitoring of marine waters within 10 km of the coast, at 29 stations on 7 transects (see figure below). Measurements and samples are made in order, inter alia, to:
• define the intensity, extension and species composition of micro- algal flora in the sea between the Po Delta and Cattolica; • monitor the effects of different phases of eutrophication (anoxia of deep waters, mortality of benthic organisms, etc.); • determine the spatial and temporal distribution of nutrients (in particular N and P); • determine the principal physico-chemical parameters of the waters (including dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, etc.).
• Characterisation of coastal waters within 20 km of the coast. Involves monthly measurements on two 20 km transects at stations 500, 3000, 6000 and 20,000 m from the coast for the whole water column.
• Monitoring under law 979/82 on eutrophication and pollutants. Sampling is made four times per year on 10 transects at 500, 1000 and 3000 m
from the coast. Measurements include N-NO3, N-NO2, N-NH3, P-PO4, P-total, fecal coliforms, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll-a.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 75 Figure 7.1 Eutrophication monitoring programme; network of sampling and measurement stations
Source: ARPA 1999
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 76 7.3.2 Chronological review of trophic state of the upper Adriatic
1998
In their 1998 Annual Report, ARPA (1999) report that the coastal marine system again reached significant levels of eutrophia during the first two months of 1998, with abnormal blooms of the diatom Skeletonema costatum. Trophic conditions were generally ‘favourable’ during the summer, with a considerable reduction in the trophic index (TRIX) compared to 1997. Marine levels of N-NO3, N-NO2, N-NH4 and total N in the north-west Adriatic all showed peaks which correspond directly to peaks in river in-flow during April-June and October, with a generally decreasing trend in levels from north to south. P-orthophosphate and total P also shows a close relationship to river in-flow.
1997
ABP (1997) reports new incidences of eutrophication along the Adriatic coast during the summer of 1997, and notes the urgency for updating strategies and actions for recovery, starting with the Po Basin which, with its nutrient loads, is considered to be primarily responsible for the state of health of the north- west Adriatic. The abnormal algal blooms and the consequent effects of anoxia, bad odours, etc. are attributed to high levels of salts of N and P discharged into the sea, in particular from the Po and deriving in particular from the agro-agricultural sector. The artificial and natural drainage network of the middle and lower Po basin accumulates and transfers the nutrient burden from both the urban sector (sewage wastes) and the agro-zootechnic sector (field drainage network).
1980-1995
A convention on the Evolution of the Trophic State of the Adriatic held in 1995 concluded (Regione Emilia-Romagna 1998) that, over the last 15 years, the upper Adriatic has witnessed a significant decrease in levels of phosphorus, with a concomitant reduction in summer-autumn algal blooms. Associated effects - hypo-oxygenation/anoxia of deep waters and mortality of benthic organisms - have decreased in both area and persistence, while some species sensitive to the lack of oxygen have returned. Nitrogen levels have, on the contrary, shown stability with cases of slight increase. As a consequence, the N/P ratio rises on the whole and further enhances the role played by P as a limiting factor for algal growth. Chlorophyll-a concentrations tend slightly to decrease over time. This trend is stronger during summer and autumn, when Chlorophyll-a values considerably decrease. No substantial reduction of Chlorophyll-a was reported for winter or spring. In general, summer blooms and related dystrophy have occurred only occasionally and always with less widespread and persistent effects than before 1980.
7.3.3 Chlorophyll - a in the Adriatic
Several studies have looked at the concentrations of chlorophyll -a in the Adriatic. One of these studies was carried out by PML (UK) and IMGA-CNR
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 77 (Bologna, It.). The following figure shows chlorophyll -a concentrations in the Adriatic.
Figure 7.2 Modelled Sea Surface Chlorophyll in the Adriatic
Source: NERC, 1999
The above map shows chlorophyll -a concentrations in the Adriatic at the end of April. It can be seen that high concentrations have developed in the coastal area, especially in the Northern Adriatic. As explained in NERC (1999), river runoff has a strong influence on the northern part of the basin and affects the general circulation via the buoyancy input. It is widely acknowledged that the rivers draining into the Adriatic are a major source of nutrients.
The above-mentioned study shows that modelled concentrations of chlorophyll -a remain low in the offshore areas, especially in the southern Adriatic basin. Indeed it shows that the central and southern basins are largely oligotrophic. Such conditions are mainly due to the influence of the inflow of water from the eastern Mediterranean through the Strait of Otranto.
In general terms, it can be said that only the north basin of the Adriatic is eutrophic and the remainder is essentially oligotrophic.
7.3.4 Sources of nutrient burdens entering the upper Adriatic
River Po Basin
The Po Basin discharges 200,000 t N per annum, and 20,000 t P per annum into the upper Adriatic. In the Po Basin, the major source of phosphorus (40%) is urban, while the major source of nitrogen (56%) is agricultural. Regarding the main course of the Po, qualitative data for 1992 showed 66% of the length to be in good-medium conditions, 29% in medium-bad and 4% in bad-very bad condition. Regarding tributaries of the Po, the Lambro - which collects the untreated wastes of Milan - was in very bad condition. An initial
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 78 analysis of trends in nutrient loads at the Pontelagoscuro station from 1968 to 1993 shows a substantial reduction of phosphorus (in accord with the trend already noted in the Adriatic), while nitrogen has shown no signs of reduction in the last 10 years (see figures below).
Figure 7.3 Trend in nutrient loads at Pontelagoscuro from 1968-1993 (a) Trend in mean annual load of phosphorus discharged in Adriatic 1968-1993. (b) Trend in nutrient loads at Pontelagoscuro from 1968-1993 Trend in mean annual load of phosphorus discharged in Adriatic 1968-1993.
Source: Caggiati et al. 1997
N-NO3 and N-NH4 levels for the Pontelagoscuro station (River Po), 1990-1995
ABP (1996) presents data and analysis for the period 1990-1995 for the Pontelagoscuro station, the last on the River Po before the Adriatic. In terms
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 79 of burdens discharged into the Adriatic, the values of the parameters detected at Pontelagoscuro are illustrative of the status of the Po Basin as a whole, as this station is conventionally considered to be at the end of the Po basin (Caggiati et al. 1997). The station coincides with the intake of water for the city of Ferrara, and so has sampling data for a wide range of parameters, and has also been the site of a hydrometrographic station of the Ufficio Idrografico of Parma since 1922 (Caggiati et al. 1997, p.99).
