Assessment of heavy metal contamination in the subsurface sediment of the southern coastal zone of Sfax, Tunisia

This work aims to establish an environmental assessment of the subsurface sediment of the Southern Coast of Sfax in Tunisia based on the chemical characterization of leachates of samples taken from ten stations along the zone, in accordance with the French standard X31–211. Results indicated rates in metallic trace elements (Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, Zn, Fe and Hg) that exceeded the limits set by the Tunisian standard for environmental protection NT.106.002 concerning the discharge of effluents in the water environment. Findings prove the obvious contamination of the study zone due to the various polluting activities in its neighborhood. A more in-depth investigation program based on the results of this work can serve as a decision support tool for the implementation of an action plan and for the development of rehabilitation scenarios of the zone. The reclamation of the Southern coast of Sfax is necessary to reinforce the sustainability of the project of depollution and development of the northern coast of the city called Taparura that was realized in 2009.