exceeded in all meat and offal samples. The permissible concentration of Cd was exceeded in muscle of wild boar. (...) However, in neither case was the HQ or HI found to be greater than 1, which indicates a low probability of the development of adverse health effects associated with the consumption of game.

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## Ingestion of unusual items by wetland birds in urban landscapes Microsoft Word

**Authors:** Francis et al

**Source:** CURRENT SCIENCE 118(6):25, 2020, doi: 10.18520/cs/v118/i6/977-983

**Abstract:** In view of the variety of waste items casually disposed off by humans, a survey was conducted in two cities, Indore and Coimbatore, in roosting sites of colonial birds looking for unusual items in their food. Of the 891 regurgitated pellets of birds examined, about 53% in Coimbatore and 14% in Indore contained rubber bands, rubber balloons and small plastic debris. Rub-ber bands (95.3%), balloon (2.35%), plastic bits (1.41%) and plastic cap (0.94%) were found in the pellets. (...). These findings show that the birds mis-judge an artefact as natural prey. (...) The potential hazard from such leachable contaminants needs to be further stu-died. (...)

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## Organic farming benefits birds most in regions with more intensive agriculture

**Authors:** Kirk, DA, Martin, AE, Freemark Lindsay, KE

**Source:** J Appl Ecol. 00: 1-13, 2020, doi: 10.1111/1365-2664.13589

**Abstract:** Organic farming is considered beneficial for biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes but the role of agricultural land use intensity ('agricultural intensity'), particularly at regional scales, has often been neglected. (...). The effect of organic farming on the cross-species abundance of birds was only statistically supported in Ontario when not accounting for

agricultural intensity. However, the estimated effect of organic farming was the same whether or not we controlled for agricultural intensity in Saskatchewan (supported positive effect) and Québec ( unsupported effect). (...) Our results showed, for the first time in North America, an effect of regional-scale agricultural intensity on the potential benefit of organic farms.

Additionally, we showed that benefits of organic farming can be overestimated if the effects of local- and landscape-scale agricultural intensity are not considered. However, positive effects of organic farming on cross-species abundance and the abundance of individual species were still detectable when we controlled for agricultural intensity at local- and landscape-scales.

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## Juvenile Toxicity Rodent Model to Study Toxicological Effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) at Dose Levels Derived from Italian Children

**Authors:** Tassinari et al

**Source:** Biomonitoring Study. Toxicological Sciences, 173:387-401, 2020, doi: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz226

**Abstract:** Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plasticizer with endocrine disrupting properties (...). This study aimed to evaluate BPA modes of action and hazards during animal juvenile life-stage, corresponding to childhood. Immature Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were orally treated with 0, 2, 6, and 18 mg/kg bw per day of BPA for 28 days, from weaning to sexual maturity. Dose levels were obtained from the PERSUADED biomonitoring study in Italian children. (...) General toxicity, parameters of sexual development, endocrine/reproductive/functional liver and kidney biomarkers, histopathology of target tissues, and gene expression in hypothalamic-pituitary area and liver were studied. No mortality or general toxicity occurred. (...) Thyroid homeostasis and liver were the most sensitive targets of BPA exposure in the peripubertal phase. (...). The BMD lower bounds were 0.05 and 1.33 mg/kg bw in males and females, considering liver and thyroid biomarkers, respectively. (...) identify sex-specific, targeted
toxicological effects that may have significant impact on risk assessment for children.

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# Uptake, Metabolism, and Elimination of Fungicides from Coated Wheat Seeds in Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)

Authors: Gross et al.

Source: J. Agric. Food Chem. 68:1514-1524, 2020, doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b05668

**Abstract:** Pesticides coated to the seed surface potentially pose an ecological risk to granivorous birds (...). To assess the toxicokinetics of seeds treated (...) Coturnix japonica were orally dosed with commercially coated wheat seeds. Quail were exposed to metalaxyl, tebuconazole, and fludioxonil at either a low dose (0.0655, 0.0308, and 0.0328 mg/kg of body weight, respectively) or a high dose (0.196, 0.0925, and 0.0985 mg/kg of body weight, respectively). Fungicides were rapidly absorbed and distributed to tissues. (...) All compounds were eliminated to below detection limits within 24 h. The high detection frequencies observed in fecal samples potentially offer a non-invasive matrix to monitor pesticide exposure. With the summation of total body burden across plasma, tissue, and fecal samples, less than 9% of the administered dose was identified as the parent fungicide (...).

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ERA / PUBLICATIONS

SCIENTIFIQUES /

PESTICIDES/CLIMAT

et VdT/Enchytreides

# Enchytraeus crypticus Avoid Soil Spiked with Microplastic

Author: Pflugmacher S, Huttunen JH, von Wolff A, Penttinen OP, Kim YJ, Kim S, Mitrovic SM, Esterhuizen-Londt M

Source: TOXICS 10:MDPI 2020, DOI: 10.3390/toxics8010010

**Abstract:** Microlstics (MPs) of varying sizes are widespread pollutants in our environment. The general opinion is that the smaller the size, the more dangerous the MPs are due to enhanced uptake possibilities. It would be of considerably ecological significance to understand the response of biota to microplastic contamination both physically and physiologically. Here, we report on an area choice experiment (avoidance test) using Enchytraeus crypticus, in which we mixed different amounts of high-density polyethylene microplastic particles into the soil. In all experimental scenarios, more Enchytraeids moved to the unspiked sections or chose a lower MP-concentration. Worms in contact with MP exhibited an enhanced oxidative stress status, measured as the induced activity of the antioxidative enzymes catalase and glutathione S-transferase. As plastic polymers per se are nontoxic, the exposure time employed was too short for chemicals to leach from the microplastic, and as the microplastic particles used in these experiments were too large (4 mm) to be consumed by the Enchytraeids, the likely cause for the avoidance and oxidative stress could be linked to altered soil properties.

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# Opening a can of worms: Can the availability of soil invertebrates be indicated by birds?

Recently detected invertebrate population declines are likely to have far-reaching impacts for ecosystem function. However, very little large-scale monitoring of invertebrates, especially soil invertebrates, has taken place. To address t...

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106222

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## Effects of elevated temperatures and cadmium exposure on stress biomarkers at different biological complexity levels in *Eisenia fetida* earthworms

Several ecotoxicological studies assessed metal toxicity upon soil biota and other communities but were mainly focused on the study of a single chemical and usually under optimal conditions of temperature. Meanwhile an increasing global...

DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108735

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## Evaluating the effects of the tebuconazole on the earthworm, *Eisenia fetida* by H-1 NMR-Based untargeted metabolomics and mRNA assay

Tebuconazole, a widely used fungicide, can severely disrupt the reproductive process of various organisms. In this study, we investigated the subacute effects of tebuconazole on the earthworm to fully understand its toxic implications...

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110370

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## Impact of temperature on the toxicity of Kraft 36 EC (R) (a.s. abamectin) and Score 250 EC (R) (a.s. difenoconazole) to soil

### Organisms under realistic environmental exposure scenarios

Pesticides can affect all receiving compartments, especially soils, and their fate and effects may be enhanced by temperature, increasing their risk to ecological functions of soils. In Brazil, the most widely used pesticides are the ins...

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110446

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### Combined effects of goethite nanoparticles with metallic contaminants and an organophosphorus pesticide on *Eisenia andrei*

The effects of mixtures of nanoparticles (NPs) and other chemicals have been poorly studied in terrestrial invertebrates. In this study, we investigated the effects of binary mixtures of goethite (alpha-FeOOH) NPs and metallic (Cd and Pb...

DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08547-0

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### Effect of phenanthrene on the biological characteristics of earthworm casts and their relationships with digestive and anti-oxidative systems

Earthworms as ecosystem engineers partially improve soil properties by egesting casts. Our previous study confirmed that soil pollution affects the physico-chemical properties of earthworm casts. It is still unclear whether the biologica...

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110359

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## Exposure of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) to bauxite residue: Implications for future rehabilitation programmes

Bauxite residue is typically alkaline, has high sodium content and elevated concentrations of trace elements. Effective rehabilitation strategies are needed to mitigate potential environmental risks from its disposal and storage. Increas...

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137126

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## Toxicity of imidacloprid to the earthworm *Eisenia andrei* and collembolan *Folsomia candida* in three contrasting tropical soils

Purpose Imidacloprid is a widely used seed dressing insecticide in Brazil. However, the effects of this pesticide on non-target organisms such as soil fauna still present some knowledge gaps in tropical soils. This study aimed to assess...

DOI: 10.1007/s11368-019-02538-6

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## Applying fungicide on earthworms: Biochemical effects of *Eisenia fetida* exposed to fluoxastrobin in three natural soils

Fluoxastrobin is one of the most widely used strobilurin fungicides, however, application of the fungicides may result in soil residues leading to

environmental damage including oxidative stress and damage to sentinel organisms (i.e. ear...

DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113666

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## A reconsideration of the safety of fenoxycarb (IGR) in soil environment: The toxicity of fenoxycarb to *Yuukianura szeptyckii* (Collembola)

Fenoxycarb, a juvenile hormone agonist has been widely used to control various insect pests in agriculture. Fenoxycarb has been considered environmentally safe because it degrades quickly and has lower mammalian toxicity compared with ma...

DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2019.12.006

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## Impact of pesticide monocrotophos on microbial populations and histology of intestine in the Indian earthworm *Lampito mauritii* (Kinberg)

Soil contamination has enlarged over the decades due to intensive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agronomy. Earthworms are significant organisms in the soil community. Earthworms are the major role in soil fertility in most...

DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103893

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## A sensitive optical-based test method for the locomotor activity of earthworms
The outdated test methodologies for terrestrial animals have limited the progress of soil ecotoxicology to some extent. To improve the behavioral testing of earthworms, a terrestrial model animal, a sensitive optical-based method for det...

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136966

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## Toxicity in Neonicotinoids to *Folsomia candida* and *Eisenia andrei*

We compared the toxicity of the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, and clothianidin in terms of the survival and reproduction of 2 species of soil invertebrates, *Folsomia candida* and *Eisenia andrei*. Test...

DOI: 10.1002/etc.4634

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## Biochemical responses and DNA damage induced by herbicide QYR301 in earthworm (Eisenia fetida)

QYR301, a novel herbicidal inhibitor of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), has great potential for resistant weed control in paddy fields, but massive use of pesticides may result in toxicity to soil non-target organisms. Thus, ...

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125512

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## An energy-based model to analyze growth data of earthworms exposed to two fungicides

The pesticide risk assessment for earthworms is currently performed using standardized tests, the model species *Eisenia fetida*, and the analyses of

the data obtained are performed with ad hoc statistical tools. We assessed the impact of ...

DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06985-z

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## First report on a classification-based QSAR model for chemical toxicity to earthworm

As the use of the pesticides has increased extensively in the farming fields to have a better agricultural production, the negative impacts of such use have also increased exponentially. Hence, the toxic effects of pesticides along with ...

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121660

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## The sublethal lead (Pb) toxicity to the earthworm *Eisenia fetida* (Annelida, Oligochaeta) as affected by NaCl salinity and manure addition in a calcareous clay loam soil during an indoor mesocosm experiment

The combined effects of salinity and organic amendments on lead (Pb) toxicity to earthworms as important components of soil invertebrates are still largely unknown. A mesocosm experiment was conducted to examine how the combined use of N...

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110083

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## Glyphosate spraying and earthworm *Lumbricus terrestris* L. activity: Evaluating short-term impact in a glasshouse experiment simulating cereal post-harvest

A glasshouse experiment was conducted to study if glyphosate spraying has immediate short-term effects on the growth, reproduction and residue incorporation of the earthworm species *Lumbricus terrestris* L. The experiment simulated post-h...

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejsobi.2019.103148

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## Glyphosate but not Roundup harms earthworms (*Eisenia fetida*)

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup (R) formulations. While multiple studies have documented the toxicity, environmental persistence, and tendency to spread for glyphosate and Roundup (R), few studies have compared the toxicit...

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125017

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## Individual and cellular responses of earthworms (*Eisenia fetida*) to endosulfan at environmentally related concentrations

The presence of endosulfan at high levels in soils poses a potential risk for terrestrial ecosystems and human health via the food chain. Therefore, the effects of endosulfan at environmentally related doses on the terrestrial biota are...

DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2019.103299

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## Leaching of insecticides used in blueberry production and their toxicity to red worm

Soil columns were collected from a blueberry field, and insecticide solutions were allowed to leach through these columns. Insecticides from four different chemical classes were applied at two different rates: the concentration at which...

DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125091

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## Exploring QSAR modeling of toxicity of chemicals on earthworm

Earthworm provides sustainability towards the agroecosystem which can be degraded day by day by the extensive use of pesticides (e.g., fungicides, insecticides and herbicides). The present study attempts to develop a predictive quantitat...

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110067

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# DROIT ET POLITIQUE DE L'ENVIRONNEMENT

## Le réseau d'épidémiosurveillance financé par le plan Ecophyto - Réorientations à opérer

La mission conjointe CGEDD-CGAAER d'expertise relative aux réorientations à opérer du réseau d'épidémiosurveillance est intervenue dans un contexte où les moyens alloués à cette action du plan Ecophyto ont été réduits de 23 % pour l'année 2019. Mis en en place en 2009 dans le cadre du plan Ecophyto, le réseau d'épidémiosurveillance
est une des composantes de la surveillance biologique du territoire et s'inscrit dans le cadre de la directive 2009/128/CE du Parlement européen et du Conseil du 21 octobre 2009 instaurant un cadre d'action communautaire pour parvenir à une utilisation des pesticides compatible avec le développement durable. Ce réseau fonctionne de manière relativement autonome au sein du plan Ecophyto et par rapport aux plans officiels de surveillance des organismes nuisibles réglementés. [...]

Auteurs : LAVARDE Patrick, MALEZIEUX Sylvie, BELLEMAIN Véronique

Rapport

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## DROIT ET REGLEMENTATION

### Produits biocides «HYPRED's octanoic acid based products» : règlement d'autorisation de l'Union

REGLEMENT D'EXÉCUTION (UE) 2020/579 DE LA COMMISSION du 27 avril 2020 accordant une autorisation de l'Union pour la famille de produits biocides «HYPRED's octanoic acid based products»

Numéro officiel : UE/2020/579

Date de signature : 27/04/2020

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### Famille de produits biocides «SOPURCLEAN» : règlement d'autorisation de l'Union

REGLEMENT D'EXÉCUTION (UE) 2020/580 DE LA COMMISSION du 27 avril 2020 accordant une autorisation de l'Union pour la famille de produits biocides «SOPURCLEAN»

Numéro officiel : UE/2020/580

Date de signature : 27/04/2020

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### Suspension d'introduction, d'importation et de mise sur le marché en France de cerises fraîches destinées à l'alimentation produites dans un pays autorisant le traitement des cerisiers avec des produits phytopharmaceutiques contenant la substance active diméthoate

Arrêté du 8 avril 2020 portant suspension d'introduction, d'importation et de mise sur le marché en France de cerises fraîches destinées à l'alimentation produites dans un pays autorisant le traitement des cerisiers avec des produits phytopharmaceutiques contenant la substance active diméthoate

Numéro officiel : AGRG2009406A

Date de signature : 08/04/2020

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### Prolongation de la période d'approbation des substances actives «abamectine»

RÈGLEMENT D'EXÉCUTION (UE) 2020/421 DE LA COMMISSION du 18 mars 2020 modifiant le règlement d'exécution (UE) n° 540/2011 en ce qui concerne la prolongation de la période d'approbation des substances actives «abamectine», «Bacillus subtilis (Cohn 1872) - souche QST 713», «Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. aizawai - souches ABTS-1857 et GC-91», «Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israeliensis (sérotype H-14) - souche AM65-52», «Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki - souches ABTS 351, PB 54, SA 11, SA 12 et EG 2348», «Beauveria bassiana - souches ATCC 74040 et GHA», «clodinafop», «clopyralid», «Cydia pomonella Granulovirus (CpGV)», «cyprodinil», «dichlorprop-P», «fenpyroximate», «fosétyl», «Lecanicillium muscarium (anciennement «Verticillium lecanii») - souche Ve6», «mépanipyrim», «Metarhizium anisopliae
(var. anisopliae) - souche BIPESCO 5/F52», «metconazole», «metrafenone», «Phlebiopsis gigantea - souches FOC PG 410.3, VRA 1835 et VRA 1984», «pirimicarbe», «Pseudomonas chlororaphis - souche MA342», «pyriméthanile», «Pythium oligandrum M1», «rimsulfuron», «spinosad», «Streptomyces K61 (anciennement «griseoviridis»), «Trichoderma asperellum (anciennement «harzianum») - souches ICC012, T25 et TV1», «Trichoderma atroviride (anciennement «T. harzianum») - souches IMI 206040 et T11», «Trichoderma gamsii (anciennement «T. viride») - souche ICC080», «Trichoderma harzianum - souches T-22 et ITEM 908», «triclopyr», «trinexapac», «triticonazole» et «zirame»

numéro : UE/2020/421

signé(e) le : 18/03/2020

Liens juridiques : Modification Règlement d'exécution UE/540/2011 25/05/2011

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## Produits phytopharmaceutiques : autorisations de mise sur le marché d'une durée maximale de 120 jours délivrées par le ministère dans des situations d'urgence phytosanitaire

Dans le cadre de la loi d'avenir pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et la forêt (LAAAF) du 13 octobre 2014, le ministère chargé de l'Agriculture reste compétent pour délivrer, dans des situations d'urgence phytosanitaire, des autorisations de mise sur le marché d'une durée maximale de 120 jours. Ces décisions sont rendues publiques sur le site du ministère durant leur période de validité. [...]

