Sustainable sediment management in coastal infrastructures through an innovative technology: preliminary results of the MARINAPLAN PLUS LIFE project
Pellegrini, M.; Abbiati, M.; Bianchini, A.; Colangelo, A.; Guzzini, A.; Mikac, B.; Ponti, M.; Preda, G.; Saccani, C.; Willemsen, A. (2020). Sustainable sediment management in coastal infrastructures through an innovative technology: preliminary results of the MARINAPLAN PLUS LIFE project. J. Soils Sediments 20: 2685-2696. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11368-019-02546-6
In: Journal of Soils and Sediments. Springer: Heidelberg; Berlin. ISSN 1439-0108; e-ISSN 1614-7480, more
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| Keyword |
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| Author keywords |
Environmental impact; Harbour areas; Macrobenthic fauna; Sedimentby-passing system; Sediment management |
| Authors | | Top |
- Pellegrini, M.
- Abbiati, M., more
- Bianchini, A.
- Colangelo, M.A.
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- Guzzini, A.
- Mikac, B.
- Ponti, M.
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- Preda, G.
- Saccani, C.
- Willemsen, A.
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| Abstract |
Purpose The paper aims to show the preliminary monitoring and field test results of the innovative technology tested in the framework of the MARINAPLAN PLUS LIFE project for sustainable management of sediment in harbour areas. The technology is based on a patented jet pump that will be able to keep the seabed at a certain level over the time through a continuous removal of silting sediments. Materials and methods Preliminary field tests were performed to optimise the design of the demo plant and a monitoring plan was devised to evaluate the technical, economic and environmental impacts of the technology, in particular in comparison with dredging. Results and discussion The preliminary tests showed promising results in terms of efficacy and efficiency of the sediment by-passing device. At the maximum sediment removal capacity, the ejector tested in Cervia showed a sediment flow rate of about 2 m(3) h(-1), with an electric consumption of about 3.5 kW, and an influence diameter of about 5-7 m, after 15 days of working operation. On the basis of the preliminary results, a 10-ejector demonstrator plant has been designed and realised, and it is now in operation. The analysis of sediment and marine flora and fauna in the installation area in comparison with control areas indicates the negative impact of cyclic dredging in the harbour inlet area. Conclusions The innovative technology promoted by the MARINAPLAN PLUS LIFE project is a promising solution to manage sediment siltation in harbour areas through a cost-effective and low environmental impact technology. The monitoring of the demo plant operation is fundamental to fully validate the technology and to demonstrate its efficacy and sustainability. |
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