The anomalous coloration of the water in the port of Santa Teresa Gallura could recur in the future if conditions favorable to the proliferation of microalgae were to return.
This is what emerges from Mayor Nadia Matta's statements, based on the results of tests performed, which revealed a significant presence of microalgal cells attributable to the Prorocentrum genus. The abundance of these microorganisms may have caused the color change observed within the port. This phenomenon is known as "red tides," which can actually manifest with different hues depending on the predominant pigments in the microalgal cells. The situation currently appears to be improving.
In recent sampling, the presence of microalgae has been significantly reduced. However, a future resurgence, with the same species or others, cannot be ruled out if certain environmental conditions are reproduced. Among the factors identified are the influx of nutrient-rich freshwater, also attributable to high levels of human activity and the resulting discharges, the low hydrodynamics typical of port environments, and temperatures above seasonal averages. This last factor, as highlighted, is part of the more general picture of global warming.
The microbiological analyses performed during the various sampling campaigns, the mayor announced, "showed, in the initial phase of the investigation and at some sampling points, a high bacterial load. Subsequent checks, however, showed a gradual realignment of the situation, with an improvement in water quality and a subsequent reduction in the presence of bacteria. This evolution also appears to be related to the natural restoration of normal water salinity, a crucial factor in rebalancing the marine and port ecosystems."
Matta also recalls that "since the first signs of water turbidity, dating back over a month ago, the Municipal Administration, together with Silene Multiservizi and with the involvement of the Port Authority, has initiated a series of monitoring and analysis activities to identify the causes of the phenomenon and assess its potential effects on water quality." In any case, everything will continue to be monitored "punctually and transparently."
