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International audience; Globalization is transforming food systems around the world. With few geographical areas spared from nutritional, dietary and epidemiological transitions, chronic diseases have reached pandemic proportions. A question therefore arises as to the sustainability of local food systems. The overall purpose of this article is to put in perspective how local food systems respond to globalization through the assessment of five different case studies stemming from an international research network of Human-Environment Observatories (OHM), namely Nunavik (Québec, Canada), Oyapock (French Guiana, France), Estarreja (Portugal), Téssékéré (Senegal) and Littoral-Caraïbes (Guadeloupe, France). Each region retains aspects of its traditional food system, albeit under different patterns of influence modelled by various factors. These include history, cultural practices, remoteness and accessibility to and integration of globalized ultra-processed foods that induce differential health impacts. Furthermore, increases in the threat of environmental contamination can undermine the benefits of locally sourced foods for the profit of ultra-processed foods. These case studies demonstrate that: (i) the influence of globalization on food systems can be properly understood by integrating sociohistorical trajectories, socioeconomic and sociocultural context, ongoing local environmental issues and health determinants; and (ii) long-term and transverse monitoring is essential to understand the sustainability of local food systems vis-à-vis globalization.

International audience; Twenty-one sediment samples were taken from five dated sediment cores collected along the Rhône River from 2008 to 2011. A total of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), 7 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 8 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 3 polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), 3 hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCD) and 31 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were investigated to provide information on deposition dynamics in time and space, but also regarding the ecotoxicological risks associated with these contaminants. Median concentrations of total PBDEs are nine times lower than the levels of total PCBs along the entire studied stretch of the Rhône River. The results show that total PBDEs concentrations range from 0.06 to 239 μg·kg−1 DW with a median value of 3.81 μg·kg−1 DW and a maximum concentration measured in the years 2000s. These maximum concentrations are identical to those measured for total PCBs at the end of the 1990s, but show a different pattern of distribution. Abnormal dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) levels were also detected in the downstream section of the river, with a peak concentration of 147.5 μg·kg−1 DW measured at the GEC site from 2005 onwards. Analyses of the enantiomeric fractions reveal a fresh input resulting from a technical formulation. Sediments from the core sampled at the most downstream site (GEC) are found to be highly toxic to organisms living nearby, particularly because of the total PCDD/Fs, DDE and DDT levels. In addition, based on available sediment quality guidelines, there may be a potential bioaccumulation risk for humans not only for these three compounds of concern but also for total PCBs and 7 out of the 8 analysed PBDEs.Graphical abstract

International audience; Plants were sampled from four different types of chlordecone-contaminated land in Guadeloupe (West Indies). The objective was to investigate the importance of biological and agri-environmental parameters in the ability of plants to bioaccumulate chlordecone. Among the plant traits studied, only the growth habit significantly affected chlordecone transfer, since prostrate plants concentrated more chlordecone than erect plants. In addition, intensification of land use has led to a significant increase in the amount of chlordecone absorbed by plants. The use of Bayesian networks uncovers some hypothesis and identifies paths for reflection and possible studies to identify and quantify relationships that explain our data.

International audience; Soils and sediments are susceptible to anthropogenic contamination with Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs) and it can present some risks to ecosystems and human health. The levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn were assessed in soils (C, G, K, L) from Estarreja (Portugal) and sediments from a stormwater basin in Lyon (DJG), a harbour (LDB) and a Rhône river site (TRS) (France).An ecotoxicological study was performed with Eisenia fetida (E. fetida) to infer about potential transfer risks to the soil invertebrates. To assess risks associated with MTEs contamination, it is important to know their total concen- trations, fractionation and the potential available fractions. CaCl2, DTPA and NaOAc extractions were performed to assess the extractable and available MTEs fractions. The studied sediments were much more contaminated than the soils for all the MTEs analysed. The trace elements fraction linked with DTPA extraction shows higher values when compared with the NaOAc and the CaCl2 pools.Low mortality effects were recorded in the tests with E. fetida. The MTEs levels in soils and sediments and the concen- trations bioaccumulated in adult earthworms contributed to a reduction in the number of juveniles produced. E. fetida adults and juveniles accumulated ETMs as follows: Cd N Cu = Zn N Ni N Pb N Fe. Determined BAFs were mostly lower than 1 with some higher values for Cd, Cu and Zn. Calculated SET and ERITME indexes allowed to classify the samples from the most to the less toxic for E. fetida as: LDB N DJG N L N G N C N K N TRS. Despite this order of toxicity, the earth- worms exposed to the sediment TRS presented the lowest reproduction rate. The combination of “chemical” measure- ments with the calculation of BAFs, but especially SET and ERITME indexes can be a useful tool in risk assessment.

International audience; River restoration efforts require interdisciplinary approaches involving fluvial geomorphology, hydraulic engineering, ecology, sedimentology, chemistry, social geography, and sociology. We investigated the functioning of artificial structures called “Casiers Girardon” (groyne fields) in the Rhône River. We assessed potential benefits and risks linked to removing the Rhône groyne fields in a restoration context, with particular focus on the potential for increased bank erosion. Hydraulic, morphological, chemical, ecological, and social issues resulting from dismantlement were studied for terrestrialized and aquatic Casiers Girardon. Only 10% of Casiers Girardon have maintained their aquatic features, whereas most of the Casiers are terrestrialized. Our results help to confirm the effectiveness of restoration actions; however, they also indicate uncertainties and additional knowledge needs, especially in regard to potential incompatibilities between Casier restoration and conservation. Then, an interdisciplinary conceptual model was developed to identify interventions to be considered in Casiers Girardon, according to their terrestrialization rate and physiochemical characteristics (connectivity, amount of gravel vs. fine sediment, contamination level). This model synthetizes scientific results and expert judgment and provides management recommendations based on ecological and sociological expectations about the restoration of Casiers Girardon. The model highlights high heterogeneity in functioning and ecological potential between terrestrialized and aquatic Casiers. Dismantling of terrestrialized Casiers has strong potential to provide multiple benefits, whereas aquatic Casiers could be maintained as valuable backwaters. The managing guidelines for the Casiers Girardon of the Rhône River should be adapted according to local conditions, as well as expected benefits and needs, and conducted in co-ordination with all actors involved in and affected by the restoration.

