International audience | The neurological damages resulted by endosulfan poisoning is not completely elucidated, especially in cellular organelles such as mitochondria. In the present study, the pro-oxidant effect of endosulfan on brain mitochondria was first investigated. Gavages of endosulfan into rats at the dose of 2 mg/kg induced oxidative stress in this organelle since it provokes a significant reduction of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) level. In addition, a significant increase in mitochondria swelling and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed in neuronal mitochondria, indicating clearly an intense peroxidation within mitochondria. Second, the protective effect of quercetin (QE) (10 mg/kg) against endosulfan-induced oxidative stress in mitochondria was also assessed. Indeed, the pretreatment of rats with QE protects brain mitochondria from oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondria swelling induced by endosulfan. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and the mitochondrial content of GSH and MDA were returned to control values. Thus, although endosulfan can have neurotoxic effects in brain rats, this toxicity can be prevented by quercetin.

The neurological damages resulted by endosulfan poisoning is not completely elucidated, especially in cellular organelles such as mitochondria. In the present study, the pro-oxidant effect of endosulfan on brain mitochondria was first investigated. Gavages of endosulfan into rats at the dose of 2 mg/kg induced oxidative stress in this organelle since it provokes a significant reduction of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) level. In addition, a significant increase in mitochondria swelling and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed in neuronal mitochondria, indicating clearly an intense peroxidation within mitochondria. Second, the protective effect of quercetin (QE) (10 mg/kg) against endosulfan-induced oxidative stress in mitochondria was also assessed. Indeed, the pretreatment of rats with QE protects brain mitochondria from oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondria swelling induced by endosulfan. The activities of antioxidant enzymes and the mitochondrial content of GSH and MDA were returned to control values. Thus, although endosulfan can have neurotoxic effects in brain rats, this toxicity can be prevented by quercetin.

International audience | We assessed the state of knowledge regarding the effects of large-scale pollution with neonicotinoid insecticides and fipronil on non-target invertebrate species of terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. A large section of the assessment is dedicated to the state of knowledge on sublethal effects on honeybees (<em>Apis mellifera</em>) because this important pollinator is the most studied non-target invertebrate species. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Lumbricidae (earthworms), Apoidae sensu lato (bumblebees, solitary bees) and the section “other invertebrates” review available studies on the other terrestrial species. The sections on freshwater and marine species are rather short as little is known so far about the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides and fipronil on the diverse invertebrate fauna of these widely exposed habitats. For terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species, the known effects of neonicotinoid pesticides and fipronil are described ranging from organismal toxicology and behavioural effects to population-level effects. For earthworms, freshwater and marine species, the relation of findings to regulatory risk assessment is described. Neonicotinoid insecticides exhibit very high toxicity to a wide range of invertebrates, particularly insects, and field-realistic exposure is likely to result in both lethal and a broad range of important sublethal impacts. There is a major knowledge gap regarding impacts on the grand majority of invertebrates, many of which perform essential roles enabling healthy ecosystem functioning. The data on the few non-target species on which field tests have been performed are limited by major flaws in the outdated test protocols. Despite large knowledge gaps and uncertainties, enough knowledge exists to conclude that existing levels of pollution with neonicotinoids and fipronil resulting from presently authorized uses frequently exceed the lowest observed adverse effect concentrations and are thus likely to have large-scale and wide ranging negative biological and ecological impacts on a wide range of non-target invertebrates in terrestrial, aquatic, marine and benthic habitats.

