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TNF receptor super family member 25 (TNFR25, DR3) is constitutively and highly expressed by CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Here we have utilized a TNFR25 agonistic monoclonal antibody, 4C12, to study the effects of TNFR25 signaling on Treg in vivo. We have previously demonstrated that signaling through TNFR25, in the absence of TCR signals, induces rapid and selective expansion of natural Treg in vivo to 30-35% of all CD4+ T cells within 4 days. TNFR25-expanded Treg remained highly suppressive ex vivo. Here we demonstrate that although certain IL-2 antibody complexes expand Treg to a similar degree, only in vivo TNFR25-expanded Treg are protective against allergic lung inflammation, a model for asthma, by reversing the T-effector to T-regulatory ratio in the lung, suppressing IL-13 and Th2 cytokine production and blocking eosinophil exudation into bronchio-alveolar fluid. Unlike TNFR25 responses by T effector cells, which require TCR engagement, expansion of Treg by TNFR25 signaling is not dependent upon stimulation by exogenous antigens. Our studies define a novel mechanism for Treg control and important functions for TNFR25/TL1A in regulating auto aggression that balance its known role in enhancing auto immunity.

We have developed a vaccine design that uses the unique ability of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, heat shock protein gp96, to bind antigenic peptides and deliver them to antigen-presenting cells. Secreted form of gp96, gp96-Ig, was generated by replacing the ER retention sequence KDEL with the IgG1-Fc domain. To generate a cellular SIV vaccine, HEK-293 cells were transfected with gp96-Ig and the cDNAs encoding the SIV antigens gag, env and retanef. Irradiated, transfected 293 cells that secrete 1, 5 or 50 micrograms gp96-Ig-SIV complexes in 24h, were injected intraperitoneally (IP) in Mamu-A*01+ Rhesus Macaques at 0, 4 and 25 weeks. To determine whether gp96-Ig vaccination induces mucosal immunity, we used the 3T3-OVA-gp96-Ig/OT-1 model. Our data indicate that the best route of vaccination for induction of mucosal CD8-CTL immunity is the IP route. Gp96-Ig immunization increases frequency of CD11chighMHC classIIhighCD103+ cells in peritoneal cavity and efficiently induces CCR9 on responding T cells. In nonhuman primate model, the frequency of SIV-specific cells in the rectal mucosa reached 30-50% after the third immunization. We conclude that gp96-Ig vaccination startegy induces antigen-specific effector memory CD8T cells migrating to the intestinal mucosa and thus could be extremely useful for improving protection against a range of mucosal pathogens.

The early diagenesis of Cd and Hg has been studied in different coastal areas (vasière Ouest-Gironde, Pertuis d'Antioche, baie de Marennes-Oléron). For these two metals, the fluxes at the sediment-water interface have been calculated. Considering only molecular diffusion, the diffusionnal fluxes of Cd and Hg to the colurnn water are negligible with regard to both the particular fluxes to the sediments and the inputs of the "Gironde" and "Charente" ·,estuaries. The take into account of the different processes which affect the ex changes at the interface (erosion, bioturbation) permits more realistic an estimation of the role of sediments in the geochemical cycle of Cd and Hg. The results show that up to 50% of particular Cd and Hg which are integrated into the sediments may be solubilized at the interface and it appears that the sediments of Marennes-Oléron bay are a significant source of Cd and Hg for the water column., Le comportement du cadmium et du mercure lors de la diagenèse précoce a été étudié dans différents environnements littoraux (vasière Ouest-Gironde, Pertuis d'Antioche, baie de Marennes-Oléron) et les flux verticaux de ces deux éléments à l'interface eau-sédiment ont été calculés. Les flux diffusifs calculés, en tenant compte uniquement de la diffusion moléculaire, sont de l'ordre de 2 à 50 ng/cm2 an pour Cd et de 0.6 à 11 ng/cm2 an pour Hg. Ils sont négligeables par rapport aux flux particulaires (de 105 à 450 ng/cm2.an pour Cd et de 18 à 140 ng/cm2 an pour Hg) et par rapport aux sources de Cd et Hg que sont les estuaires de la Gironde et de la Charente. La prise en cornpte, par le biais de la modélisation, des différents processus qui affectent les échanges à l'interface (érosion, bioturbation) permet de faire un bilan plus réaliste. Les résultats montrent que jusqu'à 50% du Cd et du Hg qui intègrent les sédiments peut repartir vers la colonne d'eau et que les sédiments de la baie de Marennes représentent une source de Cd et Hg dissous non négligeable.