Plants play a key role in the stabilization of metals in contaminated environments. Studies have been performed on Zn uptake and storage mechanisms, mainly for Zn hyperaccumulating plants, though less is known about Zn stabilization in the rhizosphere of non-accumulating plants. This study was focused on the dynamics of Zn in a whole soil–litter–plant system and the processes controlling Zn mobilization and stabilization. The site studied was an infiltration basin receiving urban stormwater, in which Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) developed spontaneously. A combination of chemical extractions (CaCl 2 , DTPA), EXAFS spectroscopy and Zn stable isotope measurements was applied for the water inlet, soil, plant organs and decaying biomass. Zn speciation changed from the water inlet to the soil. In the soil, Zn was present as Zn-layered double hydroxide (Zn-LDH), tetrahedral and octahedral sorbed Zn species. The formation of Zn-LDH participates in Zn stabilization. Tetrahedral Zn species, which were partly DTPA exchangeable, were enriched in heavy isotopes, whereas octahedral Zn (Zn-LDH and sorbed species) were enriched in light isotopes. Based on a linear model between δ 66 Zn and Zn speciation, δ 66 Zn for pure tetrahedral and octahedral end-members were estimated at ca. 0.33‰ and 0.04‰, respectively. In the plant, a mixture of octahedral Zn (attributed to aqueous Zn-organic acid complexes present in the symplasm), and tetrahedral Zn (attributed to apoplasmic Zn-cell wall complexes) was observed in all organs. Large enrichment in light isotopes from the soil to the plant Δ 66 Zn (of ca. −0.6‰) was observed. The stem was enriched in light isotopes versus roots and, to a lesser extent, versus leaves. The results suggest that Zn was taken up via a low-affinity transport system and that Zn was sequestrated in the stem symplasm after transit through leaves. Finally, intense Zn exchanges were observed between the decaying biomass and the soil, with the sorption of heavy Zn from the soil to cell wall remains and release of light Zn to the soil. Overall, this study provides a complete overview of Zn cycling in an urban wetland soil–plant system, and describes several changes in Zn speciation with Zn isotopic fractionation processes in a complex system.

Wetlands play a key role in the immobilization of metallic contaminants. In this context the mechanisms of Zn sequestration and Zn transfer and storage in Typha latifolia L. colonizing a frequently flooded contaminated soil were studied. A combination of EXAFS spectroscopy, micro X-ray fluorescence (mu XRF) and Zn isotope measurements was applied to soil, plant organs and decaying biomass. Zn was present in the soil as Znlayered double hydroxide, as tetrahedral and octahedral sorbed Zn species, and as ZnS. Octahedral and tetrahedral Zn (attributed to symplastic Zn organic acid and apoplasmic Zn cell wall complexes, respectively) and Zn thiol species were observed in the roots, rhizomes and stems. Iron plaque was present on the rhizomes and roots. Enrichment in light isotopes for Zn sorbed on the plaque relative to the soil (Delta Zn-66(plaque-soil) -0.3 to -0.1%0) suggested the dissolution of ZnS (enriched in light isotopes) in the rhizosphere with subsequent Zn2+ sorption on the root plaque. Furthermore, enrichment in light isotopes of stems relative to leaves (Delta Zn-66(stem-leaves) = -0.2%o) suggested the remobilization of Zn via the phloem, from leaves back to the stems. Overall these data highlight the role of thiols in controlling Zn speciation during its transfer and storage in T. latifolia.

International audience; The filling of dry quarries in coastal areas with sediments dredged in seaports represents a potentially interesting method of recycling of these materials. However, this recycling requires the prior carrying out of an Environmental Risk Assessment of the scenario concerned. For this, the question arose as to the type of plants capable of developing on the surface of such a deposit and the method to implement for assessing the possible phytotoxicity of dredged sediments. To answer this question, we chose to work with halophytic plants to be free from the salt-related effect and to assess only the effect related to the toxic compounds present. Based on the objectives set, these works led to the use of common plants of the French coast, with direct seeding, and with pollution-sensitive plants. Three species of angiosperms, Armeria maritima, Anthemis maritima and Plantago coronopus, were finally tested. As a result of this work, Armeria maritima was retained as the most suitable plant for testing the possible phytotoxic effect of dredged marine sediments stored on land. The results obtained with this plant are as follows: germination of 40 % of the seeds in 31 days, produced biomass of 493 mg FW in 6 months and a capacity to bioaccumulate metal pollutants in roots with 350 and 720 mg/kg DW for Zn and Cu, respectively.

The sedimentary layer deposited at the surface of stormwater infiltration basins is highly organic and multicontaminated. It undergoes considerable moisture content fluctuations due to the drying and inundation cycles (called hydric dynamics) of these basins. Little is known about the microflora of the sediments and its dynamics; hence, the purpose of this study is to describe the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the sediments at different hydric statuses of the infiltration basin. Sediments were sampled at five time points following rain events and dry periods. They were characterized by physical (aggregation), chemical (nutrients and heavy metals), and biological (total, bacterial and fungal biomasses, and genotypic fingerprints of total bacterial and fungal communities) parameters. Data were processed using statistical analyses which indicated that heavy metal (1,841 μg/g dry weight (DW)) and organic matter (11%) remained stable through time. By contrast, aggregation, nutrient content (NH₄⁺, 53-717 μg/g DW), pH (6.9-7.4), and biological parameters were shown to vary with sediment water content and sediment biomass, and were higher consecutive to stormwater flows into the basin (up to 7 mg C/g DW) than during dry periods (0.6 mg C/g DW). Coinertia analysis revealed that the structure of the bacterial communities is driven by the hydric dynamics of the infiltration basin, although no such trend was found for fungal communities. Hydric dynamics more than rain events appear to be more relevant for explaining variations of aggregation, microbial biomass, and shift in the microbial community composition. We concluded that the hydric dynamics of stormwater infiltration basins greatly affects the structural stability of the sedimentary layer, the biomass of the microbial community living in it and its dynamics. The decrease in aggregation consecutive to rewetting probably enhances access to organic matter (OM), explaining the consecutive release of NH₄⁺, the bloom of the microbial biomass, and the change in structure of the bacterial community. These results open new perspectives for basin management since the risk of OM and pollutant transfer to the aquifer is greatly affected by alternating dry and flood periods.