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## Liste des produits de biocontrôle

Cette note établit la liste des produits phytopharmaceutiques de biocontrôle, au titre

des articles L.253-5 et L.253-7 du code rural et de la pêche maritime. Elle définit également la méthodologie d'élaboration de la liste, et notamment les critères généraux de définition des produits concernés.

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## REGLEMENTATION / DEBAT

### Parliament objects to lead in PVC to protect public health and the environment

MEPs have vetoed a Commission proposal that would have allowed some lead in recycled PVC.

The Commission has proposed to amend the rules concerning lead concentration in PVC. As a general rule, 0,1 % lead would have been tolerated in PVC, but higher thresholds would have been allowed for recycled PVC (2 % in rigid PVC and 1 % in flexible/soft PVC).

With 394 votes for, 241 votes against and 13 abstentions, MEPs on Wednesday rejected the Commission's proposal.

MEPs believe the proposal goes against the main principle of the REACH regulation, which is to protect human health and the environment. They recall that lead is a toxic substance that can seriously affect health, including irreversible neurological damage, even in low doses. They believe that the levels proposed by the Commission do not correspond to "safe levels" and underline that alternatives are available.

The Parliament's objection means that the draft measure shall not be adopted by the Commission. The Commission may either submit an amended draft or present a new one.

Parliament has long held the position that recycling PVC must not perpetuate the problem of heavy metals. European producers began to phase out lead in PVC in 2015, due to the EU PVC industry's voluntary commitment, some lead is still present in imported PVC.

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## AVIS / EXPERTISES / NORMES

Outcome of the consultation with Member States, the applicant and EFSA on the pesticide risk assessment for isopyrazam in light of confirmatory data

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked by the European Commission to provide scientific assistance with respect to the risk assessment for an active substance in light of confirmatory data requested following approval in accordance with Article 6(1) of Directive 91/414/EEC and Article 6(f) of Regulation (EC)No 1107/2009. In this context EFSA's scientific views on the specific points raised during the commenting phase conducted with Member States, the applicant and EFSA on the confirmatory data and their use in the risk assessment for isopyrazam are presented. The current report summarises the outcome of the consultation process organised by the rapporteur Member State the United Kingdom and presents EFSA's scientific views and conclusions on the individual comments received.

https://doi.org/10.2903/sp.efsa.2020.EN-1811

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## PUBLICATIONS DU RESEAU ECOTOX

### Potential Use of Earthworms to Enhance Decaying of Biodegradable Plastics

**Authors:** Sanchez-Hernandez JC, Capowiez Y, Ro KS

**Source:** ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 8(11):4292-4316, 2020, DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b05450

**Abstract:** Biosolid application, wastewater irrigation, and plastic mulching technologies are major sources of plastic pollution in agroecosystems. Microplastics may interact with soil physicochemical properties and organisms and negatively affect plant growth. To alleviate environmental plastic pollution, synthetic and biobased biodegradable polymers are replacing nonbiodegradable polymers, but their biodegradation rate in the field is frequently lower than that estimated from standardized biodegradation testing. Plastic polymer biodegradation is a multistep process that involves plastic deterioration, microbial colonization, production of polymer-degrading exoenzymes, and mineralization. However, these physicochemical and biological processes are not always efficient because of unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, soil moisture). We propose to use earthworms to increase the biodegradable polymer biodegradation rate by creating optimal habitats for microbial proliferation. Earthworm-induced processes that lead to soil alteration (bioturbation) and solid organic wastes decomposition (vermicomposting) are described to understand how earthworms may favor biodegradable plastic mineralization. Therefore, we suggest two practical sustainable bioengineering strategies: (1) enhancing bioturbation by inoculating agricultural soils with soil-dwelling earthworms, which is viable for horticulture where using biodegradable mulching films increases plastic debris in the soil and (2) vermicomposting with blended biodegradable plastic debris and solid organic wastes, which is complementary to industrial or home composting of single-use biodegradable plastics.
# Genotoxicity in the rivers from the Brantas catchment (East Java, Indonesia): occurrence in sediments and effects in *Oreochromis niloticus* (Linn AE us 1758)

**Authors:** Risjani Y, Loppion G, Couteau JM, Yunianta Y, Widowati I, Hermawati A, Minier, C

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH Early access, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08575-w

**Abstract:** This paper reports the first data from an integrated study investigating genotoxicity in the Brantas River, Java, Indonesia. Results showed that organic sediment extracts from the sites in the Brantas Delta retained genotoxic compounds identified using the SOS Chromotest and that the Aloo River and, to a lesser extent, the Surabaya River were the most contaminated studied sites. This genotoxicity was attributable to compounds that did not require any bioactivation under the test conditions. Occurrence of genotoxic effects was further investigated in erythrocytes from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. High numbers of micronuclei were counted, especially in fish sampled in the rivers of the Brantas Delta. Moreover, cytoplasmic alterations which could be indicative of the presence of lipofuscin were found in the cytoplasm of the fish blood cells, especially in fish from the Aloo, Surabaya and Kalimas rivers. Altogether, our data showed that genotoxicity is occurring in fish living in rivers of the delta of the Brantas River and suggest that sediments from these sites may constitute a major source of pollution and hazard for species living or feeding in the area.

# Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contents in micro-volumes of the whole blood and liver of Red Kite by a simplified GC-MS/MS method

**Authors:** Morin-Crini N, Scheifler R, Amiot C, Riols R, Coeurdassier M

**Source:** INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2020 Early access, DOI: 10.1080/03067319.2020.1726899

**Abstract:** The aim of this work was to determine PAH concentrations in two matrices, fluid samples and biological tissue, from Red Kite. For this purpose, a simplified and sensitive method for the analysis of 16 PAHs at trace levels in small samples of whole blood and liver was developed and validated using dispersive extraction in n-hexane combined with gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). For blood and liver, the average limits of detection were 0.71 ng mL(-1) and 3.16 ng g(-1), the mean relative standard deviations (RSD (%)) were 16% and 15%, and the mean relative recoveries were 100% and 92% for all PAH compounds, respectively. This method was applied to PAH determination in the liver and blood of Red kites from wild populations. At least one PAH was detected in the blood and in the liver of 83% and 62% of the individual birds, respectively. Acenaphthene, anthracene and phenanthrene were the most frequently detected in the blood, while the blood concentrations of naphthalene, phenanthrene and pyrene were the highest. In the liver, fluoranthene was detected in 54% of the individual birds, followed by naphthalene, fluoranthene, phenanthrene and benzo[k]fluoranthene, with the highest concentrations being those of naphthalene and phenanthrene. This demonstrated that our method is suitable for assessing trace levels of PAHs in red kite blood and tissue and monitoring exposure in their natural environment. Moreover, our data show that raptors may be exposed to a mixture of PAHs, among which some belong to the IARC carcinogen classes for humans 1 and 2B, throughout their life cycle.

# Health risk assessment to dioxins, furans and PCBs in young children: The first French evaluation

**Authors:** Hulin M, Sirot V, Vasseur P, Mahe A, Leblanc JC, Jean J, Marchand P, Venisseau A, Le Bizec B, Riviere G

**Source:** FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY 139:111292, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111292
**Abstract:** A total diet study (TDS) was conducted between 2010 and 2016 to characterize the health risk related to chemical residues in food of French not breastfed children under three years of age (infant TDS). Among the targeted substances, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been characterized as they accumulate through the food chain, especially in lipid-rich food items, and because they have been associated with a number of adverse effects in humans.

Food samples (n = 180) were collected to be representative of the dioxins and PCB exposure through the whole diet of non-breastfed children from 1 to 36 months old and prepared as consumed (including cooking) prior to analysis.

Dietary exposure was then assessed for 705 representative children under 3 years of age based on their food consumptions recorded through a 3-consecutive-days record. Levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in infant food were lower than those observed in common food, leading to significant differences in exposure according to age groups. Mean exposures to PCDD/Fs ranged from 0.22 to 0.44 pg TEQ(WHO05).kg bw(-1).d(-1) (0.40-0.65 at the 90th percentile), depending on the age group and the hypothesis considered to manage left-censored data. Mean exposure to non-dioxin-like PCBs ranged from 0.87 ng kg bw(-1).d(-1) (1.55 at the 90th percentile) in the 1-4 months old children to 3.53 ng kg bw(-1).d(-1) (5.44 at the 90th percentile) in the 13-36 months old children. For dioxins and NDL-PCBs, the tolerable daily intake (TDI) was exceeded for some age groups, in particular for older ones.

Therefore, appropriate management measures must continue for reducing exposure; it concerns mainly common milk in youngest children, ultra-fresh dairy products and fish. For PCBs, recommendations on fish consumption should be reminded. Moreover, toxicity studies focusing on mixtures of dioxin-like compounds should be encouraged in order to take into account effect of mixtures.

Improving Silver Birch (Betula pendula) Growth and Mn Accumulation in Residual Red Gypsum Using Organic Amendments

**Authors:** Zapata-Carbonell J, Ciadamidaro L, Parelle J, Chalot M, Tatin-Froux F

**Source:** FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 8:24, 2020, DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2020.00024

**Abstract:** The increasing production of wastes that are landfilled might contribute to sources of potentially toxic elements; this is the case of residual red gypsum tailings, a by-product of titanium dioxide extraction. Revegetation of such a site is essential, and Mn phytoextraction may render the operations economically profitable. This study aimed to apply phytomanagement techniques for increasing the plant development, tailings revegetation and an optimal Mn phytoextraction using silver birch, the most abundant plant species on this site. To enhance the nutrient availability from the tailings, amendments that reduce the pH, i.e., pine bark chips, Miscanthus straw, white peat, and ericaceous compost, were mixed with residual red gypsum and birches were allowed to grow for 3 months. The pine bark chips and ericaceous compost led to a maximum decrease in pH, allowing the accumulation of up to 1400 mg Mn kg(-1) dry matter in the leaves silver birch leaves. However, some nutrient competition was found in the pine bark treatment, which halved biomass production as compared to control. Further amendment addition may be needed to take advantage of the pine bark capabilities as a soil conditioner and Mn solubilizing treatment in residual red gypsum.

Inorganic Mercury and Methyl-Mercury Uptake and Effects in the Aquatic Plant *Elodea nuttallii*: A Review of Multi-Omic Data in the Field and in Controlled Conditions

**Authors:** Cosio C

**Source:** APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 10(5):1817, 2020, DOI: 10.3390/app10051817

**Abstract:** (1) Background: Mercury is a threat for the aquatic environment. Nonetheless, the entrance of Hg into food webs is not fully understood. Macrophytes are both central for Hg entry in food webs and are seen as good candidates for biomonitoring and bioremediation; (2) Methods: We review the knowledge gained on
the uptake and effects of inorganic Hg (IHg) and methyl-Hg (MMHg) in the macrophyte Elodea nuttallii found in temperate freshwaters; (3) Results: E. nuttallii bioaccumulates IHg and MMHg, but IHg shows a higher affinity to cell walls. At the individual level, IHg reduced chlorophyll, while MMHg increased anthocyanin. Transcriptomics and metabolomics in shoots revealed that MMHg regulated a higher number of genes than IHg. Proteomics and metabolomics in cytosol revealed that IHg had more effect than MMHg; (4) Conclusions: MMHg and IHg show different cellular toxicity pathways. MMHg's main impact appears on the non-soluble compartment, while IHg's main impact happens on the soluble compartment. This is congruent with the higher affinity of IHg with dissolved OM (DOM) or cell walls. E. nuttallii is promising for biomonitoring, as its uptake and molecular responses reflect exposure to IHg and MMHg. More generally, multi-omics approaches identify cellular toxicity pathways and the early impact of sublethal pollution.

## Accumulation, speciation and localization of silver nanoparticles in the earthworm *Eisenia fetida*

**Authors:** Courtois P, Rorat A, Lemiere S, Levard C, Chaurand P, Grobelak A, Lors C, Vandenbulcke F

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH Early access, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08548-z

**Abstract:** The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in agriculture and many consumer products has led to a significant release of Ag in the environment. Although Ag toxicity in terrestrial organisms has been studied extensively, very little is known about the accumulation capacity and coping mechanisms of organisms in Ag-contaminated soil. In this context, we exposed *Eisenia fetida* earthworms to artificial OECD soil spiked with a range of concentrations of Ag (AgNPs or AgNO3). The main aims were to (1) identify the location and form of accumulation of Ag in the exposed earthworms and (2) better understand the physiological mechanisms involved in Ag detoxification. The results showed that similar doses of AgNPs or AgNO3 did not have the same effect on *E. fetida* survival. The two forms of Ag added to soil exhibited substantial differences in

speciation at the end of exposure, but the Ag speciation and content of Ag in earthworms were similar, suggesting that biotransformation of Ag occurred. Finally, 3D images of intact earthworms obtained by X-ray micro-computed tomography revealed that Ag accumulated preferentially in the chloragogen tissue, coelomocytes, and nephridial epithelium. Thus, *E. fetida* bioaccumulates Ag, but a regulation mechanism limits its impact in a very efficient manner. The location of Ag in the organism, the competition between Ag and Cu, and the speciation of internal Ag suggest a link between Ag and the thiol-rich proteins that are widely present in these tissues, most probably metallothioneins, which are key proteins in the sequestration and detoxification of metals.

## Is metallothionein in *Mimachlamys varia* a suitable biomarker of trace elements in the waters of the French Atlantic coast?

**Authors:** Breitwieser M, Bruneau M, Barbarin M, Churlaud C, Mouneyrac C, Thomas H

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH Early access, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08392-1

**Abstract:** The development of human activities along the Atlantic coast is responsible for the chronic pollution of the environment with organic and inorganic contaminants. In recent years, environmental regulations such as the MSFD (2008/56/EC) and the OSPAR commission have been developed to preserve coastal environments, giving rise to studies in aquatic biomonitoring. One of them is to use biomarkers to observe the pollutants impact on coastal species such as the bivalve Mimachlamys varia. A defence biomarker was considered in this research to study metal accumulation, with metallothioneins (Mts) involved in the uptake, storage and excretion of metals. To achieve this, bivalves were collected in March 2016 in seven sites along the French Atlantic coasts (open area) and in harbours (semi-open area) with contrasting levels of pollution. Biomarker assays were performed to compare the responses in several tissues (digestive glands, gonads, gills) to inorganic pollutants. The results showed that the accumulation of trace element was different
depending on the site and the organ. Mts concentrations were greater in digestive gland compared with gills. Usually, Mts levels were decreased in site showing elevated levels of trace element which explained by downregulation of Mts. Furthermore, results of correlation between Mts and inorganic contaminants and the influence of abiotic factors on Mts suggested that Mts in M. varia is not a relevant biomarker in environments exposed to cocktails of contaminants.

## Changes in sediment microbial diversity following chronic copper-exposure induce community copper-tolerance without increasing sensitivity to arsenic

**Authors:** Ahmed AM, Tardy V, Bonnineau C, Billard P, Pesce S, Lyautey E

**Source:** JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 391:122197, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122197

**Abstract:** Sediment microbial communities were exposed for 21 days to an environmental concentration of copper to assess Cu-induced composition changes and resulting effects on microbial sensitivity to acute Cu and As toxicity. Chronic Cu exposure reduced the diversity of the bacterial and archaeal communities from Day 0 to Day 21. The pollution-induced community tolerance concept (PICT) predicts that loss of the most sensitive taxa and gain of more tolerant ones should increase the capacity of Cu-exposed communities to tolerate acute Cu toxicity. Although diversity loss and functional costs of adaptation could have increased their sensitivity to subsequent toxic stress, no increased sensitivity to As was observed. PICT responses varied according to heterotrophic activity, selected as the functional endpoint for toxicity testing, with different results for Cu and As. This suggests that induced tolerance to Cu and As was supported by different species with different metabolic capacities. Ecological risk assessment of contaminants would gain accuracy from further research on the relative contribution of tolerance acquisition and co-tolerance processes on the functional response of microbial communities.

## Control of poultry contamination in chlordecone-contaminated areas of the French West Indies

**Authors:** Jurjanz S, Fournier A, Clostre F, Godard E, Feidt C

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH, Early access, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08172-x

**Abstract:** The consumption of private hold poultry foodstuffs, escaping of official maximum residue limit (MRL) controls in the commercial foodstuff, is an important exposure way for the local populations to chlordecone on the French West Indies. Therefore, chlordecone contamination of different tissues in 42 birds from 32 private holders was determined depending on the contamination of the soil of the outside plot but also surveying the rearing practices of these holders of both islands. Chlordecone contents in tissues increased rapidly with this of the topsoil of the site. The most sensitive tissues to chlordecone presence were egg yolk and liver, followed by abdominal fat and finally leg tissue. The rearing practices varied between the surveyed private holders of both islands. Nevertheless, practices for the distribution of feed and water as well as covering of soil were hardly protective, what would increase the exposure risk of these birds to this potentially present soil-bound contaminant. Although depuration of birds seems possible, the ongoing modelization of the necessary time to meet MRL thresholds indicates that such time lapse seems hardly compatible with acceptable delays for private holders. Therefore, very protective rearing practices are the main way to obtain poultry foodstuffs compliant to MRL, what seems possible if the topsoil is contaminated at less than 0.1 mg kg(-1) and perhaps up to 0.5 mg kg(-1) if protective practices vis-a-vis of soil exposure are very strict. Nevertheless, a higher contamination of the topsoil seems not compatible with compliant poultry foodstuffs.

