Understanding the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of anthropogenic contamination requires correlating exposure to toxicants with impact on biological communities. Several tools exist for assessing the ecotoxicity of substances, but there is still a need for new tools that are ecologically relevant and easy to use. We have developed a protocol based on the substrate-induced respiration of a river biofilm community, using the MicroRes (TM) technique, in a pollution-induced community tolerance approach. The results show that MicroRes (TM) can be used in bioassays to assess the toxicity toward biofilm communities of a wide range of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag, Ni, Fe, Co, Al and As). Moreover, a community-level physiological profile based on the mineralization of different carbon substrates was established. Finally, the utility of MicroRes (TM) was confirmed in an in-situ study showing gradient of tolerance to copper correlated to a contamination gradient of this metal in a small river. A modified MicroRes (TM) technique as a tool for measuring induced tolerance to heavy metals of a microbial biofilm community.

Understanding the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of anthropogenic contamination requires correlating exposure to toxicants with impact on biological communities. Several tools exist for assessing the ecotoxicity of substances, but there is still a need for new tools that are ecologically relevant and easy to use. We have developed a protocol based on the substrate-induced respiration of a river biofilm community, using the MicroRes (TM) technique, in a pollution-induced community tolerance approach. The results show that MicroRes (TM) can be used in bioassays to assess the toxicity toward biofilm communities of a wide range of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag, Ni, Fe, Co, Al and As). Moreover, a community-level physiological profile based on the mineralization of different carbon substrates was established. Finally, the utility of MicroRes (TM) was confirmed in an in-situ study showing gradient of tolerance to copper correlated to a contamination gradient of this metal in a small river. A modified MicroRes (TM) technique as a tool for measuring induced tolerance to heavy metals of a microbial biofilm community.

Understanding the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of anthropogenic contamination requires correlating exposure to toxicants with impact on biological communities. Several tools exist for assessing the ecotoxicity of substances, but there is still a need for new tools that are ecologically relevant and easy to use. We have developed a protocol based on the substrate-induced respiration of a river biofilm community, using the MicroResp™ technique, in a pollution-induced community tolerance approach. The results show that MicroResp™ can be used in bioassays to assess the toxicity toward biofilm communities of a wide range of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag, Ni, Fe, Co, Al and As). Moreover, a community-level physiological profile based on the mineralization of different carbon substrates was established. Finally, the utility of MicroResp™ was confirmed in an in-situ study showing gradient of tolerance to copper correlated to a contamination gradient of this metal in a small river. A modified MicroResp™ technique as a tool for measuring induced tolerance to heavy metals of a microbial biofilm community

Understanding the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of anthropogenic contamination requires correlating exposure to toxicants with impact on biological communities. Several tools exist for assessing the ecotoxicity of substances, but there is still a need for new tools that are ecologically relevant and easy to use. We have developed a protocol based on the substrate-induced respiration of a river biofilm community, using the MicroResp™ technique, in a pollution-induced community tolerance approach. The results show that MicroResp™ can be used in bioassays to assess the toxicity toward biofilm communities of a wide range of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag, Ni, Fe, Co, Al and As). Moreover, a community-level physiological profile based on the mineralization of different carbon substrates was established. Finally, the utility of MicroResp™ was confirmed in an in-situ study showing gradient of tolerance to copper correlated to a contamination gradient of this metal in a small river.

[Departement_IRSTEA]Eaux [TR1_IRSTEA]BELCA | International audience | A modified MicroRespÔ technique as a tool for measuring induced tolerance to heavy metals of a microbial biofilm community. a b s t r a c t Understanding the ecological status of aquatic ecosystems and the impact of anthropogenic contamination requires correlating exposure to toxicants with impact on biological communities. Several tools exist for assessing the ecotoxicity of substances, but there is still a need for new tools that are ecologically relevant and easy to use. We have developed a protocol based on the substrate-induced respiration of a river biofilm community, using the MicroRespÔ technique, in a pollution-induced community tolerance approach. The results show that MicroRespÔ can be used in bioassays to assess the toxicity toward biofilm communities of a wide range of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag, Ni, Fe, Co, Al and As). Moreover, a community-level physiological profile based on the mineralization of different carbon substrates was established. Finally, the utility of MicroRespÔ was confirmed in an in-situ study showing gradient of tolerance to copper correlated to a contamination gradient of this metal in a small river.

The effect of pH ranging from 8.0 to 6.8 (total scale - pHT) on fertilization, cleavage and larval development until pluteus stage was assessed in an intertidal temperate sea urchin. Gametes were obtained from adults collected in two contrasting tide pools, one showing a significant nocturnal pH decrease (lowest pHT = 7.4) and another where pH was more stable (lowest pHT = 7.8). The highest pHT at which significant effects on fertilization and cleavage were recorded was 7.6. On the contrary, larval development was only affected below pHT 7.4, a value equal or lower than that reported for several subtidal species. This suggests that sea urchins inhabiting stressful intertidal environments produce offspring that may better resist future ocean acidification. Moreover, at pHT 7.4, the fertilization rate of gametes whose progenitors came from the tide pool with higher pH decrease was significantly higher, indicating a possible acclimatization or adaptation of gametes to pH stress.