We assessed the state of knowledge regarding the effects of large-scale pollution with neonicotinoid insecticides and fipronil on non-target invertebrate species of terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. A large section of the assessment is dedicated to the state of knowledge on sublethal effects on honeybees (Apis mellifera) because this important pollinator is the most studied non-target invertebrate species. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Lumbricidae (earthworms), Apoidae sensu lato (bumblebees, solitary bees) and the section “other invertebrates” review available studies on the other terrestrial species. The sections on freshwater and marine species are rather short as little is known so far about the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides and fipronil on the diverse invertebrate fauna of these widely exposed habitats. For terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species, the known effects of neonicotinoid pesticides and fipronil are described ranging from organismal toxicology and behavioural effects to population-level effects. For earthworms, freshwater and marine species, the relation of findings to regulatory risk assessment is described. Neonicotinoid insecticides exhibit very high toxicity to a wide range of invertebrates, particularly insects, and field-realistic exposure is likely to result in both lethal and a broad range of important sublethal impacts. There is a major knowledge gap regarding impacts on the grand majority of invertebrates, many of which perform essential roles enabling healthy ecosystem functioning. The data on the few non-target species on which field tests have been performed are limited by major flaws in the outdated test protocols. Despite large knowledge gaps and uncertainties, enough knowledge exists to conclude that existing levels of pollution with neonicotinoids and fipronil resulting from presently authorized uses frequently exceed the lowest observed adverse effect concentrations and are thus likely to have large-scale and wide ranging negative biological and ecological impacts on a wide range of non-target invertebrates in terrestrial, aquatic, marine and benthic habitats.

We assessed the state of knowledge regarding the effects of large-scale pollution with neonicotinoid insecticides and fipronil on non-target invertebrate species of terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. A large section of the assessment is dedicated to the state of knowledge on sublethal effects on honeybees (Apis mellifera) because this important pollinator is the most studied non-target invertebrate species. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Lumbricidae (earthworms), Apoidae sensu lato (bumblebees, solitary bees) and the section “other invertebrates” review available studies on the other terrestrial species. The sections on freshwater and marine species are rather short as little is known so far about the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides and fipronil on the diverse invertebrate fauna of these widely exposed habitats. For terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species, the known effects of neonicotinoid pesticides and fipronil are described ranging from organismal toxicology and behavioural effects to population-level effects. For earthworms, freshwater and marine species, the relation of findings to regulatory risk assessment is described. Neonicotinoid insecticides exhibit very high toxicity to a wide range of invertebrates, particularly insects, and field-realistic exposure is likely to result in both lethal and a broad range of important sublethal impacts. There is a major knowledge gap regarding impacts on the grand majority of invertebrates, many of which perform essential roles enabling healthy ecosystem functioning. The data on the few non-target species on which field tests have been performed are limited by major flaws in the outdated test protocols. Despite large knowledge gaps and uncertainties, enough knowledge exists to conclude that existing levels of pollution with neonicotinoids and fipronil resulting from presently authorized uses frequently exceed the lowest observed adverse effect concentrations and are thus likely to have large-scale and wide ranging negative biological and ecological impacts on a wide range of non-target invertebrates in terrestrial, aquatic, marine and benthic habitats.

We assessed the state of knowledge regarding the effects of large-scale pollution with neonicotinoid insecticides and fipronil on non-target invertebrate species of terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. A large section of the assessment is dedicated to the state of knowledge on sublethal effects on honeybees (Apis mellifera) because this important pollinator is the most studied non-target invertebrate species. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Lumbricidae (earthworms), Apoidae sensu lato (bumblebees, solitary bees) and the section “other invertebrates” review available studies on the other terrestrial species. The sections on freshwater and marine species are rather short as little is known so far about the impact of neonicotinoid insecticides and fipronil on the diverse invertebrate fauna of these widely exposed habitats. For terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species, the known effects of neonicotinoid pesticides and fipronil are described ranging from organismal toxicology and behavioural effects to population-level effects. For earthworms, freshwater and marine species, the relation of findings to regulatory risk assessment is described. Neonicotinoid insecticides exhibit very high toxicity to a wide range of invertebrates, particularly insects, and field-realistic exposure is likely to result in both lethal and a broad range of important sublethal impacts. Thereis a major knowledge gap regarding impacts on the grand majority of invertebrates, many of which perform essential roles enabling healthy ecosystem functioning. The data on the few non-target species on which field tests have been performed are limited by major flaws in the outdated test protocols. Despite large knowledge gaps and uncertainties, enough knowledge exists to conclude that existing levels of pollution with neonicotinoids and fipronil resulting from presently authorized uses frequently exceed the lowest observed adverse effect concentrations and are thus likely to have large-scale and wide ranging negative biological and ecological impacts on a wide range of non-target invertebrates in terrestrial, aquatic, marine and benthic habitats.