The following graphs show trends for N-NO3 and N-NH4 levels (mean and
90%ile) at Pontelagoscuro over the period 1990-1995. Mean N-NO3
concentrations have grown constantly over this period while mean N-NH4 concentrations have fallen constantly.
Figure 7.4 Values of NO3 for the period 1990-1995 at the Pontelagoscuro station
Source: ABP 1996
In particular, in the period 1990-1993, characterised by a mean flow of 1500 m3 s-1, the daily mean load for Pontelagoscuro included: 23 tonnes of N-NH4, 300 tonnes of N-NO3, 25 tonnes of Ptotal, 10 tonnes of reactive phosphorus, 350 tonnes of BOD, 2300 tonnes of COD, 5 tonnes of surfactants (MBAS) and 500 kg of phenols.
River Adige Basin
Recent nutrient loads in the River Adige basin have been reviewed by Lunelli (1995). The chemical contamination of the Adige has predominantly urban origins, in particular sewage. Contaminants of industrial and agricultural origin are present but not in quantities such as to compromise potability.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 80 Nitrates from the source to the mouth of the Adige register a constantly increasing trend. Their concentration along the course of the river is c.2-4 mg l-1 with maxima between Badia Polesine and Boara Polesine and at the confluence of the Alpone with the Adige.
Recent data on the loads of nitrates and phosphorus discharged into the Adriatic by the Adige are not available. Data for 1988 give 12,600 t N per year and 1,200 t P per year.
Data for 1989-1995 for Cavanella d’Adige (station 222) near the mouth of the Adige (see figures below) show that concentrations of nitrates which make up 90% of total N, show a slight but progressive decrease, while concentrations of soluble P have decreased markedly.
Figure 7.5 Nitrate Concentrations
Source: Lunelli 1995
Isonzo, Tagliamento, Livenza, Piave and Brenta-Bacchiglione
Recent nutrient loads in these river basins have been reviewed by Baruffi (1995). These basins contribute 15-20% of the nutrients discharged into the upper Adriatic.
Discharges of nitrates in the late 1980s were 500, 372, 188, 95 and 411 tonnes/annum respectively for Brenta-Bacchiglione, Piave, Livenza, Tagliamento and Isonzo. Discharges of phosphorus for the same period were 8000, 5727, 3350, 511 and 996 tonnes/annum respectively. The Brenta- Bacchiglione basin is the worst affected.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 81 Basins of Emilia-Romagna discharging directly into the Adriatic between Burana and Tavollo
Recent nutrient loads in these river basins - totalling 17 in number with a total watershed area of 11,198 km2 - have been reviewed by Storniolo (1995). The total burdens of BOD, N and P for these basins are: 277 tonnes/annum, 118 tonnes/annum and 34 tonnes/annum respectively. In particular, 74% of N and 78% of P derive from agricultural origin. Instead, BOD derives mainly from the industrial/urban sector (65%).
7.3.5 The Venetian Coast
Description of the area
The Venetian coast is characterised by shallow depth of water and from a considerable seasonal variations in water quality due to sea currents and the effects of the Po delta. Indeed rivers affect significantly both the water quality and the water circulation of the area, as they represent a significant proportion of the total water of the Adriatic basin. Furthermore the process of transportation are very active therefore the salty waters coming form the oriental part of the Mediterranean sea largely influence the characteristic of the bottom of the northern Adriatic.
Generally speaking during the winter period the column of water is homogenous in term of temperature, salt contents and dissolved oxygen. During spring the density gradient increases due to the thermal inversion and the increased volumes of water from rivers.
Water Quality
(a) Monitoring
The region Veneto has set up 16 monitoring stations along the coast, each station is composed by three monitoring points located at three different distances form the coast: 500 m, 0,5 nm and 2 nm. The localisation has been chosen taking in to account the particular characteristic of the venetian coast and consistently with the delta of middle and large size rivers, the lagoons, ports and tourist areas of the coast.
During 1997 and 1998 the region has carried over a series of 17 yearly monitoring cycles divided in to fortnightly campaigns between May and September and monthly during the rest of the year.
(b) Quality
• NO2
On average, the levels of NO2 present a seasonal pattern both in surface and in deeper water, with low level (10 uM) during the summer period and higher level (20-30 uM) during the autumn and winter season.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 82 If we look at the diffusion of NO2 along the coast, the most critical area is south of Chioggia while the lowest concentration area is just in front of the venetian lagoon where the water coming from the lagoon have already been impoverish due to the biological process occurring inside the lagoon itself.
The area to the north presents intermediate values of NO2 more closely linked to the seasonal effect of continental waters.
• NO3
NO3 presents the same seasonal patterns as those shown by NO2 with high concentration (up to 1.5µM) in the winter season and low level in the summer season (from 0.2 to 05 µM). Nitrate concentrations are higher at surface levels although, during winter, the concentrations of NO3 reaches in deeper waters which similar levels than those in surface water.
The geographical distribution is similar to NO2. The area south of Chioggia is the most vulnerable with level reaching peaks of 4,78 uM
• Chlorophyll -a
The results of the monitoring campaigns have shown high values (3-5 ug/dm3) in spring and summer and lower values (1 to 2 ug/dm3) in the autumn and winter months. Chlorophyll a > of 5ug/dm3 in 28% of sample for 1997 and 1998 (see table 17 pag 32) Generally speaking Chlorophyll a levels are higher at surface level as they suffer from continental waters, and closer to the harbour area of the south (south of Chioggia) which is affected by the Po Delta.
• Eutrophication
Eutrophication is a widespread phenomenon during the summer months and in the south coast close to the delta of large rivers. It is also widespread during the winter due the level of nutrients from rivers but the situation do not reached the same level of the summer period due to the lower temperature and the mixing of water level.
TRIX
TRIX is an eutrophication aggregate index derive from the linear combination of 4 variables (OD, Chlorophyll a, Ptot, and NH4 + NO2 + NO3)1. It is mentioned by Italian law (D.lgs 152/99) as a useful indicator. TRIX levels varies in a range from 2 (low level of eutrophication) to 8 (high level).