## A new protocol for the simultaneous flow cytometric analysis of cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity on zebra
mussel
*(Dreissena*
*polymorpha)* hemocytes

**Authors:** Barjhoux I, Rioult D, Geffard A, Ladeiro MP

**Source:** FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 98:224-235, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.12.092

**Abstract:** Immunotoxicity analysis receives a strong interest in environmental a priori and a posteriori risk assessment procedures considering the direct involvement of the immune system in the health status of organisms, populations and thus ecosystems. The freshwater mussel *Dreissena polymorpha* is an invasive species widely used in ecotoxicology studies and biomonitoring surveys to evaluate the impacts of contaminants on aquatic fauna. Bivalve hemocytes are the immunocompetent cells circulating in the open circulatory system of the organism. However, there is nowadays no consensus on a protocol to evaluate the immunocompetent state of this particular cell type using flow cytometry. Wild species such as *D. polymorpha* present several technical barriers complicating their analysis including (i) the quality and the purity of the hemolymph sample, (ii) the controversial characterization of hemocyte subpopulations and their diversity, (iii) the quantity of biological material, and (iv) the high inter-individual variability of hemocyte responses. The present work proposes several technical and analytical improvements to control the above-mentioned issues. The inclusion of sedimentation and cell detachment steps in the pre-analytical phase of the protocol substantially ameliorate the quality of the hemolymph sample as well as the accuracy of the cytometric measurements, by selecting the analyzed cells on their adhesion ability and by increasing the concentration of the analyzed events. The development of an effective triple-labeling procedure including the cellular probe Hoechst (R) 33342, the membrane impermeant dye propidium iodide and yellow-green fluorescent microspheres allowed the simultaneous analysis of cytotoxicity and phagocytosis activity in hemocytes. It also significantly enhanced the accuracy of hemocyte endpoint measurements by eliminating non-target events from the analysis and allowing relevant gating strategies. Finally, the use of pooled samples of hemolymph noticeably reduced inter-sample variability while providing more plasticity in the experimental design and improving the discriminating potency between treatments. The developed protocol is suitable for ex vivo

exposure of hemocyte in a
chemical/environmental toxicity assessment as
well as for in vivo exposure in the laboratory or in
situ biomonitoring surveys with few adaptations.

How can interspecific
interactions in freshwater
benthic macroinvertebrates
modify trace element
availability from sediment?

**Authors:** Andrade VS, Wiegand C, Pannard A, Gagneten AM, Pedrot M, Bouhnik-Le Coz M, Piscart C

**Source:** CHEMOSPHERE 245:125594, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125594

**Abstract:** This study aimed to assess how bioturbation by freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates with different biological traits alone or in combination could modify trace elements (TE) fate between sediment and water, and if water TE concentration and animal TE content impair their body stores. Three macroinvertebrate species were exposed to TE contaminated sediment for 7 days: the omnivorous *Echinogammarus berilloni* (Amphipoda), the sediment feeding *Tubifex tubifex* (Oligochaeta) and the filter feeding *Pisidium* sp. (Bivalvia). Treatments were one without invertebrates (control), two with amphipods or mussels alone, and the combinations amphipod-mussel, and amphipod-mussel-worms. Water TE concentration increased significantly in 2 or 3 species mesocosms, concerning mainly Rare Earth Elements, Cr, U and Pb, known to be associated to the colloidal phase. By contrast, water soluble TE were not affected by animals. For both, amphipods and mussels, TE body content increased with the number of coexisting species. For amphipods, this increase concerned both, soluble and colloid-associated TE, possibly due to intense contact and feeding from sediment and predation on tubificids. TE bioaccumulation in mussel was less important and characterized by soluble TE, with water filtration as most plausible uptake route. Protein, triglyceride and Whole Body Energy Budget increased in amphipods with the number of coexisting species (probably by feeding on mussels' feces and tubificids) whereas triglycerides declined in mussels (presumably filtration was disturbed by amphipods). This study
highlights interspecific interactions as key drivers explaining both: TE bioturbation, depending on their water solubility or colloidal association, and the exposure/contamination of species through another species activity.

# Modelling herbicides mobility in amended soils: Calibration and test of PRZM and MACRO

**Authors:** Marin-Benito JM, Mamy L, Carpio MJ, Sanchez-Martin MJ, Rodriguez-Cruz MS

**Source:** SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 717:137019, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137019

**Abstract:** Addition of organic residues to soil is a current farming practice but it is not considered in the modelling studies for pesticide risk assessment at regulatory level despite its potential impact on the pesticide dynamics in soil. Thus, the objective of this work was to examine and to compare the ability of PRZM and MACRO pesticide fate models to simulate soil water content, and bromide (Br- tracer), chlorotoluron and flufenacet concentrations in the soil profiles (0-100 cm) of one agricultural soil, unamended (control soil, S), amended with spent mush-room substrate (S SMS) or amended with green compost (S + GC). Based on a two-year field-scale dataset, the models were first calibrated against measurements of water and solutes contents in the soil profiles (first year) and then tested without any further model calibration by comparison with the field observations of the second year. In general, the performance of MACRO to simulate the whole dataset in the three soil treatments was higher than that of PRZM. MACRO simulated satisfactorily the water dynamics along the soil profiles whereas it was poorly described by the capacity model PRZM. Both models predicted very well the Br- mobility in control and amended soils after dispersion parameters were fitted to observations. No calibration was necessary to re-produce correctly herbicides vertical distribution in the control soil profile. In the amended soils, MACRO simulations were highly correlated to the observed vertical distribution of flufenacet and chlorotoluron, but calibration of the Kd of chlorotoluron was needed. On the contrary, modelling with PRZM required calibration of Kd and DT50 of both herbicides to obtain an acceptable agreement between observations and predictions in the amended

soils. Kd and DT50 calibration was based on the initial dissolved organic carbon contents (DOC) of amended soils. It allowed to take into account the processes that decrease the herbicides sorption on the soil and enhance their bioavailability, but that are not described in PRZM and MACRO (such as the formation of herbicide-DOC mobile complexes). This work showed that models such as PRZM and MACRO are able to simulate the fate of pesticides in amended soils. However, before using these models as predictive tools in large amended soil conditions, and especially in the regulatory context, further modelling studies should focus on other pedoclimatic-pesticides-organic residues combinations, and on longer periods.

# Accumulation and immunotoxicity of microplastics in the estuarine worm Hediste diversicolor in environmentally relevant conditions of exposure

**Authors:** Revel M, Yakovenko N, Caley T, Guillet C, Chatel A, Mouneyrac C

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27(4):3574-3583, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3497-6

**Abstract:** The presence of plastic debris &#60; 5 mm called microplastics (MPs) which results mainly from macroplastic's fragmentation has been reported in aquatic ecosystems. Several studies have shown that MPs are persistent and their accumulation was observed in various aquatic species. However, the majority of studies focused on marine species, and much less on continental and estuarine biota. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of a mixture of two types of MPs (polyethylene and polypropylene), frequently found in natural environments, towards the ragworm Hediste diversicolor to determine their accumulation in organisms exposed through the water phase or sediment. Two concentrations of exposure were selected for medium and heavily contaminated areas reported for water phase (10 and 100 µg/L) and sediment (10 and 50 mg of MPs/kg). To study the potential toxic effect of MPs, immune parameters were selected since they are involved in many defense mechanisms against xenobiotics
or infectious agents. An average number of MP items/worm ranging from 0 to 2.5 and from 1 to 36 were identified in animals exposed to the lowest and the highest concentration of MPs through water exposure. In worms exposed through sediment, less than 1 MP/worm was found and a greater number of particles were identified in depurated sediment. For immunotoxic impact, MP exposure induced a decrease in coelomocytes viability, but no alteration of phagocytosis activity, phenoloxydase, and acid phosphatase was measured. This study brings new results on the potential accumulation and immunotoxicity of MPs for the ragworm H. diversicolor who plays a key role in the structure and functioning of estuarine ecosystem.

## A new assay of bacterial selection with Pb reveals an unexpected effect of Pb on bacterial behavior: implications for remediation

**Authors:** Bouquet D, Lepinay A, Gaudin P, Jean-Soro L, Le Guern C, Lichtfouse E, Lebeau T

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
Early Access, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s10311-020-00986-y

**Abstract:** Soil pollution by lead (Pb) is a major health concern due to Pb toxicity. Phytoextraction could remove Pb, but this technique is limited by the low Pb mobility in soils. Pb mobility can be increased by bioaugmentation, which consists in adding selected bacteria in soil to increase Pb bioavailability. Nonetheless, many bioaugmentation and phytoextraction experiments have failed because bacterial selections did not take into account the presence of metals. Therefore, we developed a microplate assay with Pb-enriched growth media for the rapid selection of bacterial strains. Selection criteria included the ability of bacteria to grow in soils, to promote plant growth and to increase Pb availability. Results show that 100-250 µM Pb induced a decrease of production of indole acetic acid (IAA), a plant growth promotor, by up to 49% for *Cupriavidus metallidurans*, compared to the control without Pb. This finding implies that application in real soil conditions with *C. metallidurans* would have probably failed, thus strengthening the value of our selection method

in the presence of Pb. By contrast, 100-250 µM Pb induced a 8.5-11-fold higher degradation of aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) by *C. metallidurans*. Surprisingly, *Pseudomonas putida* did not degrade ACC without Pb, but degraded ACC at 100-250 µM Pb. This observation means that Pb activates ACC degradation, which should reduce plant stress because ACC is the precursor of the ethylene phytohormone. Overall, our selection method in the presence of Pb allows to reveal new bacterial properties, which would not have been disclosed by current methods that do not take into account the effect of metals. Our method allows also to test simultaneously about 200 bacterial isolates. In addition, our findings show for the first time that Pb changes the production of IAA and the degradation of ACC.

## Effects of in vivo exposure to tritium: a multi-biomarker approach using the fathead minnow, *Pimephales promelas*

**Authors:** Gagnaire B, Gosselin I, Festarini A, Walsh S, Cavalié I, Adam-Guillermin C, Della-Vedova C, Farrow F, Kim SB, Shkarupin A, Chen HQ, Beaton D, Stuar, M

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27(4):3612-3623, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3781-5

**Abstract:** Tritium (H-3) is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. In the environment, the most common form of tritium is tritiated water (HTO). However, tritium can also be incorporated into organic molecules, forming organically bound tritium (OBT). The present study characterized the effects of tritium on the health of the fathead minnow, *Pimephales promelas*. Fish were exposed to a gradient of HTO (activity concentrations of 12,000, 25,000, and 180,000 Bq/L) and OBT using food spiked with tritiated amino acids (OBT only, with an activity concentration of 27,000 Bq/L). A combined exposure condition where fish were placed in 25,000 Bq/L water and received OBT through feed was also studied. Fish were exposed for 60 days, followed by a 60-day depuration period. A battery of health biomarkers were measured in fish tissues at seven time points throughout the 120 days required to complete the exposure and depuration phases. HTO and OBT were also measured in fish tissues at the same
time points. Results showed effects of increasing tritium activity concentrations in water after 60 days of exposure. The internal dose rates of tritium, estimated from the tissue free-water tritium (TFWT) and OBT activity concentrations, reached a maximum of 0.65 mu Gy/h, which is relatively low considering background levels. No effects were observed on survival, fish condition, and metabolic indices (gonado-, hepato-, and spleno-somatic indexes (GSI, HSI, SSI), RNA/DNA and proteins/DNA ratios). Multivariate analyses showed that several biomarkers (DNA damages, micronucleus frequency, brain acetylcholinesterase, lysosomal membrane integrity, phagocytosis activity, and reactive oxygen species production) were exclusively correlated with fish tritium internal dose rate, showing that tritium induced genotoxicity, as well as neural and immune responses. The results were compared with another study on the same fish species where fish were exposed to tritium and other contaminants in natural environments. Together with the field study, the present work provides useful data to identify biomarkers for tritium exposure and better understand modes of action of tritium on the fathead minnow.

## Assessment of swimming behavior of the Pacific oyster *D-larvae* (*Crassostrea gigas*) following exposure to model pollutants

**Authors:** Gamain P, Romero-Ramirez A, Gonzalez P, Mazzella N, Gourves PY, Compan C, Morin B, Cachot J

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27 (4):3675-3685, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04156-8

**Abstract:** This study describes an image analysis method that has been used to analyze the swimming behavior of native oyster *D-larvae* (*Crassostrea gigas*) from the Arcachon Bay (SW, France). In a second time, this study evaluated the impact of copper and S-metolachlor pollutants on *D-larvae* swimming activity and the possible relationship between developmental malformations and abnormal swimming behavior. Analyses in wild and cultivated oyster *D-larvae* were investigated during two breeding-seasons (2014 and 2015) at different sampling sites and dates. In controlled conditions, the average speed

of larvae was 144 mu m s(-1) and the maximum speed was 297 mu m s(-1) while the trajectory is mainly rectilinear. In the presence of environmental concentration of copper or S-metolachlor, no significant difference in maximum or average larval speed was observed compared to the control condition but the percentage of circular trajectory increased significantly while the rectilinear swimming larvae significantly declined. The current study demonstrates that rectilinear trajectories are positively correlated to normal larvae while larvae with shell anomalies are positively correlated to circular trajectories. This abnormal behavior could affect the survival and spread of larvae, and consequently, the recruitment and colonization of new habitats.

## Sensitivity to cadmium of the endangered freshwater pearl mussel *Margaritifera margaritifera* from the Dronne River (France): experimental exposure

**Authors:** Baudrimont M, Gonzalez P, Mesmer-Dudons N, Legeay A

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27(4):3715-3725, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05025-0

**Abstract:** *Margaritifera margaritifera* is a critically endangered species in Europe. Among the causes explaining its decline, metal pollution had never been deeply studied. Thus, an ecotoxicological investigation was developed on this species which comes from the Dronne River (South-West of France). Cadmium (Cd) exposure of mussels at 2 and 5 µg/L for 7 days was conducted to test their vulnerability to this metal, and also the potential endocrine disruption power of Cd. Morphometric analyses, gonad histological observations, metal bioaccumulation, metallothionein (MTs) production, measures of malondialdehyde (MDA), and finally quantitative relative expression analysis of genes involved in various metabolic functions were performed. The main results showed Cd accumulation increasing in a dose-dependent manner, especially in the gills. The same trend was observed for gene expression relative to oxidative stress. Histological analysis of the gonads highlighted a
predominance of hermaphrodite individuals, but after 7 days of exposure to Cd, the percentage of female was largely increased compared with controls, from 17 to 33%. These results demonstrate the endocrine disruption effect of Cd on freshwater pearl mussels. The pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera is sensitive to cadmium since the metallothioneins are poorly induced, gene expression reveals oxidative stress, and gonads tend to be feminized.

Bioaccumulation dynamics
and gene regulation in a
freshwater bivalve after
aqueous and dietary
exposures to gold
nanoparticles and ionic gold

Authors: Arini A, Pierron F, Mornet S, Baudrimont
M

Source: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27(4):3637-3650, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-4009-4

**Abstract:** Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are being developed and produced for a wide variety of industrial and biomedical applications, which raises the concern about their release and potential effects in the environment. In this study, we aim to assess the effects of PEGylated AuNPs and ionic gold on the freshwater bivalve *Corbicula fluminea*. As NP bioavailability is conditioned by many factors of variability, we focused on the determination of biodynamic parameters which control AuNP uptake and elimination in bivalves. Three experiments were conducted: (1) a waterborne exposure (0-24 mg/L for AuNPs and 0-12 mg/L for ionic gold), (2) a dietborne exposure (0-48 mg/L for AuNPs and 0-24 mg/L for ionic gold), and (3) an elimination phase (after waterborne exposure to 12 mg/L for AuNPs and 24 mg/L for ionic gold), to calculate rate constants for uptake from water(kuw), from food (kuf), and for the physiological elimination (ke) for AuNPs and AuCl(OH)(3)(-). Jointly, the relative expression of several genes was investigated in the hemolymph cells to relate AuNPs and gold ion exposures to detoxification, oxidative stress, immune, and apoptosis responses in *C. fluminea*. Results show that kuw and kuf were around 10 and 30 times higher for AuNPs compared to AuCl(OH) 3-, respectively. The ke

was also faster in clams exposed to AuNPs meaning that they also had greater excretion capacities in comparison to gold ions. Water seems to be the main exposure pathway for C. fluminea according to kuw and kuf values for AuNPs and AuCl(OH)(3)(-) (kuw = 0.28 and 0.03, kuf = 0.009 and 0.001, respectively). The gene analyses pointed out important responses against oxidative stress, strong activations of genes of the immunity, and apoptosis after the waterborne exposure to AuNPs and to a lesser extent after exposure to gold ions. Very few responses were observed after the dietary exposure to both forms of gold, probably due to valve closure in response to contamination. While some studies suggest that the toxicity of nanoparticles may come from the release of metal ions, our results showed that the AuNPs we used were very stable (less than 1% of ion release) and generated more effects at the gene level than ionic gold. Therefore these results highlight the strong potential of toxicity of AuNPs compared to ionic gold and raise new concerns about the toxicity inherent to NPs in the environment.

