Stefano Covelli is professor of Geochemistry and Environmental Geochemistry in the BSc Geology and MSc Geosciences at the University of Trieste. At the same university, he earned his degree in Geology in 1991 and his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (Marine Science) in 1998, focusing on the biogeochemical cycle of mercury in the Gulf of Trieste. His research activity mainly focuses on the contamination of marine-coastal environments, with particular attention to the biogeochemical cycles of potentially toxic trace elements, as well as their mobility, dispersion, and accumulation in sediments in relation to natural processes (fluvial inputs, processes at sediment-water-air interfaces) and anthropogenic activities (dredging, marine landfills). More recently, he has been interested in abandoned mining sites and the processes responsible for the dispersion of potentially toxic trace elements (e.g. zinc, lead, thallium) from mining residues and drainage waters of abandoned mines, as well as the resulting contamination of soils, sediments, waters, and vegetation.