Blood kinetics of lipophilic and proteinophilic pollutants during two types of long-term fast in king penguins
In vertebrates, fasting is an intricate physiological process associated with strong metabolic changes, yet its effect on pollutant residues variation is poorly understood. Here, we quantified long-term changes in plasma concentrations of 20 organochlorine and 16 perfluoroalkyl pollutants in king penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus during the breeding and molting fasts, which are marked by low and high levels of protein catabolism, respectively, and by strong lipid use. The profile of measured pollutants in plasma was dominated by perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS, initial relative contribution of 60%). Initial total pollutant concentrations were similar in molting (3.3-5.7 ng g-1 ww) and breeding penguins (range 4.2-7.3 ng g-1 wet weight, ww). Long-term fasting (25 days) for molting and breeding led, respectively, to a 1.8- and 2.2-fold increase in total plasma pollutant concentrations, though the rate and direction of change was compound-specific. Hexachlorbenzene (HCB) and PFOS concentrations increased in plasma (net mobilization) during both types of fast, likely due to lipid use. Plasma perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) and perfluorotridecanoate (PFTrDA) concentrations increased in breeders (net mobilization), but decreased in molting individuals (net excretion), suggesting a significant incorporation of these pollutants into feathers. This study is a key contribution to our understanding of pollutant variation in blood during long-term fasting in wildlife.
(Environmental Science and Technology. vol. 58, n° 0013-936X, pp. 6138--6148, 23/02/2026)
LIENSs, INSU - CNRS, ULR, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UMR MARBEC, IRD, IFREMER, CNRS, UM, CEBC, ULR, CNRS, INRAE
Gestion quantitative de l’eau et usages agricoles sous contrainte climatique
Plus grande région agricole de France et d’Europe, la Nouvelle-Aquitaine subit comme l’ensemble du territoire national, les conséquences du changement climatique et notamment des sécheresses. L’eau et son accès sont des enjeux cruciaux pour une partie des agriculteurs mais une part de la population est inquiète des possibles conséquences environnementales. La question de la gestion de l’eau est donc au cœur de controverses publiques depuis quelques années. C’est dans ce contexte qu’ AcclimaTerra s’est proposé d’apporter une contribution au débat dans le but de réintroduire des données et des résultats scientifiques sur la ressource en eau.
(pp. 68, 23/02/2026)
BRGM, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, CED, IEP Bordeaux, UB, CNRS, AGIR, Toulouse INP, Comue de Toulouse, INP - PURPAN, Toulouse INP, Comue de Toulouse, INRAE, UMR G-EAU, Cirad, BRGM, IRD, INRAE, Institut Agro, UP, HydrASA, IC2MP [Poitiers], UP, INC-CNRS, CNRS, UMR EGFV, UB, Bordeaux Sciences Agro, INRAE, UFC, UBFC, UP, Solagro, ISVV, UB, IRSTEA, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Impacts of AMOC Collapse on Monsoon Rainfall: A Multi-Model Comparison
A collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) would have substantial impacts on global precipitation patterns, especially in the vulnerable tropical monsoon regions. We assess these impacts in experiments that apply the same freshwater hosing to four state-of-the-art climate models with bistable AMOC. As opposed to previous results, we find that the spatial and seasonal patterns of precipitation change are remarkably consistent across models. We focus on the South American Monsoon (SAM), the West African Monsoon (WAM), the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM). Models consistently suggest substantial disruptions for WAM, ISM, and EASM with shorter wet and longer dry seasons (−29.07%, −18.76%, and −3.78% ensemble mean annual rainfall change, respectively). Models also agree on changes for the SAM, suggesting rainfall increases overall, in contrast to previous studies. These are more pronounced in the southern Amazon (+43.79%), accompanied by decreasing dry-season length. Consistently across models, our results suggest a robust and major rearranging of all tropical monsoon systems in response to an AMOC collapse.