[Departement_IRSTEA]Ecotechnologies [TR1_IRSTEA]TED | International audience | The nitrifying/denitrifying activated sludge process removes several micropollutants from wastewater by sorption onto sludge and/or biodegradation. The objective of this paper is to propose and evaluate a lab-scale experimental strategy for the determination of partition coefficient and biodegradation constant for micropollutant with an objective of modelling their removal. Four pharmaceutical compounds (ibuprofen, atenolol, diclofenac and fluoxetine) covering a wide hydrophobicity range (log Kow from 0.16 to 4.51) were chosen. Dissolved and particulate concentrations were monitored for 4 days, inside two reactors working under aerobic and anoxic conditions, and under different substrate feed conditions (biodegradable carbon and nitrogen). We determined the mechanisms responsible for the removal of the target compounds: (i) ibuprofen was biodegraded, mainly under aerobic conditions by cometabolism with biodegradable carbon, whereas anoxic conditions suppressed biodegradation; (ii) atenolol was biodegraded under both aerobic and anoxic conditions (with a higher biodegradation rate under aerobic conditions), and cometabolism with biodegradable carbon was the main mechanism; (iii) diclofenac and fluoxetine were removed by sorption only. Finally, the abilities of our strategy were evaluated by testing the suitability of the parameters for simulating effluent concentrations and removal efficiency at a full-scale plant.

The nitrifying/denitrifying activated sludge process removes several micropollutants from wastewater by sorption onto sludge and/or biodegradation. The objective of this paper is to propose and evaluate a lab-scale experimental strategy for the determination of partition coefficient and biodegradation constant for micropollutant with an objective of modelling their removal. Four pharmaceutical compounds (ibuprofen, atenolol, diclofenac and fluoxetine) covering a wide hydrophobicity range (log Kₒwfrom 0.16 to 4.51) were chosen. Dissolved and particulate concentrations were monitored for 4 days, inside two reactors working under aerobic and anoxic conditions, and under different substrate feed conditions (biodegradable carbon and nitrogen). We determined the mechanisms responsible for the removal of the target compounds: (i) ibuprofen was biodegraded, mainly under aerobic conditions by cometabolism with biodegradable carbon, whereas anoxic conditions suppressed biodegradation; (ii) atenolol was biodegraded under both aerobic and anoxic conditions (with a higher biodegradation rate under aerobic conditions), and cometabolism with biodegradable carbon was the main mechanism; (iii) diclofenac and fluoxetine were removed by sorption only. Finally, the abilities of our strategy were evaluated by testing the suitability of the parameters for simulating effluent concentrations and removal efficiency at a full-scale plant.

International audience

This study investigates the variations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels in surface water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment upstream and downstream of the discharges of two wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. Relationships between the levels of PAHs in these different matrices were also investigated. The sum of 16 US EPA PAHs ranged from 73.5 to 728.0 ng L⁻¹ in surface water and from 85.4 to 313.1 ng L⁻¹ in effluent. In SPM and sediment, ∑₁₆PAHs ranged from 749.6 to 2,463 μg kg⁻¹ and from 690.7 μg kg⁻¹ to 3,625.6 μg kg⁻¹, respectively. Investigations performed upstream and downstream of both studied WWTPs showed that WWTP discharges may contribute to the overall PAH contaminations in the Loue and the Doubs rivers. Comparison between gammarid populations upstream and downstream of WWTP discharge showed that biota was impacted by the WWTP effluents. When based only on surface water samples, the assessment of freshwater quality did not provide evidence for a marked PAH contamination in either of the rivers studied. However, using SPM and sediment samples, we found PAH contents exceeding sediment quality guidelines. We conclude that sediment and SPM are relevant matrices to assess overall PAH contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, we found a positive linear correlation between PAH contents of SPM and sediment, showing that SPM represents an integrating matrix which is able to provide meaningful data about the overall contamination over a given time span.

International audience | The side effects of the current global use of pesticides on wildlife, particularly at higher levels of biological organization : populations, communities and ecosystems, are poorly understood (Köhler and Triebskorn 2013). Here, we focus on one of the problematic groups of agrochemicals, the systemic insecticides fipronil and those of the neonicotinoid family. The increasing global reliance on the partly prophylactic use of these persistent and potent neurotoxic systemic insecticides has raised concerns about their impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services provided by a wide range of affected species and environments. The present scale of use, combined with the properties of these compounds, has resulted in widespread contamination of agricultural soils, freshwater resources, wetlands, non-target vegetation and estuarine and coastal marine systems, which means that many organisms inhabiting these habitats are being repeatedly and chronically expose.