Benefits of ozonation before
activated carbon adsorption
for the removal of organic
micropollutants from
wastewater effluents

Authors: Guillossou R, Le Roux J, Brosillon S, Mailler R, Vulliet E, Morlay C, Nauleau F, Rocher V, Gasperi J

Source: CHEMOSPHERE 245:125530, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125530

**Abstract:** Advanced processes for the removal of organic micropollutants (OMPs) from wastewater effluents include adsorption onto activated carbon, ozonation, or a combination of both processes. The removal of 28 OMPs present in a real wastewater effluent was studied by ozonation coupled to activated carbon adsorption and compared to a sole adsorption. The influence of the specific ozone dose (0.09-1.29 gO(3)/gDOC) and the influence of the powdered activated carbon (PAC) dose (2, 5 and 10 mg/L) were first studied separately. OMPs removal increased with both the specific ozone dose (up to 80% for a dose higher than 0.60 gO(3)/gDOC) and the PAC dose. Ozonation performances decreased in presence of suspended solids, which were converted to
dissolved organic carbon. A correction of the specific ozone dose according to the suspended solids levels, in addition to nitrite, should be considered. The influence of ozonation (0.09, 0.22, 0.94 and 1.29 gO(3)/gDOC) on OMPs adsorption was then assessed. OMPs adsorption didn't change at low specific ozone doses but increased at higher specific ozone doses due to a decrease in DOM adsorption and competition with OMPs. At low ozone doses followed by adsorption (0.22 gO(3)/gDOC and 10 mg/L PAC), the two processes appeared complementary as OMPs with a low reactivity toward ozone were well absorbed onto PAC while most OMPs refractory to adsorption were well eliminated by ozone. Improved removals were obtained for all compounds with these selected doses, reaching more than 80% removal for most OMPs while limiting the formation of bromate ion.

## Health indicators and contaminant levels of a critically endangered species in the Gironde estuary, the European sturgeon

**Authors:** Acolas ML, Davail B, Gonzalez P, Jean S, Clerandeau C, Morin B, Gourves PY, Daffe G, Labadie P, Perrault A, Lauzent M, Pierre M, Le Barh R, Baudrimont M, Peluhet L, Le Menach K, Budzinski H, Rochard E, Cachot J

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27(4):3726-3745, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-05139-5

**Abstract:** The European sturgeon, Acipenser sturio, is a highly endangered species that almost disappeared in the last decades. Thanks to yearly restocking of the population, this species is still found in the Gironde estuary (France), where juveniles grow during several years before leaving to the ocean. The aims of this study were to evaluate the pressure exerted on these fish by known organic and inorganic contaminants during their stay at the Gironde estuary, and to get information on the fish's health in this context. Monthly captures over the year 2014 provided 87 fish from the cohorts 2012 and 2013 mainly, and from cohorts 2008, 2009, and 2011, all fish born in hatchery. We report the very first analyses of contaminant levels and of biological markers measured in the blood of these fish. Low inorganic contamination was found, composed of seven

metals mainly Zn (< 5 µg mL(-1)), Fe (< 1.5 µg mL(-1)), Cu (< 0.8 µg mL(-1)), Se (< 0.8 µg mL(-1)), As (< 0.25 µg mL(-1)), Co (< 0.14 µg mL(-1)), and Mn (< 0.03 µg mL(-1)). Concerning persistent organic contaminants, the sum of seven PCBs varied from 1 to 10 ng g(-1) plasma, that of eight OCPs from 0.1 to 1 ng g(-1), and that of eight PBDEs from 10 to 100 pg g(-1). Higher levels of contaminants were measured during spring as compared to summer. The sex steroid hormone plasma levels (estradiol, testosterone, and 11-ketotestosterone) were quite low, which was predictable for juveniles. The transcription of reproduction-involved genes (EstR, AR, LHR, sox9) in blood cells was demonstrated for the first time. Some of them were correlated with organic contaminant levels PCBs and OCPs. Other gene transcriptions (sodCu and bax) were correlated with PCBs and OCPs. However, the DNA damage level measured here as comet tail DNA and micronuclei ratio in red blood cells were in the very low range of the values commonly obtained in fish from pristine areas. The data presented here can serve as a reference base for future monitoring of this population of sturgeons.

## Towards simple tools to assess functional effects of contaminants on natural microbial and invertebrate sediment communities

**Authors:** Pesce S, Campiche S, Casado-Martinez C, Ahmed AM, Bonnineau C, Dabrin A, Lyautey E, Ferrari BJD

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27(6):6680-6689, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07331-z

**Abstract:** Surface sediments can accumulate contaminants that affect microorganisms and invertebrates and disturb benthic ecological functions. However, effects of contaminants on ecological functions supported by sediment communities are understudied. Here, we tested the relevance of two simple tools to assess the ecotoxicological effects of metal contamination on natural sediment communities using particulate organic matter breakdown and decomposition as a functional descriptor. To this aim, we performed a 21-day laboratory microcosm experiment to assess the individual and combined effects of Cu and As (nominal
concentration of 40 mg kg(-1) dw each) using the bait-lamina method (cellulose, bran flakes, and active coal in PVC strips) as well as artificial tablets (cellulose, bran flakes and active coal embedded in an agar matrix). Sediment toxicity was also evaluated using the standardized ostracod toxicity test. Both the bait-lamina and artificial tablet methods showed low effects of As on organic matter breakdown and decomposition but strong effects of Cu on this important ecological function. Both also showed that the presence of Cu and As in mixture in the sediment induced total inhibition of organic matter breakdown and decomposition. The ostracod toxicity test also showed high toxicity of Cu-spiked and Cu-plus-As-spiked sediments and low toxicity of As-spiked sediments. Besides confirming that artificial organic matter substrates are relevant and useful for assessing the functional effects of contaminants on sediment micro- and macro-organism communities, these results suggest that the proposed methods offer promising perspectives for developing tools for use in assessing functional ecotoxicology in the sediment compartment.

## Evaluation of the environmental and human health risk related to metallic contamination in agricultural soils in the Mediterranean semi-arid area (Saiss plain, Morocco)

**Authors:** Kouchou A, El Ghachtouli N, Duplay J, Ghazi M, Elsass F, Thoisy JC, Bellarbi M, Ljjaali M, Rais N

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES 79(6):131, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s12665-020-8880-1

**Abstract:** In the plain of Saiss, the most agricultural region of Morocco, the studies concerning the assessment of environmental and human risks related to metal contamination of agricultural soils are severely missing. To overcome the lack of such studies, trace-element analyses were carried out on six sampling sites of agricultural surface soils (66 sampling points), irrigated by superficial watercourses with high heavy metal contents. The average trace-element contents were 78, 55, 33, and 119 (mg kg(-1)), respectively, for Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn. These values

are above average worldwide soil and geochemical background levels. Multivariate statistical analyses, principal component, and cluster analyses suggest that soil contamination by Cr, Cu, and Zn is mainly due to wastewater irrigation, with the exception of Ni, which is probably of pedo-lithogenic origin. To provide further information on contamination transmission, the bioavailability and distribution of the four heavy metals in the soils were studied by sequential and single extractions. The results indicate that Cu and Zn are potentially available and can constitute a potential risk to the environment. The risk assessment of soil contamination was also carried out using risk assessment code, enrichment factor, contamination factor, degree of contamination, pollution lead index, geoaccumulation index, and potential ecological risk factors. The health risk evaluation by the Hazard Index was used to derive a combined risk of soil ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation for adults and children. According to these indices, the soils present a moderate-to-high contamination for Cu and Zn elements, respectively. Hazard Index values indicate the relative absence of health risks associated to heavy metals for both adults and children.

## Barrage fishponds, a funnel effect for metal contaminants on headwater streams

**Authors:** Le Cor F, Slaby S, Gaillard J, Dauchy X, Feidt C, Banas D,

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27(6):6228-6238, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07195-3

**Abstract:** Fishponds are man-made shallow water bodies that are still little studied because of their small size. They represent high value ecosystems, both environmentally (biodiversity hotspot) and economically (fish production). They can have a high place on the hydrographic network, so their influence on water quality is of first importance for rivers and water bodies located downstream and monitored under the Water Framework Directive. These small water bodies can be a source of contaminants during draining period or an efficient buffer for pesticides. We wanted to evaluate whether these ponds could also be a remediation tool against metals by following the annual evolution of upstream/downstream flows. Cadmium, copper, lead and zinc concentrations
were quantified in the dissolved phase upstream and downstream of three ponds, each one having a specific agricultural environment (traditional or organic). Metal concentration was quantified in sediments and water. For the dissolved phase, the predictive noneffect concentration was often exceeded, suggesting an environmental risk. Results highlighted also greater quantity of metals at the downstream of the pond compared to the upstream, suggesting remobilization into the ponds or direct cross-sectional contributions from the watershed (e.g. runoff from crops) or even remobilization. Regarding sediments, minimal contamination was shown but a high mineralogical variability. No buffer effect of ponds, which could reduce the risk of acute or chronic toxicity, was detected.

## Biomarker responses and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in *Mytilus trossulus* and *Gammarus oceanicus* during exposure to crude oil

**Authors:** Turja R, Sanni S, Stankeviciute M, Butrimaviciene L, Devier MH, Budzinski H, Lehtonen KK

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07946-7

**Abstract:** In the brackish water Baltic Sea, oil pollution is an ever-present and significant environmental threat mainly due to the continuously increasing volume of oil transport in the area. In this study, effects of exposure to crude oil on two common Baltic Sea species, the mussel *Mytilus trossulus* and the amphipod *Gammarus oceanicus*, were investigated. The species were exposed for various time periods (M. trossulus 4, 7, and 14 days, *G. oceanicus* 4 and 11 days) to three oil concentrations (0.003, 0.04, and 0.30 mg L-1 based on water measurements, nominally aimed at 0.015, 0.120, and 0.750 mg L-1) obtained by mechanical dispersion (oil droplets). Biological effects of oil exposure were examined using a battery of biomarkers consisting of enzymes of the antioxidant defense system (ADS), lipid peroxidation, phase II detoxification (glutathione S-transferase), neurotoxicity (acetylcholinesterase inhibition), and geno- and

cytotoxicity (micronuclei and other nuclear deformities). In mussels, the results on biomarker responses were examined in connection with data on the tissue accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In M. trossulus, during the first 4 days of exposure the accumulation of all PAHs in the two highest exposure concentrations was high and was thereafter reduced significantly. Significant increase in ADS responses was observed in *M. trossulus* at 4 and 7 days of exposure. At day 14, significantly elevated levels of geno- and cytotoxicity were detected in mussels. In G. oceanicus, the ADS responses followed a similar pattern to those recorded in M. trossulus at day 4; however, in *G. oceanicus*, the elevated ADS response was still maintained at day 11. Conclusively, the results obtained show marked biomarker responses in both study species under conceivable, environmentally realistic oil-in-seawater concentrations during an oil spill, and in mussels, they are related to the observed tissue accumulation of oil-derived compounds.

## Design of a degenerate primer pair to target a bacterial functional community: The hppd bacterial gene coding for the enzyme targeted by herbicides, a study case

**Authors:** Thiour-Mauprizez C, Devers-Lamrani M, Mounier A, Beguet J, Spor A, Calvayrac C, Barthelmebs L, Martin-Laurent F

**Source:** JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS 170:105839, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.105839

**Abstract:** The present work aimed to design a degenerate primer pair to target a large part of the hppd soil bacterial community, possibly affected by herbicides. We validated these primers by qPCR and high-throughput sequencing analysis of soil samples.

## Wastewater-based epidemiology approach to assess population exposure to pesticides: a review of a
## pesticide pharmacokinetic dataset

**Authors:** Devault DA, Karolak S

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27(5):4695-4702, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-07521-9

**Abstract:** Wastewater-based epidemiology is an innovative approach to estimate a population's intentional and unintentional consumption of chemicals based on biomarker assays found in wastewater. This method can provide real-time objective information on the xenobiotics to which a population is directly or indirectly exposed. This approach has already been used to assess the population exposure to four classes of pesticides: organochlorines (chlordecone), triazines, organophosphates, and pyrethroids. This review aims to obtain the data (excretion rates) and characteristics (pesticide and metabolites stability, including in-sewer one) for other pesticides to broaden the scope of this new method. Excretion rates and stability descriptions for 14 pesticides, namely 2,4-d, aldrin, carbaryl, chlorobenzilate, dieldrin, diquat, ethion, glufosinate, glyphosate, folpet, malathion, parathion, penconazole, and tebuconazole, will be discussed in a practical framework.

## Trophic transfer of pesticides: The fine line between predator-prey regulation and pesticide-pest regulation

**Authors:** Baudrot V, Fernandez-de-Simon J, Coeurdassier M, Couval G, Giraudoux P, Lambin X

**Source:** JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY, 2020, DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13578

**Abstract:** Understanding pesticide impacts on populations of target/non-target species and communities is a challenge to applied ecology. When predators that otherwise regulate pest densities ingest prey contaminated with

pesticides, this can suppress predator populations by secondary poisoning. It is, however, unknown how species relationships and protocols of treatments (e.g. anticoagulant rodenticide [AR]) interact to affect pest regulation.

To tackle this issue, we modelled a heuristic non-spatialized system including montane water voles, specialist vole predators (stoats, weasels) and a generalist predator (red fox) which consumes voles, mustelids and other prey. By carrying out a broad-range sensitivity analysis on poorly known toxicological parameters, we explored the impact of five farmer functional responses (defined by both AR quantity and threshold vole density above which AR spreading is prohibited) on predator-prey interactions, AR transfer across the trophic chain and population effects.

Spreading AR to maintain low vole densities suppressed mustelid and fox populations, leading to vole population dynamics being entirely regulated by AR use. Such vole-suppression treatment regimes inhibited predation ecosystem services and promoted pesticide dependence.

Keeping vole density below acceptable bounds by spreading AR while maintaining sufficient voles as prey resources led to less AR being applied and extended periods without AR in the environment, benefiting predators while avoiding episodes with high vole density. This may meet farm production interests while minimizing the impact on mustelid and fox populations and associated ecosystem processes. These alternating phases of mustelids and farmer regulation highlight the consequence of intraguild relationship where mustelids may rescue foxes from poisoning. Both global and wide-range sensitivity analysis illustrate the tightrope between predator-prey regulation and pesticide-pest regulation.

Synthesis and applications. Different pesticide protocols lead to a rich variety of predator-prey dynamics in agro-ecosystems. Our model reveals the need to maintain refuges with sufficient non-poisoned voles for sustaining specialist mustelids, to conserve the predator community given the potential of secondary poisoning with rodenticides. We suggest that long periods without pesticide treatment are essential to maintain predator populations, and that practices of pesticides use that attempt to permanently suppress a pest over a large scale are counterproductive.
# How effective are strategies to control the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment? A systematic review

**Authors:** Goulas A, Belhadi D, Descamps A, Andremont A, Benoit P, Courtois S, Dagot C, Grall N, Makowski D, Nazaret S, Nelieu S, Patureau D, Petit F, Roosevelt-Amsaleg C, Vittecoq M, Livoreil B, Laouenan C

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL EVIDENCE 9(1):4, 2020, DOI: 10.1186/s13750-020-0187-x

**Abstract:** Background Antibiotic resistance is a major concern for public and environmental health. The role played by the environment in disseminating resistance is increasingly considered, as well as its capacity for mitigation. We reviewed the literature on strategies to control dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) and mobile genetic elements (MGE) in the environment. Methods This systematic review focused on three main strategies: (i) restriction of antibiotic use (S1), (ii) treatments of liquid/solid matrices (S2) and (iii) management of natural environment (S3). Articles were collected from seven scientific databases until July 2017 and from Web of Science until June 2018. Only studies reporting measurements of ARB, ARG or MGE in environmental samples were included. An evidence map was drawn from metadata extracted from all studies eligible for S1, S2 and S3. Subsets of studies were assessed for internal and external validity to perform narrative and quantitative syntheses. A meta-analysis was carried out to assess the effects of organic waste treatments (random-effect models). Review findings Nine hundred and thirty-one articles representing 1316 individual studies (n) were eligible for S1 (n = 59), S2 (n = 781) and S3 (n = 476) strategies, respectively. Effects of interventions to control the dissemination of antibiotic resistance in the environment were primarily studied in strategy S2. A partial efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to reduce antibiotic resistance in treated effluent was reported in 118 high validity studies. In spite of the heterogeneity in published results, the meta-analysis showed that composting and drying were efficient treatments to reduce the relative abundance of ARG and MGE in organic waste, by 84% [65%; 93%] and 98% [80%;

100%], respectively. The effect of anaerobic digestion was not statistically significant (51% reduction [- 2%; 77%]) when organic waste treatments were compared together in the same model. Studies in strategies S1 and S3 mainly assessed the effects of exposure to sources of contamination. For instance, 28 medium/high validity studies showed an increase of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments at the WWTP discharge point. Some of these studies also showed a decrease of resistance as the distance from the WWTP increases, related to a natural resilience capacity of aquatic environments. Concerning wildlife, nine medium/high validity studies showed that animals exposed to anthropogenic activities carried more ARB.