In 1997 levels of TRIX for the venetian coast varied around 4-4.5 for deep waters and 5-5.2 for surface water. In 1998 the level moves slightly upwards
1 TRIX=[log109Cha.D%O.N.P) - (a)]/b where Cha=chlorophyll a (µg dm-3); D%O=dissolved oxygen as absolute % deviation from saturation (100-O2D%); N=dissolved inorganic nitrogen (µg dm-3); P=total phosphates (µg dm-3); a and b are constants set on the max and min levels of the parameters for the area considered.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 83 to 4.5 for deep waters and 5.5 for surface waters. The graphs in CNT_AIM (1999) show the higher level of TRIX in the south part of the venetian coast and an upward trend between 1997 and 1998. They also indicates a higher level of TRIX in the winter months.
(c) Venetian Coast - Conclusion
Eutrophication calculated by the TRIX index shows good to mediocre levels (around level 5) in the north part of the coast and mediocre level (closer to 4) at the south end.
All the indicators considered come to the conclusion that the southern part of the venetian coast (from Chioggia southward) is the most critical area. This result could be explained by the presence of the deltas of middle to large size river (including the river PO) in that part of the coast. The prevailing southward currents in the northern part of the Adriatic can also explain the high level of that part of the coast.
A comparison of the data between 1997 and 1998 shows an upward trend for
eutrophication and Ptot.
7.4 CONCLUSIONS
7.4.1 Eutrophication
On basis of the results of the research carried out for the last twenty years, the trophic status of the Adriatic Sea (Italy) can be summarised as follows:
• The north-western coastal area of the Adriatic is affected by both micro- and macroalgal blooms and can be classified as eutrophic; • the open sea water of the north-western basin of the Adriatic is characterised by meso- to oligotrophic conditions; • the majority of the central-south basin of the Adriatic, with the exception of localised cases of eutrophication on the coast, can be classified as oligotrophic.
7.4.2 Requirements under 91/271/EEC and 91/676/EEC
91/676/EEC
As can be noticed on the CORINE Land Cover maps (see Annex A of this report) the basins of the north-eastern coast of Italy are mainly composed of agricultural land (heterogenous, permanently irrigated and non-irrigated agricultural land). This indicates that a large part of the nutrient load contributing to the eutrophication of the northern basin of the Adriatic is of agricultural origins. The most obvious contributor is the Po basin which is primarily responsible for the trophic state of the Northern Adriatic. It has been calculated that agriculture is the main source of nitrogen in the Po basin (56%).
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 84 Available data clearly showed that the basin of the Po river and Adige river contribute to the enrichment of the Adriatic Sea. This clearly means that the drainage areas of these two rivers do qualify for designation as Vulnerable Zones.
However, there are many smaller rivers flowing into the Adriatic and which contribute to the enrichment of the Adriatic. However very little - or no data are available for these rivers and, within the context of this report, it has not been possible to carry out an assessment of the requirement under either or both Directives. However, and although no data clearly demonstrate it, it appears that such basin do require designation as Vulnerable Zones.
91/271/EEC
It can also be noticed on the Land Use maps (see Annex I of this report) that there are agglomerations/urban areas along most of the northern and central coast of the Adriatic. This means that urban water discharges along the coast are very likely to contribute to the eutrophication of the Adriatic and should be subject to a treatment which is more rigorous than secondary treatment.
It is therefore appears that the North basin of the Adriatic Sea does qualify for designation as Sensitive Area under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
In addition, it has been shown that the Gulf of Castelamarre in Sicily is eutrophic due to waste water discharges and does qualify for designation under Directive 91/271/EEC.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 85 8 GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
8.1 INTRODUCTION
Only limited information is available on the quality and contamination of groundwaters in Italy. In order to obtain all available information, some of the organisations contacted included:
• the Ministry of Environment (MoE); • ANPA (National Agency for the Protection of the Environment); • CNR - IRSA • Association of Water and Gas Companies (FGA) and individual water companies • the Institute of Health (responsible for environmental monitoring before the creation of ANPA) • NGOs such as Legambiente.
8.1.1 Data Availability
As it appeared that no data on groundwater quality are held centrally (ie at the MoE), the FGA and individual water companies were contacted. Some data were made available for Puglia, Naples and Lazzio. With the exception of one region (Vesuviano - Naples), all water companies have data showing
low nitrate concentrations (1-10 mg NO3/l). The results provided by Acqedetto Vesuviana are summarised in Section 8.5.
ANPA’s official position is that, at present, there is no structured and co- ordinated data collection programme for groundwaters. Only a few regional ANPA offices in the North of the country have some data available. However, these could not be obtained.
The groundwater quality monitoring network: National Information System on the Environment (SINA)
The SINA network aims at registering the “baseline” quantitative and qualitative level of the most important aquifers in Italy. The specific monitoring and controls are delegated to the regional authorities. Unfortunately the SINA network is not yet operative and it was not possible to obtain data on the nitrates and phosphorous levels directly through the National Environment Protection Agency (ANPA) which run the SINA project.
CNR - IRSA
A study conducted in 1990 within the framework of the National Group for the Protection against Hydro-geological Catastrophes assessed the quality of aquifers used for the abstraction of drinking water. The research showed 219 cases of pollution of groundwater used for drinking purpose in 291 Italian
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 86 municipalities (45% of which are localised in the north of the country, 35% in central Italy and 20% in the south and the islands). The term pollution includes different kind of polluting elements including nutrients, solvents, hydrocarbons, herbicides and biological parameters. The sources of pollution are predominantly of industrial (80% of which are concentrated in the north), urban and agricultural nature. Less common sources of pollution are also animal husbandry, landfills and over-consumption of water.
A similar, but more comprehensive study was carried out recently by the Water Research Centre (IRSA), which is part of the National Council for Research (CNR). The assessment (1) , which was recently published, concentrated on reported cases of contamination (over 600 cases). The main results from the CNR report are summarised in Section 8.3 of this report.
8.2 STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT
A state of the environment report (2) was published in 1997 and summarises the situation in relation to groundwater quality. Although it doesn’t provide any details, it indicates areas which are known to be problematic: Campania, Marche, Emilia-Romagna, Fruli and Veneto.
Nitrates pollution is reported to be the most common form of groundwater pollution in Italy and is characteristic of shallow aquifers (eg. the flatlands of the region Campania - Naples and Salerno) which, in some cases, have nitrate concentration above the legal limit of 50mg/l (Naples area). Nitrate levels in groundwater are also high in the region of Marche.
