Geochemistry of surface sediments and heavy metal contamination assessment: Messolonghi lagoon complex,Greece

The Messolonghi lagoon complex in Western Greece receives agricultural and domestic effluents both from point and diffused sources. Surface sediments were analyzed for grain size, organic carbon, total nitrogen, total sulfur, major and minor elements, aiming at the identification of geochemical relationships between all variables. Enrichment factors and the modified degree of contamination methods were applied to assess potential heavy metal enrichment related to human activities. Sediment texture was highly variable, with muddy sediments prevailing. In the central sector of the Messolonghi lagoon, organic carbon contents were high. Principal factor analysis revealed the following main groups of variables with common geochemical behavior: (1) terrigenous aluminosilicates (2) organic matter, (3) biogenic carbonates, (4) mineral quartz-aluminosilicates, and (5) Mn-oxides. Enrichment factors estimated for V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb using local pre-industrial sediment showed that all metals exhibit almost natural background levels, except for Pb, which was found to be slightly elevated (legacy of leaded fuel). Estimation of contamination factors concluded in similar results, whereas the overall modified degree of contamination was at the lowest level, therefore suggesting that this transitional water body has not been affected by anthropogenic activities. The data set may be considered as a baseline for future monitoring projects according to EU policy.     

Partitioning,bioavailability and origin of heavy metals from the Nador Lagoon sediments (Morocco) as a basis for their management

Nador Lagoon sediments show low trace element concentrations, and, in relation to the lagoon geochemical baseline, only some anomalies for As, Cd, Cu and Pb in the NW of the lagoon deserve to be outstanding. The distribution of major, minor and trace elements in the lagoon allows a breakdown in four zones. Between “Beni Ensar” and “Atelouane” (zone A), a quite confined zone rich in organic matter and S, the most important trace-element anomalies (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn) were found, mainly around industry and old mining activities. In the surrounding of the city of Nador (zone B), the anomalies correspond to Mn, Cu and Zn. The coastal barrier and Kebdana channel (zone C) show moderately concentrations of Cd, Cr and Ni at specific sites. The less polluted area is the SE of the lagoon (zone D), with no outstanding anomaly. In lagoon sediments, metal bioavailability is very low. The metal partitioning patterns show that Cu, Pb and Zn present a low availability because they are bounded to the residual, non-mobile phases of the sediments. Only in some sites, the fraction was associated with organic matter, which could be liberated easily. Arsenic is concentrated in both the residual phases and the organic matter, the latter being more available. Cadmium is mainly concentrated in some samples in the interchangeable fraction, which could be considered as a potentially toxic element because it is easily released. Concerning the origin of these trace elements, those found in zone A correspond mostly to a natural source by weathering of mount Gourougou volcanic rocks (As, Co, Cu, Pb and Zn), and to an anthropogenic origin (Cd) owing to the presence of industry and old mines. In zone B, contributions of Cu and Zn enter the lagoon through soil weathering and river-borne, and as anthropogenic pollution from urban wastes. In zone C the most important pollutant is Cd deduced to be of anthropogenic origin from the close industry and intensive agriculture area. In spite of the intense socio-economic activities developed in the Nador Lagoon (agriculture, industry, fishing, tourism) trace element concentrations in the sediments are low and with scarce bioavailability. Only the NW sector is relativity polluted because of geogenic features.     

Distribution of n-alkanes in lacustrine sediments from subtropical lake in Brazil

