Pollution and bioremediation of ecosystems

This EU aims to provide a better understanding of the main types of pollutants (organic vs. mineral), their source(s), their fate in the environment, and how they interact with living organisms (bioaccumulation, biotransformation, effects). Methods used in decontamination and bioremediation will be discussed. Particular focus will be placed on the contribution of terrestrial and aquatic plants to phytoremediation, as well as on the role of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) in the mechanisms of biodegradation, biotransformation, and biosequestration. This course unit will be illustrated through various case studies addressing examples of chronic and acute/accidental pollution of water, air, and soil. In particular, it will cover the treatment of pollution linked to the mining, oil, plastics, and phytopharmaceutical industries, as well as the treatment of liquid effluents (wastewater, industrial effluents). A field trip to Saint-Laurent-Le-Minier will illustrate a current phytoremediation project at a former mining site.

1) acquire theoretical knowledge about the main types of pollutants (organic vs. mineral), their source(s), their fate in the environment, and how they interact with living organisms, as well as existing approaches to decontamination and bioremediation;

2) know how to apply concepts and tools at the interface between different disciplines (ecology, organism biology, ecophysiology, microbiology, biochemistry, ecotoxicology) in order to solve environmental problems and issues relating to the management/protection of species and ecosystems;

3) understand and critically analyze scientific literature.

Continuous assessment: 100%