Suspended particulate matter fluxes along with their associated metals, organic matter and carbonates in a coastal Mediterranean area affected by mining activities. Issue 1 (15th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Helali, Mohamed Amine; Zaaboub, Noureddine; Oueslati, Walid; Added, Ayed; Aleya, Lotfi
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 104:Issue 1/2(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 171
• Page End: 181
• Publication Date: 2016-03-15
• Subjects: Mejerda River -- Suspended particulate matter -- Enrichment factor -- Heavy metals -- Coastal pollution; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.01.041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: A study of suspended particulate matter (SPM) fluxes along with their associated metals, organic matter and carbonates, was conducted off the Mejerda River outlet in May 2011 and in March and July 2012 at depths of 10, 20 and 40 m using sediment traps. SPM fluxes are more significant near the Mejerda outlet, especially in winter, but dissipate further offshore. Normalization reveals that the Mejerda is a major source of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Co, all of which are the result of human activities. In contrast, Fe, Mn and N are of authigenic origin. The enrichment factor shows that Pb, Zn and especially Cd are the most highly polluting metals off the Mejerda outlet. This confirms the trend observed on the shores of the Mejerda prodelta and is consistent with the type of mining activities conducted in the Mejerda catchment. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Spatial distribution of suspended particulate Matter fluxes was estimated. Seasonal variation of heavy metal fluxes and organic matter was calculated. Mejerda River is the major source of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Co. Zn, Pb and Cd in suspended particulate matter come from Mejerda catchment.