Sarno (river)
The Sarno, known as Sarnus to the Romans, is a stream that passes through Pompeii to the south of the Italian city of Naples. It is considered the most polluted river in Europe, as a result of industrial waste. It flows about from the base of Mt. Sarno to the Bay of Naples collecting water from the Solofrana and Cavaiola tributaries during the course of its flow.
It is still partially used for irrigation, as well as the transportation of goods and fishing. It is part of the Sarno river basin, which covers about.
The Sarno is the most polluted river in Italy due to the agricultural waste and waste water from the tanning factories around the town of Solofra.
There are about 500 small industries in the area which still pollute. Water treatment plants have been installed, however, they do not work to full capacity. The mouth of the river continues to make bathing in the sea impossible, despite numerous protests.
