MICROPLASTICS IN A LOTIC FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENT: TYPOLOGY AND PROFILE OF OCCURRENCE ALONG JOUMINE STREAM, AFFLUENT OF THE ICHKEUL WETLAND (NORTHERN TUNISIA)

The intensifying plastic production and poor management of its waste have led to a tremendous rise in the dumping into aquatic ecosystems, thus resulting in harmful effects on living organisms as well as biodiversity loss and wetland threat. The study aims to assess the availability of microplastics in a freshwater environment (the Joumine stream, Northern Tunisia) by determining their abundance, shape, type, color, and size in both water and sediment. Thirty samples were collected from five sites and analyzed for MPs using stereomicroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. The average value of microplastics was found to be 8.87±3.94/L (in water) and 18.2±8.27/50g dry weight (in sediment). The most dominant form in all samples was fibers, while the color category varied according to the two considered matrices and sites. Microplastic particles in the samples ranged from 0.24 to 1.45 mm in length. Polypropylene and polyethylene were the identified types of polymers. Overall, the level of microplastic pollution along the Joumine stream was found to be relatively average compared to the global pollution level. It underlined the fact that MPs are widespread even in freshwater environments and provides a baseline for future surveys and management sustainable decisions.