In 1990 IRSA and National Geological Service conducted a study of the natural vulnerability and the pollution of the flatland of Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Friuli. The area studied (45.000 km2) is characterised by a large number of urban, industrial, agricultural and animal farming areas. The high density of anthropogenic activities combined with waste disposal activities contribute to the high pollution risk of the region’s aquifer. Aquifers in the area are the principal source of drinking water as well as a main source for industrial and agricultural activities.
Nitrates pollution in the region is widely diffused, although higher concentrations are found in the sub-alpine region (> 150 mg/l) , the whole area shares an average level of 50 mg/l which is the national legal limit for drinking waters. Amongst the causes that contribute to the continuing degradation of the groundwater quality is the existence of large numbers of wells which have been dug inappropriately therefore increasing the horizontal communication and the spread of pollution. The unsustainable rate of water extraction due to the several anthropogenic activities is also a major cause of the degradation of the region’s g aquifer quality.
(1) Lo Stato di Contaminazione delle acque sotterranee utilizzate a scopo potabile in Italia" Giuliano G., Carone G., Corazza A.; Quaderni IRSA CNR, Dicember 1999 (2) Ministero dell'Ambiente (1997), Relazione sullo Stato Dell'Ambiente, 1997.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 87 Figure 8.1 Nitrate Concentrations Padano Aquifer (Emilia-Romagna)
Source: Ministero dell’Ambiente (1997)
8.3 REVIEW OF THE QUALITY OF GROUNDWATERS INTENDED FOR THE ABSTRACTION OF DRINKING WATER
8.3.1 Introduction
This review is based on a report published in December 1999 by the Water Quality Research Institute (IRSA - CNR) and which is entitled “Lo stato di contaminazione delle acque sotterranee utilizzate a scopo potabile in Italia” (Giuliano et al. (1999)).
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 88 It is important to notice that the report is solely based on reported pollution episodes that have caused the abstraction of drinking water to be suspended by the relevant organisation in charge. The report does not provide information on the areas where it is known or suspected that groundwaters are at risk unless it has been officially reported.
The assessment carried out by IRSA is based on reported data and no monitoring was carried out by IRSA. They however developed a database with 674 pollution events over a period of ten years (1986-1996). Each event is described in three separate sections:
• a synthetic description of the polluting event such as location, type of pollutant, source of pollution and temporal nature and trend of the pollution; • a more in depth description of the geographical, geological, hydro-geological and climatic characteristic of the area where the pollution occurred, the land use of the area, the sources of pollution and their evolution in time, the monitoring and the remedial and preventative action put in to place; • more information on the nature, average, minimum and maximum levels of the concentration of the polluting substances.
8.3.2 Geographical distribution
As can be observed in Table 8.1, 55% of the events occurred in Northern Italy, 23% in the central part of Italy and 29% in the southern regions and the islands.
Table 8.1 Regional distribution of groundwater pollution events.
Region No. of pollution events Piemonte 103 Sicilia 102 Lombardia 66 Abruzzo 56 Campania 55 Toscana 43 Veneto 42 Emilia-Romagna 40 Marche 34 Lazio 31 Puglia 21 Umbria 17 Calabria 15 Valle d’Aosta 13 Trentino Alto Adige 13 Molise 12 Liguria 5 Sardegna 4 Friulia Venezia Giulia 1 Basilicata 1
Total Italy 674 Source: CNR (1999)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 89 The results summarised in Table 8.1 also show that the aquifers most at risk from contamination (based on the number of pollution episodes) are located in the north and central plains as well as in the Southern regions:
• Piemonte • Sicilia • Lombardia • Abruzzo • Campania
It is reported that the water supply sources affected by pollution are usually represented by single wells with a low-medium discharge serving up to 5,000 inhabitant.
The areas most frequently affected by the contamination events are those with alluvial aquifers, particularly in the Northern and Central plains, or with karstic or fissured aquifers in the southern regions. It is also reported that the water bodies which are considered to be vulnerable are those represented by phreatic aquifers at a depth of up to 50 m with no surficial protection.
8.3.3 Origins of pollution
In addition to classifying pollution sources as point source or diffuse source, IRSA classified pollution origins as follows:
• industrial; • civil; • livestock farming; • agriculture; • landfill; • marine water intrusion; • natural origins.
Figure 8.1 shows the origins of the reported pollution events. If, for the purpose of this report, livestock and agriculture are combined, it clearly appears that it accounts for the majority of reported pollution events. CNR reports that the main causes of contamination throughout Italy are related to agricultural (including stockbreeding), industrial production (waste release), and civil activities (leakage from sewers and septic tanks, etc). Nitrate is reported to be one of the most frequently detected pollutant.
Figure 8.3 Origins of pollution
Error! Not a valid link. Source: CNR (1999)
Table 8.2 Correlation between regional distribution and origins of pollution
Region Origins
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 90 Region Origins Industrial Civil Livestock Agriculture Landfill Marine W. Natural Farming Intrusion Piemonte 24 4 9 25 2 - 38 Valle d’Aosta - - 13 ---- Lombardia 51 3 - 83-1 Trentino Alto 5 6 - 1 1-- Adige Veneto 37 1 - 22-1 Friulia Venezia 1 ------Giulia Liguria 5 ------Emilia-Romagna 13 3 2 15 6 - 1 Toscana 17 8 2 4-75 Umbria 1 4 2 6--4 Marche 5 1 2 20 2 3 - Lazio - 13 10 2-15 Abruzzo 2 22 24 412- Molise - 3 1 8--- Campania 3 21 18 49-- Puglia 1 2 - 2-16- Basilicata - - - -1-- Calabria 1 4 1 144- Sicilia - 38 28 21 1 14 - Sardegna 1 - - 111-
Total 167 133 112 124 33 48 55 Source: CNR, 1999
The above table shows that , all region confounded, about 35% of all reported pollution events are related to agricultural activities and 20% to civil activities. Pollution events of industrial, agricultural and natural origins are predominantly located (80%) in the northern regions of Italy (particularly Emilia-Romagna e Lombardia) while pollution events of livestock farming, marine water intrusion and civil origins are more frequent in the central and southern regions.
About one quarter of the total cases of pollution have shown to be of multiple origins thus increasing the number of pollution events from 647 to 841. If one is to consider polluting sources such as agro-chemicals and fertilisers, livestock farming, grazing and leaking wells as linked to nitrates levels, based on the information contained the IRSA report, the total of pollution events that can be linked to nitrates represent more then a third (37%) of total events.