The effect of pH ranging from 8.0 to 6.8 (total scale – pHT) on fertilization, cleavage and larval development until pluteus stage was assessed in an intertidal temperate sea urchin. Gametes were obtained from adults collected in two contrasting tide pools, one showing a significant nocturnal pH decrease (lowest pHT=7.4) and another where pH was more stable (lowest pHT=7.8). The highest pHT at which significant effects on fertilization and cleavage were recorded was 7.6. On the contrary, larval development was only affected below pHT 7.4, a value equal or lower than that reported for several subtidal species. This suggests that sea urchins inhabiting stressful intertidal environments produce offspring that may better resist future ocean acidification. Moreover, at pHT 7.4, the fertilization rate of gametes whose progenitors came from the tide pool with higher pH decrease was significantly higher, indicating a possible acclimatization or adaptation of gametes to pH stress.

The effect of pH ranging from 8.0 to 6.8 (total scale - pHT) on fertilization, cleavage and larval development until pluteus stage was assessed in an intertidal temperate sea urchin. Gametes were obtained from adults collected in two contrasting tide pools, one showing a significant nocturnal pH decrease (lowest pHT = 7.4) and another where pH was more stable (lowest pHT = 7.8). The highest pHT at which significant effects on fertilization and cleavage were recorded was 7.6. On the contrary, larval development was only affected below pHT 7.4, a value equal or lower than that reported for several subtidal species. This suggests that sea urchins inhabiting stressful intertidal environments produce offspring that may better resist future ocean acidification. Moreover, at pHT 7.4, the fertilization rate of gametes whose progenitors came from the tide pool with higher pH decrease was significantly higher, indicating a possible acclimatization or adaptation of gametes to pH stress.

La chlordécone, insecticide organochloré de synthèse, était utilisée dans les bananeraies antillaises avant 1993. Pourtant, elle contamine encore les ressources en eau, certaines denrées, et des organismes aquatiques. Très tôt, la recherche agronomique s'est mobilisée pour répondre aux questions posées pour la gestion de cette crise : Où sont les sols pollués? Est-ce une pollution durable ? La molécule est peu mobile. Des cartes de risques, fondées sur leur occupation rétrospective en bananeraies, aboutissent à 1/5e de la SAU polluée en Guadeloupe, 2/5e en Martinique. Les sols riches en matière organique retiennent fortement la chlordécone. Elle ne se dégrade pas dans les sols aérés, seules les eaux de percolation peuvent la dissiper. Sa persistance est donc longue, d'un à quelques siècles selon les sols. La dépollution artificielle n'est pas actuellement opérationnelle. Il faut donc gérer cette pollution. Pour réduire l'exposition de la population et la contamination des denrées, les agriculteurs doivent disposer de systèmes de culture et d'élevage compatibles avec les niveaux de chlordécone des sols, restés fertiles. Un outil est disponible, il prend en compte le niveau de pollution de la parcelle et la contamination des cultures: certaines sont très contaminées (tubercules), d'autres indemnes (fruits d'arbres, banane, ananas, tomate,...). (Résumé d'auteur)

La chlordécone, insecticide organochloré de synthèse, était utilisée dans les bananeraies antillaises avant 1993. Pourtant, elle contamine encore les ressources en eau, certaines denrées, et des organismes aquatiques. Très tôt, la recherche agronomique s’est mobilisée pour répondre aux questions posées pour la gestion de cette crise : Où sont les sols pollués? Est-ce une pollution durable ? La molécule est peu mobile. Des cartes de risques, fondées sur leur occupation rétrospective en bananeraies, aboutissent à 1/5e de la SAU polluée en Guadeloupe, 2/5e en Martinique. Les sols riches en matière organique retiennent fortement la chlordécone. Elle ne se dégrade pas dans les sols aérés, seules les eaux de percolation peuvent la dissiper. Sa persistance est donc longue, d’un à quelques siècles selon les sols. La dépollution artificielle n’est pas actuellement opérationnelle. Il faut donc gérer cette pollution. Pour réduire l’exposition de la population et la contamination des denrées, les agriculteurs doivent disposer de systèmes de culture et d’élevage compatibles avec les niveaux de chlordécone des sols, restés fertiles. Un outil est disponible, il prend en compte le niveau de pollution de la parcelle et la contamination des cultures: certaines sont très contaminées (tubercules), d’autres indemnes (fruits d’arbres, banane, ananas, tomate, …). | Chlordecone, an organochlorine insecticide, has been used in banana fields before 1993. Nowadays, it is still polluting water resources, food and aquatic biota. Agronomic research has been working very early to answer to how to manage this environmental and sanitary crisis: where are the polluted soils? Is the pollution a long term pollution? The molecule is not mobile. Risk maps, based on the past banana fields, resulted in the diffuse pollution of 1/5th of cultivated area in Guadeloupe and 2/5th in Martinique. Soils with a high content of organic matter are fixing chlordecone molecule. It has not been observed degradation in aerated soil conditions,thus natural soil leaching is the only way to decrease soil pollution which is highly persistent, from one to several centuries according to soil type. Efficient depollution is not operational at the moment. Thus, pollution has to be managed. To reduce population exposure and food contamination, producers need sustainable cropping systems because polluted soil stays productive and fertile. A decision tool is now available, it takes in account the soil pollution level of the field and potential crop contamination: some crops are highly contaminated (roots and tubers), others are chlordecone free (fruits, banana, pineapple, tomato).