The geochemical composition of lake bed sediments of a tropical reservoir in Brazil have been investigated. The C, N, P composition showed almost no variation between the different sampling points. All samples contained inorganic phosphorus (IP) ranging from 52 to 70%. The Redfield ratios show that the lake is without significant anthropogenic inputs. Most of the organic matter is composed by higher plants decomposition revealed in the total organic carbon (TOC):nitrogen (N) ratio ranging from 15.4 to 57.2. Also, TOC:organic phosphorus (OP) ranged from 265.3 to 933.6, suggesting that most of the organic matter has terrestrial origin from wood plants. The ratios suggest that most organic matter is influenced by the terrestrial characteristics of the watershed. Furthermore, the relative abundance of n-alkane homologues in the sediments was investigated. All samples have been analyzed for the n-alkanes C₈ to C₄₀. The sediments were dominated by n-alkanes C₂₅–C₃₈. It is concluded that n-alkane in sediments mainly come from terrestrial plants, however there is a contribution of submerged aquatic plants, especially in those sites in deeper areas of the lake. On the basis of P_aq index the n-alkanes in sediments comes from terrestrial plants, however there is a contribution from emerged/floating plants.The investigated lake seems to be considered as meso to eutrophic. Because of the relatively high primary productivity in the lakes, there is a substantial organic-matter flux to the sediments, which rapidly becomes anoxic. According to the pristine/phytane ratio the sediments represent an anoxic environment with values found between 0.38 and 1.72.     

Distribution and sources of carbon,nitrogen, phosphorus and biogenic silica in the sediments of Chilika lagoon

The present study investigated the spatial and vertical distribution of organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and biogenic silica (BSi) in the sedimentary environments of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Surface and core sediments were collected from various locations of the Chilika lagoon and were analysed for grain-size distribution and major elements in order to understand their distribution and sources. Sand is the dominant fraction followed by silt + clay. Primary production within the lagoon, terrestrial input from river discharge and anthropogenic activities in the vicinity of the lagoon control the distribution of OC, TN, TP and BSi in the surface as well as in the core sediments. Low C/N ratios in the surface sediments (3.49–3.41) and cores (4–11.86) suggest that phytoplankton and macroalgae may be major contributors of organic matter (OM) in the lagoon. BSi is mainly associated with the mud fraction. Core C5 from Balugaon region shows the highest concentration of OC ranging from 0.58–2.34%, especially in the upper 30 cm, due to direct discharge of large amounts of untreated sewage into the lagoon. The study highlights that Chilika is a dynamic ecosystem with a large contribution of OM by autochthonous sources with some input from anthropogenic sources as well.     

Impacts of the dumping site on the environment: Case of the Henchir El Yahoudia Site, Tunis, Tunisia

The Henchir El Yahoudia landfill is one among many uncontrolled dumping sites in Tunisia with no bottom liner. It is located at the southeastern edge of Sijoumi Sebkha. The site has been exploited since 1963 until 1994. It constitutes a peculiar case because of its situation, its exploitation mode and the nature of buried wastes. Leachate analysis shows that they are strongly charged with nitrogen (especially ammoniacal and kadjedahl), organic compounds with a high biodegradability and a charge of metallic elements exceeding the Tunisian norm NT 106-002. Sediment analyses show that the highest rate of heavy metals and organic matter coincides with clay-richest layers, characterized by the highest specific-surface values. The percolation of these pollutants until the groundwater between 0.5 and 5 m has provoked a pollution characterized by high rates of organic matter (BOD, COD and nitrogen) and heavy metals. To cite this article: A. Marzougui, A. Ben Mammou, C. R. Geoscience 338 (2006).     

Contamination of groundwater by arsenic and other constituents in an industrial complex

This study examined the natural and anthropogenic pollution of groundwater at a national groundwater monitoring station (NGMS) in a dyeing industry complex, Korea. The arsenic contamination of a shallow well at the NGMS was noticed, starting from 22 months after the well installation. Possibilities of several mechanisms for As pollution of the groundwater were examined. The arsenical pyrite oxidation as a source mechanism in the shallow aquifer may be disregarded because of deficiency of pyrite in the shallow sediments, concomitant with depleted dissolved oxygen and very low levels of redox potentials of the As-polluted groundwater. The effect of wastewater from the general industrial area through a covered sewer stream was also considered as a possible source. Even though occurrence patterns of phenol and volatile organic hydrocarbons were very similar to those of the polluted shallow groundwater, As was not detected in the wastewater. One of the most plausible sources of the arsenic pollution was believed to be the reductive dissolution of Fe hydroxide. The As-polluted shallow groundwater had also very high levels of pH, HCO₃, COD and very low levels of DO and NO₃, which support the possibility of As pollution by the reductive dissolution. Consequently, the shallow groundwater in and around the NGMS has been polluted with various contaminants including As, phenol, chlorinated solvents, and petroleum hydrocarbons through multiple sources of contamination, such as natural reductive dissolution, dyeing wastewater, industrial wastewater, and municipal sewage.     

