Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Environmental Quality of Tunisian Harbours

Harbours are one of the most disturbed coastal ecosystems due to intensive anthropogenic pressures. This study aimed for first time compare impacts in three harbours from central coast Tunisia (Mediterranean Sea) employing analysis heavy metal contamination and ecological quality status (EcoQS). Sampling was carried out spring 2019 fishing harbour Teboulba, marina Monastir, commercial Sousse. The high levels concentration metals organic matter were closely related fine-grained fraction sediment harbours. A total 94 macrobenthic species, including five nonindigenous identified belonging six zoological groups. Multivariate analyses highlighted a strong influence activity on diversity macrozoobenthic communities. Three benthic assemblages according their environmental characteristics such as type, content, contamination. Benthic biotic indices (H′, J′, AMBI, BO2A) showed that EcoQS varied poor (commercial harbour) good (marina), significantly influenced by activity, matter, sediment. present work could be considered providing important baseline data implementation national policies management plans future.