Additional co-authors: M. Liess, E. Long, M. McField, P. Mineau, E. A. D. Mitchell, C. A. Morrissey, D. A. Noome, L. Pisa, J. Settele, N. Simon-Delso, J. D. Stark, A. Tapparo, H. Van Dyck, J. van Praagh, M. Wiemers

[Departement_IRSTEA]Eaux [TR1_IRSTEA]ARCEAU [TR2_IRSTEA]BELCA | International audience | The use of inorganic pesticides in viticulture leads to the accumulation of metal(loid)s in soils which can be transferred to the hydro-systems (groundwater and surface water) via several processes. This study reports on the occurrence and behavior of metal(loid)s (Li, Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, and Ba), with a particular focus on Cu, Zn, and As, in a small stream draining a vineyard catchment. Base flow and flood events were monitored in order to assess the spatiotemporal variability of metal(loid) concentrations and to evaluate the contribution of the particulate fraction to the transfer of metal(loid)s according to the hydrological conditions. Results show that very different patterns of metal(loid)s were observed in the Morcille River according to the hydrological conditions. In base flow conditions, Cu and As were mainly transported in dissolved phase, which contributed to more than 70 and 80 %, respectively, of the total load during this period. On the contrary, during base flow, Zn was mainly transported as associated to particles (90 %). During the two storm events monitored, the particulate fraction was dominant, as its represented around 74–80 %, 97 %, and 50–70 % of the total Cu, Zn, and As load in the river, respectively. Thus,despite a weaker affinity for particles during floods (decrease of particulate content during floods), metal(loid)s were mainly brought as particles, given that high amounts of suspended particulate matter (up to 2031 mg/L) were mobilized. Finally, comprehensive fluxes estimations confirmed that floods were responsible for more than 90 % of the total Cu, Zn and 75 % for As load transiting in the Morcille River in August within a very short period of time (less than 17 %).

The use of inorganic pesticides in viticulture leads to the accumulation of metal(loid)s in soils which can be transferred to the hydro-systems (groundwater and surface water) via several processes. This study reports on the occurrence and behavior of metal(loid)s (Li, Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, and Ba), with a particular focus on Cu, Zn, and As, in a small stream draining a vineyard catchment. Base flow and flood events were monitored in order to assess the spatiotemporal variability of metal(loid) concentrations and to evaluate the contribution of the particulate fraction to the transfer of metal(loid)s according to the hydrological conditions. Results show that very different patterns of metal(loid)s were observed in the Morcille River according to the hydrological conditions. In base flow conditions, Cu and As were mainly transported in dissolved phase, which contributed to more than 70 and 80 %, respectively, of the total load during this period. On the contrary, during base flow, Zn was mainly transported as associated to particles (90 %). During the two storm events monitored, the particulate fraction was dominant, as its represented around 74–80 %, 97 %, and 50–70 % of the total Cu, Zn, and As load in the river, respectively. Thus, despite a weaker affinity for particles during floods (decrease of particulate content during floods), metal(loid)s were mainly brought as particles, given that high amounts of suspended particulate matter (up to 2031 mg/L) were mobilized. Finally, comprehensive fluxes estimations confirmed that floods were responsible for more than 90 % of the total Cu, Zn and 75 % for As load transiting in the Morcille River in August within a very short period of time (less than 17 %).

Avec les remerciements à Jodie Thénard | Palladium (Pd) is an emerging eco-toxic pollutant from vehicle catalytic converters, emitted worldwide for more than 2 decades. Nowadays, the spatial extent of Pd fallout is growing along roads, but its subsequent fate in neighboring terrestrial ecosystems has not been extensively addressed yet. Two sites representative of contrasted natural environments (field, forest) but located under similar ambient conditions were selected to isolate and analyze the specific impact of vehicular Pd, along highway A71, France. Pd impregnation was assessed along 200 m-long transects perpendicular to the highway. Contents were measured in soils, earthworms, plant communities of the right-of-way (ROW) and the neighboring field (crop weeds), as well as in a moss, and bramble and ivy leaves in the forest. The direct impact of Pd fallouts appears to be confined in the grassy verge of the highway: ROW soils ([Pd] = 52-65 ng.g-1); earthworms ([Pd] = 18-38 ng.g-1); plant community ([Pd] = 10-23 ng.g-1). Pd footprint is pointed out by the accumulation index calculated for earthworms and plant communities even though transfer coefficients indicate the absence of bio-accumulation (TCs < 1). An indirect longer range transfer of Pd is identified, induced by hydric transport of organic matter.

