Vulnerability maps pollution to hydrocarbon and urban waste pollution in seawater intrusion areas

Abstract

According to a national project promoted by the Italian National Group for the Protection against Hydrogeological Hazards, vulnerability maps (1: 50.000) of part of the Italian National territory have been published, particularly in Sicilia (lblei Mounts, Madonie, Sicani and Etna). These maps have become a public document for local groundwater management. Dangerous phenomena have been reported in some zones of Sicily. Anthropic interventions have created toxic waste dumps in vulnerable areas. We explain the advantage of vulnerability maps in the study of dangerous types of pollution for the situation in the Augusta Priolo area, Sicilia, in which a petrochemical complex has been installed. Hydrogeological and petrochemical aspects are examined to assess the possibilities of a preventive intervention and reclamation. In the same areas, seawater intrusion is increasing in coastal regions.