Biomarkers on Sediments in a Highly Saline Aquatic Ecosystem: Case of the Moknine Continental Sebkha (Eastern Tunisia)

Surficial sediments from 18 sites throughout Moknine sebkha, one of the largest urbanized sebkha in the sahel of tunisia, were analyzed for biomarkers (n-alkanes, hopanes and steranes) to track the origin of organic inputs. A distinct spatial distribution of aliphatic hydrocarbons in sediments was observed in Moknine sebkha which subdivide this environment in two area. The submerged area is characterized by high concentration of OC 1%-4.9%, EOM 2%-49% CO, aliphatic hydrocarbons 1350 ？μg.kg-1to 3700 ？μg.kg-1sediment dry weight. Emerged area is characterized by low concentration (O