Report on the characterization of treated sediments. Deliverable Action C1

In order to evaluate the evolution of sediment characteristics during the three months of landfarming process, 3 sampling points on a surface of about 40 m3, consisting of 10 sub samples each, were collected and characterized from physical, chemical, biochemical, toxicological and hydrological point of view. Sampling has been carried out as following: - start of the landfarming process (end of November 2018), Ti - middle of the landfarming process (middle of January 2019), Tm - end of the landfarming process (end of February 2019), Tf The results of the analyzed samples, suggested that three months landfarming process was effective in homogenizing the substrate and further reducing organic contamination, and in reaching physical and chemical characteristics in accordance with the Italian regulation for agronomic substrates (D.lgs. 75/2010) with the only exception of organic carbon content and bulk density value. The bulk density was, in fact, slightly higher than the maximum limit, while the organic carbon was lower. Nevertheless, in order to reach the C concentration and bulk density required by Italian legislation, it would be sufficient to mix the sediments with a source of organic matter rich in carbon and with low bulk density such as peat, sludge or coconut fiber. Regarding the inorganic contaminants (heavy metals), normed by D.lgs. 75/2010, all the heavy metals in the sediments at the end of the landfarming process showed a concentration considerably lower than the legal limits. On the contrary, heavy hydrocarbons (C> 12), normed by D.lgs 152/2006, were still higher than the legal limit for civil reuse, even if much lower than the limit for industrial reuse. On the other hand, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were notably reduced during the landfarming process (about 80%), reaching concentration also lower than the limits for civil reuse. However, this residual contamination seemed to not compromise the reuse of the sediments in horticulture, since the toxicological tests showed no phyto toxicity of the sediments.