• Component

    Faculty of Science

Description

This course aims at better understanding the main types of pollutants (organic vs. inorganic), their source(s), their fate in the environment and the way they interact with living organisms (bioaccumulation, biotransformation, effects). The methods used in depollution and bioremediation will be discussed. A particular focus will be made on the contribution of terrestrial and aquatic plants in phytoremediation as well as on the role of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) in the mechanisms of biodegradation, biotransformation or biosequestration. This course will be illustrated through different case studies through which examples of chronic and acute/accidental pollution of water, air and soil will be discussed. In particular, the treatment of pollution related to mining, petroleum, plastics and phyto-pharmaceutical industries as well as the treatment of liquid effluents (wastewater, industrial effluents) will be discussed. A field trip to Saint-Laurent-Le-Minier will illustrate a current project of phytoremediation of a former mining site.

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Objectives

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

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

3) understand and critically analyze the scientific literature.

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Knowledge control

Continuous assessment : 100%.

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