Composition of organic matter in subducted and unsubducted sediments off the Nicoya peninsula, Costa Rica (ODP Leg 170, Sites 1039 and 1040)

Investigation of sediment samples from Sites 1039 and 1040 (ODP Leg 170) drilled off the Nicoya peninsula (Costa Rica) by organic geochemical and organic petrological methods has revealed that subduction has only little influence on the composition of the sedimentary organic matter. Organic carbon contents reached 1.5% in the Pleistocene samples but Miocene and Pliocene sediments had an average organic carbon content of less than 0.5%. Organic carbon/sulfur ratios are generally below 2.8, reflecting an intense sulfate reduction in the uppermost sediments which was enhanced by sulfate supply both from sea water and deeper strata. Microscopical examinations indicate that the organic matter is mainly derived from marine sources. A small amount of terrigenous organic matter is, however, present as well according to n-alkane and fatty acid distributions. The alkenone unsaturation index U₃₇^k′ shows only a slight decrease during the Miocene and Pliocene, and stronger variations in the Pleistocene, probably indicating more stable sea surface temperatures during the Miocene and Pliocene. Variations in the Pleistocene can possibly be related to glacial/interglacial changes.     

Organic matter characterisation of the Selli Level (Umbria-Marche Basin, central Italy)

The Selli Level is a marker-bed in the Umbria-Marche Apennines that represents the regional sedimentary expression of the Lower Aptain Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a. This one to three-metre-thick interval shows a remarkable uniformity on a regional scale, with a green to grey marly lower part overlain by black shales. Bulk geochemical studies and an examination of palynofacies were carried out on three sections in order to characterise the distribution and nature of the organic matter in the Selli Level which has been poorly known hitherto. The organic content is medium (0.5 to 2.9% TOC) in the basal part and higher (4.5% on average, and up to 18% TOC) in the black shales. Pyrolysis and palynological data indicate that the organic matter is mainly of marine origin. The geochemical characteristics of the Selli Level are compared to other, more or less organic-rich marker-beds in the Cretaceous succession of the Umbria-Marche Apennines.

Abstract

Le Niveau Selli est un niveau-repère des Apennins d'Ombrie-Marches qui correspond à l'enregistrement régional de l'événement anoxique océanique 1a. Ce niveau, épais de un à trois mètres, présente une remarquable uniformité à l'échelle régionale avec une partie inférieure argileuse, verdâtre à grise, surmontée par des black shales. Des analyses géochimiques et l'examen des palynofacies ont été entreprises sur trois coupes afin de caractériser le contenu en matière organique du niveau Selli, jusqu'à présent mal connu. Les teneurs en carbone organique sont moyennes (0,5 à 2,9% COT) dans la partie basale et élevées (4,5% en moyenne et jusque 18% COT) dans les black shales. Les résultats de pyrolyse et des observations palynologiques indiquent que la matière organique est essentiellement d'origine marine. Les caractéristiques géochimiques du niveau Selli sont comparées aux autres niveaux repères, plus ou moins riches en carbone organique, qui émaillent la série du Crétacé du basin d'Ombrie-Marches.     

