Single and mixture effects of pesticides and a degradation product on fluvial biofilms
The Morcille River located in the Beaujolais vineyard area (Eastern France) is subjected to strong vine-growing pressure leading to the contamination by a range of herbicides and fungicides of the surrounding freshwater environment. Particularly high concentrations of norflurazon, desmethyl norflurazon and tebuconazole were recorded in spring 2010 at the downstream site of the river. Despite their occurrence in rivers, scarce toxicity data are available for these products, in particular in the case of desmethyl norflurazon (main norflurazon degradation product). Furthermore, the toxicity data are generally available only for single compounds and are issued from single species toxicity tests, leading to a lack of ecological relevance. Consequently, this study was undertaken to evaluate the toxic effects of norflurazon, desmethyl norflurazon and tebuconazole singly and in a ternary mixture on fluvial biofilm. Toxicity tests were performed in microplates for 48 h. Photosynthetic endpointsweremeasured using pulse amplitude-modulated fluorometry; diatom densities and taxonomic composition were determined. After 48 h of exposure, significant effects on optimal quantumyield (Fv/Fm) for desmethyl norflurazon and mixturewere observed.
(Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. vol. 186, n° 0167-6369, pp. 3931-3939, 23/04/2026)
UR EABX, IRSTEA, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Video Monitoring and Field Measurements of a Rapidly Evolving Coastal System: the River Mouth and Sand Spit of the Mataquito River in Chile
The understanding of morphological processes controlling the evolution of sand spit reformation after a tsunami impact is a challenging and interesting topic, especially in highly energetic and micro tidal environments. A field campaign performed during December 2012 at the Mataquito River mouth in Chile, allowed us to simultaneously monitor topo-bathymetry evolution, wave climate, tidal range, swash zone dynamics and upper beach face evolution over a portion of its sand spit. A video system was set up for a continuous and long-term monitoring of the evolution of the river mouth and sand spit. Primarily, in this work we focus on the application of a video-derived shoreline detection method to assess shoreline evolution and beach cusps migration at hourly scales. We test the method performance on short-term episodic migration of beach cusps recorded during the campaign. Beach face variations at a daily scale were observed, which can be attributed to the migration of beach cusps in the alongshore direction, and linked to wave forcing and alongshore sediment transport.
(Journal of Coastal Research. vol. SI 70, n° 0749-0208, pp. 639-644, 23/04/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ECOLA, LEGOS, IRD, UT3, Comue de Toulouse, INSU - CNRS, CNES, CNRS
Morphodynamic characterisation of the human-impacted Bight of Benin sand barrier coast, West Africa
(Journal of Coastal Research. vol. SI 70, n° 0749-0208, pp. 079-083, 23/04/2026)
CEREGE, IRD, INRA, AMU, CdF (institution), INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ECOLA, LEGOS, IRD, UT3, Comue de Toulouse, INSU - CNRS, CNES, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, OLVAC, LEGOS, IRD, UT3, Comue de Toulouse, INSU - CNRS, CNES, CNRS
A 1D stabilized finite element model for non-hydrostatic wave breaking and run-up
(. vol. 77, 23/04/2026)
BACCHUS, Inria, UB, CNRS, IMB, UB, Bordeaux INP, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Beach cusp dynamics on a reflective beach
Beach cusps are common feature of steep reflective and intermediate beaches. However very few observations reported double coupled cusp systems. Here we present a data set of observations of a beach exhibiting two sets of beach cusps. Data were collected at Grand Popo Beach (Benin, West Africa) in February 2013. Daily topographic survey along a 380m long stretch of shore allowed observing the dynamic of the two set of beach cusps. At the beginning of the field survey, we clearly observe two sets of cusps : the upper beach cusps system is relatively asymetric with a typical wavelength of about 45 m while the lower beach cusps system is relatively symmetric with a typical wave length slightly shorter (about 35 m). After two days, we measured the total destruction of the lower set of beach cusps while the upper set of beach cusps was only partially des tructed. Data suggest that destruction of the lowerbeach cusp system may be related to persistent accretions conditions and/or calm conditions but probably also to the transition from wave- driven circulation dominated by weak alongshore currents with flash and swash rips, to a second period characterized by dominant longshore current further increasing in speed, and rare swash rips. On the other hand the disappearance of the western upper beach cusp might be related to an accretion pattern and to the merging of two individual features. Our observations, consistent with previous works, suggest that beach cusps certainly arise as a result of some combination of erosion and accretion.