Natural porous material structure is a key parameter in the transport of particles and associated contaminants towards groundwater, and it is a dynamic property that evolves with water content. This study investigates the relationship between aggregation–potential leaching and moisture content. To conduct this study, a contaminated urban Technosol originating from stormwater infiltration practice was used: 10–14% organic matter, total organic carbon (TOC): 4–5.6 mg/g, Zn: 1.9–1.25 g/kg, Cd: 9.7–15.0 mg/kg. Five field samplings and a laboratory drying experiment were performed to obtain samples with contrasted moisture contents. Laser diffractometry was used to measure aggregation state and potential leaching was assayed by a low-energy input leaching test and the measurement of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cr) and TOC. The way in which Technosol material forms aggregates while drying is described: microaggregates lead to larger microaggregates, then their association leads to macroaggregates that become increasingly stable. The leaching of particles and contaminants was shown to slow down consecutive to drying (from 53 to 3.3 × 10−5 g of particles leached/mL of leaching solution). Regarding heavy metal mobility, the low-energy input leaching test did not provide the same conclusions as more disturbing methods of risk assessment. The mechanisms of aggregation of Technosol materials consecutive to drying are discussed in comparison to already published works on soil aggregates. We conclude that moisture content is a key parameter regarding the aggregation of Technosol materials and leaching of particles and associated contaminants. What is more, the recent history of the surface layer of the Technosol must be taken into account. Soil and sediment structure must be taken into account to assess contaminant transfer. Stormwater can be slowed down when it arrives in infiltration basins, in order to limit particle disaggregation and leaching. Further research is needed to understand the different aspects involved in heavy metal partitioning.

International audience; With respect to the management of dredged sediments, a crucial issue is whether the removed materials (watered and/or processed) are disposed of or reused in an environmentally sound manner. In this context, the number of studies dealing with hazard or risk assessment has exponentially increased. This emphasis has resulted in the promotion and application of a very large variety of ecotoxicological tests. As a consequence, there is a clear need to highlight the scope and limitations of these tests for their appropriate selection and interpretation. In this paper we discuss the choice, implementation and interpretation of laboratory tests carried out on aquatic organisms at various levels of biological organization. We examine some experimental tools and methods in order to determine how suitable they are in regard to the objectives for which they are employed. To make this discussion more consistent our paper is based on results from research programmes conducted for governmental organizations and industrial partners. The Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement (LSE) was involved with Cemagref de Lyon in a first methodological programme on risk assessment of scenarios of dredged sediment deposition. Another programme for a chemical company was implemented to assess the benefits of a physico-chemical treatment applied to contaminated dredged sediments in a scenario of reuse or deposit in gravel pits. Currently, the LSE is working on a programme of risk assessment for road sediments in valorization scenarios. From these programmes, we expose how single-species tests, as well as more complex bioassays and microcosm tests, can be used in an iterative step of risk assessment. Concerning microcosm tests, we also introduce a more realistic system that has been designed to simulate natural hydraulic conditions of gravel pits to assess the effects of toxicants on gravel pit aquatic biota during the sediment immersion phase and the sediment post-deposition phase (paper in preparation). The benefits of these ecotoxicological approaches are underlined, but limits are discussed with regard to several criteria: ecological relevance, realism, use for decision-making, cost and complexity of methods involved

Background, Aim and Scope Microorganisms play an important role in the biogeochemical cycles of soils and sediments; hence the microbiological quality of these environments can be evaluated by measuring microorganism population densities, diversity and enzyme activity. For example, dehydrogenase activity is known to be sensitive to pollutants, such as heavy metals, and to correlate with the carbon cycle. This article presents an optimized protocol for measuring dehydrogenase in a range of different sediments and, more precisely, in urban storm-water sediments. The influence of blank preparation, ratio substrate/sediment and time of formazan extraction was studied on sediments coming from urban sewage works, or lakes and rivers.

The effects of urban stormwater on the soil of an infiltration/ holding basin were studied within the framework of research carried out by OTHU (Urban Hydrology Field Observatory of Lyon, France). The biophysicochemical impacts of stormwater from an industrial watershed on the local soil (to a depth of 4 m in the unsaturated zone) were measured. Several types of measurement (pH, organic matter, particle size, heavy metals content, and heterotrophic viable bacterial counts) for three vertical soil profiles were carried out. High concentrations of heavy metals and significant variations in pH and silt to a depth of 1.5 m were observed. The concentrations decreased as a function of distance from the stormwater discharge pipe. Changes in the bacterial population were also observed, varying in accordance with the depth and location of the profile.

As part of a study of the phytotoxic risk of spreading contaminated sediments ''on soil'', a laboratory experiment was carried out to assess the impact of water draining from sediments on peripheral vegetation. Drainage water was obtained in the laboratory by settling three sediments with different pollutants levels, and the supernatant solutions (respectively A1, B1, C1 drainage waters) were used as soaking water for maize (Zea mai ¨s L.) and ryegrass (Lolium per- enne L.). The physicochemical characteristics of the supernatant water, particularly metal contents, showed a pattern of contamination, with C1 > A1 > B1. The plants tested were grown on soil for 21 days, before being soaked for another 21-day period with drainage water (treatments) and distilled water (control). Biomass parameters (fresh weight, length, etc.), enzymatic activity (glutamine synthetase (GS), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPc)) and Zn, Cu, Cd and Cr contents were measured on both the shoots and roots of each plant. Biomass parameters were stimulated by C1, not affected by A1 and decreased with B1 for maize, whereas they increased for ryegrass in all the treatments. Compared to the control, GS activity was stimulated by C1 in the shoots of both plants and inhibited by treatments B1 and C1 in maize roots. PEPc activity in ryegrass was 1.5-5 times higher with contaminated water treatment, while contrasting effects were observed in maize plants. Both plants showed greater accumulation of chromium and zinc than cadmium and copper. Treatment A1 was found to be less active on plant growth and have a lower impact on the physiological status (enzymatic activities) of both plants. Treatment C1 stim- ulated the growth and physiological status of the plants, especially in shoots, with higher metal accumulation values in both plants. Treatment B1 was found to show more variable effects on growth indices, enzymatic activity and metal accumulation according to plant species. 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The soil microbial compartment submitted to the infiltration of stormwater : description and role in the heavy metals transfer. Infiltration of stormwater into the aquifer represents an alternative to the traditional combined or separate pipe systems collect and is largely used in the eastern part of Lyon. Infiltration of stormwater leads to the accumulation of organic matter, organic and mineral pollutants and microorganisms in the first centimetres of the soil. This paper deals with the different approaches developed in order to better understand the role of the microbial compartment of this type of soil on the fate of heavy metals accumulated at the soil surface and their risk of migration to the aquifer. Experiments on one bacterial specie and one heavy metal helped to underline the high bacterial heavy metal adsorption capacity, this adsorption can facilitate the transfer of metals thanks to biocolloïdal transport. Studies on multicontaminated soils collected in the field showed that microorganisms are very numerous and can adapt to the chemical stress and are very active., L’infiltration des eaux pluviales urbaines dans les nappes est une technique alternative au système traditionnel d’assainissement largement utilisée dans l’Est lyonnais. Les eaux infiltrées conduisent à l’accumulation dans les premiers centimètres du sol de matière organique, de polluants organiques et minéraux et de micro-organismes. Ce papier présente les différents travaux menés pour mieux comprendre le rôle du compartiment microbien de cette surface sur le devenir des métaux piégés à la surface et le risque de leur migration dans la nappe souterraine. Une approche sur métal et bactérie modèles a permis de mettre en évidence une forte capacité d’adsorption des cations métalliques par la bactérie, adsorption qui peut conduire au transfert de ce métal via le transport biocolloïdal. Des études sur milieu réels multicontaminés montre que les bactéries présentes en grands nombres dans ces milieux pollués sont adaptées à ce stress chimique et sont potentiellement très actives., Delolme Cécile, Bedell Jean-Philippe, Winiarski Thierry, Larmet Hélène, Neto Manuelle, Muris Myriam, Perrodin Yves. Le compartiment microbien des sols soumis à l’infiltration des eaux pluviales urbaines. Description et role dans le transfert des métaux. In: L'eau et le monde vivant. 28èmes Journées de l'Hydraulique. Congrès de la Société Hydrotechnique de France. Paris, 12 et 13 octobre 2004. 2004.

