Aquatic Contaminants 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 the regulatory aspects:

• Overview 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.), radioactive elements, and biological contaminants such as microorganisms, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, etc.

• Focus on certain contaminants based on aquatic environments, taking into account, in particular, the hydrochemical characteristics of the water in relation to the geological and environmental contexts of hydrologic and hydrogeologic basins.

• An overview of interactions between microorganisms and organic and inorganic contaminants, and their impact on the fate of contaminants in the aquatic environment; applications in bioremediation.

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

This course introduces students to contaminants in the aquatic environment, which is essential for assessing risks to ecosystem and human health and for managing water resources. For this reason, the curriculum includes an overview of the various contaminants found in the aquatic environment and the relevant regulations.

Ongoing Assessment and Final Assessment

Students who have earned a grade of 10/20 or higher are considered 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 the regulatory aspects:

• Overview 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-resistant genes).

• Focus on certain contaminants based on aquatic environments, taking into account, in particular, the hydrochemical characteristics of the water in relation to the geological and environmental contexts of hydrologic and hydrogeologic basins.

• An overview of interactions between microorganisms and organic and inorganic contaminants, and their impact on the fate of contaminants in the aquatic environment; applications in bioremediation.

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

• Understanding the Main Contaminants in the Aquatic Environment

• Be familiar with the internationally established priority lists of contaminants

• To acquire the scientific and regulatory foundations needed to understand issues related to contaminants and to raise awareness of the challenges of managing contaminants in aquatic environments in the context of sustainable development.