Title: Coupling vermiremediation with phytoremediation technology to enhance the efficiency of reclamation of polluted marine sediments

Authors: Veronica Bianchi, Brunello Ceccanti, Grazia Masciandaro, Serena Doni, Cristina Macci, Renato Iannelli

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Gabba 22, 56126 Pisa, Italy. ' Institute for Ecosystem Studies, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy. ' Institute for Ecosystem Studies, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy. ' Institute for Ecosystem Studies, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy. ' Institute for Ecosystem Studies, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy. ' Department of Civil Engineering, University of Pisa, Via Gabba 22, 56126 Pisa, Italy

Abstract: Contaminated (TPHs and heavy metals) dredged sediments from Livorno port (Italy) were biological treated using plants and earthworms. Sediments presented an asphyctic physical structure owing to the silt–clay granulometric composition, a high salty level and a low organic content. A meso-scale experiment was done utilising three different bioremediation treatments: a) plants (Paspalum vaginatum and Tamarix gallica), b) earthworms (Eisenia foetida) and c) plant–earthworms combination. After one year, a suitable habitat for plants and earthworms was created due to the biochemical activation of the matrix, observing also a reduction of the organic and inorganic contaminants.

Keywords: bioremediation; Eisenia foetida; phytoextraction; marine sediments; vermiremediation; phytoremediation; TPHs; heavy metals; earthworms; plants; Paspalum vaginatum; Tamarix gallica; sediment reclamation; sediment contamination; environmental pollution; total petroleum hydrocarbons.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2010.037268

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2010 Vol.10 No.3/4, pp.225 - 238

Published online: 01 Dec 2010 *

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