Assessment of heavy metals contamination/pollution of phosphogypsum waste of the Mdhilla region (Gafsa, southern Tunisia).

Tunisia is currently faced with the extremely delicate problem of managing the millions of tons of phosphogypsum (PG) discharges which is already causing considerable environmental damage. The research carried out in this work is part of a geochemical assessment of the level of heavy metal contamination in phosphogypsum waste from the Mdhilla region (Gafsa, southern Tunisia). The assessment of ETM contamination/pollution is based on the relatively simple principles of measuring concentrations, calculating indices, and comparing them with established standards, which vary according to the nature of the element, its toxicity, and the receiving environment.

Geochemical, mineralogical records, and statistical approaches in establishing sedimentary in the environment of a Mediterranean coastal system: case of Sebkha El-Guettiate (southeastern Tunisia).

The current study was conducted within the context of the Holocene era in Sebkha El-Guettiate, located in southeastern Tunisia. The aim was to determine the factors influencing the geochemical and mineralogical composition of sediments and to elucidate the sedimentary characteristics of the Holocene within the Sebkha core. We examined a sediment core extending 100 cm from this Sebkha, subjecting it to comprehensive analysis to uncover its sedimentological, mineralogical, and geochemical properties.

Emerging plant-based flocculation treatment of phosphate clay: case study from Metlaoui-Gafsa (southwest Tunisia).

The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of cactus Opuntia ficus-indica, used as a natural flocculant in the treatment of phosphate clay as an industrial wastewater. It is a new process that has proven very promising in the removal of high turbidity from industrial effluents. The volume of clear water recovered (supernatant) is one of the characteristic features which allow us to judge the effectiveness of this bioflocculant.

Cactus Opuntia as natural flocculant for urban wastewater treatment.

The cactus tree, species Opuntia ficus-indica, is a primary material of many products in various domains such as cosmetics, medicine and nutrition. In the present work, we assess its potential as a flocculant. We tried a technique which adopts three sequential treatments that used coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation processes under certain operating conditions.