# Refinement of an OECD test guideline for evaluating the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on aromatase gene expression and reproduction using novel transgenic cyp19a1a-eGFP zebrafish

**Authors:** De Oliveira J, Chadili E, Piccini B, Turies C, Maillot-Marechal E, Palluel O, Pardon, P, Budzinski H, Cousin X, Brion F, Hinfry N

**Source:** AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY 220:105403, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105403

**Abstract:** Transgenic fish are powerful models that can provide mechanistic information regarding the endocrine activity of test chemicals. In this study, our objective was to use a newly developed transgenic zebrafish line expressing eGFP under the control of the *cyp19a1a* promoter in the OECD Fish Short Term Reproduction Assay (TG 229) to provide additional mechanistic information on tested substances. For this purpose, we exposed adult transgenic zebrafish to a reference substance of the TG 229, i.e. prochloraz (PCZ; 1.7, 17.2 and 172.6 µg/L). In addition to "classical" endpoints used in the TG 229 (reproductive outputs, vitellogenin), the fluorescence intensity of the ovaries was monitored at 4 different times of exposure using in vivo imaging. Our data revealed that 172.6 µg/L PCZ significantly decreased the number of eggs laid per female per day and the concentrations of
vitellogenin in females, reflecting the decreasing E2 synthesis due to the inhibition of the ovarian aromatase activities. At 7 and 14 days, GFP intensities in ovaries were similar over the treatment groups but significantly increased after 21 days at 17.2 and 172.6 µg/L. A similar profile was observed for the endogenous cyp19a1a expression measured by qPCR thereby confirming the reliability of the GFP measurement for assessing aromatase gene expression. The overexpression of the cyp19a1a gene likely reflects a compensatory response to the inhibitory action of PCZ on aromatase enzymatic activities. Overall, this study illustrates the feasibility of using the cyp19a1a-eGFP transgenic line for assessing the effect of PCZ in an OECD test guideline while providing complementary information on the time- and concentration-dependent effects of the compound, without disturbing reproduction of fish. The acquisition of this additional mechanistic information on a key target gene through in vivo fluorescence imaging of the ovaries was realized without increasing the number of individuals.

## Influence of dissolved organic matter on the removal of 12 organic micropollutants from wastewater effluent by powdered activated carbon adsorption

**Authors:** Guillossou R, Le Roux J, Mailler R, Pereira-Derome CS, Varrault G, Bressy A, Vulliet E, Morlay C, Nauleau F, Rocher V, Gasperi J

**Source:** WATER RESEARCH 172:115487, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115487

**Abstract:** The presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in wastewater effluents is recognized as the main factor limiting the adsorption of organic micropollutants (OMPs) onto activated carbon. The degree of the negative effect that DOM, depending on its quality, exerts on OMPs adsorption is still unclear. The influence of the interactions between DOM and OMPs on their removal is also not fully understood. Adsorption isotherms and conventional batch tests were performed in ultra-pure water and in wastewater effluent to study the influence of DOM on the adsorption of 12 OMPs onto powdered activated carbon. Best fit of adsorption pseudo-

isotherms was obtained with the Freundlich equation and showed, as expected, that OMPs adsorption was higher in ultra-pure water than in wastewater effluent due to the presence of DOM leading to pore blockage and competition for adsorption sites. LC-OCD analysis revealed that biopolymers and hydrophobic molecules were the most adsorbed fractions while humic acids were not removed after a contact time of either 30 min or 72 h. The presence of DOM had a negative impact on the removal of all OMPs after 30 min of adsorption, but similar removals to ultra-pure water were obtained for 6 OMPs after 72 h of adsorption. This demonstrated that competition between DOM and OMPs for adsorption sites was not a major mechanism as compared to pore blockage, which only slowed down the adsorption and did not prevent it. The charge of OMPs had a clear impact: the adsorption of negatively charged compounds was reduced in the presence of wastewater effluent due to repulsive electrostatic interactions with the adsorbed DOM and the PAC surface. On the other hand, the removal of positively charged compounds was improved. A 24 h pre-equilibrium between OMPs and DOM improved their removal onto PAC, which suggest that OMPs and DOM interacted in solution which decreased the negative effects caused by the presence of DOM, e.g. through co-adsorption of an OMP-DOM complex. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

## Development and environmental implication of pedotransfer functions of Cd desorption rate coefficients in historically polluted soils

**Authors:** Lin ZB, Zou XY, Zhang RD, Nguyen C, Huang JS, Wang K, Wu JW, Huang S

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 257:113602, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113602

**Abstract:** The desorption rate is an important factor determining cadmium (Cd) ecotoxicity and pollution remediation in soils. The pedotransfer functions (PTFs) of desorption rate coefficients of fresh Cd in soils have been developed in literature. We hypothesized that the aging of Cd pollution would alter Cd desorption process. Taking historically polluted soils as the object, this study aimed at testing the hypothesis and developing new PTFs of desorption rate
coefficients for historical Cd. 15 d batch extraction experiments and 13 kinetic models were employed to define Cd desorption rate coefficients in 27 historically polluted soil samples. Compared with fresh Cd, the desorption rate coefficients of historical Cd were lower, and the break time of biphasic desorption processes was retarded to 3 d (4320 min). Different with the usual models for fresh Cd desorption (e.g. parabolic diffusion and two constant rate models), the best models to mimic the historical Cd desorption processes were the pseudo first order, logarithmic, Elovich, and simple Elovich models. The rate-limiting step controlling Cd desorption was changed from the intraparticle diffusion to the interface reaction with aging of pollution. New PTFs of desorption rate coefficients of historical Cd were established (R2 ≥ 0.71). Cd desorption rate coefficients increased with organic matter and clay contents, but decreased with oxalate extractable Fe content, solution pH, cation exchange capacity, and silt content. The key soil properties influencing desorption rate coefficients were not altered by the aging of pollution. The developed PTFs could guide us to adjusting the ecotoxicity and pollution remediation of Cd in historically polluted field soils. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

## Exposure to environmental radionuclides alters mitochondrial maintenance in a wild rodent

**Authors:** Kesaniemi J, Lavrinienko A, Tukalenko E, Moutinho AF, Mappes T, Moller AP, Mousseau TA, Watts PC

**Source:** EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY Early Access: JAN 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s10682-019-10028-x

**Abstract:** Mitochondria are sensitive to oxidative stress, including that derived from ionizing radiation. To quantify the effects of exposure to environmental radionuclides on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) dynamics in wildlife, bank voles (Myodes glareolus) were collected from the chernobyl exclusion zone (CEZ), where animals are exposed to elevated levels of radionuclides, and from uncontaminated areas within the CEZ and elsewhere in Ukraine. Brains of bank voles

from outside the CEZ were characterized by low mtDNA copy number and low mtDNA damage; by contrast, bank voles within the CEZ had high mtDNA copy number and high mtDNA damage, consistent with putative damaging effects of elevated radiation and a compensatory response to maintain sufficient functioning mitochondria. In animals outside the CEZ, the expression levels of PGC-1 alpha gene and mtDNA copy number were positively correlated as expected from this gene's prominent role in mitochondrial biogenesis; this PGC-1 alpha-mtDNA copy number association is absent in samples from the CEZ. Our data imply that exposure to radionuclides is associated with altered mitochondrial dynamics, evident in level of mtDNA and mtDNA damage and the level of activity in mitochondrial synthesis.

## An energy-based model to analyze growth data of earthworms exposed to two fungicides

**Authors:** Bart S, Pelosi C, Nélieu S, Lamy I, Péry ARR

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH 27(1):741-750, 2020, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06985-z

**Abstract:** The pesticide risk assessment for earthworms is currently performed using standardized tests, the model species Eisenia fetida, and the analyses of the data obtained are performed with ad hoc statistical tools. We assessed the impact of two fungicides on the entire growth pattern of the earthworm species *Aporrectodea caliginosa*, which is highly representative of agricultural fields. Individuals of three different ages (from hatching to 56 days old) were exposed to Cuprafor micro (R) (copper oxychloride) and Swing (R) Gold (dimoxystrobin and epoxiconazole). Data were analyzed with an energy-based toxicodynamic model coupled with a toxicokinetic model. The copper fungicide caused a drastic growth inhibition once the no effect concentration (NEC), estimated at 65 mg kg(-1) of copper, was exceeded. The Swing (R) Gold negatively affected the growth with NEC values estimated at 0.387 mg kg(-1) and 0.128 mg kg(-1) for the dimoxystrobin and the epoxiconazole in this fungicide formulation, respectively. The time-profile of the effects on *A. caliginosa* individuals was fully accounted for by the model, whatever their age of exposure. Furthermore,
toxicity data analyses, supported by
measurements of fungicide concentrations in
earthworm at the end of the experiment, allowed
bettering understanding of the mechanisms of
action of the fungicides towards earthworm
growth.

Effects of cadmium, inorganic mercury and methyl-mercury on the physiology and metabolomic profiles of shoots of the macrophyte Elodea nuttallii

Authors: Cosio C, Renault D

Source: ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION 257:113557, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113557

**Abstract:** Macrophytes are known to bioaccumulate metals, but a thorough understanding of tolerance strategies and molecular impact of metals in aquatic plants is still lacking. The present study aimed to compare Hg and Cd effects in a representative macrophyte, *Elodea nuttallii* using physiological endpoints and metabolite profiles in shoots and cytosol.

Exposure 24 h to methyl-Hg (30 ng L-1), inorganic Hg (70 ng L-1) and Cd (280 µg L-1) did not affect photosynthesis, or antioxidant enzymes despite the significant accumulation of metals, confirming a sublethal stress level. In shoots, Cd resulted in a higher level of regulation of metabolites than MeHg, while MeHg resulted in the largest number of regulated metabolites and IHg treatment regulated no metabolites significantly. In cytosol, Cd regulated more metabolites than IHg and only arginine, histidine and mannose were reduced by MeHg exposure. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of data suggested that exposure to MeHg resulted in biochemical changes including aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, cyanoamino acid metabolism, while the treatment of Cd stress caused significant variations in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and branched-chain amino acids pathways. Data supports an impact of MeHg on N homeostasis, while Cd resulted in an osmotic stress-like pattern and IHg had a low impact. Marked differences in the responses to MeHg and IHg exposure were evidenced, supporting

different molecular toxicity pathways and main impact of MeHg on non-soluble compartment, while main impact of IHg was on soluble compartment. Metabolomics was used for the first time in this species and proved to be very useful to confirm and complement recent knowledge gained by transcriptomics and proteomics, highlighting the high interest of multi-omics approaches to identify early impact of environmental pollution.

Increased soil pH and dissolved organic matter after a decade of organic fertilizer application mitigates copper and zinc availability despite contamination

Authors: Laurent C, Bravin MN, Crouzet O, Pelosi C, Tillard E, Lecomte P, Lamy I

Source: SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 709:135927, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135927

**Abstract:** Long-term organic fertilizer (OF) application on agricultural soils is known to induce soil Cu and Zn contamination, along with pH and organic matter changes, which in turn alter the soil Cu and Zn availability. Our study was aimed at assessing Cu and Zn availability in long-term OF-amended soils by distinguishing the importance of increased contamination levels versus pH and organic matter changes in soil. Seventy-four soil samples were collected over time from fields corresponding to three soil types upon which no, mineral, or organic fertilization had been applied over a decade, and thus exhibited a gradient of Cu and Zn contamination, pH, and organic matter concentration. Soil Cu and Zn contamination (i.e. total and DTPA-extractable Cu and Zn concentration), soil solution chemistry (i.e. pH and dissolved organic matter concentration and aromaticity) and Cu and Zn availability (i.e. total concentration and free ionic activity in solution and DGT-available concentration in soil) levels were measured. The Windermere humic aqueous model (WHAM) was used to estimate Zn2+ activity and dissolved organic matter (DOM) binding properties in soil solution. Regardless of the soil type, organic fertilization increased Cu and Zn contamination in soil, in addition to the pH and the DOM
concentration, aromaticity and binding properties in soil solution. The pH increase prompted a decrease in the total Zn concentration and Zn2+ activity in soil solution. The concomitant pH increase and DOM concentration, aromaticity and binding properties boosted the total Cu concentration but decreased the Cu2+ activity in soil solution. DGT-available Cu and Zn varied very little between the three fertilization modalities. Our results suggest that pH and DOM changes were able to regulate Cu and Zn availability in long-term OF amended soils by exerting a protective effect that offset the concomitant increase in soil Cu and Zn contamination.

## Realistic environmental exposure to microplastics does not induce biological effects in the Pacific oyster *Crassostrea gigas*

**Authors:** Revel M, Chatel A, Perrein-Ettajani H, Bruneau M, Akcha F, Sussarellu R, Rouxel J, Costil K, Decottignies P, Cognie B, Lagarde F, Mouneyrac C

**Source:** MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
150:110627, 2020, DOI:
10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110627

**Abstract:** The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence and potential toxic effects of plastic fragments (< 400 µm) of polyethylene and polypropylene on the Pacific oyster *Crassostrea gigas*. Oysters were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (0, 0.008, 10, 100 µg of particles/L) during 10 days, followed by a depuration period of 10 days in clean seawater. Effects of microplastics were evaluated on the clearance rate of organisms, tissue alteration, antioxidant defense, immune alteration and DNA damage. Detection and quantification of microplastics in oyster's tissues (digestive gland, gills and other tissues) and biodeposits using infrared microscopy were also conducted. Microplastics were detected in oyster's biodeposits following exposure to all tested concentrations: 0.003, 0.006 and 0.05 particles/mg of biodeposits in oysters exposed to 0.008, 10 and 100 µg of particles/L, respectively. No significant modulation of biological markers was measured in organisms exposed to microplastics in environmentally relevant conditions.

## Identification of new microbial functional standards for soil quality assessment

**Authors:** Thiele-Bruhn S, Schloter M, Wilke BM, Beaudette LA, Martin-Laurent F, Cheviron N, Mougin C, Rombke J

**Source:** SOIL 6(1):17-34, 2020, DOI: 10.5194/soil-6-17-2020

**Abstract:** The activity of microorganisms in soil is important for a robust functioning of soil and related ecosystem services. Hence, there is a necessity to identify the composition, diversity, and function of the soil microbiome in order to determine its natural properties, functioning, and operating range as well as to assess eco-toxicological effects due to anthropogenic activities. Numerous microbiological methods currently exist in the literature and new, more advanced methods continue to be developed; however, only a limited number of these methods are standardised. Consequently, there is a need to identify the most promising non-standardised methods for assessing soil quality and to transform them into standards. In agreement with the "Ecosystem Service Approach", new methods should focus more on soil microbial functions, including nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas emission, pest control and plant growth promotion, carbon cycling and sequestration, as well as soil structure development and filter function. The few existing standardised methods available that focus on the function of the soil microbiome mostly include measurements, like basal respiration, enzyme activities, and biodegradation of organic matter, under well-defined conditions in the lab. This paper sets out to summarise and expand on recent discussions within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Soil Quality - Biological Characterization sub-committee (ISO TC 190/SC 4), where a need was identified to develop scientifically sound methods which would best fulfil the practical needs of future users for assessing soil quality, going beyond the existing test systems. Of particular note is the current evolution of molecular methods in microbial ecology that use quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to produce a large number of new functional endpoints which are more sensitive as compared to "classical" methods. Quantitative
PCR assesses the abundance of microbes that catalyse major transformation steps in nitrogen and phosphorus cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, chemical transformations including pesticide degradation, and plant growth promotion pathways based on the assessment of marker gene sequences that drive the related processes. In the assessment of soil quality methods, it was found that most methods focus on bacteria and related endpoints. Techniques to describe fungal communities as well as their functional traits are far less represented. As such, techniques to analyse fungal enzyme activities are proposed. Additionally, methods for the determination of microbial growth rates and efficiencies, including the use of glomalin as a biochemical marker for soil aggregation, are discussed. Furthermore, field methods indicative of carbon turnover, including the litter bag test and a modification to the tea bag test, are presented. However, it is obvious that with increasing developments in high throughput sequencing technologies and big data analyses, including metagenomics analysis, it will be possible to implement these technologies into the standardisation process for assessing the functions of the soil microbiome. Overall, it is suggested that endpoints should represent a potential function of soil microorganisms rather than actual activity levels, as the latter can largely be dependent on short-term variable soil properties such as pedoclimatic conditions, nutrient availability, and anthropogenic soil cultivation activities.

## Azadirachtin, a natural pesticide with multiple effects

**Authors:** Aribi N, Denis B, Kilani-Morakchi S, Joly D

**Source:** M S-MEDECINE SCIENCES 36(1):44-49, 2020, DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2019268

**Abstract:** There are many studies devoted to the negative impact of conventional pesticides that effectively control pests, but cause widespread environmental pollution. As a result, interest is growing in pesticides of a natural origin with a lower environmental impact. Among them, azadirachtin, sold under various formulations (neem oil, Neem-Azal, Bioneem, etc.), is still the most widely recommended molecule in agricultural ecosystems. Azadirachtin has also

been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and studies published over the past few years have tended to support its therapeutic use. Yet the argument that azadirachtin is harmless to the environment has been offset by its notable collateral and controversial effects on non-target organisms. The present paper summarizes the work already done in this field.