Sources and Distribution of Particulate Organic Matter of a Tropical Estuarine-Lagoon System from NE Brazil as Indicated by Lipid Biomarkers

In the present work, we evaluated the origin of organic matter in the tropical estuarine-lagoon system of Mundaú–Manguaba, NE Brazil, by considering the bulk (organic carbon and chlorophyll-a) and lipidic (n-alcohols and sterols) composition of suspended particles. Water samples were collected in August 2006 from 24 stations covering the salinity gradient from the rivers down to the sea outlet. Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) varied from 22.7 to 134.1 μg L⁻¹ in the lagoons, indicating eutrophic to hypertrophic conditions at the time of sampling. The high correlation between Chl-a and phytol together with the molar C:N ratio indicated the presence of fresh and recently produced autochthonous particulate organic matter throughout the system, except for the river samples. The elevated concentrations of short-chain n-alcohols and phytosterols, mainly 24-methylcholesta-5,24(28)-dien-3β-ol, also corroborated the predominance of autochthonous organic matter in the lagoons but were generated by distinct sources: cianobacteria in the freshwater Manguaba lagoon and diatoms in the brackish Mundaú lagoon compartments. Input of terrestrial organic matter was only detected in the rivers themselves or at the upper river–lagoon interfaces. Coprostanol indicated contamination by sewage in Mundaú lagoon and in some rivers, but at lower levels when compared to other Brazilian coastal lagoons and estuaries.     

Waters and organic-rich waste near dumping grounds in the New York Bight

The New York Bight is a sector of the Middle Atlantic continental shelf. The Bight consists of a part of the Atlantic Ocean offshore of the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area. This area includes the most populated coastal setting in North America. The Atlantic shelf and its estuaries are used for waste disposal, dredging, commercial fishing, and recreation; activities that contribute to the contamination of associated bottom sediments. Existing data for toxicants are still inadequate. Improvements in sediment and water quality will require a more detailed knowledge and understanding of sediments and water in the Bight. Eleven coring stations were established in New York Bight. Decreases in pH and Eh both above and below the water/sediment interface are attributed to the activity of anaerobic bacteria. Sulfate reduction is one of the important processes in lowering pH. Low Eh values of up to −443 can be related to sulfate-reducing bacteria. The highest negative Eh generally occurs with the highest organic carbon concentration. Core samples yielded up to 4.00% organic carbon compared to 0.8 to 1.2% in sediments of the natural nearshore environment. Twenty-seven different aliphatic hydrocarbons, fourteen PAHs, five cyclic hydrocarbons, and eight dicarboxylic acids were identified in the Bight pore waters. Sediment located deeper in the Hudson Shelf Valley has a greater abundance of aliphatic hydrocarbons as adsorbed pollution on clay and silt. The presence of dicarboxylic acids leached from plastic came from anthropogenic activities (mostly sewage). PAHs have two sources: coal ash (observed in sediments) and petroleum (part of the sewage, run-offs, and oil spills). The rest of the hydrocarbons have a petroleum or biogenic origin. The high amount of organic carbon may be the result of sewage sludge or originated from natural sources. The main sources of contaminants are dumpsites, emergency releases after heavy rainstorms from sewage-treatment plants, tanker washing, storage transfer spills, run-off, and air-borne pollution. The relatively high accumulation of organic matter causes oxygen depletion, which creates anaerobic conditions. The presence of hydrogen sulfide makes the environment toxic for most of the biota. Detected hydrocarbons, especially PAHs easily enter the food chain and may cause cancer and mutagenic reactions of biota and humans. Organic petrology of six organic-rich sediments from New York Harbor illustrates a diverse population of anthropogenic and natural organic components. Three core samples (V-2, AC-4, and HV-3) contain coarse-textured organic matter. A slim majority of those components are anthropogenic. They are derived mainly from coal combustion by-products. The other two core samples (AC-6 and T-1) contain mainly very fine-grained organic matter. A majority of them are amorphous organic matter (AOM) that is derived from bacterial degradation of modern organic matter. Radionuclide dating (¹³⁷Cs, K-40, Pb-210) shows post-1950 components for the shallowest intervals in the cores (<30 cm). The post-1950 sediment, distributed in the tops of core, is recycled material from the dumpsites. The underlying sediment has isotopic signatures that suggest dates before active dumping.     