As part of a study of the phytotoxic risk of spreading of contaminated sediments "on soil", we carried out a laboratory experiment assessing the impact of water draining from sediments in a deposit scenario on the peripheral vegetation. The plant tested were the Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. var. chinensis), maize (Zea mays L.) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The draining water samples (A1, B1 and C1) were obtained after decantation in laboratory of the sediments. The classification of the water sampled in decreasing order of cumulative contamination was C1A1B1. The B1 and C1 water samples inhibited the germination of seeds tested to various extents. The percentage of seeds that did not germinate was 1.3-fold times higher for Chinese cabbage with B1 than for the control and 2.3-fold times higher for ryegrass with C1 than for the control. Seeds watered with B1 had lower moisture contents than the control: 10% lower for ryegrass and maize and 50% lower for Chinese cabbage. An increase (about 1.5 microg/ml) in total soluble protein (versus the control) was observed for all three plant species tested in the presence of C1. Glutamine synthetase activity was significantly (1.35 times) higher in ryegrass seeds in the presence of C1 than in the control. We also observed changes in the specific activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, which increased for ryegrass and decreased for maize as the concentration of contaminants in the water increased. The results show (i) the necessity to use different plant species to evaluate the toxic effect of sediment deposited on soil on the vegetation, and (ii) that soon as on germination an evaluation of an impact is possible.

International audience; In the framework of an ecological risk assessment of seaport sediments for terrestrial ecosystems when deposited in quarries, we simulated the ‘‘ageing’’ of sediments exposed to rain. This experiment high- lighted an inflection point at the solid/liquid ratio 1/25, after which the extraction of pollutants increases moderately. The raw sediments studied inhibited the germination of Lolium perenne and Armeria mariti- ma (a halophytic species) seeds. Furthermore, they affected the early development of L. perenne. The same sediments, leached at a ratio of 1/25, presented a reduction of acute (germination) and chronic (growth) phytotoxicity. The bioconcentration factors of the metals studied decreased with the leached sediment, except for Cu which was still clearly identified in root parts. Thus rotary leaching tests and phytotoxicity bioassays can be used to provide an initial assessment of the ability of plants, particularly halophytes, to colonize deposits of dredged seaport sediments.

International audience; The paper presents the role of spontaneous vegetation on the hydraulic performance of an infiltration basin. The objective of the research was more particularly to study this role of different types of spontaneous vegetation found in situ in an infiltration basin near Lyon. The saturated hydraulic conductivity of three areas covered by Phalaris arundinacea, Polygonum mite, Rumex crispus and similar non-vegetated zones was compared. Eight field campaigns were carried out from July 2010 to May 2011 in order to compare the performance of each type of vegetation and its evolution over time. The results suggest a positive impact of vegetation on hydraulic performance in particular in summer during the growth of the plants. The hydraulic conductivity in this period was twice to four times higher than in bare areas or in vegetated zones during the plant rest periods. Some species were also found more appropriate to limit clogging (Phalaris arundinacea) likely due to its specific structure and growth process.

International audience; Urban stormwater infiltration basins are designed to hold runoff from impervious surfaces and allow the settling of sediments and associated pollutants. However concerns have been expressed about the environmental impacts that may be exerted by the trapped pollutants on groundwater, soils and ecosystems. In this context, sediment characterization represents a key issue for local authorities in terms of management strategies. During the last two decades, several studies were launched including either physical or chemical characterization of stormwater sediments but without real synthesis of data and methods used. Consequently, there is an important need for reviewing the current experimental techniques devoted to the physico-chemical characterization of sediment. The review is based on the outcomes of two experimental sites for which long term monitoring and data collection have been done: the Chevir, basin (near Nantes) and the Django Reinhardt basin (near Lyon). The authors summarize the studies dealing with bulk properties, pollutant contents, their potential mobility and speciation. This paper aims at promoting the significant progresses that were made through a multidisciplinary approach involving multi-scaled and combined experimental techniques.

International audience; Infiltration basins are widely used in urban environments as a technique for managing and reducing the volume of stormwater. These basins can be spontaneously colonized by wild plants, which can be used as bioindicators of edaphic characteristics. As the basins are anthropogenic environments, the description of plant biodiversity allows the determination of which species colonize such environments and identification of the relationships between plants, basin type and operation. Nineteen infiltration basins were selected according to their catchment types (industrial, urban, agricultural). The dominant species were identified and sampled. Rumex sp., Taraxacum sp. and Artemisia sp. are the three types most represented (88, 61 and 55% respectively of the basins studied). Their families and their respective orders are those most commonly found (Caryophyllales, Asterales and Polygonaceae, Asteraceae). Poaceae is the family grouping with the largest number of different species (11). Although each species occupies only 1 or 2 basins, plants of this family occupy 61% of the basins. Although the catchment characteristics of the 19 basins do not play a direct role in the diversity of plant families, they can influence the presence or absence of certain species. Thus, these plants can be used as bio-indicators of basin soil and operating characteristics, such as sediment depths, inundation frequency and duration.

