Spatial variation of summer microphytoplankton and zooplankton communities related to environmental parameters in the coastal area of Djerba Island (Tunisia, Eastern Mediterranean)

A study of Djerba Island's coastal waters reveals distinct summer microphytoplankton and zooplankton communities shaped by varying pollution levels. The Western Area (WA), marked by high nitrogen nutrients, hosts a dominance of Bacillariophyceae, including adaptive species like Chaetoceros and Navicula, alongside pollution-tolerant copepods such as Paracalanus parvus. Conversely, the Eastern Area (EA) exhibits lower inorganic nitrogen but higher Cyanobacteria abundance, possibly linked to DIP concentrations, with other zooplankton dominating. Despite industrial activities, Djerba's coastal waters maintain a diverse plankton ecosystem, illustrating resilience amid human pressure.

REKIK, A., GUERMAZI, W., KMIHA-MEGDICHE, S., SELLAMI, I., PAGANO, M., AYADI, H., & ELLOUMI, J. (2023). Spatial variation of summer microphytoplankton and zooplankton communities related to environmental parameters in the coastal area of Djerba Island (Tunisia, Eastern Mediterranean). Mediterranean Marine Science, 24(1), 156–172. https://doi.org/10.12681/mms.30650