The duration of pollution
IRSA established four classes of duration of the pollution events: • permanent • periodical • episodical • already extinguished
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 91 The wide majority of pollution are permanent (63%) followed by episodical pollution events (19%) and periodical (15%) while only a small number of pollution cases have been already solved (3%).
Such a result highlights the need for a strong policy aimed at the protection of groundwater quality and the prevention of pollution events. Permanents polluting events are widespread across the whole country. More particularly, the case of the region Lombardia is critical in view of the fact that 57 out of 61 polluting event in the region are permanent.
8.3.4 The nature of pollution
The nature of the pollution has initially been classified by IRSA under the following categories:
• organic degradable • organic non-degradable • inorganic • microbiological • chemical-physical
The majority of the pollution events are of inorganic nature (39%). This is illustrated in Figure 8.4. The inorganic pollution events are spread evenly across southern and northern regions with peaks in Sicilia and Piemonte (see Table 8.3). Nitrate contamination is classified as of inorganic nature.
Figure 8.4 Nature of pollution
Error! Not a valid link. Source: CNR, 1999
Table 8.3 Regional distribution of the nature of pollution events
Region Nature of pollution Inorganic Micro- Organic Organic non- Chemical- biological degradable degradable physical
Piemonte 50 10 42 5 1 Valle d’Aosta - 13 - - - Lombardia 18 4 43 5 - Trentino Alto Adige 3 6 1 3 - Veneto 13 3 30 2 - Friulia Venezia -- 1-- Giulia Liguria 1 - 5 1 - Emilia-Romagna 31 4 9 2 Toscana 23 8 12 2 3 Umbria 11 5 - 2 - Marche 21 3 11 2 1 Lazio 8 24 - - - Abruzzo 13 48 1 1 3 Molise 8 9 - - - Campania 17 42 4 6 3 Puglia 17 4 1 1 -
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 92 Region Nature of pollution Basilicata 1 - - - - Calabria 9 4 4 1 1 Sicilia 53 61 1 3 - Sardegna 3 - 2 - 1
Total 300 248 167 36 13 Source: CNR, 1999
The strong correlation between certain origin of pollution and the nature of the polluting substances is shown in Figure 8.3. In particular: • when the origin of the pollution is industrial activities, the nature of the pollutants in mostly organic non degradable; • when the origin is agricultural activities, marine water intrusion or landfill, the nature is mostly inorganic; • when the origin of the pollution is livestock farming and civil activities, the nature of pollutants is mostly micro-biological.
Figure 8.5 Correlation between origins and nature of pollution
140
120
100
80
Organic degr.
60 O rganic non degr.
Number of cases of Number Inorganic
40 Chemical-physical
Micro-biological
20
0
Industrial Civil Livestock A gricu ltu re L a nd fill M a rine w . Natural Farm . intrusion
8.3.5 Nitrates
Looking more closely at the data obtained by IRSA, nitrates is the cause of contamination for numerous aquifers. Table 8.4 lists the number of cases of nitrate contamination for each region.
Table 8.4 Regional distribution of nitrate contamination (No. of cases)
Region Number of cases of nitrate contamination
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 93 Region Number of cases of nitrate contamination Sicilia 59 Marche 28 Emilia Romagna 25 Piemonte 12 Toascana 12 Umbria 11 Lombardia 9 Molise 8 Lazio 4 Abruzzo 4 Sardegna 2 Trentino Alto Adige 1 Veneto 1 Campania 1
Table 8.5 lists the boreholes, for all regions, which have been reported to have nitrate concentrations above the recommended limit (irrespective of whether it is a continuous or periodical event).
Table 8.5 Boreholes with NO3 concentrations above the recommended limit
Region Name Contamination Nitrate content (mg/l)
Type Origin med max year Abruzzi 1. Sorg.San Rocco diffuse agricultural - - -
Campania 2. - diffuse agricultural - - -
Veneto 3. - diffuse agricultural - - -
Umbria 4. Giacomo di diffuse agricultural 70 80 1994 Spoleto 5. Raggio diffuse agricultural 55 70 1994 6. Petrignano diffuse agricultural 45 57 1994 7. Spina S. diffuse agricultural 50 100 1991/92 Apollinare 8. Maria Rossa diffuse agricultural - 137 1986
Emilia Romagna 9. Alta Pianura diffuse agricultural 30 80 1990 Romagnola 10. Forli diffuse agricultural 5 70 1988 11. Rimini diffuse agricultural 10 70 1988 12. Formigine diffuse agricultural 50 100 1989/94 13. Castelnuovo diffuse agricultural 50 150 1989/94 Rangone 14. Piumazzo diffuse agricultural 40 70 1989/94 15. Spilamberto Point industrial 100 1350 1977/92 16. Provincia di diffuse agricultural - 63 Reggio Emilia 17. Forli diffuse animal -- husbandry 18. Alta ian. diffuse agricultural - - Romagnola 19. Bologna diffuse agricultural - -
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 94 20. Rimini diffuse agricultural - - 21. Ravenna diffuse agricultural - - 22. Spilamberto diffuse agricultural - - 23. Castelnuovo diffuse animal -- Rangone husbandry 24. Piumazzo diffuse agricultural - - 25. Formigine diffuse agricultural - - 26. Caesico Rio Strua diffuse agricultural - - Lazio 27. Sorgente diffuse agricultural - 55 1995 Boccafolle 28. Sorgente la Sala diffuse agricultural - 70 1993 Lombardia 29. Medole diffuse agricultural - - 30. Roverbella diffuse agricultural - - 31. Vaprio D’Adda diffuse agricultural - - 32. Baraccone diffuse agricultural - - 33. Olzano diffuse agricultural - - 34. Torrazza diffuse agricultural - - 35. Beverate diffuse agricultural - - 36. Vaccarezza diffuse agricultural - - Vecchia Trentino Alto 37. Roggia diffuse agricultural - - Adige
Toscana 38. Vincenzo a Torri diffuse agricultural 100 215 1995 39. Guarda Mare diffuse agricultural 40 90 1995 40. San Vincenzo diffuse agricultural 80 110 1995 Campo pozzi Sardegna 41. Assemini diffuse agricultural 92 215 1994