Palladium (Pd) is an emerging eco-toxic pollutant from vehicle catalytic converters, emitted worldwide for more than two decades. Nowadays, the spatial extent of Pd fallout is growing along roads, but its subsequent fate in neighboring terrestrial ecosystems has not been extensively addressed yet. Two sites representative of contrasted natural environments (field, forest) but located under similar ambient conditions were selected to isolate and analyze the specific impact of vehicular Pd, along highway A71, France. Pd impregnation was assessed along 200-m-long transects perpendicular to the highway. Contents were measured in soils, earthworms, plant communities of the right of way (ROW), and the neighboring field (crop weeds), as well as in a moss, and bramble and ivy leaves in the forest. The direct impact of Pd fallouts appears to be confined in the grassy verge of the highway: ROW soils ([Pd] = 52–65 ng g⁻¹), earthworms ([Pd] = 18–38 ng g⁻¹), and plant community ([Pd] = 10–23 ng g⁻¹). Pd footprint is pointed out by the accumulation index calculated for earthworms and plant communities even though transfer coefficients indicate the absence of bioaccumulation (TCs < 1). An indirect longer range transfer of Pd is identified, induced by hydric transport of organic matter.

Avec les remerciements à Jodie Thénard | Palladium (Pd) is an emerging eco-toxic pollutant from vehicle catalytic converters, emitted worldwide for more than 2 decades. Nowadays, the spatial extent of Pd fallout is growing along roads, but its subsequent fate in neighboring terrestrial ecosystems has not been extensively addressed yet. Two sites representative of contrasted natural environments (field, forest) but located under similar ambient conditions were selected to isolate and analyze the specific impact of vehicular Pd, along highway A71, France. Pd impregnation was assessed along 200 m-long transects perpendicular to the highway. Contents were measured in soils, earthworms, plant communities of the right-of-way (ROW) and the neighboring field (crop weeds), as well as in a moss, and bramble and ivy leaves in the forest. The direct impact of Pd fallouts appears to be confined in the grassy verge of the highway: ROW soils ([Pd] = 52-65 ng.g-1); earthworms ([Pd] = 18-38 ng.g-1); plant community ([Pd] = 10-23 ng.g-1). Pd footprint is pointed out by the accumulation index calculated for earthworms and plant communities even though transfer coefficients indicate the absence of bio-accumulation (TCs < 1). An indirect longer range transfer of Pd is identified, induced by hydric transport of organic matter.

International audience | The impact of petroleum contamination and of burrowing macrofauna on abundances of Marinobacter and denitrifiers was tested in marine sediment mesocoms after 3 months incubation. Quantification of this genus by qPCR with a new primer set showed that the main factor favoring Marinobacter abundance was hydrocarbon amendment followed by macrofauna presence. In parallel, proportion of nosZ-harboring bacteria increased in the presence of marcrofauna. Quantitative finding were explained by physiological data from a set of 34 strains and by genomic analysis of 16 genomes spanning 15 different Marinobacter-validated species (Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, Marinobacter daeopensis, Marinobacter santoriniensis, Marinobacter pelagius, Marinobacter flavimaris, Marinobacter adhaerens, Marinobacter xestospongiae, Marinobacter algicola, Marinobacter vinifirmus, Marinobacter maritimus, Marinobacter psychrophilus, Marinobacter lipoliticus, Marinobacter manganoxydans, Marinobacter excellens, Marinobacter nanhaiticus) and 4 potential novel ones. Among the 105 organic electron donors tested in physiological analysis, Marinobacter pattern appeared narrow for almost all kinds of organic compounds except lipid ones. Strains of this set could oxidize a very large spectrum of lipids belonging to glycerolipids, branched, fatty acyls, and aromatic hydrocarbon classes. Physiological data were comforted by genomic analysis, and genes of alkane 1-monooxygenase, haloalkane dehalogenase, and flavin-binding monooxygenase were detected in most genomes. Denitrification was assessed for several strains belonging to M. hydrocarbonoclasticus, M. vinifirmus, Marinobacter maritinus, and M. pelagius species indicating the possibility to use nitrate as alternative electron acceptor. Higher occurrence of Marinobacter in the presence of petroleum appeared to be the result of a broader physiological trait allowing this genus to use lipids including hydrocarbon as principal electron donors.

