Effect of light on the trematode Himasthla elongata: from cercarial behaviour to infection success
The cockle Cerastoderma edule, a socioeconomically important bivalve of the northeast Atlantic, is host to several trematodes, including Himasthla elongata. In the life cycle of this trematode, cercariae (free-living stages) emerge from the first intermediate host, a snail, to infect cockles as second intermediate hosts. During their lifespan (less than 2 d), cercariae must ensure successful host-to-host transmission via the surrounding water and therefore are exposed to and impacted by different environmental conditions, including abiotic factors. Given that the light:dark cycle is one of the major drivers of behaviour in aquatic habitats, we aimed to determine the influence of light on cercariae and host behaviour based on 3 hypotheses. First, by having a benthic second intermediate host, these cercariae will display a photonegative orientation; second, and conversely, host behaviour will not be influenced by light; and third, cercariae infection success will be light-dependent. Results showed that cercariae display a photopositive orientation (first hypothesis rejected), displaying movements towards light. Host activity (evaluated by oxygen consumption) was similar among conditions, i.e. dark vs. light (second hypothesis accepted), but hosts acquired more parasites when experimentally infected in the dark (third hypothesis accepted). This light-dependent infection of the host is explained by a change of cercarial behaviour when exposed to light, decreasing their infection success. This study highlights that trematode responses to external conditions may be linked to successful life cycle completion rather than being altered by the host habitat. Light influence on cercarial behaviour resulted in increased infection success that may affect trematode population dynamics and their distributional range.
(Diseases of Aquatic Organisms. vol. 146, n° 0177-5103, pp. 23-28, 16/10/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Heavy Metals Concentration in Sediments of South Brittany Waters, France: An Ecological Risk Assessment Approach
Distribution patterns of selected heavy metals content in sediments from the Bay of Quiberon and Gulf of Morbihan were studied to understand the current heavy metals contamination due to urbanization and mariculture activities in the coastal area. Therefore, a survey was conducted and 196 sediments collected were characterized for heavy metals content using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) after mix acid digestion process. The distribution maps of the concentrations of the heavy metals studied were produced as an isopleth map based on data interpolation by the ArcGIS software application. The association with the adverse effects on aquatic organisms was determined by the classification of the sediment according to the sediment quality guidelines. Therefore, two approaches were employed namely: direct comparison with Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) by USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and comparison with other numerical SQGs, threshold effect level/probable effect level, and effect range low/effect range medium. In order to estimate the effect of multiple contaminations of heavy metals, the mean-ERM-quotient was calculated at each sampling point.
(Open Journal of Marine Science. vol. 11, n° 2161-7384, pp. 55-68, 16/10/2026)
LBCM, UBS, UBO EPE, IUEM, IRD, INSU - CNRS, UBO EPE, CNRS, CNRS, LGO, UBS, IFREMER, UBO EPE, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Fluvial sand, Amazon mud, and sediment accommodation in the tropical Maroni River estuary: Controls on the transition from estuary to delta and chenier plain
The Maroni River, South America, is a tropical estuary encased in a narrow lower valley with a limited area of estuarine tidal flat development, and displays a channel with large downstream-migrating sandy bedforms linked to a large sand-filled shallow mouth. The sand-rich nature of the lower Maroni River reflects significant fluvial bedload supply, and the Maroni is among rivers with the lowest suspension-sized sediment load in the world. During the dry season, the estuary shows high suspended sediment concentrations near the bottom (several g/l) that are due to the ingress of mud streaming alongshore from the Amazon River delta. However, Amazon mud is expelled from the estuary during the high-discharge rainy-season, and seems to be essentially restricted to this seasonal intrusion along the main channel with little net estuarine sedimentation because of limited chan- nel overbank sediment accommodation space. Sand actively supplied by the Maroni River to the coast has been diverted by wave-generated longshore transport westwards, towards the Suriname coast. This has resulted in the construction of numerous sandy cheniers within a muddy coastal plain built from Amazon mud. This sedi- ment-source dichotomy is an important original feature of the Guiana Shield estuaries. The asymmetric prograda- tion at the mouth of the Maroni fingerprints the westward growth, in the vicinity of river mouths, of the muddy, chenier-studded, coastal plain of the Guianas. The propensity for these rivers to supply sand to the coast, even- tually evolving into deltas, depends on the ability of their estuaries to limit westward (downdrift) deflection by long-term updrift coastal sedimentation. The Maroni estuary has tended to evolve towards a delta built from both Maroni river sand and Amazon mud, a stage, among the Guiana Shield Rivers, that only the large Essequibo River estuary in Guyana has achieved. Further studies will be needed in order to constrain the infill pattern of the Maroni River estuary and its mouth.
