Contaminants in the aquatic environment and sustainable development

The issue of contaminants in the aquatic environment is addressed from a multidisciplinary scientific perspective (chemistry, geochemistry, microbiology, etc.) while also addressing regulatory aspects:

• Presentation of the main contaminants in the aquatic environment: chemical contaminants such as major elements, trace metals, organic micropollutants (pesticides, hydrocarbons, endocrine disruptors, microbiological contaminants, etc.), radioelements, and biological contaminants such as microorganisms, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, etc.

• Focus on certain contaminants depending on aquatic environments, taking into account the hydrochemical characteristics of the water in relation to the geological and environmental contexts of hydrological and hydrogeological basins.

• Presentation of interactions between microorganisms and organic and inorganic contaminants and their consequences on the fate of contaminants in the aquatic environment; application in bioremediation.

These lessons are illustrated through examples from current events, such as antibiotic resistance, and/or topics researched by the speakers.

This course introduces students to contaminants in the aquatic environment, which is essential for assessing risks to the health of ecosystems and humans and for managing water resources. That is why the program includes a presentation of the various contaminants in the environment and the regulations governing them.

Continuous assessment and final assessment

Students who have obtained a grade of 10/20 or higher are declared admitted to the EU.

The issue of contaminants in the aquatic environment is addressed from a multidisciplinary scientific perspective (chemistry, geochemistry, microbiology, etc.) while also addressing regulatory aspects:

• Presentation of the main contaminants in the aquatic environment: chemical contaminants such as major elements, trace metals, organic micropollutants (pesticides, hydrocarbons, endocrine disruptors, etc.) and biological contaminants (microorganisms, antibiotic resistance genes).

• Focus on certain contaminants depending on aquatic environments, taking into account the hydrochemical characteristics of the water in relation to the geological and environmental contexts of hydrological and hydrogeological basins.

• Presentation of interactions between microorganisms and organic and inorganic contaminants and their consequences on the fate of contaminants in the aquatic environment; application in bioremediation.

These lessons are illustrated through examples from current events, such as antibiotic resistance and/or research topics from the speakers.

• Knowing the main contaminants in the aquatic environment

• Know the priority lists of contaminants established at the international level

• Have the scientific and regulatory foundations to understand contaminant issues and raise awareness of the challenges of managing contaminants in aquatic environments in terms of sustainable development.