Background We have developed a vaccine design that utilizes the unique property of the endoplasmic reticulum chaperon, heat shock protein (HSP) gp96, to bind antigenic peptides and deliver them to APCs. Cell-based gp96-Ig vaccines, by prolonged in vivo secretion of gp96-Ig peptide, imitate viral replication and provide immune stimuli comparable to attenuated viruses. In model systems in mice we have shown that gp96-Ig transfected, antigen expressing cells secrete gp96-Ig in vivo and stimulate both systemic and strong mucosal immunity. The aim of our study was to evaluate safety and systemic and mucosal SIV-immunity with secreted gp96-Ig-SIV vaccines in non-human primates.

Induction of mucosal immunity is critical for protection from enteric pathogens. We have developed a vaccine design that utilizes the unique property of the endoplasmic reticulum chaperon, heat shock protein (HSP) gp96, to bind antigenic peptides and deliver them to APCs. The aim of our study was to evaluate safety and systemic and mucosal SIV-immunity with secreted gp96-Ig vaccines in non-human primates. We have generated a secreted form gp96 by replacing the ER retention sequence KDEL with the IgG1-Fc tag. HEK-293 cells were transfected with gp96-Ig and with the cDNAs encoding the SIV antigens gag, pol, env and retanef (reassorted rev, tat, nef). Irradiated, transfected 293 cells that secrete 1, 5 or 50 micrograms gp96-Ig-SIV-peptide complexes in 24h, were injected intraperitoneally in Mamu-A*01+ macaques at 0, 4 and 24 weeks. The frequency of SIVGag- and SIVTat- tetramer+ cells in the rectal mucosa reached 30-50% in some macaques after the third immunization. Tetramer+ cells expressed appropriate functional (granzymeB) and migration markers (alpha4beta7, CD103). The cells secrete IL-2 and IFN-gamma in response to different peptide (gag, tat, env) stimulation. We conclude that the cell secreted SIV-gp96-Ig vaccine is safe and can induce strong poly-specific, multifunctional CD8 responses in mucosal compartments that are thought to be critical for protection from SIV/HIV infection.

A disturbance in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been reported among individuals with HIV-1 infection. However, these studies have been carried out in the West where the infecting clade is clade B. HIV-1 infection is rapidly spreading in various parts of South East Asia, including India, where the HIV-1 infecting clade is largely clade C. An investigation of HPA axis activity in this type of infection is warranted since there are many structural differences between clades B and C. This study was carried out to investigate whether HIV-1 infection clade C interferes with the functions of the hippocampus and thereby affects the HPA axis. We tested the hypothesis that when hippocampus activity is disturbed, it leads to the development of neuropathogenesis in HIV-1 C-clade infected individuals. This study included asymptomatic HIV-1 seropositive individuals (n=117) and, age-matched, HIV-1 seronegative controls (n=29). Neuroendocrine function of the HPA axis was evaluated using plasma levels of cortisol, ACTH, and DHEA-S, both in the morning (0800-1000 hr) and evening (2000-2200 hr). A significant elevation of cortisol levels during A.M. and P.M. hours was observed in HIV-1 infected individuals when compared to the controls. Interestingly, no significant change in ACTH level was observed in HIV-1 seropositive subjects, either during A.M or P.M. Elevated levels of cortisol in HIV-1 seropositive subjects appear to be independent of ACTH and may be the result of a defective negative feedback mechanism. On the other hand, a significant decrease in the plasma levels of DHEA-S was observed during A.M. and P.M. hours in HIV-1 infected individuals, leading to an increased cortisol to DHEA-S ratio. Since increased levels of cortisol and decreased levels of DHEA-S are related to the development of neuropathogenesis, it is hypothesized that a study of the development of neurocognitive deficits among HIV-1 seropositive individuals in India is warranted.

