COVID-19 lockdown measures reveal human impact on water transparency in the Venice Lagoon

COVID-19 lockdown measures in Italy significantly improved water transparency in the Venice Lagoon, offering a rare glimpse into its environmental state without human interference. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, analyzed satellite imagery from Sentinel-2 to compare suspended matter patterns before and during the lockdown (March 10, 2020). Results showed that the absence of vessel traffic—a major anthropogenic stressor—led to a transient increase in water clarity. This effect was attributed to both natural seasonal factors and the reduction of human activities, highlighting the lagoon's rapid response to external pressures. The findings underscore the interplay between natural processes and anthropogenic impacts on this dynamic ecosystem.

Braga, F., Scarpa, G. M., Brando, V. E., Manfè, G., & Zaggia, L. (2020). COVID-19 lockdown measures reveal human impact on water transparency in the Venice Lagoon. Science of the Total Environment, 736, 139612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139612