Trace element accumulation and elutriate toxicity in surface sediment in northern Tunisia (Tunis Gulf, southern Mediterranean). Issue 1 (15th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oueslati, Walid; Zaaboub, Noureddine; Helali, Mohamed Amine; Ennouri, Rym; Martins, Maria Virgínia Alves; Dhib, Amel; Galgani, Francois; El Bour, Monia; Added, Ayed; Aleya, Lotfi
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 116:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 216
• Page End: 225
• Publication Date: 2017-03-15
• Subjects: Marine sediment -- Trace metals -- Toxicity -- Bioassays -- Acid-volatile-sulfide; 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.2016.12.076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Metal concentrations in sediments were investigated in the Gulf of Tunis, Tunisia, in relation to anthropic activities along the Mejerda River and Ghar El Melh Lagoon, with effluents discharged into the gulf. Distribution of grain size showed that the silty fraction is dominant with 53%, while sand and clay averages are 34 and 12% respectively. Zn concentration increased in the vicinity of the Mejerda River while Pb was at its highest levels at the outlet of Ghar El Mehl Lagoon. Sediment elutriate toxicity, as measured by oyster embryo bioassays, ranged from 10 to 45% abnormalities after 24 h, but no relation was found between metal concentration and sediment toxicity. The AVS fraction that represents monosulfide concentrations in the sediment was higher in the central part of the gulf than in the coastal zone. The results reveal the influence of AVS, TOC and grain size on metal speciation and sediment toxicity. Highlights: Geochemical analysis, metal pollution and toxicity in surface sediment. Main accumulated trace elements were lead, zinc and copper. Toxicity in elutriate determined by means of oyster embryobioassay. AVS, TOC and grain size influence metal speciation and sediment toxicity.