A complexation model (MOCO) was used to describe cadmium (Cd) speciation during estuarine transit in the Seine estuary. This model was developed from field data. Laboratory experiments based on the use of109Cd enabled checking of certain model simplifications and hypotheses and evaluation of parameters which could not be measured directly. MOCO was coupled with a 3D multivariable hydrosedimentary model (SAM3D) to simulate Cd dynamics in the estuary. These results were compared with measurements (dissolved and particulate Cd) obtained during cruises representative of various hydrodynamic conditions. The purpose of this article is to present the modeling approach used, and its expected applications and limits.

Cadmium (Cd) is among the major contaminants in the Seine estuary. In the biota, the RNO (Reseau National d’Observation, the French Mussel-Watch) has shown that Cd concentrations in mussels living at the mouth of the estuary are related to changes in inputs to this area of phosphogypsum, a calcium sulphate that is a by-product of the phosphoric acid naturally enriched with Cd. In the water column, Cd concentrations at several key estuary sites show a very marked trend toward decreased contamination in the particles as well as in the dissolved phase. The behavior of Cd in the estuary has been studied between 1991 and 1998 in the framework of the scientific program Seine-Aval. This program has highlighted punctual Cd inputs in the estuarine water column. The partition of Cd between the dissolved and the particulate phase, previously described in various estuaries, is characterized by an intense phenomenon of solubilization in the mixing zone freshwater-seawater, but the colloidal Cd fraction remains low along the whole salinity gradient, about 5% to 10% of the apparent dissolved fraction. Although the decrease of inputs induced a fall of Cd concentrations in the water column, laboratory experiments show that the estuarine particles are far from being exhausted in Cd. Despite continuous efforts to reduce the urban and industrial inputs into the estuarine and coastal waters, the Seine estuary still remains very contaminated by Cd.

This paper presents a balloon-borne experiment for directional observations of the radiance and of the polarization ratio of the light reflected toward the space by the earth-atmosphere system. A first flight was conducted on 5 July, 1985 over the Bay of Biscay (SW of France). The goal was to monitor the tropospheric aerosols by taking advantage of the black surface offered by the ocean at near infrared wavelengths. During the first part of the flight, remote sensing of the aerosols was disturbed by fair weather cumulus, but cloudless observations could be selected, which exhibit typical features of the sunglint and of scattering by aerosols. The inversion of these measurements allows a characterization of the optical properties of the aerosols. During the second part of the flight, the balloon drifted over a huge cloud deck. There, the observed radiance provides a determination of the optical thickness of the cloud, and the polarization ratio is illustrative of scattering by large cloud droplets.

The fast-growing offshore wind industry represents a potential new anthropogenic pressure for the marine environment. Despite the fact that it is considered as a green/clean energy source, the large-scale deployment of these devices could induce some environmental impacts that need to be studied. Understanding these impacts is in line with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) (European Commission, 2008) of the European Union which targets good environmental status for the marine environment. The development of offshore renewable energies (ORE), in particular floating and fixed offshore wind structures in France, gives rise to new and more precise questioning from the French public authorities and civil society. In particular, a lot of questions have emerged in relation to the use of Galvanic Anode Cathodic Protection (GACP) systems and about the release of heavy metals associated with their functioning. These anodes are composed of different metals which are more reducing than the metal to be protected. The anodes are generally made with magnesium, aluminium or zinc. In offshore industries such as offshore wind turbines or oil & gas platforms, the anodes used are mainly composed of an aluminium alloy which contains zinc and other trace metals. Their installation in fishing zones is a source of major concern and this affects several offshore wind farm projects (such as Île d’Yeu and Noirmoutier). This growing concern from public authorities and civil society has even led to galvanic anodes being abandoned in certain projects in order to overcome this problem. For example, the chosen solution for the jacket foundations of the Dieppe Le Tréport project is to implement cathodic protection by impressed current (ICCP) with titanium anodes). GACP has been replaced by ICCP in several projects although no scientific study has been conducted to prove the environmental impact of GACP in the ORE context, and no scientific study has proven that ICCP has no environmental impact. In this context, a chemical risk assessment process has been conducted through a 1-year collaborative R&D project called ANODE in order to determine whether the chemicals released from GACP may represent a risk for the marine environment. Such chemical risk assessments are based on the comparison of the predicted or measured concentration (PEC - Predicted Environmental Concentration) for a contaminant with its hazard data (PNEC - Predicted No Effect Concentration) for all environmental compartments (water column, sediment and biota for the marine environment). This is an iterative process the first step of which is based on a worst-case approach in order to ensure a high protective level for the marine environment. Through the ANODE project, the risk assessment was conducted on the water column only. A hydrodynamic model was developed as a first approach for the prediction of the dispersion of these metals in the water column. From this numerical model, a predicted concentration PEC was determined to be compared with existing PNECseawater. Three sites were studied representing different hydrodynamic conditions directly influencing the metal dispersion and different technologies (i.e. fixed and floating offshore wind turbines). The project objectives were as follows: To perform a literature review of the different cathodic protection systems used in the offshore industry with a focus on GACP and current knowledge of its potential impact on the marine environment. To draw up an overview of the data required for the numerical simulation and the availability of these data in the study areas. To model the hydrodynamics of the selected areas, i.e. Courseulles-sur-Mer in the English Channel, Leucate in the Mediterranean and Groix & Belle-Île off the Atlantic coast, and simulate the metal releases and the evolution over time of their concentrations in the various case studies. To conduct a risk assessment by comparing the results obtained using the model with existing toxicity thresholds (in the water column). Following these objectives, this report summarises the main results of the project and outlines a number of recommendations. This report is constructed as follows: The first section provides a summary of the principal results of the project; The second part presents the methodological recommendations for the environmental risk assessment; The third part lists methodological recommendations for future ORE installations and their associated impact studies.

