Impact of industrial phosphate waste discharge on the marine environment in the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia)

Industrial phosphate waste discharge from the Gabes phosphate industry in Tunisia significantly impacts marine environments, leading to severe pollution and eutrophication in the Gulf of Gabes. Unlike the eastern coast of Djerba, which remains relatively pristine due to the absence of industrial activity, the study reveals stark contrasts between polluted and clean adjacent areas. Researchers employed a combination of sedimentary analysis techniques—including sequential extractions (SEDEX), Rock-Eval, elemental analysis, stable carbon isotope composition, and X-ray diffraction—as well as water quality measurements and underwater video surveys. These methods exposed clear differentiations in environmental conditions, highlighting the detrimental effects of untreated phosphogypsum waste on marine ecosystems.

El Kateb, A., Stalder, C., Rüggeberg, A., Neururer, C., Spangenberg, J. E., & Spezzaferri, S. (2018). Impact of industrial phosphate waste discharge on the marine environment in the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia). Plos One, 13(5), e0197731. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197731