Piemonte 42. Oche diffuse animal 55 - 1993 husbandry 43. Vecchio Porto diffuse agricultural 60 - 1992 44. Concentrico diffuse agricultural 53 - 1993 45. Frazione Zina diffuse agricultural 60 - 1992/93 46. Margheria diffuse agricultural 63,5 78 1994 47. Tanarella diffuse agricultural 56 158 1995 48. Reg. Dente - animal - 53 1993 husbandry- Marche 49. Metauro diffuse agricultural - - 50. Madonna del diffuse agricultural 120 130 1995 Piano 51. Santo Isidoro diffuse agricultural 60 70 1995 52. Albanacci diffuse agricultural 64 66 1993 Castelfidardo 53. case nuove diffuse agricultural 67,5 119 1992/95 Filottrano 54. Casine di Ostra diffuse agricultural 85 122 1993 55. Monterado diffuse agricultural 72,5 107 1992/95 56. Tenna Mulino - diffuse agricultural 80 80 1994 Tenna Luce 57. Passatempo diffuse agricultural 90 102 1991/92 58. Sanbucheto diffuse agricultural 90 100 1992 59. Montecosaro diffuse agricultural 100 110 1993 scalo 60. Trodica di diffuse agricultural 50 65 1989/91 Morrovalle 61. Fosso Pilocco diffuse - - 96 1996 Potenza
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 95 62. Fano-Metauro diffuse agricultural 90 130 1994 63. Monteporzio diffuse agricultural 80 90 1995 Molise 64. Leucio diffuse agricultural - 73,5 1987 65. Marzovizza diffuse agricultural - 62,9 1987 66. Fontanelle diffuse agricultural - 157,2 1987 67. Fontedonica diffuse agricultural - 73,5 1987 68. Berardinelli diffuse agricultural - 56,7 1987 69. Lagoluppoli diffuse agricultural - 62,9 1987 70. Gizzone-Sorg. La diffuse agricultural - 77,5 1987 Rua 71. Cantro Ab. - Via diffuse agricultural - 87,3 1987 Fontana Vecchia Sicilia 72. S.Tecla diffuse agriculture - - 73. C.da piano dei point agricultural - 76,8 1994 Camitici 74. Capomulini diffuse agricultural - 162 1998 75. Stazo diffuse agricultural - 68 1993 76. Masseria Spinelli point agricultural 70 - 1993 77. Valcorrente point agricultural - 77 1990 78. Contrada Difesa point agricultural - 79,9 1990 79. Fasano diffuse agricultural - 59 1994 80. Praiola diffuse agricultural - 70 1989/94 81. Malorato diffuse agricultural - 74 1993 82. Malpassoti point agricultural - 71 1992 83. Casalrosato diffuse agricultural - 110 1988/93 84. Fontana diffuse agricultural - 145 1992 85. Pantano point agricultural - 67,9 1992 86. Galeano point agricultural - 81 1993 87. Carlino point agricultural - 56 1994 88. Fondo Vitale diffuse agricultural - 110,7 1978 89. Partanna diffuse agricultural 91,8 - 1978 Mondello 90. Villa Grazia point animal - 52,3 1978 husbandry
The above table clearly highlights the aquifers which have high nitrate concentrations from agricultural origin (whether diffuse or point source). It therefore suggests that all these aquifers do qualify for designation under 91/676/EEC.
Unfortunately the CNR database does not provide any details of the aquifers concerned. Therefore, and within the context of this report, each point has been placed onto a map in relation to the commune it is located in. Therefore, the map provided in Annex B of this report shows the aquifers as the extent of the Commune, Province or Region, as appropriate.
8.4 QUALITY OF GROUNDWATER AQUIFERS IN THE PO BASIN AND VENETO FRUILANA
8.4.1 Overview
The Po river basin and Veneto-Friuli plain have the highest concentration of civil and economic activities in Italy (and amongst the highest in Europe).
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 96 This results in a very high contamination potential for groundwaters (in terms of land use and settlements).
The aquifer in this region constitutes a “single-stratum” system (CNR, 1999). At the foot of the Alps and Apennines, “the gravel and sand of the fluvial and fluvio-glacial deposits from an undifferentiated layer often devoid of low permeability covering and with free groundwater. Proceeding downstream into the valley, this displays robust low-permeability covering of silt and clay and is characterised almost everywhere by groundwater under pressure”.
The areas which show most vulnerability almost always coincide with the areas of most intensive agricultural activities and highest densities of population. Nitrates form on the four main anthropogenic forms of pollution in the area.
The CNR-IRSA study identified several areas where agricultural activities (including animal husbandry) where the cause of diffuse pollution and where nitrates are the main contamination factor. The areas where high concentrations (> 50 mg NO3/l) were reported are (as specified in Table 8.5):
• Alta Pianura Romagnola; • Forli; • Rimini; • Formigine; • Castelnuovo Rangone; • Piumazzo; • Provincia di Reggio Emilia
As high nitrates concentrations of agricultural origins have clearly been identified in the aquifers surrounding these areas, they do qualify for designation as Vulnerable Zone under Directive 91/676/EEC.
Other areas are reported to be vulnerable to diffuse pollution from agricultural origins. However, no detailed information is available for these area. It is therefore suggested that these should be the subject of more detailed assessment by the Italian authorities.
• Forli; • Bologna; • Alta Ian. Romagnola; • Ravenna; • Spilamberto; • Piumazzo;Formigine; • Caesico Rio Strua.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 97 8.4.2 Quality of groundwaters in the Province of Milan
The available information has been summarised for the whole region which can be divided in four sections: South, North-Northeast, Northwest and Milan. Generally, nitrate concentration are found to be high. Alarmingly, much of the groundwater is aimed at the abstraction of drinking water and abstraction has started in the deeper aquifers. This is illustrated on the Maps shown at the end of this section.
South
Generally, nitrate concentrations in the south of the province are around 20
mg NO3/l. Some of the “communes” (eg. Opera, Melegnano and San Guiliano Milanese) in this areas will ,however, show higher average concentrations which are below (> 30 mg/l) the limit imposed by Directive 91/271/EEC and Directive 91/676/EEC.
There are however particular cases, such as Colturano, where an increase in nitrate concentration is found in 60-70% of the measurements made. However such cases are isolated and most of the time are found in isolated wells. On the contrary, a trend of stabilisation of nitrate concentrations has been observed in most of the southern part of the Milan province, with some cases where concentrations are decreasing (eg. Motta Visconti). Although the main activity in this part of the region is agriculture with industrial settlements on the edges, the aquifers do not appear to be at risk, unlike other parts of the province.