This document provides guidance on best practice for the use of Diffusive Gradient in Thin films (DGT) passive samplers devices in sampling of transitional and coastal waters for water quality monitoring. The methodology1 to be addressed in this guide was developed by the consortium of the European Union’s Interreg MONITOOL Project in order to ensure comparability and reproducibility of the data obtained from each project Partner in different regions. The guide provides practical and detailed information on all the aspects to be considered before the deployment of these devices and the essential steps for their deployment, retrieval and subsequent sample processing for the analysis of trace metals. Although it is not aimed as a standard protocol, these guidelines address the need for a common approach and the intention to promote best practice.

Ce rapport présente les résultats de l’étude exploratoire SCOTTTI soutenue par l’Agence de l’Eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse. Ce travail vise à étudier les sources de contaminants et leurs transferts au sein des réseaux trophiques des zones littorales par l’utilisation de traceurs et d’outils innovants à partir d’une application au site atelier de la rade de Toulon. Les travaux engagés se décomposent en 3 volets. Le premier (réseaux trophiques, RT) vise à tracer le passage des contaminants métalliques entre les différents compartiments biogéochimiques de la rade de Toulon, et aussi à en caractériser les teneurs spécifiques en utilisant des traceurs et marqueurs du fonctionnement des RT (combinaison de l’utilisation des profils lipidiques et des marqueurs ∂13C et ∂15N). Le second volet (isotopie du cuivre, ∂65Cu) vise à évaluer la pertinence de l’utilisation des signatures isotopiques afin de suivre les évolutions de la contamination en Cu dans le milieu, discriminer les différentes sources et étudier les processus qui dictent leurs transferts. Le dernier volet (isotopie du mercure, IS Hg) ambitionne de déterminer la proportion de mercure sédimentaire (contamination historique) actuellement incorporé dans les bio-indicateurs en combinant les approches déjà utilisées dans les deux premiers volets.

This report is a compilation of selections of chemicals substances to be listed in the french overseas department (Reunion Island, French Guiana, Martinique and Guadeloupe islands) as priority substances in the context of the implementation of european Water Framework Directive (WFD). Proposals concern both the relevance of the european lists of WFD substances in the french overseas departments (list of 41 priority substances of the WFD chemical status, list of 8 chemical substances in support of ecological status and list of candidate substances to priority list) and the possible integration of substances with specific overseas uses., Ce rapport compile les recommandations faites en terme de substances chimiques à suivre de manière prioritaire dans le contexte de la Directive Cade sur l’Eau appliquée à la Réunion, la Guyane, la Martinique et la Guadeloupe. Les choix concernent : 1. la pertinence des substances des listes déjà établies pour la métropole (listes de l’état chimique et liste de l’état écologique) 2. la proposition d’intégration à ces listes de substances spécifiques à des usages particuliers dans les DOM. 3. le choix des matrices de surveillance intégrant les techniques d’échantillonnage passif comme alternatives à l’absence de matrice naturelles. 4. le choix des sites d’échantillonnage quand les données sont disponibles 5. la méthodologie de l’échantillonnage (eau, sédiment, biote) 6. la proposition de Normes de Qualité Environnementale NQE ou de PNEC.