(Journal of Coastal Research. vol. SI 70, n° 0749-0208, pp. 669-674, 23/04/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ECOLA, LEGOS, IRD, UT3, Comue de Toulouse, INSU - CNRS, CNES, CNRS, LEGOS, IRD, UT3, Comue de Toulouse, INSU - CNRS, CNES, CNRS, UAC
Persistent Organic Pollutants in a marine bivalve on the Marennes-Oléron Bay and the Gironde Estuary (French Atlantic coast) -Part 2: Potential biological effects
Contaminant effects on defence responses of ecologically and economically important organisms, such as the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, are likely to influence their ability to resist infectious diseases, particularly at the young stages. The aim of this study was to explore the potential relationships between organic contaminants accumulated in the soft tissues of juvenile oysters, defence responses and physiological condition. Oysters were transplanted during summer and winter periods in different sites in the Marennes-Oléron Bay, the first area of oyster production in France, and in the Gironde Estuary, the biggest estuary in Occidental Europe. Among the battery of biochemical and physiological biomarkers applied in the present work (superoxide dismutase -SOD-, catalase, glutathione peroxidase -GPx-, malondyaldehyde -MDA-, catecholase, laccase and lysozyme in gills, digestive gland, mantle and haemolymph, glycogen, proteins and lipids in the digestive gland and the condition index at the whole organism level), MDA and lysozyme in the digestive gland and SOD, GPx and laccase in plasma contibuted to significantly discriminate sites in which oysters bioaccumulated different levels of heavy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HPAHs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), polybromodiphenylethers (PBDEs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and lindane. These results strengthen the hypothesis that it is possible to differentiate sites depending on their contamination levels and biological effects by carrying out studies with transplanted juvenile oysters. In addition, correlations between antioxidant and immune defence responses and PAH and DDT body burdens in the first area of oyster production in France, the Marennes-Oléron Bay, and where massive oyster mortalities have been reported, suggest that the presence of organic chemical contaminants in the Marennes-Oléron Bay may influence defence responses in juveniles of C. gigas, and, therefore, could influence their ability to resist infectious diseases.
(Science of the Total Environment. vol. 514, n° 0048-9697, pp. 511-522, 23/04/2026)
PUJ, LIENSs, INSU - CNRS, ULR, CNRS, UB, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Influence of sediment composition on PAH toxicity using zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryo-larval assays
Due to hydrophobic and persistent properties, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have a high capacity to accumulate in sediment. Sediment quality criteria, for the assessment of habitat quality and risk for aquatic life, include understanding the fate and effects of PAHs. In the context of European regulation (REACH and Water Framework Directive), the first objective was to assess the influence of sediment composition on the toxicity of two model PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene and fluoranthene using 10 day-zebrafish embryo-larval assay. This procedure was undertaken with an artificial sediment in order to limit natural sediment variability. A suitable sediment composition might be then validated for zebrafish and proposed in a new OECD guideline for chemicals testing. Second, a comparative study of toxicity responses from this exposure protocol was then performed using another OECD species, the Japanese medaka. The potential toxicity of both PAHs was assessed through lethal (e.g. survival, hatching success) and sublethal endpoints (e.g. abnormalities, PMR and EROD) measured at different developmental stages, adapted to the embryonic development time of both species. Regarding effects observed for both species, a suitable artificial sediment composition for PAH toxicity testing was set at 92.5 % dw silica of 0.2-0.5 mm grain size, 5 % dw kaolin clay without organic matter for zebrafish and 2.5 % dw blond peat in more only for Japanese medaka. PAH bioavailability and toxicity were highly dependent on the fraction of organic matter in sediment and of the Kow coefficients of the tested compounds. The biological responses observed were also dependent of the species under consideration. Japanese medaka embryos appeared more robust than zebrafish embryos for understanding the toxicity of PAHs due to the longer exposure duration and it lower sensitivity of sediment physical properties.
