Integrated chemical status of the Italian marine waters sensu Descriptor 8 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) required Member States to define the concept of Good Environmental Status (GES) their marine waters in quantitative terms and achieve it through assessment 11 descriptors by 2020. ISPRA (Italian Institute for Protection Research), on behalf Ministry Environment, carried out Initial Assessment (2012) evaluation first cycle MSFD (2012–2018) understand achievement GES Descriptor 8 (“Contaminant concentrations are at levels that do not give rise pollution effects”) and, now, this second (2018–2024), is conducting monitoring D8C1 criterion elements concentrations”). In paper, approach, integrating data chemical contaminants (metals polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons organochlorine compounds) different matrices (water, sediment biota), adopted Italy since 2012 study MSFD-D8C1 national water described. This based use a dimensionless, zero-centered index, allows one assess all regulatory as whole. improvements strategy between Assessment, cycle, beginning Adriatic Sea subregion presented.