Air quality in Italian small harbours: a proposed assessment methodology

The main objective of this paper is to present an analytical and easy-to-use method for evaluating the presence of air pollutants in small harbour areas along the Italian shores, and the potential exposure of workers to that risk. The research aims to highlight the possible differences in air quality characterization among different areas and periods of any analysed harbour. Therefore, the proposed method foresees a seasonal monitoring of some atmospheric pollutants within examined ports, identifying wherever possible the main source of air pollution for each zone. In particular, to pinpoint the most critical areas, the methodology foresees the monitoring of concentrations for some selected pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, particular matter and benzene. The methodology, developed within the framework of a research project supported by the Regional Authority of Lazio, has been tested in four pilot port areas. The acquired results point out that air pollutant concentrations could significantly diverge among different areas and periods of a single harbour and, consequentially, the evaluation of the results allows a spatial and temporal comparison of pollutants concentrations in each portal zone. Thus, the described method represents a useful tool for local administrations to plan best practices and the use of the best available technologies for impact mitigation, with the final goal of reducing air pollution in the most critical portal zones. © 2013 Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.