(Earth's Future. vol. 12, n° 2328-4277, 23/02/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS
Five new species of Terebellides (Annelida, Polychaeta, Trichobranchidae) from Papua New Guinea (Bismarck and Solomon seas)
Five new species of Terebellides are described from coastal and deep waters of Papua New Guinea, using both morphology and molecular tools (for four species). Terebellides elenae n. sp. is characterized by the absence of both a glandular lateral region on TC3 and papillae on margins of the branchial lamellae and by the presence of partially fused branchial lobes with conspicuous fifth lobe and dorsal rounded projections until TC6. Terebellides fauchaldi n. sp. has a very large glandular lateral region on the third thoracic chaetiger (TC3), a fifth branchial lobe and partially fused branchial lobes, and conspicuous dorsal rounded projections on TC2–6. Terebellides madeep n. sp. is characterized by a thin glandular region on TC3 and by four free branchial lobes. Terebellides oculata n. sp. is one of the only two species in the world to have eyespots. Finally, T. papillosa n. sp. has geniculate chaetae on TC6 and TC7 and bears a large number of papillae. A majority-rule consensus tree using the 16S gene and an identification key for all Terebellides species described from the Central Indo-Pacific region are provided.
(Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. vol. 12, n° 2296-701X, pp. 1349362, 23/02/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, USP, UMS POREA, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, INRAE
New insights into the impact of leachates from in-field collected plastics on aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates.
The impact of leachates from micronized beached plastics of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean on coastal marine ecosystems was investigated by using a multidisciplinary approach. Chemical analysis and ecotoxicological tests on phylogenetically distant species were performed on leachates from the following plastic categories: bottles, pellets, hard plastic (HP) containers, fishing nets (FN) and rapido trawling rubber (RTR). The bacteria Alivibrio fischeri, the nauplii of the crustaceans Amphibalanus amphitrite and Acartia tonsa, the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, the embryos of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, the ephyrae of the jellyfish Aurelia sp. and the larvae of the medaka Oryzias latipes were exposed to different concentrations of leachates to evaluate lethal and sub-lethal effects. Thirty-one additives were identified in the plastic leachates; benzophenone, benzyl butyl phthalate and ethylparaben were present in all leachates. Ecotoxicity of leachates varied among plastic categories and areas, being RTR, HP and FN more toxic than plastic bottles and pellets to several marine invertebrates. The ecotoxicological results based on 13 endpoints were elaborated within a quantitative weight of evidence (WOE) model, providing a synthetic hazard index for each data typology, before their integrations in an environmental risk index. The WOE assigned a moderate and slight hazard to organisms exposed to leachates of FN and HP collected in the Mediterranean Sea respectively, and a moderate hazard to leachates of HP from the Atlantic Ocean. No hazard was found for pellet, bottles and RTR. These findings suggest that an integrated approach based on WOE on a large set of bioassays is recommended to get a more reliable assessment of the ecotoxicity of beached-plastic leachates. In addition, the additives leached from FN and HP should be further investigated to reduce high concentrations and additive types that could impact marine ecosystem health.