A Late Hauterivian short-lived anoxic event in the Mediterranean Tethys: the ‘Faraoni Event’

A Late Hauterivian interval (127.5 Ma), called the ‘Faraoni Event’, which is characterised by the deposition of deep-marine black shales in the Mediterranean Tethys, is demonstrably of sufficient geological brevity to be qualified as an anoxic event. This event lies within the Pseudothurmannia catulloi ammonite subzone, coincides with the extinction of the calcareous nannofossil species Lithraphidites bollii, and records an increase in a globular planktonic foraminifer. High quantities of marine organic matter were preserved in pelagic successions from northern and central Italy, Switzerland, southeastern France, southern Spain and probably elsewhere in the Mediterranean Tethys and Atlantic Ocean. Carbon-isotope stratigraphy from Tethyan and Atlantic sections shows a minor positive excursion in the uppermost part of the Hauterivian and Lowermost Barremian, suggesting accelerated extraction of organic carbon from the ocean reservoir just after the ‘Faraoni Event’. The duration of this short event is less than 100 ka according to cyclostratigraphy and coincides with a third-order sea-level rise. It is likely that similar forcing mechanisms responsible for global OAEs operated during this short time interval. To cite this article: F. Baudin, C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

Detection of petroleum contamination in river sediments from Quebec City region using GC–IRMS

Isotopic analysis by compound specific gas chromatography–isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC–IRMS) is used to detect and characterize petroleum pollution in surficial sediments along the St Lawrence River, near Quebec City. Unusually mature n-alkane distributions have been found in some recent intertidal sediments in the region. GC–IRMS results suggest that the n-alkanes are not derived from indigenous organic sources because they carry δ¹³C values between −30.0 and −27.0‰, as well as very small isotopic differences between odd and even numbered n-alkanes, which are both typically associated with petroleum products. Comparison of these sediments with bunker fuel, an oil used in the shipping industry, has shown a close isotopic correlation in some sites, which is further supported by biomarkers. Overall, the contamination has been dispersed along the river but is generally localized around the industrial region where hydrocarbon transfer from shore storage to ships takes place. This study illustrates how GC–IRMS can be used effectively in the detection and characterization of petroleum pollutants in sediments.     

Occurrence of selected domestic and hospital emerging micropollutants on a rural surface water basin linked to a groundwater karst catchment

The occurrence of specific micropollutants (MPs), indicators of domestic and hospital wastewater, was investigated in a river connected to a karst spring based on two sampling campaigns under varying flow conditions. The MPs characterized by a high frequency of occurrence (acesulfame-K, ibuprofen, gemfibrozil, nonylphenol, and iohexol) were highly reflective of wastewater discharged in ephemeral streams and tributaries, as well as specific point sources such as farms and hospital effluents. A mixing model based on chloride mass fluxes allows the quantification of the percentage of untreated wastewater effluents in inflowing water from river tributaries, which varied between 0.7–99% and 5.0–10% in low flow and high flow, respectively. The frequency of occurrence of MPs is related to the volume of wastewater input, extent of river dilution, persistence of the MPs, and type of point source contamination on the river. Relationships were established between MPs such as ibuprofen and acesulfame-K (ACE-K), indicating their co-existence in highly consumed generic medicine and their suitability as wastewater co-tracers. Additionally, the number of consumers of gemfibrozil (GEM) and acesulfame-K were estimated based on mass loads in the river tributaries for management purposes. Groundwater contamination is mostly due to diffuse and point sources infiltration occurring on the spring catchment, including the sinking stream that could contribute up to 17% to the mass loads of some micropollutants (e.g., ACE-K and GEM) at the spring. Nevertheless, the increase of MPs use with growing urbanization is expected to have a much significant impact on the groundwater quality in the future.     