[Departement_IRSTEA]Eaux [TR1_IRSTEA]BELCA; International audience; Despite bans on PCB use since 1975 (open systems) and 1987 (closed systems), concentrations of PCBs in riverine fish in France continue to exceed regulatory levels. We present historical records of PCB concentrations in sediment cores from eight sites on the Rhône River, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea. Maximum PCB concentrations (sum of seven indicator PCBs) increase downstream, from 11.50 μg/kg at the most upstream site to 417.1 μg/kg at the most downstream site. At some sites peak concentrations occur in sediment deposited as recently as the 2000s. Hierarchical clustering (five clusters) identified differences in PCB congener profiles within and between sites. Exponential models fit to decadal time windows indicate that rapid reductions in concentrations during about 1990-2000 have slowed, and that it might be decades before target concentrations in sediment that correspond to regulatory thresholds in fish will be reached at some sites.

International audience; Root cell walls accumulate metal cations both during acquisition from the environment and removal from the protoplast to avoid toxicity, but molecular forms of the metals under field conditions remain elusive. We have identified how copper is bound to cell walls of intact roots of native Thlaspi arvense by combining synchrotron X-ray fluorescence and absorption techniques (XANES and EXAFS) at the nano-, micro-, and bulk scales. The plants grew naturally in sediment in a stormwater runoff basin at copper concentrations typical of urban ecosystems. About 90% of acquired copper is bound in vivo to cell walls as a unique five-coordinate Cu(II)-bis(L-histidinato) complex with one L-histidine behaving as a tridentate ligand (histamine-like chelate) and the other as a bidentate ligand (glycine-like chelate). Tridentate binding of Cu(II) would provide thermodynamic stability to protect cells against copper toxicity, and bidentate binding may enable kinetic lability along the cell wall through protein-protein docking with the non-bonded imidazole group of histidine residues. EXAFS spectra are provided as ESI dagger to facilitate further identification of Cu-histidine and distinction of Cu-N from Cu-O bonds in biomolecules.

Glutamine synthetase (GS, EC 6.3.1.2) was purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity from roots of Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb) Franco by a three-step procedure involving diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Trisacryl chromatography, affinity chromatography on Matrex Gel Red A, and preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was purified 40-fold with a 16% recovery. The native enzyme had a molecular mass of 460 ± 5 kDa as estimated by gel filtration, interpolation of the Ferguson plots and non-denaturing gradient-PAGE. It was composed of two different subunits of 54 and 64 kDa. Affinity constants for glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), ATP and ADP were 2.6, 10.5, 0.5 and 0.083 mM, respectively. The enzyme exhibited a negative cooperativity for ammonium (Hill number of 0.7) with two K m values which were 11 and 75 μM in the presence of ammonium concentrations lower and higher than 1.3 mM, respectively. Glycine and ADP appeared as potential inhibitors of the GS activity. The optimum pH values were 7.2 and 7.6 for the transferase and the biosynthetic assays, respectively. The enzyme lost 30% of its activity within 25 days of storage at 4°C. The optimum temperatures of activity were 40°C and 45°C for the transferase and biosynthetic activities, respectively.

International audience; This study focuses on the distribution of bacterial and fungal communities within the microstructure of a multi-contaminated sedimentary layer resulting from urban stormwater infiltration. Fractionation was performed on the basis of differential porosity and aggregate grain size, resulting in five fractions: leachable fitting macroporosity, < 10, 10-160, 160-1000 mu m fitting aggregates, > 1000 mu m. Amounts of both bacterial and fungal biomasses are greater in the < 10 mu m and leachable fractions. The aggregates contain numerous bacteria but very low amounts of fungal biomass. Single-strand conformational polymorphism molecular profiles highlighted the differences between bacterial and fungal communities of the leachable fraction and those of the aggregates. Random Sanger sequencing of ssu clones revealed that these differences were mainly because of the presence of Epsilonproteobacteria and Firmicutes in the leachable fractions, while the aggregates contained more Cyanobacteria. The Cyanobacteria phylotypes in the aggregates were dominated by the sequences related to Microcoleus vaginatus while the leachable fractions presented the sequences of chloroplastic origin. Therefore, more than 50% of the phylotypes observed were related to Proteobacteria while 40% were related to Cyanobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Preferential distribution of clades in almost all the phyla or classes detected was observed. This study provides insight into the identities of dominant members of the bacterial communities of urban sediments. Microcoleus vaginatus appeared to predominate in pioneer soils.

International audience; Infiltration basins are shallow reservoirs in which stormwater is temporarily collected in order to reduce water volume in downstream networks. The settling of stormwater particles leads to a contaminated sediment layer. Wild plants can colonize these basins and can also play a role on the fate of heavy metals either directly by their uptake or indirectly by modification of physico-chemical characteristics of the sediment and therefore by modification of the mobility of heavy metals. The aim of this study, carried out in a vegetated infiltration basin, is to assess Cd, Cu and Zn mobility in two zones colonized by different species, Phalaris arundinacea and Typha latifolia. The study was carried out using three single chemical extractions: CaCl(2) for the exchangeable phase, acetate buffer for the acido-soluble fraction and diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) for the fraction associated to the organic matter. Zn and Cd are mainly associated to carbonated and organic matter phases of the sediment. Moreover, acetate buffer-extractable Zn contents are strongly correlated to carbonates content in the sediment. DTPA-extractable Cu contents are strongly correlated with organic carbon sediment contents. We have also noted that extractable contents were significantly different between both zones whatever the metal.

Willows occur as volunteer vegetation on sediment-derived soils, such as dredged sediments, landfill cover or stockpile deposits, and are used as phytoremediators on such soils. The present study evaluates growth and metal uptake by Salix alba grown on a contaminated dredge sediment for 209 days under greenhouse conditions. At the end of the study, the aerial parts of the S. alba plants had grown to heights of between 80 and 117 cm. Biomass and Cd and Zn concentration in the roots, stems and leaves, at 70, 112 and 209 days, showed that Cd and Zn had been bioaccumulated, especially in the leaves. At the three sampling dates, Cd and Zn extractability and pH measurements were also carried out on samples of two soil layers (0–15 and 15–30 cm) from both the planted and the control pots. Cd and Zn extractability were assessed using single extraction procedures (0.01 M CaCl 2 ; 1 M HNO 3 ; CaCl 2 –TEA–DTPA). The two metals showed similar variations in CaCl 2 and HNO 3 extractabilities, but this was not the case for DTPA extractability. The greatest variations were observed in the upper soil layers of the control pots. In the planted pots, the CaCl 2 extractability of Zn decreased in the upper layer, and the HNO 3 extractability of Zn increased in the lower layer. The pH of the upper soil layer was always higher than the pH of the bottom layer. In addition, we monitored several parameters of the percolates from both the planted and the control sediments, including pH, Eh, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon, Zn and Cd concentrations, and presence of certain cations/anions. Dissolved organic carbon, and Cd and Zn concentrations increased steadily over time. There were no significant differences between the planted and the control pots. After 209 days, the characteristics of the control sediment reflected the effects of ageing in that the CaCl 2 -extractable Cd and Zn concentrations had decreased compared with the initial concentrations. Conversely, the concentrations of HNO 3 -extractable Cd and Zn had increased. A fraction of the metal initially extracted by CaCl 2 (considered as exchangeable) became less available with time. After 112 days, the plants had extracted approximately 2.8 mg of Zn. At the same time, the CaCl 2 extractability of Zn in the upper, rooted layer decreased by 2.6 mg. We can assume that S. alba extracted Zn from the pool of CaCl 2 -extractable Zn.