(Environmental Science and Pollution Research. vol. 21, n° 0944-1344, pp. 13703 - 13719, 23/04/2026)
LIENSs, INSU - CNRS, ULR, CNRS, IFREMER, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, LPGP, INRA, Biosit : Biologie - Santé - Innovation Technologique
Bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl compounds in midge (Chironomus riparius) larvae exposed to sediment
Midge larvae (Chironomus riparius) were exposed to sediments from a deposition sampled at a site along the Rhône River (France) downstream of an industrial site releasing various perfluorinated chemicals. This sediment is characterized by high concentrations of perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) and a low perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentration. Concentrations of 23 perfluoroalkyl compounds, including C4eC14 carboxylate acids, C4eC10 sulfonates, and seven precursors, were analyzed in overlying and pore water, sediment, and larvae. Midge larvae accumulated carboxylate acids (C11eC14), PFOS, and two precursors (perfluorooctane sulfonamide: FOSA and 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid, 6:2 FTSA). These substances accumulated mainly during the fourth instar larvae exponential growth phase. Accumulation of 6:2 FTSA, PFUnA, and PFOS occured via trophic and tegumentary routes. Other compounds mainly accumulated from food. Kinetics followed a partition model, from which uptake and elimination constants were derived.
(Environmental Pollution. vol. 189, n° 0269-7491, pp. p. 27 - p. 34, 23/04/2026)
UR MALY, IRSTEA, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ECCC
Réduction des micropolluants par les traitements complémentaires : fossé construit sur sol imperméable, filtres garnis de matériaux adsorbants (ARMISTIQ – Action B)
Le projet ARMISTIQ (« Amélioration de la réduction des micropolluants dans les stations de traitement des eaux usées domestiques ») a pour objectif d’évaluer et d’améliorer la connaissance et la maîtrise de technologies de traitements secondaire et complémentaire des substances prioritaires et émergentes présentes dans les eaux usées et les boues urbaines. L’action B porte sur deux procédés complémentaires susceptibles d’éliminer des micropolluants contenus dans les rejets de stations de traitement des eaux usées des communes rurales. Il s’agissait d’une part, d’étudier les rendements d’élimination de micropolluants par un fossé de 80 mètres de long construit sur sol imperméable (installation grandeur réelle), et d’autre part, d’étudier les rendements d’élimination de micropolluants par trois matériaux rapportés, adsorbants en grain (charbon actif, zéolite ou argile expansée), étudiés à l’échelle du laboratoire et à l’échelle de pilotes semi-industriels. Des protocoles d’analyses chimiques, fiables et robustes, ont été appliqués pour déterminer les concentrations de 16 métaux, 19 médicaments, 19 hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques (HAP), 6 alkylphénols (AKP) et 6 pesticides, choisis en raison de leurs différentes propriétés physicochimiques et leur persistance aux traitements secondaires. Le fossé de 80 mètres de long construit sur sol imperméable a montré une efficacité très limitée vis-à-vis de la réduction des micropolluants étudiés (rendements inférieurs à 30% pour les micropolluants réfractaires au traitement secondaire). Néanmoins, des rendements d’élimination compris entre 30 et 70% ont été mesurés pour quelques substances qui s’expliquent soit par adsorption sur l’argile du sol pour quelques métaux (cobalt, zinc, cadmium) soit par photodégradation pour quelques micropolluants organiques (paracétamol, ibuprofène). Des rendements d’élimination proches de 100% pendant plus de 330 jours ont été mesurés pour le filtre à charbon actif fonctionnant avec un temps de séjour hydraulique (HRT) de 1,5 heure. Seul le nonylphénol et quelques métaux ont eu des rendements moindres (50 à 80%). Un kilogramme de charbon actif a adsorbé les micropolluants contenus dans au moins 8 m3 d’eau usée traitée. Des rendements d’élimination supérieurs à 70% pour la moitié des substances pharmaceutiques et phytosanitaires étudiées ont été mesurés pour les filtres garnis de matériaux adsorbants en grain (argile expansée ou zéolite), alternatifs au charbon actif, avec un HRT de 24 heures. Les rendements d’élimination obtenus pour les autres substances sont bien moindres qu’avec le charbon actif, mais restent supérieurs à ceux mesurés avec des filtres à graviers ou à apatite. Un kilogramme d’argile ou de zéolite a adsorbé les micropolluants contenus dans environ 0,3 m3 d’eau usée traitée, et les filtres ont saturé au bout de quelques mois. Avec un HRT plus court (4 heures), la saturation est intervenue au bout d’une vingtaine de jours seulement. Les perspectives de ce travail concernent l’évaluation d’autres procédés complémentaires, comprenant une succession de bassins de faibles profondeurs d’eau libre, ainsi que des procédés construits sur sol perméable.
(pp. 64, 23/04/2026)
UR MALY, IRSTEA, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Removal Of Non-Conventional Contaminants From Wastewaters
Removal Of Non-Conventional Contaminants From Wastewaters
(pp. 20, 23/04/2026)
UR MALY, IRSTEA, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS