Component
Faculty of Science
List of courses
GE 2 Individual Project
ECTS
4 credits
Component
Faculty of Science
Pollution and bioremediation of ecosystems
Component
Faculty of Science
This course aims to provide a better understanding of the main types of pollutants (organic vs. inorganic), their source(s), their fate in the environment and how they interact with living organisms (bioaccumulation, biotransformation, effects). The methods used in depollution and bioremediation will be discussed. Particular emphasis will be placed on the contribution of terrestrial and aquatic plants to phytoremediation, and on the role of micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi) in biodegradation, biotransformation or biosequestration mechanisms. This course will be illustrated by a number of case studies, covering examples of chronic and acute/accidental pollution of water, air and soil. In particular, the treatment of pollution linked to the mining, oil, plastics and phyto-pharmaceutical industries will be covered, as will the treatment of liquid effluents (wastewater, industrial effluents). A field trip to Saint-Laurent-Le-Minier will illustrate a current phytoremediation project on a former mining site.