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<p>Microplastic (MP) pollution is increasingly recognized as a major threat to marine environments, yet semi-enclosed harbor systems remain insufficiently investigated, particularly in the southern Mediterranean. This study provides a first baseline assessment of MP abundance, spatial variability, and characteristics in the surface waters of the Old Harbor of Bizerte (northern Tunisia). Surface water samples were collected in November 2025 at thirteen stations (10 inner harbor, 2 entrance, 1 offshore reference), using ten replicate samples of 1&#xa0;L per station (total 10&#xa0;L). MPs were isolated following oxidative digestion and filtration, then classified by type, and, color size. Polymer composition was determined for a representative subset using FTIR-ATR. MPs were detected at all stations, with concentrations ranging from 3.3 ± 0.6 to 68.3 ± 7.6 items L⁻¹. A clear spatial gradient was observed, with higher concentrations inside the harbor and lower levels offshore. Fibers dominated (83–100%), while fragments were mainly restricted to inner-harbor stations, peaking at 14.6% at S10, and films were rare. Color diversity was strongly structured spatially: blue and black fibers and fragments prevailed inside the harbor, whereas color diversity declined toward the entrance and was nearly absent offshore, indicating restricted offshore transport. FTIR-ATR analysis identified polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) as the only polymers. These results suggest that the harbor may act as a localized accumulation zone for MPs, likely influenced by anthropogenic inputs and limited water exchange. This study provides baseline data to support future monitoring and management of MP pollution in semi-enclosed coastal systems.</p>

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Microplastics in the Old Harbor of Bizerte (northern Tunisia): first assessment of surface water contamination

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月3日

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  • Hela Toumi,
  • Sami Abidli,
  • Mustapha Bejaoui

摘要

Microplastic (MP) pollution is increasingly recognized as a major threat to marine environments, yet semi-enclosed harbor systems remain insufficiently investigated, particularly in the southern Mediterranean. This study provides a first baseline assessment of MP abundance, spatial variability, and characteristics in the surface waters of the Old Harbor of Bizerte (northern Tunisia). Surface water samples were collected in November 2025 at thirteen stations (10 inner harbor, 2 entrance, 1 offshore reference), using ten replicate samples of 1 L per station (total 10 L). MPs were isolated following oxidative digestion and filtration, then classified by type, and, color size. Polymer composition was determined for a representative subset using FTIR-ATR. MPs were detected at all stations, with concentrations ranging from 3.3 ± 0.6 to 68.3 ± 7.6 items L⁻¹. A clear spatial gradient was observed, with higher concentrations inside the harbor and lower levels offshore. Fibers dominated (83–100%), while fragments were mainly restricted to inner-harbor stations, peaking at 14.6% at S10, and films were rare. Color diversity was strongly structured spatially: blue and black fibers and fragments prevailed inside the harbor, whereas color diversity declined toward the entrance and was nearly absent offshore, indicating restricted offshore transport. FTIR-ATR analysis identified polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) as the only polymers. These results suggest that the harbor may act as a localized accumulation zone for MPs, likely influenced by anthropogenic inputs and limited water exchange. This study provides baseline data to support future monitoring and management of MP pollution in semi-enclosed coastal systems.