The sealing of surfaces in urban areas makes storm water management compulsory. Contaminated particles carried from urban surfaces are deposited in infiltration ponds. This gives rise to a highly organic (11% DW) contaminated sedimentary layer (Zn:1.2 mg/g, Cd:15 mg/kg) that could threaten groundwater quality. During infiltration, particle arrangement impacts infiltrating water and sediment exchanges. In this context, understanding particle arrangement and leachable components is essential. This study investigates Organic Matter (OM) not only as a pollutant but also as a substrate and a structuring element. The leachable fraction was collected and grain size fractionation was performed. OM of sediments and isolated fractions were characterized by measuring organic carbon content, isolating aromatic hydrocarbons, saturated hydrocarbons and polar compounds after dichloromethane extraction, and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) molecular analyses. The organic compounds observed were petroleum byproducts (steranes and terpanes, unresolved complex mixture (UCM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)), but plant and bacteria biomarkers were also found (phytol and derivatives, sterols). Leachable OM consisted of 6% of sediment OM (associated with particles0.45 microm). This leachable OM is easily extractable by dichloromethane (96%) and contains fewer macromolecules than other fractions. Isolated grain size fractions showed dissimilarities (total organic carbon from 3.5 mg/g to 88.6 mg/g, extraction rate from 24 to 96%, aromatic hydrocarbon distribution) and similarities (proportions of aromatic and saturated hydrocarbons and polar compounds, molecular distribution of saturated hydrocarbons and polar compounds). The results suggest that organic macromolecules take part in the aggregation of sediments and prevent fine particles (10 microm) from being leached. On the other hand, leachable particles (20 microm grain size mode) could carry low molecular weight organic molecules. The physical structure of the sediments and the leaching of particles containing contaminants are considerably affected by the presence of OM.

Dredged sediments may contain considerable amounts of metallic and/or organic pollutants. The risk of metal transfer from sediment deposits to soils can be evaluated using chemical extraction procedures; however, the temperatures at which samples are dried before metal extraction vary widely from one study to another. This led us to investigate the impact of drying temperature on the extractability of metals from dredged sediments. First, water-, CaCl 2 - and DTPA-extractions were performed on 12 dredged sediments collected in France, with analyses being carried out on both raw (i.e. not dried) samples and on samples dried at 105°C. Higher extractable Cd and Zn contents were recorded for the samples dried at 105°C than for the raw samples. In order to assess the effect of drying temperature on metal extractability, we selected one sediment and carried out CaCl 2 -, HNO 3 - and DTPA-extractions on the raw sample and on samples dried at three different temperatures. In general, increasing the drying temperature led to an increase in the extractability of Cr and Cu for all three extraction methods. The CaCl 2 -extractability of Ni and Zn decreased as drying temperature increased, except for the sample dried at 105°C. The HNO 3 - and DTPA-extractabilities of these two metals were highest when the sediments were air-dried and then decreased with increasing drying temperature. Similar behavior was observed for Cd, except in the case of HNO 3 -extractability. As the aim of chemical analysis using selective extraction is to measure the bio-available fractions of metals in soils and sediments, we suggest that extraction should be carried out on raw samples in order to simulate plant growth conditions

International audience; In aquatic ecosystems, deposition of fine particles at the surface of bed sediments has a great influence on biogeochemical processes and organic matter mineralization. In urban area, the fine particle deposits collected in stormwater infiltration basins can strongly increase the concentrations of reduced solutes (as NH4+) in interstitial water infiltrating in the porous media. The purpose of this study was to test the relative influence of organic matter characteristics (quantity and quality) and the pollutant content of a stormwater particle deposit on mineralization processes, bacterial characteristics, and the release of nutrients in infiltration sediment systems. In microcosm experiments, two other natural particle deposits (one low and one rich particulate organic matter deposits) were studied to compare their effects with those of the stormwater deposit. The results showed that the biogeochemical processes (aerobic respiration, denitrification, fermentative processes) and the microbial metabolism (enzymatic activities) were stimulated in presence of the stormwater deposit and the natural particulate organic matter (POM)-rich deposit because of the quantity of the POM in these surface particle deposits. The high availability of the POM (indicated by its low C/N ratio) produced a higher stimulation of the microbial metabolism than the POM-rich deposit (with a high C/N ratio). In contrast, presence of pollutants (metals and hydrocarbons) in the stormwater deposit did not have significant influence on microbial processes in the porous media. Thus, stormwater sedimentary deposits strongly loaded in POM and pollutants have a great impact on functioning of water-sediment interfaces by stimulating biogeochemical and microbial processes: (1) interstitial water was deoxygenated, (2) several solutes (NH4+, PO43-, DOC) originating from POM were released to interstitial water and (3) these solutes, particularly DOC, that were transferred at depth can significantly affect the functional diversity of micro-organisms in the whole infiltration system.

The implementation of an ecological risk assessment framework is presented for dredged material deposits on soil close to a canal and groundwater, and tested with sediment samples from canals in northern France. This framework includes two steps: a simplified risk assessment based on contaminant concentrations and a detailed risk assessment based on toxicity bioassays and column leaching tests. The tested framework includes three related assumptions: (a) effects on plants (Lolium perenne L.), (b) effects on aquatic organisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Xenopus laevis) and (c) effects on groundwater contamination.Several exposure conditions were tested using standardised bioassays. According to the specific dredged material tested, the three assumptions were more or less discriminatory, soil and groundwater pollution being the most sensitive. Several aspects of the assessment procedure must now be improved, in particular assessment endpoint design for risks to ecosystems (e.g., integration of pollutant bioaccumulation), bioassay protocols and column leaching test design. Keywords: Bioassays, Dredged materials, Ecological risk assessment, Ecotoxicity, Percolation, Sediment

The aim of this work is to determine sediment properties, metal contents and transfers of Cd and Zn from dredged sediments to plants. To this end 10 deposit sites with different contexts were visited in France. The main agronomic characteristics and metal contents for surface soil layers were measured, the plant species present at the sites, such as Brassicaceae and Fabaceae, were listed, and the distribution of their root systems described. Soil characteristics such as available P (Olsen) varied between sites, with values ranging from 0.01 to 0.49 g kg−1. Total contents and enrichment factors were studied, highlighting metal contamination in most of the sites. Despite carrying out principal component analyses, it was not possible to group deposits by age or geographical localisation. However, deposits could be distinguished as a function of proximity of industrial facilities, sediment grain size and carbonate content. Associations between metals were also highlighted: (1) Cd, Pb and Zn, and (2) Al, Cr, Cu and Fe. Consequently, we propose classifying them as technogenic anthrosols.

