The second edition of the “Guardians of the Waters” project has begun thanks to the collaboration established in the 2024–2025 school year between FanoUnimar odv and the Polo 3 High School of Fano, with the goal of monitoring the health of the Northern Adriatic aquatic environment.
The initiative is part of the citizen science activities promoted by Fano Università del Mare, which directly involve students from the Marche region in hands-on scientific research.
The project sends a clear message: learning about our waters is fundamental if we want to protect them.
Through the chemical and physical analysis of water samples, students contribute to the collection of fundamental data used to assess the quality and biodiversity of local marine and river ecosystems.
Continuous monitoring helps identify potential changes linked to pollution or seasonal variations, providing valuable information to both scientific research and policymakers.
Field activities: analyzing chemical and physical parameters
On Thursday, October 30th, 2025, students from class 2K – GARA – at Polo 3 took part in their first field experience as participants in the project.
Accompanied by teachers Rinaldi and Costantini, together with marine biologists Gianfranco Rossi, Sara Cerri, and Cecilia Maresi, the students worked in small groups to collect water samples from three different sites: along the banks of the Metauro River, at the river mouth, and in the coastal waters just offshore.
Immediately after collection, the students conducted on-site analyses, measuring temperature, salinity, pH, and the concentrations of nitrites, nitrates, and phosphates — nutrients that influence the growth of aquatic plant life.
Measurements were taken using portable scientific kits, designed to obtain accurate results quickly and efficiently, along with additional tools such as a conductivitymeter and thermometer.
Each group also observed wave motion, water turbidity, stranded organisms, and the presence of litter, carefully recording all data in dedicated tables.
An interesting observation
During sampling at the mouth of the Metauro River, students observed a formation of pebbles and gravel that appeared to seal the river mouth, creating a kind of temporary barrier.
This situation caused a noticeable rise in the water level in the final section of the river.
It will be interesting to compare this year’s findings with those from the previous edition and future ones, to evaluate how this phenomenon may have affected the chemical and physical parameters analyzed by the students.
Monitoring over time
Throughout the school year, new field trips are planned to collect and analyze additional samples, allowing comparisons across different seasons.
This ongoing work will help students observe how and why environmental parameters change over time, while identifying possible anomalies or signs of pollution.
Database, Data Analysis, and Public Outreach
All collected data will be stored in a digital database created by Professor Bianchi, an IT specialist at Polo 3. This tool will allow students to access, compare, and analyze the results, which will then be processed and presented at the Adriatic Conservancy Conference, organized by FanoUniMar and Sub Tridente Pesaro, scheduled for spring 2026.
The event will bring together students, teachers, and researchers to discuss the environmental challenges facing the Adriatic Sea and the importance of protecting the biodiversity of the Marche Region’s Natural Parks.
A sea that has to be protected
“Waters Guardians” is more than just a scientific project; it is an environmental education experience that unites schools, researchers, and the wider community.
Thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of the young participants, knowledge becomes active participation, and every piece of data collected represents a small but meaningful step toward a healthier sea and a more sustainable future.