## Tritiated Water Exposure in Zebrafish (*Danio rerio*): Effects on the Early-Life Stages

**Authors:** Gagnaire B, Arcanjo C, Cavalie I, Camilleri V, Simon O, Floriani M, Orjollet D, Adam-Guillermin C

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY, 2020, DOI: 10.1002/etc.4650

**Abstract:** Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen of natural and anthropogenic origin, is ubiquitously present in the environment. Effluents of nuclear centers of production are significant anthropogenic sources. With the upcoming project of thermonuclear fusion, tritium releases in the environment may increase. It is therefore important to characterize the ecological risk linked to tritium. The effects of tritiated water (HTO) were therefore studied in zebrafish larvae exposed for 10 d to different dose rates, 1.1 x 10(2), 4.1 x 10(2), and 3.8 x 10(3) µGy/h for larvae corresponding, respectively, to a water contamination of 10(4), 10(5), and 10(6) Bq/mL of HTO. Those dose rates were higher than 10 mu Gy/h, which is the threshold recommended to start monitoring ecosystems where radiological contaminants are present. Mortality, embryolarval development, immune toxicity, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and alterations of tissues were investigated. The results showed that HTO exposure induced DNA damage and reactive oxygen species production and modulated the expression of genes involved in detoxification processes. Moreover, modifications of the muscular tissues (degradation of myofibrils at 4 d post fertilization and disorganization of mitochondria at later stages) were observed. The results differed with HTO dose rates and with developmental stages. These results will drive future research for the development of new HTO-sensitive biomarkers and will allow us to progress in the characterization of the modes of action of tritium in fish.
# In Situ Reproductive Bioassay with Caged *Gammarus fossarum* (Crustacea): Part 2 - Evaluating the Relevance of Using a Molt Cycle Temperature-Dependent Model as a Reference to Assess Toxicity in Freshwater Monitoring

**Authors:** Lopes C, Chaumot A, Xuereb B, Coulaud R, Jubeaux G, Queau H, Francois A, Geffard O

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY, 2020, DOI: 10.1002/etc.4656

**Abstract:** Active biomonitoring approaches are now recognized as relevant for monitoring water contamination and toxicity. Nevertheless, due to the confounding influence of variable and uncontrolled environmental conditions such as temperature, biological markers measured on transplanted individuals to assess water quality are difficult to interpret. The purpose of the present study is to propose a methodology for adapting a laboratory test of chronic sublethal toxicity based on the molting cycle of Gammarus fossarum to in situ assays. To this end, we 1) adapted the molt cycle temperature-dependent model developed in Part 1 (Chaumot et al. 2020, this issue) to the fluctuating temperatures measured in the field; 2) assessed the predictive power of our approach as a "reference value" from gammarids caged in 9 nonimpacted sites at different seasons; and 3) tested the relevance of our tool to interpret in situ reproductive bioassays from 5 upstream/downstream studies and a large-scale deployment in 12 sites. Our approach based on modeling the progress of gammarid molting cycle as a function of temperature appeared to be a relevant and robust tool for interpreting in situ observations in different environmental contexts in time and space. By avoiding using a "reference" or upstream situation as a baseline from which water quality could be assessed, this approach provides a real added value to water quality diagnosis in biomonitoring programs.

# Metabolome response to anthropogenic contamination on microalgae: a review

**Authors:** Gauthier L, Tison-Rosebery J, Morin S, Mazzella N

**Source:** METABOLOMICS 16(1):8, 2019, DOI: 10.1007/s11306-019-1628-9

**Abstract:** Background Microalgae play a key role in ecosystems and are widely used in ecological status assessment. Research focusing on such organisms is then well developed and essential. Anyway, approaches for a better comprehension of their metabolome's response towards anthropogenic stressors are only emerging. Aim of review This review presents the biochemical responses of various microalgae species towards several contaminants including metals and chemicals as pesticides or industrial compounds. We aim to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of analytical approaches deciphering anthropogenic contaminants impact on microalgae metabolome dynamics, in order to bring out relevant biochemical markers that could be used for risk assessment. Key scientific concepts of review Studies to date on ecotoxicological metabolomics on microalgae are highly heterogeneous in both analytical techniques and resulting metabolite identification. There is a real need for studies using complementary approaches to determine biomarkers usable for ecological risk assessment.

# Bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s in soils to humans and their bioavailability to snails: A way to associate human health and ecotoxicological risk assessment?

**Authors:** Louzon M, Pelfrene A, Pauget B, Gimbert F, Morin-Crini N, Douay F, de Vaufleury

**Source:** JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 384:121432, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121432

**Abstract:** Human health risk assessment (HHRA) and ecotoxicological risk assessment (ERA) of
contaminated soils are frequently performed separately and based on total soil concentrations without considering the concepts of mobility, bioaccessibility and bioavailability. However, some chemical and biological assays rarely used in combination can be applied to more accurately assess the exposure of organisms to metal(loid)s and thus to better estimate the links between soil contamination and effects. For humans, the unified bioaccessibility method (UBM) assesses oral bioaccessibility, while for soil fauna such as land snails, the bioaccumulation test reflects the bioavailability of contaminants. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between oral bioaccessibility and the bioavailability of arsenic, cadmium and lead in twenty-nine contaminated soils. The results show a modulation of bioaccumulation and bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s by soil physicochemical parameters (organic matter especially). For the three metal(loid)s studied, strong relationships were modelled between the UBM and snail tests (0.77 < r²adj < 0.95), depending on the parameters of the linear regressions (contaminant and phases of the UBM test). The original models proposed demonstrate the feasibility of linking bioaccessibility to humans and bioavailability to snails and the relevance of their association for an integrative risk assessment of contaminated soils.

## Influence of the properties of 7 micro-grain activated carbons on organic micropollutants removal from wastewater effluent

**Authors:** Guillossou R, Le Roux J, Mailler R, Morlay C, Vulliet E, Nauleau F, Rocher V, Gasperi

**Source:** CHEMOSPHERE 243:UNSP 125306, 2020, DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125306

**Abstract:** Most studies dedicated to organic micropollutants (OMPs) removal from wastewater effluents by adsorption onto activated carbon (AC) only consider a few conventional AC properties. The link between OMPs removal and these properties is often missing, which limits the understanding of the adsorption process and the interpretation of the results. The chemical, physical and textural properties of seven newly commercialized micro-grain activated carbons (mu GACs) were determined to assess their influence on the removal of 28 OMPs.

Conventional batch tests with wastewater effluent showed that a high percentage of microporous volume (&#62;65%) was detrimental for the removal of 10 OMPs, probably due to a higher blockage of micropores by dissolved organic matter (DOM). The removal of 5 OMPs was correlated with mu GACs surface chemistry properties (i.e. charge) which were potentially modified by DOM adsorption or inorganic species, thus favoring the adsorption of positively-charged compounds. A combination of OMPs properties including their charge, hydrophobicity and minimal projection area could explain their removal. Correlations were found between the removal of several OMPs and UV254, suggesting that DOM and OMPs interacted with each other or followed similar adsorption mechanisms. A decrease in mu GACs particle size had a positive impact on UV254 removal under continuous-flow conditions in columns representative of a large-scale pilot due to better expansion.

REVUE DE PRESSE /

ALTERNATIVES /

BIOPESTICIDES

## Une alternative aux produits phytos ? BASF et De Sangosse vont tester les produits d'Amoeba

Terre-Net 31/03/20

BASF et De Sangosse vont tester en plein champ et sous serre les produits de biocontrôle d'Amoeba, que ce dernier présente comme une alternative aux pesticides chimiques.

« Ces tests à grande échelle présentent un important potentiel de valorisation pour la société et sont une étape essentielle vers d'éventuels partenariats commerciaux », a souligné mardi dans un communiqué le fondateur d'Amoeba, Fabrice Plasson. Le groupe lyonnais, qui a connu de nombreux déboires dans ses tentatives pour faire homologuer ses produits, avait annoncé à l'automne dernier qu'il lui faudrait trouver de nouveaux financements d'ici juillet. Les applications agricoles sont pour Amoeba une piste relativement récente. [...]
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## Corteva lance Inatreq contre la septoriose

### Cultivar 20/03/20

Corteva Agriscience annonce l'homologation du premier produit à base d'Inatreq™ active en Europe, fongicide d'origine naturelle.

Questar™, à base d'Inatreq™ active, a reçu son autorisation de mise sur le marché en France. Inatreq™ active est un nouveau fongicide d'origine naturelle qui offre un contrôle sur toutes les souches de septoriose, permettant une stratégie de protection fongicide durable, indique l'entreprise. [...]

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## Biocontrôle : Céline Barthet, élue présidente d'IBMA France

### Terre-Net 19/03/20

Céline Barthet, directrice homologation et affaires réglementaires de Sumi Agro France, succède à Antoine Meyer, en tant que présidente d'IBMA France, l'association française des entreprises de produits de biocontrôle.

« Je suis très honorée de représenter le secteur du biocontrôle en France. Tout en veillant à une parfaite continuité dans les actions initiées, nous affinerons dans les prochaines semaines, avec nos adhérents, le plan "IBMA France 2030" qui dressera la feuille de route stratégique de l'association de cette décennie », présente Céline Barthet, récemment élue présidente d'IBMA France. [...]

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## REVUE DE PRESSE / ASSOCIATIONS

### Alerte aux pucerons : les betteraviers démunis à cause

## des mesures dites « environnementales »

### Alerte Environnement 30/04/20

C'était le dogmatisme écolo et un quasi-suicide de toute la profession betteravière ou l'autorisation d'utiliser un insecticide dès le stade 2 feuilles, le Teppeki (flonicamide, normalement autorisé au stade 6 feuilles). En effet, depuis le 20 avril, la quasi-totalité des régions de production de betteraves en France sont touchées par une infestation de pucerons verts que d'aucuns qualifient de « très précoce et fulgurante ». À la clef, un risque « très élevé » de jaunisse, donc de perte de rendement de 30 à 50% (Cf. le témoignage vidéo infra) alors même que le prix actuel de la tonne de betteraves (autour de 20 euros) permet à peine de rentabiliser une production normale... [...]

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## Pourquoi il est urgent de soutenir l'Initiative Citoyenne Européenne pour une sortie des pesticides « Sauvez les abeilles et les agriculteurs » ?

### Générations futures 29/04/20

Deux documents importants, devant contenir des objectifs de réduction des pesticides, devaient être publiés par la Commission européenne au début de l'année, mais ont été reportés au 29/04 puis probablement au 20/05, en raison des efforts de lobbying massifs du lobby des agriculteurs conventionnels.

Progressivement, les versions divulguées du document mettent en évidence une réduction de l'ambition (par exemple, plus d'objectifs de réduction des pesticides obligatoires), se dirigeant vers un scénario de « statu quo ». L'agro-industrie affaiblit l'accord vert européen sur la réduction des pesticides et la protection de la biodiversité [...]

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## Retour sur l'affaire glyphosate : affaire de gros
## sous aux USA, combat idéologique en Europe

### Alerte Environnement 27/04/20

La France Agricole du 27 mars donne la parole à Gil Rivière-Wekstein, auteur du livre Glyphosate, l'impossible débat, paru en février 2020. Il explique que « cette affaire est la plus grande manipulation de l'opinion publique depuis le début du siècle. Il y a cinq ans, le glyphosate était un non-sujet. Tous les jardiniers du monde en avaient. Parmi tous les produits utilisés, ce n'est pas seulement le plus efficace, c'est aussi le moins toxique ». La manipulation a eu lieu en quatre grandes étapes :

C'est l'avis du Centre International de Recherche contre le Cancer (CIRC) classant la molécule comme « cancérigène probable » qui est « l'élément déclencheur », explique Gil Rivière-Wekstein. « Cet avis est contesté par l'ensemble des agences sanitaires du monde, qui estiment qu'il s'agit d'une surinterprétation des études ». Le journaliste juge « douteux » le rôle joué par le toxicologue américain Christopher Portier, connu pour avoir été employé par une ONG antipesticides américaine - l'Environmental Defense Fund. [...]

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## Recours juridiques : Le COVID ne justifie pas d'épandre des pesticides au ras des habitations

### Générations futures 23/04/20

9 ONG saisissent la justice en urgence pour stopper les dérogations aux distances d'épandage.

Sous le prétexte que le Covid 19 empêcherait les consultations du public, le Gouvernement recule de nouveau en accordant des réductions supplémentaires pour épandre les pesticides à des distances encore plus faibles des habitations que celles pourtant insuffisamment protectrices imposées en décembre. Afin de protéger les riverains contre cet abus manifeste, 9 ONG déposent deux recours devant le Conseil d'Etat contre cette décision inadmissible. [...]

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## Billet du président - Pesticides - L'inadmissible décision gouvernementale !

### Que Choisir 23/04/20

Trop, c'est trop ! Après avoir avalisé fin 2019 via des textes réglementaires des distances minimales d'épandage près des habitations ridiculement faibles (10, 5 mètres contre les 50 réclamés par les ONG et certaines autorités), le gouvernement profite aujourd'hui du confinement pour permettre, en catimini, des réductions supplémentaires, au moment même où les épandages débutent !

En effet, un communiqué du Ministère de l'Agriculture indique clairement qu'en raison de la situation empêchant des concertations locales, une instruction permet aux utilisateurs de déroger aux distances minimales (évidemment à la baisse !) jusqu'en juin 2020 (bref pendant toute la période où se concentrent habituellement les épandages de pesticides) si les utilisateurs se sont engagés dans un simple projet de charte de bonnes pratiques ... sans besoin qu'il soit concerté ! [...]

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## Glyphosate : toujours pas de solution pour le remplacer et une échéance qui approche en plein chaos économique

### Alerte-environnement

Plus personne ne l'ignore, sous la pression des ONG, le gouvernement a pour objectif de sortir de l'essentiel des usages du glyphosate au 1er janvier 2021, et de tous les usages au 1er janvier 2023. Dans le même temps, plus de trois agriculteurs sur quatre n'identifient pas d'alternatives au glyphosate, selon une enquête des instituts techniques Acta, Arvalis, Fnams, ITB, Terres Inovia réalisée sur un échantillon de 7677 producteurs en grandes cultures et publiée le 17 avril. Plus précisément, 77,5% disent ne pas savoir comment faire sans cet herbicide. [...]

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# Animal Fodder - A Driver of the Global Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) Industry

Beyond Pesticides, April 30, 2020

Chemical-intensive farming of crops for animal fodder powers the global market for highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), according to data analyzed by Unearthed, and the Swiss NGO Public Eye. Animal fodder production not only intensifies global pollution, but it also increases pesticide exposure and degrades human, animal, and environmental health. This data analysis supports advocates advancing pesticide policies to eliminate HHPs by identifying which toxic chemicals lead global pesticide sales. However, it will take more than eliminating the worst chemicals to address the impending biodiversity collapse and the climate crisis, according to experts who point to the need for an urgent shift to organic land and agricultural management practices. United Nations' (UN) special rapporteur on toxic substances and human rights, Baskut Tuncak, says, "There is nothing sustainable about the widespread use of highly hazardous pesticides for agriculture. Whether they poison workers, extinguish biodiversity, persist in the environment, or accumulate in a mother's breast milk, these are unsustainable, cannot be used safely, and should have been phased out of use long ago." [...]

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# One Quarter of Global Insect Population Lost Since 1990

Beyond Pesticides, April 28, 2020

Roughly a quarter of the global insect population has been wiped out since 1990, according to new research published in the journal Science. Billed as one of the most comprehensive assessments to date, the study finds significant overall insect declines, but notes of some specific bright spots. While variation in the ongoing crisis is to be expected, ultimately the trends in the data show the need for immediate policy and regulatory action to protect the insect world as the foundation of global food webs. [...]

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# Monarch Butterfly Larvae Adversely Affected by Pesticide Drift from Contiguous Soybean and Maize Crop Fields

Beyond Pesticides 23/04/20

Pesticide spray drift from adjacent farmlands expose butterfly larvae to lethal pesticide concentrations, according to research published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry by Iowa State University (ISU). Lack of previous experimental pesticide toxicity data makes it unclear as to what degree insecticides impact monarch butterfly (*Danaus plexippus*) productivity in milkweed (*Asclepias spp.*) habitats near pesticide-treated pasture. This study adds weight to the idea that pesticides are playing a role in the ongoing decline of this iconic butterfly, as researchers find insecticide drift from adjacent fields to be strongly associated with larval mortality. Future monarch butterfly conservation efforts should consider risks stemming from pesticide exposure when developing butterfly rehabilitation efforts, according to advocates. As co-author Niranjana Krishnan (ISU graduate student) states, "In order to make the best decisions about how and where to plant milkweed, we first need to find basic toxicity and exposure data." [...]

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# Gironde : « on va droit dans le mur, tu viens avec nous ? » dit la filière agricole aux ONG...

Alerte-environnement 20/04/20

Voilà un bel exemple de surenchère ! Et elle mène tout droit les agriculteurs dans le mur. Sans pour autant calmer les ONG écologistes. Il s'agit de la Charte départementale du bien vivre ensemble (sic !) en Gironde. Elle est en consultation publique jusqu'au 30 avril 2020. On doit l'initiative au Conseil interprofessionnel du vin de Bordeaux (CIVB), à la chambre d'agriculture 33 et à l'Association des Maires de Gironde.

On s'en souvient, la filière viticole en Gironde s'était déjà engagée à supprimer les produits phytosanitaires classés CMR (cancérigènes,
mutagènes et reprotoxiques). A grand renfort de communication.

Cette année, la nouveauté réside dans l'ajout des fongicides SDHI pour lesquels la filière demande à ce qu'ils soient supprimés de la boîte à outils des agriculteurs de Gironde. [...]

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# Les étranges considérations du Sénateur Corbisez sur les pesticides

## Alerte-Environnement 17/04/20

Alors que notre pays est en confinement depuis quelques semaines, nos institutions continuent « à tourner ». Ainsi en est-il du Secrétariat général du gouvernement qui répond toujours aux questions des parlementaires. Une d'entre elles a attiré cette semaine notre attention, celle du Sénateur du Pas-de-Calais Corbisez.

La voici in extenso :
Arrêt de l'usage des pesticides

Jean-Pierre Corbisez attire l'attention de M. le ministre de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation concernant le décret n° 2019-1500 du 27 décembre 2019 et l'arrêté sur les distances dites « de sécurité » qui sont parus au Journal officiel le 29 décembre 2019. [...]

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# Épandage des pesticides : Les préfets doivent protéger les riverains, pas aggraver la situation !

