IMPacts of Emerging Contaminants towards phytoplankton in the presence of dissolved organic matter – IMPEC

New technologies involved in communications, energy or medicine have increased the use of elements such as those belonging to the platinum group, lanthanides, indium (In) and germanium (Ge). However, their fate and toxicity to aquatic ecosystems are still poorly understood compared to the base metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb). Current global changes are also altering the concentration and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in freshwaters. This DOM is the main ligand for metals, adding a layer of complexity in predicting the fate and effects of these emerging elements. The objective of this project is therefore to provide new knowledge on the interactions between emerging contaminants and microalgae in the context of global change by examining (WP1) the structural composition of DOM in rivers affected by drought, (WP2) the speciation of emerging elements in the presence of DOM and synthetic organic ligands, (WP3) the uptake, accumulation, and toxicity of these elements in microalgae in the presence of DOM, and (WP4) building predictive toxicity models incorporating the new ecotoxicological data obtained from these emerging metals. This project will be conducted by a team composed of IPREM researchers specialized in analytical chemistry of complex organic matrices, metal speciation, biogeochemistry and ecotoxicology. The results obtained will be used for a better protection of the environment in a context of current energy and ecological transition.