Assessment of anthropogenic inputs in the surface waters of the southern coastal area of Sfax during spring (Tunisia, Southern Mediterranean Sea). Issue 1 (15th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Drira, Zaher; Kmiha-Megdiche, Salma; Sahnoun, Houda; Hammami, Ahmed; Allouche, Noureddine; Tedetti, Marc; Ayadi, Habib
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 104:Issue 1/2(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 355
• Page End: 363
• Publication Date: 2016-03-15
• Subjects: Southern coast of Sfax -- Anthropogenic inputs -- COD -- BOD5 -- Major ions -- Polyphenolic compounds; 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.2016.01.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The coastal marine area of Sfax (Tunisia), which is well-known for its high productivity and fisheries, is also subjected to anthropogenic inputs from diverse industrial, urban and agriculture activities. We investigated the spatial distribution of physical, chemical and biogeochemical parameters in the surface waters of the southern coastal area of Sfax. Pertinent tracers of anthropogenic inputs were identified. Twenty stations were sampled during March 2013 in the vicinity of the coastal areas reserved for waste discharge. Phosphogypsum wastes dumped close to the beaches were the main source of PO4 3 −, Cl − and SO4 2 − in seawater. The high content in total polyphenolic compounds was due to the olive oil treatment waste water released from margins. These inorganic and organic inputs in the surface waters were associated with elevated COD. The BOD5 /COD (< 0.5) and COD/BOD5 (> 3) ratios highlighted a chemical pollution with organic load of a low biodegradability. Highlights: The industrial phosphogypsum wastes were the main source of PO4 3 −, Cl − and SO4 2 − explaining the high COD in surface waters. BOD5 /COD and SPM/BOD5 ratios highlighted a pollution of chemical origin and an organic load hardly biodegradable. A future project of monitoring and restoration is needed to assess the ecosystem resistance to the environmental impact.