Enhancement of regional variations in salinity and temperature in a coral reef lagoon, New Caledonia

The variability in salinity and temperature in the southwest lagoon of New Caledonia (2100 km²) under non-storm conditions is analysed using a 4-year dataset (1997–2001). Seasonal and interannual variations in salinity are amplified nearshore. Temperature is larger in bays than in the open lagoon during summer, the reverse is true in winter. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) related nearshore temperature variations parallel those at regional scale, but with seasonal variations amplified. Haline stratification, if any, is enhanced in coastal areas. To cite this article: S. Ouillon et al., C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

Variations in Stable Carbon Isotopic Composition of n-Alkanes from Ordovician and Triassic-Derived Oils in Lunnan Oilfield, Tarim Basin, NW China： Global Paleoenvironmental Constraints

Molecular stable carbon isotope technique was employed to study well-sourced crude oils collected from a single drilling well and from the entire Lunnan oilfield, Tarim Basin, NW China. The stable carbon isotopic composition of n-alkanes from crude oils showed that Ordovi-clan-derived oils are enriched in ^13C and Triassic-derived oils are depleted in ^13C. This is consistent with the distribution and evolution trend of stable carbon isotope ratios in crude oils/organic matter from all over the world in geological history (Stahl, 1977; Andrusevich et al. ,1998). An extensive survey of literature indicates that, except for thermal maturity, organic matter input and depositional environment, paleoenvironmental background is another key factor that affects the stable carbon isotopic composition of Ordovician- and Triassic-derived crude oils. The results showed that gas chromatographic-isotope ratio mass spectrometry ( GC-C-IRMS), combining with biogeoehemical evolution of organic matter in geological history, may be a powerful tool in refining oil/oil, oil/source correlations in multi-age, multi-source petroliferous basins like Tarim.     

Botryococcus—A planktonic green alga, the source of petroleum through the ages: Transmission electron microscopical studies of oil shales and petroleum source rocks

The hydrocarbon secreting alga Botryococcus has been identified in organic remains of sediments ranging from Precambrian to Recent, and is believed to have been a major source material for petroleum generation throughout the geological time. In some petroleum source rocks of Lower Palaeozoic and Precambrian age, identification of the alga is only possible by electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used in the present study to identify microstructures of the algal remains in a range of oil shales and petroleum source rocks. It has been established that Botryococcus is the predominant alga in the Kukersite oil shale of Estonia. Similarly, the alga has been shown to be a major contributor to petroleum source rocks in Cambrian and Precambrian sedimentary basins in Australia. TEM has been applied to observations of Botryococcus in torbanites and to products from simulated maturation experiments on torbanite. A comparison with algal remains from Cambrian and Precambrian sediments ranging from undermature to overmature, enabled the distinction of organic matter in various stages of oil generation. Maturation/thermal effects on alginite have been established by reflectance and fluorescence, and compared with experimental results.     

有机岩石学在油气勘探中应用的现状和发展

本文评述了有机岩石学在研究有机成熟度、有机质类型、生烃组分和成烃作用、烃类排出运移和聚集等方面的现状和发展方向。有机成熟度评价中镜质体反射率抑制、固体沥青反射率所反映的热成熟度等问题已基本解决，难点在于下古生界高过成熟烃源岩成熟度评价。沉积有机质显微组分类已基本统一。尚未有明确认识的关键问题是无定形有机质和矿物沥青基质特征和分类，这影响到有机质类型有机岩石学评价准确性。我国石油部门一直采用透射光干酪根显微组分定量评价有机质类型，建立反光下全岩和干酪根光片显微组分鉴定和类型评价标准显得十分迫切。烃源岩生烃组分和成烃作用有机岩石学剖析为沉积盆地有机质演化和烃类形成提供了最直观和准确的认识。对烃类流体包裹体和固体沥青显微特征的分析为油气藏形成演化史提供了重要信息。     

High-technology metals as emerging contaminants: Strong increase of anthropogenic gadolinium levels in tap water of Berlin,Germany, from 2009 to 2012

