A holistic picture of spatial distribution of river polluting loads in a highly anthropized area

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163784
• Publication Date: 2023-05-04T06:21:06Z
• Authors: G. Lofrano; S. Serafini; L. Saviano; M. Carotenuto; M. Guida; V. Romano Spica; A. Cardito; G. Libralato
• Keywords: Sanitary sewer

For many years, there has been a debate on the polluting loads affecting Gulf of Naples, one Italy's most spectacular and iconic landscape. The wide territory bordering includes Sarno river basin (SRB) managed by Southern Apennines River Basin District Authority in framework Unit Management (UoM-Sarno). paper investigated anthropogenic pressures their spatial distribution UoM-Sarno, revealing as SRB represents hotspot pollution mainly due to high population density widespread hydro-demanding activities which are responsible organic eutrophication loads. sources, variably distributed area, potentially conveyed wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located into SRB, were estimated considering WWTPs capacity well. Results revealed holistic picture UoM-Sarno area allowing establish priorities interventions aimed at safeguarding coastal marine resources. In particular, 2590 tons BOD/year directly discharged Naples missing sewers, other 10,600 reaching sea, contribution population, industrial activity, livestock.