North-Northeast
This zone is the worst one in relation to nitrate contamination. Indeed, with the exception of certain cases with average nitrate concentrations around 20 mg/l (eg. Trezzo d’Adda), the majority of the aquifers in this region have concentrations close to 50 mg/l (average concentrations around 40 mg
NO3/l). Some trends towards an increase have also been observed. Furthermore, many of the wells in the area have been closed. The areas with high nitrate concentrations are those which are highly developed with both industries and urban agglomerations.
Going west, the situation is not so alarming even though some areas still present very high nitrate concentrations (Bovisio Masciago, Muggio, Seregno, etc.). The average nitrate concentration in part of the province oscillates between 30-40 mg/l with peaks of between 4-50 mg/l in the regions of Paderno, Dugnano, Sesto San Giovanni, Bresso, Desio, Lissone, Ceriano, Lahgetto, Lazzate, etc. A correlation has been observed between the heavily polluted rivers of Lambro, Olona, Seveso, etc. Generally, there is a high risk of contamination in the northern part of the province of Milan, with the possibility that numerous boreholes may need to be closed.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 98 North-West
The situation in this part of the province is not as bad as in the North were diffuse contamination has been observed, but high nitrate concentrations (> 100 mg/l) have also been observed in this region (eg. Parabiago). In areas such as Nerviano and Cerro Maggiore, increasing concentrations have been observed. However decreases have also been observed in the region of Busto Garolfo, Arluno, Vanzago and Pregnana Milanese.
Milan
Milan is a particular case when compared to the rest of the province, due to the high level of urbanisation with a population equivalent above 1,300,000. Historically, the area of Milan has always been characterised by high industrialisation (steel and chemicals mainly) which had a huge impact on water use and the quality of discharged waters.
Generally, nitrate concentrations in the Milan aquifers are on the increase (eg. Baggio, Comasina, Chuisabella, Park, etc).
Conclusions
Generally, the results show that nitrate concentrations in the province of Milan are elevated and, in many cases, on the increase. The worst areas are those located in the north of the province. There is also the particular case of the agglomeration of Milan, the aquifers of which usually have average concentrations around 40 mg/l. Generally it can be said that the aquifers in the province of Milan are highly vulnerable to nitrate contamination, especially in the agglomerations and industrial areas, and that an increasing pollution trend as been observed. It is therefore appears that the aquifers of the province of Milan do require designation under both the Urban Waste Water Treatment and the Nitrates Directive.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 99 Figure 8.6 Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwaters (1990) - Province of Milan
Source: Provincia di Milan
Figure 8.7 Nitrate Concentrations in Groundwaters (1994) - Province of Milan
Source: Provincia di Milan
8.4.3 Conclusions
As discussed, several aquifers in the Po basin and Veneto Fruilana do require designation under the Nitrates Directive. The areas to be designated are listed and illystrated in Annex B of this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 100 8.5 UMBRIA
As reported in Table 8.5 of this report, several aquifers in Umbria (or parts of) have high nitrate concentrations which originate from agricultural activities. These areas are:
• Giacomo di Spoleto; • Raggio; • Petrignano; • Spina S. di Appolinare; • Maria Rossa.
These areas are located on two of the alluvial aquifer of the region , as identified on Figure 8.8.
Figure 8.8 Aquifers with High Nitrate Concentrations (Umbria)
1 Aquifers with high NO3 concentrations:
1. Conca Eugubina 2 2. Valle Umbra
Source: Adapted from www.regione.umbria.it/cridea/sintesi/images
The aquifers of Conca Eugubina and Alta Valle Umbra are indeed reported to have high nitrate concentrations due to regional agricultural activities (1) .
This situation was also confirmed by the regional environmental Agency and water company but no data could be provided.
(1) Regione Umbria (2000), Relazone sullo stato dell'Ambiente in Umbria, Acque Sotterranee.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 101 8.6 CAMPANIA REGION - VESUVIANO DISTRICT
Monitoring of groundwater quality in this region has been carried out by water utilities. The only available data for this region, at the time of writing, are those collected by Acquedotte Vesuviano. Most wells show very high nitrate concentrations. It was also reported 1 that water is mixed water of low nitrate concentration in order to provide the consumer with water of adequate quality.
The results of the monitoring campaigns carried out between 1996-1999 are summarised in Figure 8.8. These are annual averages and are very high for averages.
Figure 8.9 Nitrate concentrations in aquifers of the Naples region (Vesuviano)
120 1996 1997 1998 1999
100
80
60
40
20
0 Trieste Murata Pugliano Tartaglia Casaiciello De Siervo B De Siervo A Torre del Greco
Source: Acquedetto Vesuviano (2000)
With the exception of the De Sievo B borehole, all have average concentrations above 50 mg NO3/l. It can also be noticed that an upward trend is noticable for the majority of these boreholes.
As all these boreholes are used for the abstraction of drinking water, the aquifers do qualify for designation under 91/676/EEC.
1 Personal Communication, 5 May 2000
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 102 9 CONCLUSIONS
9.1 DESIGNATION OF VULNERABLE ZONES AND SENSITIVE AREAS
9.1.1 Designation process
As shown in Section 2 of this report, the procedures used for designating Sensitive Areas and Vulnerable Zones in Italy remain largely unknown as no information is available. With regards to the designated Vulnerable Zones, an exact and detailed list or map of the designated zone is not provided in the implementing Decree and do not seem to be available. It clearly appears that more detailed information needs to be provided by the authorities, as was done for the designated Sensitive Areas (91/271/EEC). 9.1.2 Data Availability
Water Quality monitoring is the responsibility of the Regions and therefore, the quantity and quality of data available varies considerably between the regions When gathering data for carrying out this study, it clearly appeared that most of the available water quality data is related to Northern Italy: Piemonte, Lombardia, Emilia Romagna, Veneto, the Po Basin and the Northern Adriatic.
Although monitoring networks have been put into place, most are still at an early stage and no data are available. In many cases, data was obtained from independent organisation who have carried out research on particular watersheds or water bodies.
9.2 AREAS REQUIRING DESIGNATION
The following section summarises the conclusion of the investigation and lists the water bodies or watersheds which have been identified as requiring designation under either or both Directives.
