Spatial Distribution Patterns, Eco-Environmental Risk Assessment, and Human Health Impacts of Uranium and Thorium in Beach Sediments in the Central Gulf of Gabes (Southern Mediterranean Sea)

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 17(3), P. 1283 - 1283

Published: Feb. 5, 2025

This study investigates uranium (U) and thorium (Th) levels in surface beach sediments from the Central Gulf of Gabes (SE Tunisia), aiming to identify concentration zones, geochemical behaviors, enrichment factors. U concentrations ranged 0.71 38.00 mg/kg, exceeding Th levels, which 1.00 10.60 mg/kg. A positive correlation between indicates a common source, is most likely phosphogypsum wastes, similar behaviors. The central sector near Gabes’ fertilizer factories showed highest concentrations, with factors such as proximity industrial discharge, port structures’ influence, organic matter enrichment, low seawater pH, high phosphorus affecting spatial distribution these elements. Thermochemical analysis suggests that exhibit parallel chemical behaviors low-pH, phosphate-rich conditions. first document presence phosphogypsum-contaminated Gabes, underlining potential risks environment human health. findings this work contribute international database contamination coastal sediments, providing essential data support sustainable strategies aimed at safeguarding health preserving local environments affected by phosphate industry pollution.

Language: Английский

Unveiling the organic nature of phosphogypsum foam: Insights into formation dynamics, pollution load, and contribution to marine pollution in the Southern Mediterranean Sea

Journal of Hazardous Materials, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 480, P. 135732 - 135732

Published: Sept. 6, 2024

Language: Английский