This project is a contribution to the improvement and development of passive sampling techniques. The objectives are: - to develop ways to limit the fouling formation on the samplers requiring prolonged immersion time (POCIS) and ensure a "constant" and reproducible sampling rate - test and validate the DGT developed specifically for Hg wich is a "WFD priority" metal. Key words (thematic and geographical area) :Passive samplers, POCIS, DGT, fouling, sampling rate, Hg, baie du Lazaret , étang de Thau, Ce projet est une contribution à l'amélioration et au développement des techniques d'échantillonnage passif. Les objectifs sont: - de trouver des solutions pour limiter la formation de fouling sur les échantillonneurs nécessitant des temps d'immersion prolongés (POCIS) et assurer taux d'échantillonnage "constant" et reproductible. - de tester et valider les DGT développés spécialement pour Hg qui est un métal "DCE prioritaire" Mots clés (thématique et géographique) :Echantillonneurs passifs, POCIS, DGT, fouling, taux d'échantillonnage, Hg, baie du Lazaret , étang de Thau

L'objectif principal de cette première étude était d'évaluer, dans le contexte guyanais, l'opérationnalité de techniques d'échantillonnage et de faire une évaluation préliminaire de la contamination chimique de différentes masses d'eaux guyanaises (2 sites en eau de transition et 1 site en eau côtière). Deux types d'échantillonneurs passifs ont été mis en oeuvre: DGT (pour les métaux traces) et SBSE (pour les composés organiques hydrophobes). Les molécules hydrophiles ont été recherchées directement dans l'eau prélevée. Les mesures DGT montrent que le site de l'estuaire de Kourou se caractérise, pour tous les métaux, par des concentrations plus importantes que celles déterminées dans les deux autres stations. S'agissant de mesures ponctuelles, réalisées lors d'une seule campagne, ces tendances restent à confirmer. L'utilisation de la technique SBSE indique que les teneurs en composés individuels sont relativement faibles pour l’ensemble des molécules cibles, à l’exception de certains HAP légers, en particulier le naphtalène pour les sites de Kourou et de la bouée d'atterrissage. Les PCBs sont peu présents, et seul le congénère 52 a été quantifié sur le site de Kourou. Peu de pesticides ont été quantifiés (aldrine, dieldrine, endrine). Il est à noter que les teneurs sont relativement proches d’un site à l’autre. La majorité des composés hydrophiles recherchés (les substances pharmaceutiques, les alkylphénols, les pesticides, les phtalates, les chlorophénols et les VOC) sont présents à l’état de traces lorsqu’ils sont détectés. Les masses d'eau étudiées semblent peut impactées par ces composés. Cette étude a aussi permis une première sensibilisation du personnel local (DDE, CQEL) à l'utilisation de ces outils et de faire le point sur la logistique nécessaire sur place pour pouvoir mettre en oeuvre ce type de méthode.

Les prochaines échéances imposées par le calendrier de la Directive Cadre sur l’Eau sur les eaux côtières visent à atteindre ou à restaurer le bon état qualitatif et quantitatif de toutes les masses d’eau d'ici l'horizon 2015. Ces objectifs nécessitent la définition du bon état chimique des masses d’eaux, l’évaluation des tendances et la mise en place des programmes de mesures.

The study of Cd and Hg distribution in the sediments, water and suspended matter of the Bay of Marennes-Oléron provided the opportunity to identify the factors governing the distribution of these two contaminants throughout the bay. On one hand, these elements are associated with the continental inputs from the Charente river which settle on arrivaI at the mouth of the estuary and in the eastern part of the bay. The Cd and Hg present in these deposits are associated with POC, as weIl as with Mn and Fe oxides and hydroxides. On the other hand, a portion of the dissolved inputs is recycled in the bay waters through phytoplankton activity. This mechanism contributes, particularly in the case of Cd, to increased particulate metal fluxes from the water column to the sediment., L'étude de la répartition du Cd et du Hg dans les sédiments, les eaux et les matières en suspension de la baie de Marennes-Oléron a permis de mettre en évidence les facteurs qui gouvernent la distribution de ces deux contaminants dans la baie. D'une part, ces éléments sont associés aux apports continentaux de la Charente qui sédimentent au débouché de l'estuaire et dans la partie orientale de la baie. Dans ces dépôts, le Cd et le Hg sont liés au COP, aux oxydes et hydroxydes de Mn et Fe. D'autre part, une partie des apports dissous est recyclée dans les eaux de la baie par l'activité phytoplanctonique. Ce mécanisme contribue, notamment pour le Cd, à augmenter les flux métalliques particulaires de la colonne d'eau vers le sédiment.

