A Multidisciplinary Approach to Posidonia oceanica Detritus Management (Port of Sperlonga, Italy): A Story of Turning a Problem into a Resource

Ports are affected by a high rate of sedimentation that requires frequent dredging the seabed to restore bathymetric levels. In some cases, sediments consist large amount leaves phanerogams (e.g., P. oceanica) must be treated differently from what is required Italian law on (Ministerial Decree No. 173/2016), since soils cannot either as sediment or waste. About one meter cores collected in Port Sperlonga consisted organic waste derived different stage seagrass decomposition. To optimize management, decomposed detritus was characterized physical-chemical (content nutrient and pollutants), ecotoxicological mechanical (microtensile, microscopic structure) points view, define management solutions for final disposal. The results this study describe characteristics type detritus, highly present Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, allow better definition possible valorize resource instead disposing it an landfill. search environmentally friendly options particular interest terms green economy, reduction CO2 emissions indirect effect obtained improving recycling.