(Regional Studies in Marine Science. vol. 41, n° 2352-4855, pp. 101548, 16/10/2026)
LEEISA, IFREMER, UG, CNRS, CEREGE, IRD, AMU, CdF (institution), INSU - CNRS, CNRS, INRAE, IEPA, Cerema, M2C, UNICAEN, NU, INSU - CNRS, UNIROUEN, NU, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Satellite-derived shoreline detection at a high-energy meso-macrotidal beach
Publicly available satellite imagery can now provide multi-decadal time series of shoreline data from local to global scale, enabling analysis of sandy beach shoreline variability across a spectrum of temporal scales. Such data can, however, be associated with large uncertainties, particularly for beaches experiencing a large tidal range (>2 m) and energetic incident waves. We use a decade of bi-monthly topographic surveys at the high-energy meso-macrotidal beach of Truc Vert, southwest France, and concurrent wave and water-level hindcast to investigate the uncertainties associated with satellite-derived time series of the shoreline position. We show that consideration of the water level and wave runup elevation is critical for accurately estimating waterline position and, in turn, shoreline position. At Truc Vert, including non-tidal water level residuals (e.g. wind-driven surge) and accounting for time- and elevation-varying beach slope for horizontal correction did not improve satellite-derived shoreline position. A new total water level threshold is proposed to maximize the number of usable images while minimizing errors. Accounting for wave runup and the new water level threshold at Truc Vert, the number of usable satellite images is doubled and shoreline position errors are at least halved compared to previous work at this site. Using the 1984–2019 reconstructed shoreline, we also show that the satellite-derived shoreline trends and interannual variability are in better agreement with field measurements. Although the approach proposed here needs to be tested on other sites in different tidal/wave forcing environments with different morphological and sediment characteristics, we anticipate that it will improve the temporal and spatial description of shoreline change on most surf tidal beaches where accurate continuous water level and wave hindcasts and/or observations are available.
(Geomorphology. vol. 383, n° 0169-555X, pp. 107707, 16/10/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, SBMS
The mid-Cretaceous Natih Formation in northern Oman: a model for platform-intrashelf basin depositional systems and associated petroleum habitat
The Late Albian – Early Turonian Natih Formation in Oman and its stratigraphic equivalents in the Middle-East correspond to a wide carbonate platform that developed on the Arabian plate along the passive margin of the Neotethys Ocean. It is composed of rudist-rich shallow marine deposits grading laterally to organic-rich deposits accumulated in intrashelf basins of relatively limited water depth. Consequently, this formation corresponds to a prolific petroleum system isolated below and above by effective regional seals. This formation, largely exploited in subsurface in the Middle-East, is spectacularly exposed in the Oman mountains thanks to the tectonic deformation of the Neotethys palaeomargin. These outcrops provide an excellent data set to construct a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic model for this type of carbonate system. The stratal architecture and the facies distribution clearly reveal how the platform evolution can be related to the ratio between accommodation rate and carbonate production during cycles at different scales. The cyclic evolution of this ratio is responsible for the gradual transition from a very flat platform with minor lateral facies and thickness variations to a low angle depositional profile from platform to intrashelf basin illustrated by clinoform geometries and pronounced lateral facies changes. Tectonic deformations have minor if no effect on the development of these intrashelf basins. Numerous additional interpretative key points will be addressed during this field trip: the location of shale deposits restricted to very shallow marine environment and implications on the inner platform sequence interpretation, the strong asymmetry of these transgressive sequences related to volumetric partitioning, the lack of pronounced rudist build-ups, the heterogeneities associated to subaerial exposure surfaces; and the hierarchy and fractal character of depositional sequences. This depositional model of the Natih Formation can be useful for the prediction of reservoir and source rock distribution and heterogeneity in this type of carbonate system.