As DGT results cannot be directly compared to marine water AA-EQS, the general objective of this document is to propose a methodology so that DGT results can be applied in a regulatory context for waterbody quality assessment. Using a pragmatic approach applied to the context of the WFD, this methodology is based on the study of European reports, European technical and scientific guidance documents, publications of network of experts and processing of MONITOOL dataset. For this purpose, the document is organised in two parts: - a bibliographic part with a review of the derivation process of EQSs, a description of the differences between DGT and spot sampling based measurements, the proposed methodology for the use of DGT results in a regulatory framework, by comparing DGT results to EQS ; - a data processing part carried out using MONITOOL datasets in order to adapt EQS marine water in EQSDGT for Cd, Ni and Pb. Moreover, another methodology is proposed, which is to predict the concentrations measured by DGT into its corresponding dissolved concentrations, so they can be directly compared to EQSmarine water.

L’objectif de cette étude est de caractériser le niveau d’exposition des lagunes aux contaminants chimiques, complétant ainsi notre connaissance de la qualité des masses d’eau côtières méditerranéennes françaises. 23 masses d’eau de transition (soit 26 lagunes) réparties sur 7 départements côtiers en LR et PACA ont été échantillonnées au moyen d’échantillonneurs intégratifs (SBSE, POCIS et DGT) entre mai et août 2010. 141 contaminants issus de différentes familles chimiques (pesticides, médicaments, alkylphenols, HAP, PCB et métaux traces) ont été recherchés et leurs teneurs comparées aux Normes de Qualité Environnementales, lorsque celles-ci existent. La plupart des contaminants disposant d’une NQE ne la dépasse pas, à l’exception du cuivre, des insecticides organochlorés de la famille des cyclodiènes, des lindanes et de l’insecticide endosulfan. 20 masses d’eau de transition sur les 23 suivies sont considérées comme étant en mauvais état chimique à cause de ces polluants et seulement 3 (La Palme, Bagnas et Ponant) en bon état vis-à-vis de la Directive Cadre sur l’Eau (DCE). Sur les 20 masses d’eau en mauvais état, 19 le sont en raison d’un déclassement par au moins un insecticide organochloré.

This paper describes the design and modelling of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), together with a simulation system for AUVs with arbitrary propulsion and sensor systems. The use of a simulation system allows to rapidly test AUV designs, e.g. different propulsion systems or different sensor configurations. Different AUV designs can be compared with their suitability for a given task before they even have been built. Therefore, the use of a simulation system can advance and speed up the design process of an AUV.

Une des exploitations possibles des données acquises dans le cadre du réseau RINBIO est d'évaluer la concentration sous forme "biodisponible" de différents contaminants chimiques présents dans la colonne d'eau. Afin d'étudier cette possibilité, une expérimentation été conduite en parallèle sur trois sites en 2011 (baie du Lazaret, cap Cepet et baie de Calvi). Dans ces sites, des moules ont été "transplantées" et des mesures de la concentration de différents contaminants chimiques dans la colonne d'eau ont été réalisées. Le présent rapport traite plus spécifiquement des données concernant l'évolution temporelle des concentrations en métaux traces et composés hydrophobes mesurées pour les trois sites ateliers : par DGT (Diffusive Gradient in Thin film) et SBSE (Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction), dans les phases "dissoutes" et "particulaires" (après filtration) et dans les moules. Pour chacun des contaminants métalliques et organiques, des BCF expérimentaux ont été calculés.