These tables are illustrated on the map provided in Annex B of this report.
9.2.1 The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC)
In relation to the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, the following areas have been identified as requiring designation as Sensitive Areas:
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 103 Table 9.1 Areas Requiring designation under Name Region Criteria
1. Lake Garda Lombardia/Veneto/Alto Adige Eutrophication 2. Lake Idro Lombardia Eutrophication
3. Basin of Sarca-Minco Lombardia NO3 concentrations
4. Basin of the Oglio Lombardia NO3 concentrations
5. Basin of the Adda Lombardia NO3 concentrations
6. Basin of the Lambro- Lombardia NO3 concentrations Olona-Meridion
7. Basin of the Ticino Lombardia NO3 concentrations
8. River Greve Tuscany NO3 concentrations
9. River Arno (downstream Tuscany NO3 concentrations of Florence 10. Gulf of Castelmarre Sicily Eutrophication 11. Adriatic Sea (North Basin - Eutrophication
In addition to the areas listed above, some problems related to nutrient enrichment have been reported on the northern Tuscan coast. Although no clear eutrophication conditions have been reported, the current chlorophyll -a levels (and TRIX indicator to a lesser extent) indicate that there is a potential for such conditions to develop. It therefore essential for the authorities to show that such situation can not develop and that this section of the cost does not qualify for designation under the Urban Wate water treatment Directive.
9.2.2 The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC)
In relation to the Nitrates Directive, the following zones have been identified as requiring designation as Vulnerable Zones:
Table 9.2 Areas Requiring designation under Name Region Criteria
1. Po Basin Piemonte, Lombardia, NO3 concentrations Emilia-Romagna, Marche and eutrophication
2. Aquifer of the Taio Commune Trento-Alto Adige NO3 concentrations
3. Adige river basin (lower section) Emilia Romagna NO3 concentrations
4. Aquifer of the region of Emilia Romagna Emilia Romagna NO3 concentrations (those not part of the Po basin)
5. Aquifers of the Province of Massa Tuscany NO3 concentrations Carrara
6. Aquifers of the region of San Vixcenzo Tuscany NO3 concentrations
7. Ombrone River (upper section) Tuscany NO3 concentrations
8. Arno River (downstream of Florence) Tuscany NO3 concentrations
9. Aquifer of Conce Eugubina Umbria NO3 concentrations
10. Aquifer of Valle Umbra Umbria NO3 concentrations
11. Aquifers of the Marche Region (western Marche NO3 concentrations part of the region)
12. Aquifers of the Lazio Region (Central Lazio NO3 concentrations Part of the Region)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 104 Name Region Criteria
13. Aquifers of the province of Campobasso Molise NO3 concentrations
14. Aquifers of the province of Catania Sicily NO3 concentrations
15. Aquifers of the Commune of Siracuse Sicily NO3 concentrations
16. Aquifers of the Barrafranca area Sicily NO3 concentrations
17. Aquifers of the Palermo Area Sicily NO3 concentrations
It has also been shown in Section 7 of this report that the northern basin of the Adriatic Sea is eutrophic and suffers from nutrient enrichments discharged by the many rivers flowing into the Adriatic. These rivers are located in the Fruili Veneza Giulia, Veneto and Emilia Romagna regions. With the exception of the Po river and the Adige river, very little data seem to be available in relation to the quality of the rivers discharging directly into the Adriatic (Northern basin) and a complete assessment could not be carried out. However, since the Adriatic is eutrohic and agriculture is a predominant activity on the basins of the above-mentioned rivers, these most likely qualify for designation as Vulnerable Zones. However, data which could confirm this situation could not be obtained.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT EUROPEAN COMMISSION - DG ENVIRONMENT 105 10 REFERENCES
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Caggiati, G. and Piazza, D. 1995. Autorita` di bacino del Fiume Po: caratteristiche del bacino, stato di qualita` delle acque interne, valutazione dei carichi inquinanti e attivita` di monitoraggio. In Regione Emilia-Romagna. 1998. Evoluzione dello stato trofico in Adriatico: analisi degli interventi attuati e
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Calderoni, A. and Mosello, R. 1996. L’eutrofizzazione del Lago Maggiore e il suo risanamento. In: CNR-III (1996) Il Lago Maggiore: Una Risorsa Ritrovata. Convegno di Studio e Informazione in ricordo di Livia Tonolli, Pallanza, 20 Maggio 1995. Documenta dell’Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia n.56. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia, Pallanza.
Calderoni, A., Mosello, R. and de Bernardi, R. 1997a. The latest stages in the recovery of Lake Orta. In Mosello., R. and Giussani, G. (eds.) 1997. Evoluzione recente della qualita` delle acque dei laghi profondi sudalpini. Documenta Ist. Ital. Idrobiol. 61: 55-72.
Calderoni, A., Mosello, R. and de Bernardi, R. 1997b. Problematic interpretations of some processses during oligotrophication of Lago Maggiore in the decade 1988-1997. In Mosello., R. and Giussani, G. (eds.) 1997. Evoluzione recente della qualita` delle acque dei laghi profondi sudalpini. Documenta Ist. Ital. Idrobiol. 61: 33-53.
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Mosello, R., Calderoni, A. and de Benardi, R. 1997. Research on the evolution of the deep Alpine lakes performed by the C.N.R. Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia. In Mosello., R. and Giussani, G. (eds.) 1997. Evoluzione recente della qualita` delle acque dei laghi profondi sudalpini. Documenta Ist. Ital. Idrobiol. 61: 19-32.
Mosello, R., Brizzio, M.C., Garibaldi, L., Buzzi, F., Colzani L., Pizzotti, E. and Mocellin, D. 1999. Attuali condizioni trofiche dei bacini di Como e Lecco del Lario. Aqua & Aria, Nov/Dec 1999.
NERC (1999), High Resolution Ecosystem Modelling Applied to the Adriatic Sea, SRP2 - LOIS programme (PML). Taken from : http://www.pml.ac.uk
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Storniolo, P. 1995. I bacini idrografici Emiliano-Romagnoli confluenti direttamente in Adriatico dal Burana al Tavollo. In Regione Emilia-Romagna. 1998. Evoluzione dello stato trofico in Adriatico: analisi degli interventi attuati e future lineee di intervento. Atti del convegno, Marina di Ravenna, September 1995. Regione Emilia-Romagna, Budrio; 217-227.
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