(pp. 515-586, 16/10/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, KAUST
Multidecadal Evolution of the Turbidity Maximum Zone in a Macrotidal River Under Climate and Anthropogenic Pressures
Climate and human pressures can influence the evolution of estuarine sediment dynamics concurrently, but the understanding and quantification of their cause–effect relationships are still challenging due to the occurrence of complex hydro-morpho-sedimentary feedbacks. The Garonne Tidal River (GTR, upper Gironde Estuary, France) is a clear example of a system stressed by both anthropogenic and climate change, as it has been subject to decreasing river discharges, natural morphological changes, and gravel extraction. To understand the relative effect of each hydrological and geomorphological pressure on the turbidity maximum zone (TMZ), the sediment dynamics in the GTR over the last six decades was evaluated using the width-averaged idealized iFlow model. Model results show a gradual increase in tidal amplitude and currents over the decades that has led to the upstream shift of the landward sediment-transport capacity components (external M4 tide, spatial settling lag, and tidal return flow). The upstream displacement of the TMZ between the 1950s and the 2010s was estimated to be at least 19 km, of which about three fourth was induced by geomorphological changes and one fourth by hydrological changes. Concerning the geomorphological changes, the natural evolution of the lower Gironde morphology was the main pressure inducing the displacement of the TMZ in the GTR. Anthropogenic and natural changes in morphology and bed roughness in the GTR itself also contributed to this evolution. The natural geomorphological changes were, in turn, probably promoted by the evolution of sediment dynamics, so this study reveals the closed circle that governs the intensification of the TMZ.
(Journal of Geophysical Research. Oceans. vol. 126, n° 2169-9275, pp. e2020JC016273, 16/10/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, TU Delft
Morphological and ecological responses of a managed coastal sand dune to experimental notches
In northern Europe, coastal dune remobilization by restoring natural processes is considered by some to maintain the coastal dune in chronically eroding sectors by migrating landward and to restore dune ecology. In wet climatic contexts, this nature-based solution has been shown to induce an increase in both sand bare areas and vegetation diversity. However, it has never been tested in the coastal dunes of southern Europe with a drier climate and, thus, more stressful conditions, where disturbance may inversely decrease vegetation diversity. An original experiment was set up in 2018 on a 4-km stretch of coastal dune in southwest France where Experimental Notches (EN) were excavated in the incipient foredune, referred to as West Experimental Notch (WEN), and in the established foredune, referred as to East Experimental Notch (EEN). Morphological and ecological responses were monitored using UAV photogrammetry and vegetation sampling along transects during two years with contrasted winter storm conditions. During the first winter characterized by calm wind conditions, a rapid filling of the WENs and the initiation of deposition lobes landward of the EENs were observed. Stronger winds during the second winter led to the development of deposition lobes of the EENs, increasing both their volume, up to 6 times, and their cross-shore elongation. The increase in disturbance induced by the notches had a significant impact on vegetation. New sandy bares were colonized by pioneer species leading to an increase in species richness and rejuvenation, in particular landward of the EENs. Although longer-term monitoring is required to draw conclusions, these results suggest that the excavation of foredune notches are able to re-establish an ecomorphological dynamic in the dunes of southwest France on the time scales of years, promoting landward sand transport and, thus, the foredune landward translation, while not threatening diversity. Such approach may become a relevant adaptation strategy to sea level rise and increased erosion in this region of the world.
(Science of the Total Environment. vol. 782, n° 0048-9697, pp. 146813, 16/10/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ONF
Uncertainties in Shoreline Projections to 2100 at Truc Vert Beach (France): Role of Sea‐Level Rise and Equilibrium Model Assumptions
Sandy shorelines morphodynamics responds to a myriad of processes interacting at different spatial and temporal scales, making shoreline predictions challenging. Shoreline modeling inherits uncertainties from the primary driver boundary conditions (e.g., sea-level rise and wave forcing) as well as uncertainties related to model assumptions and/or misspecifications of the physics. This study presents an analysis of the uncertainties associated with future shoreline evolution at the cross-shore transport dominated sandy beach of Truc Vert (France) over the 21st century. We explicitly resolve wave-driven shoreline change using two different equilibrium modeling approaches to provide new insight into the contributions of sea-level rise, and free model parameters uncertainties on future shoreline change in the frame of climate change. Based on a Global Sensitivity Analysis, shoreline response during the first half of the century is found to be mainly sensitive to the equilibrium model parameters, with the influence of sea-level rise emerging in the second half of the century (∼2050 or later), under several simulated scenarios. The results reveal that the seasonal and interannual variability of the predicted shoreline position is sensitive to the choice of the wave-driven equilibrium-based model. Finally, we discuss the importance of the chronology of wave events in future shoreline change, calling for more continuous wave projection time series to further address uncertainties in future wave conditions. Our contribution demonstrates that unmitigated climate change can result in shoreline retreat of several tens of meters by 2100, even for sectors that have been stable or slightly accreting over the last century.
(Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface. vol. 126, n° 2169-9003, pp. e2021JF006160, 16/10/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, BRGM
Seasonal Variations in the Biodiversity, Ecological Strategy, and Specialization of Diatoms and Copepods in a Coastal System With Phaeocystis Blooms: The Key Role of Trait Trade-Offs
Although eutrophication induced by anthropogenic nutrient enrichment is a driver of shifts in community composition and eventually a threat to marine biodiversity, the causes and consequences on ecosystem functioning remain greatly unknown. In this study, by applying a trait-based approach and measuring niche breadth of diatoms and copepods, the drivers and underlying mechanisms of the seasonal species succession of these ecological communities in a coastal system dominated in spring by Phaeocystis blooms were explored. It is suggested that the seasonal succession of diatoms and copepods is the result of several trade-offs among functional traits that are controlled by the seasonal abiotic and biotic pressure encountered by the plankton communities. The results of this study highlight that a trade-off between competition and predator, i.e., weak competitors are better protected against predation, plays an important role in promoting plankton species richness and triggers the Phaeocystis bloom. As often observed in eutrophicated ecosystems, only the biotic homogenization of the copepod community and the shift in the diet of copepods toward Phaeocystis detrital materials have been detected during the Phaeocystis bloom. The diatom and copepod communities respond synchronously to fluctuating resources and biotic conditions by successively selecting species with specific traits. This study confirms the key role of competition and predation in controlling annual plankton succession.
(Frontiers in Marine Science. vol. 8, n° 2296-7745, pp. Article 656300, 16/10/2026)
LOG, INSU - CNRS, ULCO, CNRS, IRD [Ile-de-France], ULCO, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, BOREA, UNICAEN, NU, MNHN, IRD, SU, CNRS, UA, UCA Faculté Médecine, UniCA, OOB, SU, CNRS, OASU, UB, INSU - CNRS, ULR, CNRS, INRAE
Comparison of five methodologies to apportion organic aerosol sources during a PM pollution event
This study presents a comparison of five methodologies to apportion primary (POA) and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) sources from measurements performed in the Paris region (France) during a highly processed PM pollution event. POA fractions, estimated from EC-tracer method and positive matrix factorization (PMF) analyses, conducted on measurements from PM10 filters, aerosol chemical speciation monitor (ACSM) and offline aerosol mass spectrometry (AMS), were all comparable (2.2–3.7 μg m−3 as primary organic carbon (POC)). Associated relative uncertainties (measurement + model) on POC estimations ranged from 8 to 50%. The best apportionment of primary traffic OA was achieved using key markers (EC and 1-nitropyrene) in the chemical speciation-based PMF showing more pronounced rush-hour peaks and greater correlation with NOx than other traffic related POC factors. All biomass burning-related factors were in good agreement, with a typical diel profile and a night-time increase linked to residential heating. If PMF applied to ACSM data showed good agreement with other PMF outputs corrected from dust-related factors (coarse PM), discrepancies were observed between individual POA factors (traffic, biomass burning) and directly comparable SOA factors and highly oxidized OA. Similar secondary organic carbon (SOC) concentrations (3.3 ± 0.1 μg m−3) were obtained from all approaches, except the SOA-tracer method (1.8 μg m−3). Associated uncertainties ranged from 14 to 52% with larger uncertainties obtained for PMF-chemical data, EC- and SOA-tracer methods. This latter significantly underestimated total SOA loadings, even including biomass burning SOA, due to missing SOA classes and precursors. None of the approaches was able to identify the formation mechanisms and/or precursors responsible for the highly oxidized SOA fraction associated with nitrate- and/or sulfate-rich aerosols (35% of OA). We recommend the use of a combination of different methodologies to apportion the POC/SOC concentrations/contributions to get the highest level of confidence in the estimates obtained.
(Science of the Total Environment. vol. 757, n° 0048-9697, pp. 143168, 16/10/2026)
INERIS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, PSI, CAE, LSCE, UVSQ, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, DRF (CEA), CEA, UniFI