## Que Choisir 16/04/20

Après avoir dénoncé et attaqué devant le Conseil d'Etat les distances minimales ridiculement faibles d'épandage de pesticides près des habitations, nos organisations1 sonnent l'alerte quant à l'aggravation actuelle de la situation avec des réductions supplémentaires inadmissibles en cette période de confinement. Nos ONG appellent à la mobilisation générale pour que les préfets interdisent les pulvérisations de pesticides près des habitations et que soient reportées sine die les consultations publiques autour des chartes « pesticides ».

Nombre d'organisations2 et de riverains3 ont souhaité attirer l'attention des autorités sur la situation particulièrement pénible actuellement vécue par de nombreuses personnes confinées à leur domicile - comme l'ensemble de la population française - et qui doivent subir les dérives de pesticides pulvérisés à très faible distance de leurs domiciles. Alors que les analyses réalisées par l'UFC-Que Choisir sur les productions de l'agriculture conventionnelle4 confirment régulièrement la présence de pesticides potentiellement dangereux, ces décisions conduisent à augmenter encore l'exposition des riverains à des produits toxiques, et à durcir les conditions de leur confinement. Alors qu'il serait justifié, dans de telles circonstances sanitaires, d'éloigner les pulvérisations de pesticides des domiciles des riverains des zones cultivées, l'instruction du 3 février dernier relayée par certains préfets sous forme de dérogations rend possible l'inverse et permet de passer outre l'obligation faite dans la loi de respecter des zones sans traitement ! [...]

## Notes

(1) Alerte Médecins Pesticides, Eau & Rivières de Bretagne, Générations Futures, Greenpeace France, Justice Pesticides, Mouvement de l'Agriculture Bio-Dynamique, MIRAMAP, Terre & Humanisme, UFC-Que Choisir, Union syndicale Solidaires.

(2) A titre d'exemple Générations Futures a écrit fin mars sur ce point au Premier Ministre.

(3) Certains riverains et collectifs ont écrit à des préfets pour s'inquiéter de ces situations.

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# Pollinis et Générations Futures déposent un recours contre la cellule Déméter

## Génération futures 14/04/20

POLLINIS et Générations futures ont déposé un recours devant le tribunal administratif de Paris pour obtenir l'annulation de la convention de partenariat entre le ministère de l'Intérieur, la FNSEA et les Jeunes Agriculteurs permettant la mise en oeuvre de la cellule Déméter.
Signée le 13 décembre dernier, mais rendue publique deux mois plus tard par le quotidien Le Monde, cette convention marque le lancement d'une cellule de renseignement officiellement dédiée au « suivi des atteintes au monde agricole ». Ce partenariat choquant entre la gendarmerie nationale et des organismes privés, fervents défenseurs du modèle agricole conventionnel, permet en réalité la mise en place d'un dispositif de surveillance dont les contours sont dangereusement flous. [...]

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## Farmed Salmon during Covid-19 Pandemic Subject to Increased Pesticide Use in Scotland

Beyond Pesticides, April 17, 2020

As the novel coronavirus pandemic upends much of human activity, some governments are acting to loosen environmental regulations – purportedly, in the interests of public health in the face of Covid-19 threats, and/or in deference to economic concerns of certain industrial sectors. There has been little analysis, to date, of what the “on the ground” impacts of these relaxed rules may be, but news out of Scotland illustrates some kinds of concerns critics and advocates have about such loosening of regulations. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued new, temporary rules that allow some salmon farms both to ignore newly established limits on the amount of emamectin, an insecticide used to control sea lice that plague the salmon, and to boost use of azamethiphos, another insecticide used against the lice, beyond previous 24-hour limits. [...]

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## Farmland Birds' Exposure to Neonicotinoid-Treated Seeds (during Winter Seeding)

## Confirmed by Blood Plasma Tests

Beyond Pesticides, April 16, 2020

Pesticide exposure in farmland birds is a concomitant of pesticide-treated muesli (cereal) seed commonly planted during winter months, according to research published in Science of the Total Environment by United Kingdom (UK) scientists. Not only do pesticide-treated seeds pose the highest dietary risk to birds, but pesticide-treated seeds also go underreported as farmers often lack knowledge of what pesticides are on the seeds they plant. This study emphasizes the global effects of treated seeds, and their corresponding pesticide exposure, on bird species. Future risk assessments for bird should address these implications when implementing agricultural pesticide policies. [...]

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## Household Pesticide Use During Pregnancy Linked to Nephroblastoma Kidney Cancer

Beyond Pesticides, April 15, 2020

Home pesticide use during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of a child developing the kidney cancer nephroblastoma, or Wilms' tumor, according to research published in Cancer Epidemiology by a team of French scientists. Wilms' tumor is one of the most common childhood cancers but has an inscrutable etiology. This study adds weight to the theory that pesticides are a driver of the tumor's development, as pesticide use was more strongly associated than other widely investigated causes, including parental smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. [...]

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## Federal Dietary Guidelines Needed to Promote Sustainably Grown Food for a Healthy Public and
# Environment, According to Report

## Beyond Pesticides, April 13, 2020

Since 1990, Congress has required an every-five-years review of its Dietary Guidelines – recommendations that are supposed, minimally, to promote public health and prevent chronic diseases. The next review and a draft updated iteration, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, are currently underway. The Union of Concerned Scientists (and several colleagues) have examined recent studies on dietary patterns and sustainability; their analysis reveals that the current federal guidelines on diet are unlikely to support sustainability of the food system in the long-term. Beyond Pesticides concurs, and maintains that a transition to sustainable, organic, regenerative agriculture is the path to both improved human health and long-term sustainability of the natural world essential to life.

The Union of Concerned Scientists' (UCS's) report – In Support of Sustainable Eating: Why U.S. Dietary Guidelines Should Prioritize Healthy People and a Healthy Planet – identifies this next version of the federal guidelines as a critical opportunity to shift the direction of the U.S. food and agricultural system toward far greater sustainability. UCS asserts that such a shift is beyond due: the food system in the U.S. has huge environmental impacts on pollution, use of chemical pesticides, biodiversity, and emissions that significantly worsen the myriad impacts of the climate crisis – in addition to its effects on public health. [...]

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# Replay: Les agriculteurs vont-ils sauver la planète?

## Générations futures 26/03/20

Le magazine « Pièces à conviction » du 25 mars 2020 est revenu sur l'échec du plan Ecophyto, qui prévoyait de réduire de moitié l'usage des pesticides en dix ans.

Dans ce documentaire, intitulé « Les agriculteurs vont-ils sauver la planète ? » la réalisatrice revient sur l'échec du plan Ecophyto censé nous permettre d'atteindre l'objectif de réduction de 50% des pesticides en 10 ans soit en ... 2018! Le

constat est là, point de baisse mais au contraire une augmentation de l'utilisation de ces produits nocifs.

Au-delà de ce constat d'échec, la réalisatrice dresse le portrait d'agriculteurs qui tentent une métamorphose. Mettant en avant le fait que ces derniers traversent des crises graves : le prix des denrées qu'ils produisent ne cesse de baisser, et parfois leurs productions se raréfient. Beaucoup d'entre eux, tenus par des investissements qu'ils n'arrivent plus à rembourser, jettent l'éponge. Pour sauver leur métier, beaucoup réfléchissent à changer leurs pratiques. « Pièce à conviction » est parti à la rencontre des ces agriculteurs et agricultrices qui s'essayent à de nouvelles méthodes de culture : une révolution dans ce monde réputé conservateur.

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# Lawsuit Challenges TruGreen Chemical Lawn Care Company for Deceptive Safety Claims; Pesticide Applications Stopped by Some States During COVID-19 Crisis as Nonessential

## Beyond Pesticides, March 30, 2020

NOTICE: Beyond Pesticides urges Governors to stop the use of lawn pesticides during the COVID-19 crisis because the toxic chemicals used are typically immune and respiratory system toxicants, elevating key risk factors for those vulnerable to coronavirus hazards. Contact your Governor to classify chemical lawn care as non-essential.

Last week, Beyond Pesticides sued TruGreen, the national chemical landscaping company, for misrepresenting the safety of the toxic chemicals that it uses to treat lawns. The case is Beyond Pesticides v. TruGreen (DC Superior Court, Case No. 2020CA001973B, March, 20, 2020). At the same time, the organization is urging all states to prohibit toxic chemical spraying in neighborhoods as non-essential and hazardous. Widespread exposure to lawn pesticides, which are immune system and respiratory toxicants, can elevate serious risk factors associated with COVID-19 (coronavirus). [...]
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# Les priorités hallucinantes de Générations Futures

## Alerte-environnement 25/03/20

Des centaines de personnes décèdent du Coronavirus, le nombre de morts et de contaminés explose, l'économie est à l'arrêt quasi-total... mais ne croyez pas que le lobby pro-bio et antiphyto Générations Futures va changer son agenda militant. On pourrait tous y passer qu'on aurait quand même le droit à sa « semaine pour les alternatives aux pesticides » ! Ce non-événement devait avoir lieu du 20 au 30 mars. Si « tous les événements physiques, conférences, projections ou visites de fermes devront être reportés, l'association diffusera chaque jour sur son site des articles valorisant les alternatives aux pesticides » explique Agrafil suite à un communiqué de l'association. Qui devrait, cette fois-ci, trouver des médias trop occupés pour leurs habituels articles complaisants. C'est ce qui s'appelle pisser dans un violon, mais pas volontairement cette fois-ci, et sans glyphosate (sauf selon BioCheck). Le communiqué de Générations Futures rappelle aussi que deux de ses initiatives en ligne se poursuivent : le concours « À vos coquelicots » destiné aux jeunes élèves et l'outil Shake ton politique, qui permet de proposer aux élus dix engagements pour la réduction des produits phytosanitaires. Bref, pendant la fin du monde, la propagande, les fake news et le lobbying continuent !

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# Agriculture conventionnelle et agriculture biologique : trop de biais dans les comparaisons - Agriculture conventionnelle et agriculture biologique -Trop de biais dans les comparaisons

## Que Choisir 19/03/20

Si le coronavirus n'accaparait pas toute notre attention, l'étude de l'Institut national de

recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (Inrae) pourrait faire du bruit. Elle dénonce en effet les biais des analyses de cycle de vie pour comparer les modèles agricoles.

La collaboration est européenne. Des chercheurs danois, suédois et, pour la France, de l'Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement (Inrae) publient une étude qui pourrait faire date.

Ils y démontrent que la méthode la plus courante pour évaluer les impacts sur l'environnement de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, à savoir l'analyse de cycle de vie (ACV), est « trop simpliste et passe à côté d'avantages majeurs de l'agriculture biologique ». Cette méthode peut notamment amener à conclure que l'agriculture biologique a plus d'impact que la conventionnelle en raison de ses rendements plus faibles qui mobilisent plus de terres. [...]

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# Maryland Legislature Passes Limited Ban on Chlorpyrifos Insecticide

## Beyond Pesticides, March 24, 2020

Last week, Maryland became the latest state to prohibit use of the brain-damaging insecticide chlorpyrifos, after a measure cleared both the state Senate and House. Although the legislation implements a limited ban that sunsets after four years, advocates consider this action a step in the right direction that will protect the health and safety of Maryland residents. “Even amidst our current public health crisis, the Maryland legislature acted to protect all Marylanders’ health for years to come by banning this toxic pesticide, and we are so grateful,” said Ruth Berlin, Executive Director of the Maryland Pesticide Education Network to WBOC. [...]

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# Farmworkers and Conservationists Sue EPA for Re-Approving Monsanto/Bayer's Cancer-
## Causing Pesticide, Glyphosate/Roundup

Beyond Pesticides, March 23, 2020

Ignoring science to side with Monsanto/Bayer, EPA has repeatedly failed to assess glyphosate's impacts on public health and endangered species.

Last week, a broad coalition of farmworkers, farmers, and conservationists, filed a federal lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its January 2020 re-approval of the pesticide glyphosate, best known as the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup pesticides. With Center for Food Safety (CFS) serving as legal counsel, the suing organizations are Beyond Pesticides, the Rural Coalition, Organización en California de Lideres Campesinas, and the Farmworker Association of Florida. [...]

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## Infectious Human Disease, Snail Fever, Worsened by Pesticide Run-Off into Fresh Waterways

Beyond Pesticides, March 18, 2020

Freshwater habitats are threatened now—more than ever—by the adverse effects of pesticide pollution, according to a report published in Scientific Reports by a collaborative research team from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) and the Kenya-based International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE). Pesticide pollution, attributed to runoff from agricultural farms, indirectly increased the rate of the tropical disease schistosomiasis, which infects over 280 million people (2018). This research underlines the range of uncertainties that exist as a result of pesticide contamination, making it critically important that subtropical areas where this disease threat exists move toward organic and pesticide-free approaches. [...]

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## Monarch Population, Under Threat from Pesticide Use and

## Habitat Loss, Decline by Half in One Year

Beyond Pesticides, March 17, 2020

The number of monarch butterflies overwintering in Mexico is down 53% from last year, according to a count conducted by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Mexico. While WWF indicates the decline was expected due to unfavorable weather conditions during the species southward migration, other environmental groups are raising red flags. “Scientists were expecting the count to be down slightly, but this level of decrease is heartbreaking,” said Tierra Curry, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Monarchs unite us, and more protections are clearly needed for these migratory wonders and their habitat.” [...]

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## Global Growth of Organic Farmland Further Advances UN Sustainable Development Goals

Beyond Pesticides, March 11, 2020

Worldwide, organic farming practices quadrupled from 2000 to 2018, with over 180 countries leading a global transition to organic agriculture. Newly published global survey data by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements - Organics International (IFOAM) reveal global organic agriculture to be at an all-time high, with 71.5 million hectares (mha) of farmland in production. Organic agriculture's rise in popularity makes important progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as organic agriculture is essential for a sustainable future; it is a solution to the global food crisis and eliminating the health risks engendered by chemical-intensive farming. [...]

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## L'Union européenne porte un nouveau coup dur au secteur agricole marocain
## Maghress 04/03/20

L'étau est-il en train de se resserrer sur les exportations agricoles marocaines ?

En effet, après la décision en janvier dernier du Luxembourg d'interdire totalement l'usage du glyphosate qui risque de créer un effet boule de neige chez le reste des pays européens, une nouvelle interdiction est venue frapper, il y a quelques jours, les importations européennes des fruits et légumes traités au chlorpyrifos, un autre pesticide jugé également dangereux pour la santé humaine. Et cette fois-ci, ce sont tous les Etats membres de l'Union européenne qui ont convenu d'une telle interdiction. Or, à l'instar du glyphosate (un herbicide largement décrié à l'échelle mondiale pour ses risques cancérogènes pour l'humain), le chlorpyrifos continue d'être commercialisé au Maroc à travers 53 produits homologués, selon l'index phytosanitaire de l'ONSSA, aux fins de lutter contre des ravageurs touchant de nombreuses cultures. [...]

La question lancinante qui se pose donc : que va faire l'ONSSA alors que l'article 5 de la loi n°42-95 relative au contrôle et à l'organisation du commerce des produits pesticides à usage agricole stipule que « lorsqu'à la suite d'un fait nouveau... ou, éventuellement, après un nouvel examen, un produit ne satisfait plus aux conditions d'efficacité et d'innocuité à l'égard de l'homme, des animaux ou de leur environnement, l'homologation ou l'autorisation de vente est retirée ». Affaire à suivre.

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## Maryland Senate votes to ban pesticide chlorpyrifos

### Washingtonpost 04/03/20

The Maryland Senate has voted to ban a pesticide that has been found to damage children's brain development.

The Senate voted 31-14 on Tuesday for the measure, which now goes to the House.

The Senate measure bans the pesticide called chlorpyrifos for four years, beginning Dec. 31. Supporters of a complete ban hope to make it permanent this legislative session. Supporters of the measure say the pesticide also poses threats to aquatic life and the Chesapeake Bay.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced last month it would develop regulations to phase out the regular use of the pesticide, but supporters of the legislation are pushing for a ban in the law.

California, Hawaii and New York have approved bans on the pesticide.

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## Future Policy Award for the Protection from Hazardous Chemicals

### SAICM 09/03/20

This year, the world renowned Future Policy Award, also known as the “Oscars on best policies”, will celebrate the world's best laws, policies, and legal frameworks that regulate or ban the use of chemicals that threaten the environment and human health. Each year, the World Future Council, in collaboration with UN agencies, highlights exemplary policies in one field where innovation and action are particularly urgent.

Around 40,000-60,000 chemicals are in use worldwide, some of which cause irreversible harm to humans and the environment; many of these are particularly problematic chemicals that end up in our food chain and the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated the burden of disease from exposure to selected chemicals at 1.6 million lives in 2016, and many more cases of illness. Children are especially vulnerable, and can be affected already before birth with long-lasting effects. [...]

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## As the World Bans Highly Toxic Wood Preservative, Pentachlorophenol, a Low-Income U.S. Community May Be Home to the Last Production Plant

Beyond Pesticides, March 10, 2020
Orangeburg, South Carolina may be the last place in the world to produce one of the most toxic pesticides known to humanity, pentachlorphenol. Despite a global ban on "penta" in 2016, in force in 186 countries, the United States has continued to import and use this hazardous wood preservative on telephone poles and railroad ties throughout the country. Now, with Mexico set to close one of the last production plants in the world, Gulbrandsen Chemicals Inc. wants to make Orangeburg, a majority black community with a population three times the poverty rate, the new epicenter for penta manufacturing. [...]