International audience | The impact of petroleum contamination and of burrowing macrofauna on abundances of Marinobacter and denitrifiers was tested in marine sediment mesocoms after 3 months incubation. Quantification of this genus by qPCR with a new primer set showed that the main factor favoring Marinobacter abundance was hydrocarbon amendment followed by macrofauna presence. In parallel, proportion of nosZ-harboring bacteria increased in the presence of marcrofauna. Quantitative finding were explained by physiological data from a set of 34 strains and by genomic analysis of 16 genomes spanning 15 different Marinobacter-validated species (Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, Marinobacter daeopensis, Marinobacter santoriniensis, Marinobacter pelagius, Marinobacter flavimaris, Marinobacter adhaerens, Marinobacter xestospongiae, Marinobacter algicola, Marinobacter vinifirmus, Marinobacter maritimus, Marinobacter psychrophilus, Marinobacter lipoliticus, Marinobacter manganoxydans, Marinobacter excellens, Marinobacter nanhaiticus) and 4 potential novel ones. Among the 105 organic electron donors tested in physiological analysis, Marinobacter pattern appeared narrow for almost all kinds of organic compounds except lipid ones. Strains of this set could oxidize a very large spectrum of lipids belonging to glycerolipids, branched, fatty acyls, and aromatic hydrocarbon classes. Physiological data were comforted by genomic analysis, and genes of alkane 1-monooxygenase, haloalkane dehalogenase, and flavin-binding monooxygenase were detected in most genomes. Denitrification was assessed for several strains belonging to M. hydrocarbonoclasticus, M. vinifirmus, Marinobacter maritinus, and M. pelagius species indicating the possibility to use nitrate as alternative electron acceptor. Higher occurrence of Marinobacter in the presence of petroleum appeared to be the result of a broader physiological trait allowing this genus to use lipids including hydrocarbon as principal electron donors.

The impact of petroleum contamination and of burrowing macrofauna on abundances of Marinobacter and denitrifiers was tested in marine sediment mesocoms after 3 months incubation. Quantification of this genus by qPCR with a new primer set showed that the main factor favoring Marinobacter abundance was hydrocarbon amendment followed by macrofauna presence. In parallel, proportion of nosZ-harboring bacteria increased in the presence of marcrofauna. Quantitative finding were explained by physiological data from a set of 34 strains and by genomic analysis of 16 genomes spanning 15 different Marinobacter-validated species (Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, Marinobacter daeopensis, Marinobacter santoriniensis, Marinobacter pelagius, Marinobacter flavimaris, Marinobacter adhaerens, Marinobacter xestospongiae, Marinobacter algicola, Marinobacter vinifirmus, Marinobacter maritimus, Marinobacter psychrophilus, Marinobacter lipoliticus, Marinobacter manganoxydans, Marinobacter excellens, Marinobacter nanhaiticus) and 4 potential novel ones. Among the 105 organic electron donors tested in physiological analysis, Marinobacter pattern appeared narrow for almost all kinds of organic compounds except lipid ones. Strains of this set could oxidize a very large spectrum of lipids belonging to glycerolipids, branched, fatty acyls, and aromatic hydrocarbon classes. Physiological data were comforted by genomic analysis, and genes of alkane 1-monooxygenase, haloalkane dehalogenase, and flavin-binding monooxygenase were detected in most genomes. Denitrification was assessed for several strains belonging to M. hydrocarbonoclasticus, M. vinifirmus, Marinobacter maritinus, and M. pelagius species indicating the possibility to use nitrate as alternative electron acceptor. Higher occurrence of Marinobacter in the presence of petroleum appeared to be the result of a broader physiological trait allowing this genus to use lipids including hydrocarbon as principal electron donors.