National audience, The implementation of an ecological risk assessment framework is presented for dredged material deposits on soil closed to a canal and a groundwater, and tested with sediment samples from a French North-Eastern canal. This framework includes two steps: a screening risk assessment, based on contaminant concentrations, and a detailed risk assessment based on toxicity bioassays and column leaching tests. The tested framework includes three assumptions, which are related (a) to effects to plants (Lolium perenne L.), (b) effects to aquatic organisms (Escherichia coli, Chlorella vulgaris, Ceriodaphnia dubia, and Xenopus laevis) and (c) to groundwater contamination. Several exposure conditions were tested, including standardised bioassays. According to the specific tested sediments, the three assumptions were more or less discriminatory, soil and groundwater pollution being the most sensitives. The assessment procedure has to be improved on several aspects, particularly assessment endpoint design for risk to ecosystems (e.g.: integration of pollutants bioaccumulation), bioassays protocols and column leaching test design., Une méthodologie d’évaluation des risques écotoxicologiques engendrés par un dépôt de sédiments de dragage sur un sol situé à proximité d’un canal et à la surface d’une nappe phréatique exploitée a été élaborée et testée avec des échantillons de sédiments d’un canal du Nord-Est de la France. La procédure générale comporte une étape d’évaluation simplifiée des risques, basée essentiellement sur la mesure des concentrations en polluants dans les sédiments, et une étape d’évaluation détaillée des risques où des essais d’écotoxicité et de percolation en colonnes sont mis en œuvre. Le scénario testé retient trois hypothèses, qui concernent (a) les effets sur les végétaux de la prairie périphérique du dépôt, représentés par Lolium perenne L., (b) les effets sur les organismes aquatiques du canal, représentés par Escherichia coli, Chlorella vulgaris, Ceriodaphnia dubia, et Xenopus laevis, et (c) la pollution de la nappe alluviale associée. Différentes modalités d’exposition (essais normalisés ou standardisés) ont été testées. Dans le cas particulier des trois sédiments étudiés, ces hypothèses se sont avérées plus ou moins discriminantes, la pollution de la prairie et de la nappe étant les plus sensibles. Des améliorations de la méthodologie sont envisagées concernant à la fois la sélection des variables biologiques (intégration des effets liés à la bioaccumulation des polluants, par exemple), et les protocoles des bioessais et de percolation en colonne.

Storm water infrastructures based on pipe networks have reached their limits (concentration of the pollution, increase in flooding risks of and in investment costs). The managers and the designers turn towards new stormwater approaches such as infiltration strategies supposed to be more sustainable (easy integration in urban area, reduction of peak rates and pollution loads of urban runoff by reducing the imperviousness, limitation of stormwater discharges in the watercourses…). However, their development asks questions on their long term behaviour and their real performances must be quantified. The aim of the research that has just been lunched is divided into two parts. The first one (Part 1) is devoted to a better understanding/description of their long term functioning in order to improve design, maintenance and management strategies of the technical systems (Part 2). This second part will be carried out by the means of construction of reliable performance indicators and the development of mu...

Summary The ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccarla laccata was found to contain two different glutamate dehydrogenases (GDH); one is dependent on NADP as cofactor whereas the other utilizes NAD. The NADP-GDH exhibited a fairly good affinity for ammonium (Km: 5 mM) and NAD-GDH exhibited a high affinity for glutamate (Km: 0,24 mM) which is consistent with an anabolic role for the former enzyme and a catabolic role for the latter. Both fungal and Douglas-fir root glutamine synthetases (GS) were found to have a very high affinity for ammonium (Km: 24 and 28 μM), suggesting that these enzymes can play a key role in the assimilation of ammonium into amino acids. The NAD-GDH found in the free-living Laccarla laccata was suppressed in Douglas-fir ectomycorrhizas, while the fungal NADP-GDH and GS remained active in symbiotic tissues. Immunogold labelling also indicated the presence of both enzymes which were found to be located in the cytosol of the fungal cells and evenly distributed in the ectomycorrhizas. Aspartate am...

A comprehensive study was conducted in two distinct areas (Estarreja in Portugal, noted EST, and Casier Peyraud 6 in France, noted PEY) to assess the contamination levels as well as their behavior in soils and the potential risks posed by these contaminants to soil organisms. The principal aim was to evaluate the environmental mobility of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in a terrestrial ecosystem, namely to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and plants (alfalfa (Medicago sativa), watercress (Nasturtium officinale) and white mustard (Sinapis alba)), concerning the BFRs transfer risk evaluation. The Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) as well as the SET and ERITME indexes were calculated. The BAF allow to determine if a substance is accumulated in a certain organism and if there exists the risk of entry and diffusion along the food chain. SET and ERITME indexes allow to rank the tested sites according to the effective OCs transfer from anthroposoils to the tested organisms and have an idea of the potential risk to the ec system. The SET index gives a global idea of the excess of transfer for all the contaminants in the studied matrices. The ERITME index allows to evaluate the possible inherent global environmental risk associated with the excess of transfer on the considered contaminants. Considering the ERITME values, the studied matrices can be classified in an apparent increasing order of toxicity that it is also in accordance with the levels of OCs found in the all the tested organisms (E. fetida, alfalfa, cress and mustard)., Une étude approfondie a été menée dans deux zones distinctes (Estarreja au Portugal, noté EST, et Casier Peyraud 6 en France, noté PEY) pour évaluer les niveaux de contamination, ainsi que leurs comportements dans des anthroposols et les risques potentiels de ces contaminants pour des organismes vivants du sol. L’objectif principal étant d’évaluer la mobilité environnementale des retardateurs de flamme bromés (RFBs) dans un écosystème terrestre, notamment vers les vers de terre (Eisenia fetida) et les plants (luzerne (Medicago sativa), cresson (Nasturtium officinale), moutarde blanche (Sinapsis alba), dans une prospective d’évaluation du risque de transferts de ces molécules.Le facteur de bioaccumulation (BAF) ainsi que les indices SET et ERITME ont été calculés. Le BAF permet de déterminer si une substance est accumulée dans un organisme donné et s’il existe un risque d’entrée et de diffusion tout au long de la chaine alimentaire. Les indices SET et ERITME permettent de classer les sites testés en fonction du transfert efficace des COs par les anthroposols aux organismes testés, et d’avoir une idée du risque potentiel pour l’écosystème. L’indice SET donne une idée globale de l’excès de transfert pour tous les contaminants dans les matrices étudiées. L’indice ERITME permet d’évaluer le risque environnemental global inhérent associé à l’excès de transfert des contaminants considérés. Compte tenu des valeurs ERITME, les matrices étudiées peuvent être classées dans un ordre de toxicité qui est aussi conforme pour l’ensemble des organismes testés (E. fetida, luzerne, cresson et moutarde).