(Environmental Pollution. vol. 355, n° 0269-7491, pp. 124233, 23/02/2026)
IAS, CNR, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UNIVPM, ULPGC, LCPO, UB, ENSCBP, INC-CNRS, CNRS
Impact du barrage de l’usine marémotrice sur la sédimentation dans l’estuaire de la Rance
Rejoignant la Manche entre Dinard et Saint-Malo, les caractéristiques naturelles de l'estuaire de la Rance combinées à une amplitude de marée remarquable, jusqu'à 13,6 mètres en vive-eau, ont permis la mise en service en 1967 de la première usine marémotrice au monde. L'exploitation de l'usine induit des modifications du régime hydrologique à même de modifier la dynamique sédimentaire dans l'estuaire de la Rance. A l'initiative de l'EPTB Rance Frémur Baie de Beaussais, une étude a été menée pour y déterminer les taux d’accumulation sédimentaire à l’échelle de temps pluri-décennale au moyen du 210Pb (T1/2 = 22.3 ans) et du 137Cs (T1/2 = 30.08 ans). Une campagne de carottage, réalisée en mars 2022, a permis de prélever 19 carottes sédimentaires, réparties entre l’écluse du Chatelier au sud et le barrage au nord. Au laboratoire, toutes les carottes ont été ouvertes longitudinalement, photographiées, radiographiées puis échantillonnées en vue de la détermination de la teneur en eau, de la granulométrie et des radioéléments d’intérêt. Aux sites proches des rives ou dans des anses, les profils de 210Pbxs montrent souvent deux pentes dans l’évolution avec la profondeur de cet élément, dont la séparation se situe au niveau des couches où le maximum de 137Cs, attribué aux retombées des essais nucléaires (1963), est observé. Dans ce cas, les taux de sédimentation des couches les plus récentes sont supérieurs, d’un facteur 2 à 3, à ceux calculés pour les sédiments « pré-barrage ». Les résultats suggèrent qu’il y a eu une augmentation de la sédimentation dans les secteurs central et amont de l’estuaire de la Rance depuis la mise en service du barrage.
(Revue Paralia, n° 1760-8716, 23/02/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UB
Factors Controlling Mud Floc Settling Velocity in a Highly Turbid Macrotidal Fluvial‐Estuarine System
This study assesses the settling dynamics of suspended sediments along the hyper‐turbid Gironde Garonne fluvial‐estuarine system, with an innovative optical SCAF instrument (System of Characterization of Aggregates and Flocs). Two fields campaigns were carried out to determine the settling velocity and properties of suspended sediments during a semi‐diurnal tidal cycle, as well as hydrodynamic conditions and water properties. The two sampling stations were representative of two regions: a tidal river dominated by fresh water and an estuary affected by salty or brackish waters. A high spatial variability of the settling velocity was observed along the fluvial‐estuarine system and vertically along the water column. Settling velocities ranged from 0.02 to 0.4 mm/s. This study confirms that in hyper‐turbid systems, the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is predominantly driving the settling dynamics of suspended sediment. Threshold concentrations have been defined for the flocculation and hindered regimes where the settling velocity may vary by one order of magnitude. Although in natural environments it is difficult to distinguish between the effects of SSC and turbulence (as they are correlated), in the Gironde‐Garonne system the turbulent shear G seems to affect the settling of suspended sediment to a lower extent. Settling velocity variations cannot be directly correlated to salinity or organic matter content. Despite differences in hydrodynamic and environmental conditions in fluvial and estuarine regions, a common prediction law has been found to estimate settling velocity of suspended sediment as a function of suspended sediment concentration.
(Journal of Geophysical Research. Oceans. vol. 129, n° 2169-9275, pp. e2024JC021558, 23/02/2026)
EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, RHITME, Cerema, IGE, IRD, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, INRAE, Fédération OSUG, UGA, Grenoble INP, UGA, Fédération OSUG
A critical review of pollution active biomonitoring using sentinel fish: Challenges and opportunities
Water pollution is a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Various methods of monitoring, such as in situ approaches, are currently available to assess its impact. In this paper we examine the use of fish in active biomonitoring to study contamination and toxicity of surface waters. We analysed 148 previous studies conducted between 2005 and 2022, including both marine and freshwater environments, focusing on the characteristics of the organisms used as well as the principal goals of these studies. The main conclusions we drew are that a wide range of protocols and organisms have been used but there is no standardised method for assessing the quality of aquatic ecosystems on a more global scale. Additionally, the most commonly used developmental stages have been juveniles and adults. At these stages, the most frequently used species were the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and two salmonids: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout (Salmo trutta). Few studies used earlier stages of development (embryos or larvae), mostly due to the difficulty of obtaining fish embryos and caging them in the field. Finally, we identified research gaps in active biomonitoring for water quality assessment which could indicate useful directions for future research and development.
