Southern Mediterranean coast pollution: Long-term assessment and evolution of PAH pollutants in Monastir Bay (Tunisia).

In order to evaluate the long-term pollution level(s) of Monastir Bay (Tunisian-Mediterranean coastal area), four sediment cores were collected from the meeting points between the main local streams and the marine environment and investigated. Macroscopic observations and granulometric and chemical compositions showed that this Bay received heterogeneous materials. The distribution of 15 total PAH (priority pollutants) concentrations in different levels of core sediments ranged from 222 to 2992 µg kg-1. Thus, the Bay had been polluted for a long time, and sediments and pollutants had varied anthropogenic sources. After that, local hydrodynamism controlled their distributions. Molecular-weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and calculated LMW/HMW ratios showed that pollutants were principally a mixture of pyrolytic and petrogenic sources. One part of these pollutants had local origins, and the most important amounts were of distant origins. Monastir Bay was considered a moderate to highly polluted area, and sediments had an ecosystem risk.

Water Quality and Toxic Element Effects on Isohumic Soil Properties and Crops in Semi-arid Regions.

Treated wastewater (TWW) and freshwater used separately or within the same agricultural soil is a key element in soil parameter evolution, soil-plant pollution and crop yields. The long-term application of TWW increased CaCO3, P, N, K, TOC, metal contents, pH and salinity in isohumic soil in semi-arid and arid climates. Also, it was found that using freshwater after TWW within the same land leached soil compounds and pollutants. Consequently, a clear decline of salinity, pH, macronutrient and pollutant concentrations occured. Therefore, the economic profitability in topsoil decreased. TWW contributed to crop production increase, despite high fertilizer and metal concentrations in TWW and soil. Also, no toxic metal trace was detected in cultivated plants despite soil pollution. Occasional rainwater removed the stable part of fertilizers in topsoil and slightly improved plant development.