The distribution of rare earth elements (REE) in tap water sampled in December 2012 in Berlin, Germany, is characterized by anomalously high levels of gadolinium (Gd). While the western districts of the city show strong anthropogenic positive Gd anomalies in REE distribution patterns, the eastern districts are (almost) unaffected. This contamination with anthropogenic Gd results from Gd-based contrast agents used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, that enter rivers, groundwater and eventually tap water via the clear water effluent from wastewater treatment plants. While the spatial distribution of anthropogenic Gd in 2012 confirms results of an earlier study in 2009 (Kulaksiz and Bau, 2011a), anthropogenic Gd concentrations have increased between 1.5- and 11.5-fold in just three years. This confirms predictions based upon the increase of anthropogenic Gd concentrations in the Havel River over the past two decades and the time it takes the water to migrate from the Havel River to the groundwater production wells. Anomalously high levels of anthropogenic Gd in tap water, which are not confined to Berlin but have also been observed in London, U.K., and in German cities in the Ruhr area and along the Rhine River, reveal that high-technology metals have become emerging contaminants. While non-toxic at the observed concentrations, the anthropogenic Gd is a microcontaminant that may be used as a conservative pseudo-natural tracer for wastewater-derived xenobiotics such as pharmaceuticals, food additives and personal care products. Our results suggest that monitoring the concentrations of such substances in Berlin’s drinking water can be restricted to a few central and western districts of the city, demonstrating that implementation of anthropogenic Gd as a tracer in monitoring programs can contribute to significant cost savings.     

Apport de la gravimétrie à l'étude des structures profondes du Sahel de Tunisie (cas de la région de Kairouan–Sousse–Monastir)

The monotony of the surface and of the deep structure of the Sahel domain in eastern Tunisia (low topographic area covered by a Quaternary series) induces the possible existence of an important subsiding collapsed block and associated faulted zones. Gravity data analyses have permitted the reconnaissance of the crustal and gravimetric setting of the northern part of the Sahel domain and the discussion of main outlines of subsurface structures. The deep structure of a particular zone (Kairouan–Sousse–Monastir area) demonstrates the existence of an east-west en-doigt-de-gant crustal thinning confirmed by the gravity data. This deep structuring is perfectly showed by the high-resolution second-order enhanced analytic signal technique developed to image geologic boundaries such as contacts and faults. This technique, correlated with the distribution of all seismic events in the last century, has permitted to define an important east–west Kairouan–Sousse–Monastir tectonic corridor (CKSM). This corridor corresponds to major faults oriented east-west, were some folded structures can be developed. To cite this article: H. Gabtni, C. R. Geoscience 337 (2005).     

Contamination of superficial sediments by heavy metals and iron in the Bizerte lagoon,northern Tunisia

According to the norms adopted by the National Network of observation of the marine life quality (RNO 1997) and US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (US NOAA 1999), the superficial sediments of the Bizerte lagoon (northern Tunisia) show a contamination by nickel, which is the probable consequence of the closeness to the industrial zone, and by lead, the result of detrital material rich in lead of the geological lands of Jbel Kchabta and Jbel Messeftine. In the lagoon southern and eastern sectors, the contamination of superficial sediments is essentially by copper, zinc, nickel and iron. This pollution is related, on one hand, to the rejections of the steelworks El Fouledh and the military arsenal, and on the other hand, to Menzel Bourguiba waste disposal. The rest of the lagoon is exempted from any metallic contamination of the surface sediments. The enriched zones in manganese and zinc correspond to the higher contents in kaolinite and in smectite. Positive correlations were recorded between the percentage in fine fraction on the one hand, and the sedimentary contents in TOC, total nitrogen and heavy metals on the other hand. The majority of the analysed elements are “argilophilous” except zinc and manganese, which are clayey organophile. These results show that this lagoon receives concentrations in anthropogenic metals that risk provoking more or less important disruptions, which are harmful and irreversible on the fauna and flora of this lagoon and on the whole ecobiological equilibrium.