(Environmental Pollution. vol. 360, n° 0269-7491, pp. 124661, 23/02/2026)
UR EABX, INRAE, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, RiverLy, INRAE
Trophic transfer effects of PS nanoplastics and field-derived nanoplastics in the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea
Plastic pollution is of global concern. Many studies investigated the effect of micro and nanoplatics towards aquatic organisms. However, relatively few studies were assessed on freshwater organisms. Another aspect of this pollution is the impact of trophic transfer on plastic distribution and on food chain in order to evaluate its potential risk towards environmental and human health. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess the ecotoxicological impacts of different types of nanoplastics (NPs) on freshwater organisms exposed through trophic transfer. Freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus subspicatus were contaminated for 48 h with realistic concentrations of NPs (0.008, 10 and 100 mu g/L). Two types of NPs were tested: commercial PS NPs and NPs generated from macro-sized plastics collected in the field (ENV NPs). Freshwater Corbicula fluminea bivalves were then fed with the contaminated algae every 48 h for 21 days. Results showed that trophic exposure led to the induction of oxidative stress (CAT activity). Overall, NPs trophic exposure caused downregulations of genes implicated in many cellular processes (immunity, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, endocytosis, apoptosis). This present study allowed to demonstrate the relevance of investigating the trophic transfer effects of NPs on a freshwater trophic chain. Further studies should focus more on larger levels of the food chain.
(Aquatic Toxicology. vol. 277, n° 0166-445X, pp. 107160, 23/02/2026)
BIOSSE, UCO, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, UMS POREA, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, INRAE, GR, UR, INSU - CNRS, CNRS, ULaval, IPG Paris
Understanding sediment and carbon accumulation in macrotidal minerogenic saltmarshes for climate resilience
Coastal saltmarshes play an essential role in providing services such as coastal protection, support for biodiversity, and sediment and carbon storage. Despite their importance, understanding the factors controlling sediment and carbon accumulation in these minerogenic saltmarshes remains challenging due to their diversity and site-specific characteristics. Understanding the respective role of these drivers is essential for effective coastal management, particularly for mitigating the impacts of climate change. This study evaluates the control of forcing factors on the lateral and vertical morphological evolution and carbon burial rates of three minerogenic saltmarshes located on the French Atlantic coast (Pertuis Charentais region). By focusing on these sites, the study isolates specific factors such as wind and wave exposure, inundation frequency, and sediment availability, while minimizing confounding influences like climate and tidal range. Results reveal significant lateral expansion of saltmarsh boundaries towards the sea across all sites, with the highest rates of progradation observed in the protected areas influenced by geomorphological features such as sand spits and sheltered bay heads. Sediment and mass accumulation rates (SAR; MAR), derived from 210Pb and 137Cs profiles of sediment cores (n = 14), range from 0.48 to 2.22 cm yr-1, among the highest reported globally, with notable variability within and between sites. Inundation frequency and accommodation space explain SAR variability within sites, while sediment availability predominantly determines spatial differences in vertical accumulation rates between sites. Organic carbon burial rates range from 75 to 345 gC m -2 yr-1, and show a strong correlation with SAR (r = 0.9, p<0.001, n = 13) but no dependence on carbon content or density (r = 0.2, p<0.05, n = 13). This highlights the role of sediment input in the accumulation and sequestration of carbon by minerogenic saltmarshes. Furthermore, isotopic analysis indicates a marine source dominance in organic carbon sediment. This research provides insights into how different environmental conditions affect saltmarsh morphological evolution and carbon sequestration rates, informing targeted coastal management strategies focused on enhancing ecosystem resilience and climate resilience.
(Geomorphology. vol. 467, n° 0169-555X, pp. 109465, 23/02/2026)
LIENSs, INSU - CNRS, ULR, CNRS, EPOC, EPHE, PSL, UB, INSU - CNRS, CNRS