The objective of this thesis is to understand the reasons why some plants are able to absorb more organic pollutants than others. The aim is to understand the parameters that, at the plant level, control the penetration into the roots and then the transfer to the aerial parts. Chlordecone was selected as a study molecule for its physico-chemical characteristics suitable for the study of soil-plant transfers (lowvolatility and relative hydrophobicity) but also because of the high stakes around contaminated soils in the FrenchWest Indies. Initially, we decided to relate the processes linked to plant growth to the capacity to accumulate chlordecone during laboratory tests. Model grasses, such as wheat ormiscanthus, allowed us to identify the biological traits involved in the absorption and then translocation of the molecule in the different parts of the plant. At the end of this first phase, the efficiency of transpiration, which also reflects the plant’s ability to use water, emerged as the main determinant of the concentration of chlordecone in the plant. In a second phase, we sought to assess the potential for contamination of the spontaneous flora of the contaminated fields in Guadeloupe, through stratified sampling, i.e. sampling oriented by a priori knowledge or by certain determinants highlighted during the laboratory phase. In 70% of the cases, the analysis of this spontaneous flora enabled us to highlight the significant risk of exceeding regulatory thresholds in animal meat fed with the plant cover of the contaminated plots. Cultivation practices, such as intensified tillage, also appeared to be significantly correlated with the increase in the amount of chlordecone found in the plant., L’objectif de cette thèse est de comprendre pourquoi certaines plantes sont en mesure d’absorber plus de polluants organiques que d’autres. Il s’agit d’appréhender les paramètres qui, à l’échelle de la plante, régissent l’absorption dans les racines puis le transfert vers les parties aériennes. La chlordécone a été retenue comme molécule d’étude, pour ses caractéristiques physico-chimiques propices à l’étude des transferts sol-plante (faible volatilité et relative hydrophobicité) mais également à cause des enjeux forts autour des sols contaminés dans les Antilles Françaises. Dans un premier temps, nous avons décidé de mettre en relation les processus liés à la croissance de la plante avec la capacité à accumuler la chlordécone lors d’essais en laboratoire. Des graminées modèles, comme le blé ou le miscanthus, nous ont permis d’identifier les traits biologiques impliqués dans l’absorption puis la translocation de la molécule dans les différentes parties de la plante. A l’issue de cette première phase, l’efficience de la transpiration, qui traduit également la capacité de la plante à utiliser l’eau, est apparue comme le principal déterminant de la concentration de la chlordécone dans la plante. Dans un second temps, nous avons cherché à évaluer le potentiel de contamination de la flore spontanée des parcelles contaminées de Guadeloupe, à travers un échantillonnage stratifié, c’est-à-dire orienté par des connaissances à priori ou par certains déterminants mis en évidence lors de la phase de laboratoire. Dans 70% des cas, l’analyse de cette flore spontanée nous a permis de mettre en évidence le risque significatif de dépassement des seuils réglementaires dans la viande animale nourrie avec la couverture végétale des parcelles contaminées. Des pratiques culturales, comme l’intensification du travail du sol, sont également apparues comme étant significativement corrélées à l’augmentation des quantités de chlordécone retrouvées dans la plante.

Urban stormwater basins surfaces can be highly contaminated and can be spontaneously or intentionaly vegetated. The aim of this work is to better characterize the role of the vegetation on heavy metal (Zn, Cd, Cu) mobility. Firstly, vegetation inventory has pointed out the high species diversity in these devices (from ruderal vegetation to wetland plants). Then, a physico-chemical characterization of surface samples vegetated by dominant species has been carried out. We have shown that carbonates and organic matter play a major role in the control of heavy metal mobility. The parameters which are the most spatially and temporally variable are essentially related to organic matter cycle (nitrate, heavy metal fraction bound to organic matter), and to the introduction of stormwater suspended matter (heavy metals, texture). At the maximum of plant growth phase, heavy metal mobility is enhanced and the period of plant death leads to a better heavy metal retention in the basin surface. This thesis invites us to consider plants as agents of surface stormwater basin transformation and to include plants in future research work., Les bassins de gestion des eaux pluviales, dont l’horizon de surface est parfois fortement contaminé, peuvent être naturellement ou volontairement colonisés par la végétation. L’objectif de ce travail est de mieux comprendre le rôle de la végétation dans le contrôle de la mobilité des métaux lourds comme le Zinc, le Cuivre et le Cadmium. Le premier volet de ces travaux, consacré à la caractérisation de la végétation se développant dans ces bassins, a montré que ces ouvrages abritaient une flore diversifiée, allant d’une végétation rudérale éparse à une végétation dense caractéristique de zones humides. Ensuite, une analyse physico-chimique multiparamétrique d’échantillons prélévés à la surface de bassins colonisés par des espèces végétales dominantes a été réalisée. Nous avons montré que les carbonates et la matière organique contrôlaient particulièrement la mobilité du Cu, Cd et Zn dans ces milieux. Les paramètres les plus variables temporellement et spatialement, sont essentiellement liés au cycle de la matière organique (nitrates, fraction métallique lié à la matière organique) mais également à l’apport de particules anthropiques (texture, métaux). Lorsque la plante est à son maximum de croissance, la mobilité potentielle des métaux est la plus élevée alors que la phase de sénescence de la plante semble conduire à un meilleur piégeage de ces contaminants. Cette thèse invite à considérer la végétation comme un agent de transformation de l’horizon de surface et à intégrer cette composante dans les futurs travaux sur la contamination des ouvrages d’assainissement urbain.