La chlordécone, insecticide organochloré de synthèse, était utilisée dans les bananeraies antillaises avant 1993. Pourtant, elle contamine encore les ressources en eau, certaines denrées, et des organismes aquatiques. Très tôt, la recherche agronomique s’est mobilisée pour répondre aux questions posées pour la gestion de cette crise : Où sont les sols pollués? Est-ce une pollution durable ? La molécule est peu mobile. Des cartes de risques, fondées sur leur occupation rétrospective en bananeraies, aboutissent à 1/5e de la SAU polluée en Guadeloupe, 2/5e en Martinique. Les sols riches en matière organique retiennent fortement la chlordécone. Elle ne se dégrade pas dans les sols aérés, seules les eaux de percolation peuvent la dissiper. Sa persistance est donc longue, d’un à quelques siècles selon les sols. La dépollution artificielle n’est pas actuellement opérationnelle. Il faut donc gérer cette pollution. Pour réduire l’exposition de la population et la contamination des denrées, les agriculteurs doivent disposer de systèmes de culture et d’élevage compatibles avec les niveaux de chlordécone des sols, restés fertiles. Un outil est disponible, il prend en compte le niveau de pollution de la parcelle et la contamination des cultures: certaines sont très contaminées (tubercules), d’autres indemnes (fruits d’arbres, banane, ananas, tomate, …). | Chlordecone, an organochlorine insecticide, has been used in banana fields before 1993. Nowadays, it is still polluting water resources, food and aquatic biota. Agronomic research has been working very early to answer to how to manage this environmental and sanitary crisis: where are the polluted soils? Is the pollution a long term pollution? The molecule is not mobile. Risk maps, based on the past banana fields, resulted in the diffuse pollution of 1/5th of cultivated area in Guadeloupe and 2/5th in Martinique. Soils with a high content of organic matter are fixing chlordecone molecule. It has not been observed degradation in aerated soil conditions,thus natural soil leaching is the only way to decrease soil pollution which is highly persistent, from one to several centuries according to soil type. Efficient depollution is not operational at the moment. Thus, pollution has to be managed. To reduce population exposure and food contamination, producers need sustainable cropping systems because polluted soil stays productive and fertile. A decision tool is now available, it takes in account the soil pollution level of the field and potential crop contamination: some crops are highly contaminated (roots and tubers), others are chlordecone free (fruits, banana, pineapple, tomato).

We consider an optimal consumption and pollution problem that has two important features. Environmental damages due to economic activities may be irreversible and the level at which the degradation becomes irreversible is unknown. Particular attention is paid to the situation where agents are relatively impatient and/or do not care a lot about the environment and/or Nature regenerates at low rate. We show that the optimal policy of the uncertain problem drives the economy in the long run toward a steady state while, when ignoring irreversibility, the economy follows a balanced growth path accompanied by a perpetual decrease in environmental quality and consumption, both asymptotically converging toward zero. Therefore, accounting for the risk of irreversibility induces more conservative decisions regarding consumption and polluting emissions. In general, however, we cannot rule out situations where the economy will optimally follow an irreversible path and consequently, will also be left, in the long run, with an irreversibly degraded environment.

We consider an optimal consumption and pollution problem that has two important features. Environmental damages due to economic activities may be irreversible and the level at which the degradation becomes irreversible is unknown. Particular attention is paid to the situation where agents are relatively impatient and/or do not care a lot about the environment and/or Nature regenerates at low rate. We show that the optimal policy of the uncertain problem drives the economy in the long run toward a steady state while, when ignoring irreversibility, the economy follows a balanced growth path accompanied by a perpetual decrease in environmental quality and consumption, both asymptotically converging toward zero. Therefore, accounting for the risk of irreversibility induces more conservative decisions regarding consumption and polluting emissions. In general, however, we cannot rule out situations where the economy will optimally follow an irreversible path and consequently, will also be left, in the long run, with an irreversibly degraded environment.