Biochemical characterization, microbial diversity and biodegradability of coastal sediments in the Gulf of Gabès, Southern Mediterranean Sea

Coastal sediments are considered to be final receptacles for organic and inorganic contaminants. Characterizing those assessing their biodegradation potential have become a great challenge in recent years. In this study, the chemical composition, including content polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, microbial community abundance diversity (using culture-independent approaches targeting 16S rRNA genes), aerobic/anaerobic of coastal collected Sfax area (Gulf Gabès, Southern Mediterranean Sea) were investigated. The highest concentration total hydrocarbons (981 µg kg−1 dw) was recorded Sidi Mansour harbor sediment, emphasized pyrogenic petrogenic hydrocarbon sources. Organic matter, carbon, ultimate aerobic biodegradability, with 30% as value Salem channel positive accordance bacterial communities assigned within Actinobacteria, Clostridia Flavobacteria classes. correlation noticed between Thermocladium Thermogladius genera sulfate explained that PK4 located terrestrial acid–sulfate areas. cumulative methane produced Marseille inoculum Tunisian sediment strongly correlated methanogens among Methanobacteria, Methanococci Methanomicobia classes showing presence industrial municipal bioavailability low moderate current study may explain occurrence Methanobacterium which positively anaerobic biodegradability using 50% sediment.