On April 17, 2026, the Department of Engineering of the University of Palermo will host an important webinar dedicated to the management of marine and port sediments.
The event is part of the prestigious framework of the PNRR Extended Partnership RETURN, specifically within Vertical Spoke 4, focused on Environmental Degradation.
The webinar aims to address one of the most complex environmental challenges for coastal areas: the management of sediments often characterized by high concentrations of organic and inorganic contaminants (such as mercury and other heavy metals), which require specialized intervention approaches to ensure the protection of marine ecosystems.
The study day is structured into two technical sessions coordinated by academic and institutional experts:
First Session: Characterization and Regulation
The session will open with an in-depth analysis of the current regulatory framework and monitoring procedures. Results from the RETURN project applied to specific ecosystems, such as the Grado-Marano Lagoon, will be presented. Integrated approaches for assessing mineralogical compatibility and the chemical-environmental impacts of sediments along the Sicilian coasts will also be discussed, with contributions from experts from ARPA Sicilia, OGS, and INGECHIM.
Second Session: Innovative Solutions and Case Studies
The second part of the event will focus on the most advanced treatment technologies. Several outstanding case studies will be presented, including:
Experimental results from the RETURN project on marine sediment treatments
The experience in Augusta Bay, with a focus on sediment washing and mercury removal treatments through microwave thermal desorption
Innovative biological solutions such as mycoremediation (the use of fungi for remediation), based on experiences from PNRR projects conducted by the University of Genoa
Conclusions and Objectives
The webinar represents a key opportunity for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers. Through dialogue among the various RETURN project partners and external stakeholders, the event aims to define new technical criteria for the sustainable management of dredged materials, transforming an environmental challenge into an opportunity for technological innovation and circular economy.
