###### Abstract
Indeed, the comparison with historical information allows the attribution of observed changes along the core profile to specific activities/management choices. This is possible when geochronological studies supply reliable analytical results [22; 23]. It is evident that this kind of information is highly relevant in environmental forensic studies, in particular during court debates that aim at recognizing when environmental pollution started, how it changed, and who has to be held responsible for it. However, sampling strategies should be carefully designed and carried out, in order to avoid the use of inappropriate techniques that can partially or totally obscure the potential information preserved in sediments. For example, sampling devices need to be carefully chosen, since the collection of undisturbed sedimentary profiles is a mandatory request for studies that deal with historic reconstructions of events and changes in the dynamic of the environment. When used in forensic studies that deal with recent events, gravity coring systems are to be favoured with respect to vibro-corers: the first enable the preservation of the sediment water interface, thus ensuring the collection of the recent-most depositions and the least disturbance to subsurface sediment layers. However, gravity coring systems are generally not able to collect sandy sediments that then act as an impenetrable barrier for the sampling of deeper layers [6]. Identifying suitable sampling sites is then an important critical step and is generally obtained through bathymetry and high-resolution seismic surveys prior to sampling campaigns [6; 24; 25; 26]. These surveys are able to reveal areas where sediment accumulation is more regular or where bottom morphology is affected by slumping, mass accumulation, presence of gas, etc. [6; 24; 25; 26]. Coupled to the collection of sediments, the acquisition of historical information retained in private and public archives is fundamental. It can help identify: (1) where specific point sources were located in the past; (2) if and how productions have changed through time; (3) which areas sustained substantial human-induced reworking of bottom sediments [27; 28]. The number of sampling sites should be chosen in accordance with the purpose of the research: higher for a general site characterization of surficial sediments to check sources, distribution, and level of pollution; lower for more specific questions, such as sediment accumulation rates and dates, chronologies, fluxes, processes, and trends. In this paper, results of the scientific approaches designed and applied for the study of environmental pollution issues in two Italian industrial areas are summarized. The locations are the Augusta Harbor in Southern Italy and the Venice Lagoon with its nearby industrial area of Porto Marghera in northeastern Italy. In both cases, the coupling of scientific evidence from sediment cores with historical information managed to provide a clear view of polluting sources, timings, and mechanisms.. Results were either debated in courts (Venice Lagoon) or used in the framework of preliminary investigations (Augusta Harbor). They represent perfect examples of how sediment records can be used as tools for environmental forensic studies. Scientific data have been published in specific papers on international journals [27; 28], and this article aims to underline the study paths undertaken to answer the scientific-legal questions that have arisen during the investigations, sometimes not foreseen and often quite challenging. The acquired experience can be put at the service of developing countries that present similar risks of uncontrolled industrialization.