Abstract
The correlations between various sedimentological and geochemical parameters permit to identify the main sedimenta tion phases of pollution carriers, especially those related to the sediment cores lithology in Bizerte Lagoon. A close re lationship exists between the TOC distribution and the fine fraction (r = 0.70; threshold 5%). This is to identify the for mation of organic minerals aggregates. Significant correlations between specific organic matter and heavy metals have been identified. Indeed, the calculated correlation coefficient varies between 0.4 for Zn and 0.85 for Mn. The enrich ment of the intermediate horizons in heavy metals result in specific sedimentations episodes of the prodeltaic zones. Under these conditions, the surface sediments profit from a “salting-out” phenomenon, which explains the excess of lead observed on the surface. The enriched zones in manganese and zinc correspond to the strongest contents of kaolin ite and in smectite, thus, there would be an association with the finest phyllosilicates and/or the colloidal oxyhydroxy des. This is primarily due to the formation of an organic minerals complex via the trapping phenomenon of the argilla ceous particles (smectite) and the organic matter of anthropogenic origin. It is to be specified that the presence of metal elements of natural origin (Mn) or anthropogenic origin (Fe, Zn, Pb and Ni) which induce the consolidation of these organic minerals complexes.
Highlights
The Bizerte Lagoon is a coastal lagoon of elliptic form (150 km2 surface area) located at northeast Tunisia
It is to be specified that the presence of metal elements of natural origin (Mn) or anthropogenic origin (Fe, Zn, Pb and Ni) which induce the consolidation of these organic minerals complexes
The loss in functional groupings can be one of the main causes of some metals desorption phenomenon [6]. This last author indicates that the sedimentary content of Zn varies between 170 and 260 ppm, and show an increase according to the depth. It is in this context, we studied the behaviour and the vertical distribution of some heavy metals and iron in the sediment of some extracted cores in the Bizerte Lagoon
Summary
The Bizerte Lagoon is a coastal lagoon of elliptic form (150 km surface area) located at northeast Tunisia. It has two major hydrologic connections, the first being freshwater inputs from Garaet Ichkeul via the Tinja Wadi. The Triassic series is exhibited in northwest portion of Bizerte, Tunisia, and in the southwest portion of the lagoon system, on the level of Jebel Kchabta [3]. The Pliocene appears in the southwest portion of Bizerte Lagoon, on the level of Jebel Messeftine [4]. The current coastal morphology of Bizerte Lagoon results from the various sedimentary phases that have occurred since the Miocene Era, and which continue with varying intensity to the present time [5]. The same thing is noticed for the detritical material rich in lead of the neighbouring geological grounds of Jbels Kchabta and Messeftine (south of the lagoon) [6]
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