Coupling vermiremediation with phytoremediation technology to enhance the efficiency of reclamation of polluted marine sediments

Contaminated (TPHs and heavy metals) dredged sediments from Livorno port (Italy) were biological treated using plants and earthworms. Sediments presented an asphyctic physical structure owing to the silt–clay granulometric composition, a high salty level and a low organic content. A meso-scale experiment was done utilising three different bioremediation treatments: a) plants (Paspalum vaginatum and Tamarix gallica), b) earthworms (Eisenia foetida) and c) plant–earthworms combination. After one year, a suitable habitat for plants and earthworms was created due to the biochemical activation of the matrix, observing also a reduction of the organic and inorganic contaminants.