Heavy Metals Spatial Distribution in Seawater, Suspended Particulate Matter, and Sediments in Gabes Gulf (Tunisia)

Concentrations of the most polluting heavy metals (Cd, Cu, and Zn) in seawater, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments were investigated in the spring of 2014 in the coastal city Gabes, Tunisia. The concentrations of these metals were demonstrated to be high in the three phases. High metallic contamination causes serious deterioration of the littoral ecosystem. The similarity of spatial distribution and the significant positive correlation between the selected heavy metals in each phase showed the anthropogenic impact concentrated in the urban area and the influence of hydrodynamic conditions. The lower correlation observed between the heavy metals in the particulate phase suggests the contribution of biological processes to the distribution of heavy metals.