As DGT results cannot be directly compared to marine water thresholds, the specific objectives of this document is i) to propose a methodology so that DGT results can be applied in a regulatory context notably for establishing the ecological status of waterbodies as regard specific pollutants and ii) to adapt existing thresholds, defined in marine water at national level by a Member State, into DGT thresholds, for cobalt, copper, iron, zinc and manganese. In order to reach these objectives, an overview of existing thresholds defined for Co, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn was done, based both on a threshold research in existing databases and on a survey carried on among the MONITOOL partners on the specific pollutant they have defined. The methodology defined for Pb, Cd, and Ni (WP6 ] action 1) is declined for Co, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn. Based on the robust MONITOOL database of dissolved and labile metal concentrations in transitional and coastal waters, a data processing was done in order to propose adapted DGT thresholds.

Raw and processed outflow from the Morlaix city sewage treatment plant were monitored every fourth hour for a 24 hours period, and monthly for eight months. The urban Hg, Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb outflow was shown to be much less than the river-borne flux. Sediments from the catchment area and estuary show that the influence of the town on the metal concentrations is limited to the harbour basin. The metal concentations are essentially controlled by granulometry., Les rejets bruts et traités de l'agglomération de Morlaix ont été suivis d'une part sur une période de 24 heures, d'autre part sur une période de huit mois ; les quantités de métaux rejetées restent très inférieures à celles qui sont transportées par la rivière. L'étude du sédiment du bassin versant et de l'estuaire confirme que l'influence de la ville reste limitée au bassin à flot, les variations des teneurs en métaux étant essentiellement contrôlées par la granulométrie.

La DCE a défini des Normes de Qualité Environnementale (NQE) pour les substances identifiées comme prioritaires. Parmi les substances ciblées, le dichlorvos, insecticide acaricide aujourd’hui interdit en France pose un challenge analytique car sa NQE est très faible (NQEeau douce : 0,6 ng/L, NQE eau marine : 0,06 ng/L, ce qui implique de pouvoir atteindre une limite de quantification (LQ) de 0,02 ng/L selon la directive QA/QC (2009/90/CE). L’objectif principal de ce travail est d’atteindre la limite de quantification visée (0,02 ng/L) à travers l’amélioration des techniques d’échantillonnage, d’extraction et d’analyse du dichlorvos. L’analyse est faite en chromatographie en phase liquide. Le mode d’acquisition qui a été choisi pour le développement de la quantification du dichlorvos par spectrométrie de masse en tandem est le mode MRM (Multiple Reaction Monitor). Le type de source utilisée est une source à ionisation par électronébuliseur (ESI : electrospray ionization source) en mode positif. En parallèle de l’amélioration de la méthodologie analytique, un travail particulier a été mené sur la calibration afin d’obtenir un taux d’échantillonnage pour le dichlorvos et le protocole d’extraction des échantillonneurs passifs de type POCIS (Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler) a également été optimisé. Les développements réalisés (LC/MS/MS couplé aux capacités de concentration des échantillonneurs passifs de type POCIS) ont permis d’abaisser la limite de quantification du dichlorvos à 0,9 pg/L (ou 0,0009 ng/L) pour une durée d’exposition de 15 jours. Ces performances analytiques obtenues sont compatibles avec le suivi du dichlorvos selon les performances demandées par les directives Cadre sur l’Eau (DCE) (2000/60/EC) et directive QA/QC (2009/90/CE).

Les possibilités d'utilisation d'échantillonneurs passifs pour l'évaluation de la contamination chimique des masses d'eau ont été testées dans le cadre du projet PEPS. L'objectif principal était d'évaluer à "grande échelle" et dans différentes conditions de terrain (20 masses d'eau côtières réparties sur l’ensemble de la façade méditerranéenne française) l'opérationnalité de ces systèmes en terme de réduction des coûts, fiabilité et rapidité d'obtention des résultats, mais aussi en terme de facilité de mise en oeuvre (par du personnel non spécialisé, mais préalablement formé).

This paper documents a balloon-borne experiment vis-a-vis the observation of the radiance and polarization ratio of sunlight scattered by the stratospheric aerosol at near-infrared wavelengths. Described are the results and preliminary analysis of the first flight, on 15 Dec. 1983, at an altitude of 20 km. The observations, particularly the polarization features, are consistent with single scattering calculations for spherical particles with a mean radius of ~0.3 μm and with a refractive index of 1.45 at 0.85 μm; thus, the presence of sulfuric acid aerosol is corroborated.