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## Ce que coûterait le retrait du glyphosate en arboriculture : entre 120 et 432 euros par hectare

### Alerte-Environnement 06/03/20

L'Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement vient de rendre public un rapport sur l'évaluation économique des pratiques alternatives au glyphosate en arboriculture et il n'est pas rassurant pour le monde agricole français : leur surcoût va de 120 euros par hectares à 432 euros par hectares. La faute au désherbage mécanique qui 1° augmente le temps de travail, 2° implique l'achat du matériel spécifique, 3° est susceptible de provoquer des blessures sur les racines et 4° nécessite une modification du système d'irrigation. Toutefois « ces éléments peuvent être pris en considération lors du renouvellement des vergers, en utilisant des porte-greffes présentant un système racinaire plus profond et en installant un système d'irrigation adapté », estime l'Inrae. L'arrêt du glyphosate devrait dans tous les cas être valorisé par des prix plus élevés ce qui pose la question de la distorsion de la concurrence des pays européens ou autres qui continueront à l'utiliser, et si cette question était réglée, ultimement du pouvoir d'achat des Français. Tout cela alors que les risques pour l'homme de l'utilisation du glyphosate n'ont jamais été prouvés malgré de nombreuses études sur le sujet.

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## Tests urinaires à la recherche de glyphosate : les agris donnent de leur personne pour rassurer

### Alerte-Environnement 06/03/20

37 céréaliers de l'Indre ont fait tester leur urine auprès du CHU de Limoges (analyses par chromatographie liquide couplée à la spectrométrie de masse, la référence internationale en la matière) et du laboratoire allemand BioCheck de Leipzig (test Elisa, « totalement inadapté dans le cas de l'urine, où l'on retrouve différents déchets produits par notre métabolisme » selon le toxicologue et ancien expert auprès du ministère de la Santé François Hubert). Le premier a trouvé du glyphosate dans l'urine de neuf d'entre eux (moins de un sur quatre) contre neuf sur dix chez le second. Pour le CHU de Limoges, la moyenne des résultats s'établit à 0,1 µg/l (sachant qu'il est possible de détecter du glyphosate à une concentration de 0,05 µg/l. Il y a deux ou trois ans, bon nombre de « positifs » d'aujourd'hui auraient été jugés « négatifs ») contre 0,54 µg/l pour BioCheck, soit respectivement 1% et 5,4% de la dose journalière admissible pour une exposition chronique par voie orale. Selon le CHU de Limoges, auteur de centaines de dosages urinaires de glyphosate ces derniers mois, il n'y a pas plus de tests positifs chez les agris que chez les Français en général. Enfin, d'après la base de données Biotox de l'Institut national de recherche et de sécurité (INRS), le glyphosate est rapidement éliminé dans les fèces et les urines, quasiment sous forme inchangée. Il ne s'accumule pas dans l'organisme. [...]

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## Vidéo virale sur les pesticides dans l'eau : pourquoi l'électrolyse ne prouve rien

### Alerte Environnement 06/03/20

Encore une fake news environnementale. Dans une vidéo devenue virale sur Twitter (vue plus d'un million de fois depuis le 10 février, aimée plus de 25 000 fois et retweetée plus de 15 000 fois en moins de 24 heures), un homme prétend prouver que l'eau minérale de la marque Cristalline est polluée aux pesticides. Sa
conclusion s'appuie sur une démonstration mensongère, ainsi que nous l'explique le quotidien Le Parisien :

« Cette expérience ne sert pas à mettre en évidence une pollution d'eaux, mais plutôt leur capacité à conduire le courant », grâce aux minéraux qu'elles contiennent, avait déjà expliqué à l'AFP Fréderic Maillard, directeur de recherche au CNRS (LEPMI de Grenoble), spécialisé dans l'électrochimie et la science des matériaux, après une autre vidéo du même type, en novembre dernier. « Plus vous avez de minéraux, plus la réaction est violente, et plus le résultat est marquant. Mais ça ne veut dire en aucun cas que l'eau est particulièrement polluée. Elle contient certains minéraux dont notre corps a besoin ».

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## Pesticides interdits en Europe, mais vendus dans les pays du sud

Michèle Rivasi 04/03/20

Suite à mon interpellation le 19 février au Parlement européen, la commissaire en charge des partenariats internationaux me répond qu'il n'y a en fait aucune information complète sur les #pesticides interdits dans l'UE, mais quand même vendus aux pays ACP (Afrique, Caraïbes et Pacifique) et sur leur utilisation et leurs résidus notamment dans les produits importés vers l'Europe.

Nous devons absolument travailler sur cette question des pesticides interdits et tout de même exportés. Ce point doit faire partie du #greendeal ! ON ne peut dire ici qu'on interdits les pesticides les plus dangereux, mais ensuite laisser les entreprises occidentales les produire et se faire du bénéfice en les vendant dans les pays pauvres. [...]

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## Baby Bees' Brain Growth Adversely Affected by Neonicotinoid Insecticides

Beyond Pesticides, March 6, 2020

Scientists from Imperial College London have just published their recent research on impacts of pesticides on larval bumblebees exposed through neonicotinoid-contaminated food sources. Many studies have looked at the devastating impacts of pesticides on adult insects, including pollinators – and bees, in particular. This research, however, examines how exposure to the neonicotinoid imidacloprid, through consumption of contaminated nectar and pollen during the larval stage, affects bumblebees (Bombus terrestris audax). It finds that these exposures cause abnormal brain growth in some parts of the bees' brains, and significantly impairs learning ability compared to bees who were not exposed. Advocates maintain that neonicotinoid pesticides should be banned for their widespread and severe damage to insects and the environment broadly, in addition to human health concerns. [...]

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## Locust control campaigns spark health concerns

PAN 06/03/20

As East African farmers and communities scramble to cope with swarms of desert locusts this spring, they are also raising concerns about the impacts of the widespread use of pesticides to control them.

Locust swarms are moving through several countries in the region, including Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda. The threat to food security in the region is very real – in one day, a single swarm can destroy crops that would feed 35,000 people.

Government officials are moving quickly to control the locusts with large scale spray operations, using both backpack sprayer and helicopter applications. The chemicals being sprayed are organophosphate (OP) pesticides, including the neurotoxic insecticide chlorpyrifos. [...]

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## Glyphosate Causes Biodiversity Loss in Freshwater Ecosystems

Beyond Pesticides, March 5, 2020
Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Bayer/Monsanto's Roundup, is the most commonly used pesticide in the world. Runoff from chemical-intensive agriculture contaminates most freshwater ecosystems - glyphosate is even found in phytoplankton (microscopic marine algae). With its current ubiquity in nature, a new study conducted by researchers at McGill University looks at phytoplankton's response and resilience to Roundup exposure. "Community rescue in experimental phytoplankton communities facing severe herbicide pollution" was published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. Researchers found that the algae could develop resistance to contamination, but surviving phytoplankton communities are much less diverse. Diversity loss is cause for concern as it could hinder adaptation to other potential stressors, such as climate change. [...]

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# HEAL response to the Beating Cancer Plan roadmap

HEAL 04/03/20

On 4 February 2020, the European Commission launched an EU-wide public consultation on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan running for 12 weeks as well as a consultation on the roadmap for said plan, which closed yesterday.

HEAL has responded to the consultation on the roadmap, with four main action points:

- Fight cancer with the most vulnerable in mind, apply prevention and precaution and reduce workplace exposure by making occupational cancer data visible.

- Prevent cancer by ensuring that the Farm to Fork Strategy strives to end the use of pesticides in our food and revamp the outdated EU food contact materials legislation which allows harmful chemicals to be used in food packaging.

- Prevent cancer through zero-pollution in every part of the environment, by closing the current endocrine disruptors legislative gap, linking the Beating Cancer Plan to a comprehensive EU Chemical's Strategy for Sustainability and other chemical policy frameworks, preparing a non-toxic environment strategy, and action to detoxify the circular economy. Finally, speed up the process of aligning EU legal air pollution limits

with the WHO guidelines to enter into force by the end of the current mandate.

Revise the European Code Against Cancer to raise people's awareness on limiting carcinogens in their daily life.

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# Chemical-Intensive Agriculture Increases Pregnant Mother's Risk of Her Child Developing Leukemia

Beyond Pesticides, March 3, 2020

Pregnant mothers living in areas where carcinogenic pesticides have been used are at increased risk of their child developing an acute form of leukemia, according to research published last month in the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles. The findings are based on a review of pesticide use data in rural, agricultural areas of California, where many minority, low-income and farmworking communities live. Under current laws, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits the use of cancer-causing pesticides with an expectation that a certain number of cancers (anywhere from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1,000,000, based on the pesticide in question) should be considered 'acceptable risk. [...]

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# REVUE DE PRESSE / RECHERCHE ET MEDIAS

## Cocktail de pesticides dans l'alimentation : la réglementation actuelle est suffisante selon l'Efsa
## Actu-environnement 30/04/20

Faut-il renforcer la réglementation sur les pesticides dans l'alimentation si l'on prend en compte l'effet cocktail ? C'est à dire si on inclut les effets cumulés des différentes molécules retrouvées sur les aliments ? C'est à cette question que l'Autorité européenne de sécurité des aliments (Efsa) a tenté de répondre en réalisant deux évaluations pilotes. L'une sur les effets chroniques sur le système thyroïdien, l'autre portant sur les effets aigus sur le système nerveux. [...]

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# Smoking during pregnancy results in an increased risk of asthma even in adulthood

## EurekAlert! 30/04/20

A recently completed study indicates that smoking by pregnant mothers caused roughly an 1.5-fold asthma risk in their offspring at the ages between 31 and 46.

Exposure to cigarette smoke is known to increase the risk of asthma in childhood, but research findings on its later effects are scarce.

A study published in the European Respiratory Journal investigated 5,200 individuals born in Northern Finland in 1966. The mother's smoking during pregnancy resulted in an approximately 1.5-fold asthma risk in the child at the ages between 31 and 46. The risk was higher for those who had reported suffering from respiratory symptoms previously or who were carriers of the RUNX-1 susceptibility gene. [...]

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# Antibiotic exposure can single-resistant bacteria to become multidrug-resistant

## EurekAlert! 27/04/20

Antibiotics save lives -- but using them also helps antibiotic-resistant strains evolve and spread. Each year, antibiotic-resistant bacteria infect some 2.8 million people in the United States,

killing more than 35,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infections by multidrug-resistant -- or MDR -- bacteria, which are resistant to two or more antibiotics, are particularly difficult to treat.

Scientists at the University of Washington and the University of Idaho have discovered just how readily MDR bacteria can emerge. In a paper published April 6 in Nature Ecology & Evolution, the researchers report that, for a bacterial pathogen already resistant to an antibiotic, prolonged exposure to that antibiotic not only boosted its ability to retain its resistance gene, but also made the pathogen more readily pick up and maintain resistance to a second antibiotic and become a MDR strain. [...]

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# Breastfeeding moms' exposure to nicotine linked to infant skull defect

## EurekAlert! 27/04/20

Lactating mothers who use e-cigarettes or nicotine replacement therapies may be putting their breastfed babies at risk for skull defects, a new study in animals suggests.

Cigarette smoking has already been linked to increased risk for these abnormalities in previous research. This study tested the effects of nicotine alone on head and face development.

Researchers added nicotine to the drinking water of adult female mice that were nursing litters of newborn pups. The nicotine exposure was the equivalent of about one-half to a full pack of cigarettes per day.

Scientists found in 15-day-old pups that the skull joints across the top of their heads were narrowed, putting them on a path to fuse earlier than normal. Because mouse pups at this age don't drink water, breast milk was the only possible source of their nicotine exposure. [...]

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# Dramatic loss of food plants for insects

## EurekAlert! 24/04/20
Just a few weeks ago, everyone was talking about plummeting insect numbers. Academic discourse focused on three main causes: the destruction of habitats, pesticides in agriculture and the decline of food plants for insects. A team of researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Zurich and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL have now demonstrated for the first time that the diversity of food plants for insects in the canton of Zurich has dramatically decreased over the past 100 years or so. This means that bees, flies and butterflies are increasingly deprived of their food base. The study, which is representative for all of Central Europe, has now been published in the journal "Ecological Applications". [...]

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## Adsorbent material developed with PET bottles for the removal of antibiotics from water

EurekAlert! 24/04/20

High-purity organic ligand was extracted from PET waste bottles and used to develop a high-efficiency adsorbent. The material maintained its adsorption properties even after repeated use, indicating wide applicability for water treatment

South Korea with its high antibiotic use is categorized as a country at high risk of the emergence of multi drug-resistant bacteria, or so-called "super bacteria." According to the Ministry of Environment, antibiotic substances have been detected at livestock wastewater treatment facilities, sewage treatment plants, and in rivers. [...]

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## Health impacts of pollution upon indigenous peoples

EurekAlert! 24/04/20

A new study from the University of Helsinki presents the current state of knowledge on the exposure and vulnerability of Indigenous Peoples to environmental pollution, reviewing the innumerable impacts that pollution poses on Indigenous communities from all over the world.

"While the number of studies examining the impacts of environmental pollution upon Indigenous Peoples is growing, most of this research is isolated and fragmented across disciplines and geographic regions", says Dr. Álvaro Fernández-Llamazares, from the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, who led the study. "In fact, few efforts have cut across disciplinary topics and/or regions, and until today there was no global review mapping out the worldwide impacts of environmental pollution on Indigenous Peoples". [...]

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## RIT scientists develop first 3D mass estimate of microplastic pollution in Lake Erie

EurekAlert! 24/04/20

Rochester Institute of Technology scientists have developed the first three-dimensional mass estimate to show where microplastic pollution is collecting in Lake Erie. The study examines nine different types of polymers that are believed to account for 75 percent of the world's plastic waste.

Plastic behaves differently in lakes than in oceans; previous studies on both have indicated the levels of plastic pollution found on the surface are lower than expected based on how much is entering the water. While massive floating "islands" of accumulated plastic waste have been found in oceans, previous studies have indicated the levels of plastic pollution found on the surface of Lake Erie are lower than expected based on how much is entering the water. [...]

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## Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with growth delays

EurekAlert! 22/04/20

Prenatal exposure to air pollution has been linked to various adverse effects on children's health, including lower birth weight and respiratory and neurodevelopmental problems. However, very little is known about how air pollution affects physical growth in the first years of life. A new
study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, has found an association between exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and delays in physical growth in the early years after birth.

The Spanish study, published in Environment International, analysed data from more than 1,700 mother-child pairs from Asturias, Gipuzkoa, Sabadell and Valencia enrolled in the birth cohort of the INMA Environment and Childhood Project. [...]

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## How atrazine regulations have influenced the environment

EurekAlert! 22/04/20

To combat weeds, farmers use a variety of tools and methods. By understanding the strengths and downfalls of each tool, a farmer can make the best decisions for his or her operation to keep pesky weeds out of the field.

One tool farmers can turn to for weed control is applying herbicides. New research is helping us understand a specific herbicide even better: atrazine.

Atrazine is one of the most common herbicides used in the United States. It can be used to manage weeds in crops like corn, sorghum, sugarcane and turf. The chemical kills weeds by preventing photosynthesis in the plant. [...]

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## CDC Finds Sharp Rise in Home Poisonings Tied to Disinfectant and Sanitizer Use during Covid-19 Pandemic; Safer Products Available

Beyond Pesticides, April 24, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) has released a study showing a sharp increase—62% in some cases—in calls to poison hotlines about exposures to toxic household cleaners and disinfectants. This poisoning comes with the

advent of the novel Coronavirus pandemic, as public health and government officials, and many media outlets have sensibly recommended that people regularly disinfect "high touch" surfaces and objects in their homes and other surroundings, but have not issued warnings on toxic effects nor the availability of lower toxicity or least-toxic products. Compliance with cleaning (sanitizers) and disinfection recommendations is an important public and personal health undertaking, but in this Covid-19 rigor lies a poison problem: the toxicity, as Beyond Pesticides has explained, of some cleaning and disinfecting products that are permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for sale and use. There are safer ways to disinfect those light switches, TV remotes, doorknobs, faucets, etc. [...]

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## Report de 3 mois du délai de commercialisation du chlorprophame (CIPC)

Arvalis-Info 22/04/20

Dans une note du 16 avril, l'ANSES apporte des précisions sur l'impact de l'ordonnance n°2020-306 du 25 mars 2020 liée aux mesures d'urgence face à la crise du Covid-19. Cette note modifie notamment les délais de grâce initialement accordés aux produits phytosanitaires en cours de retrait.

Concernant le chlorprophame, la note de l'ANSES précise que toutes les spécialités commerciales en contenant pourront être distribuées et commercialisées jusqu'au 8 juillet 2020 au lieu du 8 avril. [...]

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## ZNT : Des députés dénoncent une réduction des distances d'épandage

Terre-Net 22/04/20

Vingt-cinq députés, dont une majorité de marcheurs et MoDem, ont dénoncé mardi une division par deux des « distances de précaution pour pulvériser les pesticides » à proximité des habitations dans 25 départements, dans une lettre ouverte au ministre de l'agriculture.
« L'arrêté pris en date du 27 décembre 2019 portait pourtant les distances de sécurité minimales pour la pulvérisation des pesticides à proximité des lieux habités, à 5 m pour les cultures basses, type maraîchage, et à 10 m pour les cultures hautes », rappellent les députés, parmi lesquelles l'élue LREM du Finistère Sandrine Le Feur qui accueillera mercredi le président Macron dans sa circonscription.

« Or, depuis ce mois d'avril, 25 départements (dont tous les départements bretons), ont permis de revoir ces distances à 3 m pour les cultures basses et 5 m pour les cultures hautes », déplorent-ils, évoquant la « validation par certains préfets de chartes permettant » cette mesure. [...]

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## Réduction des pesticides : les pistes du coordinateur interministériel pour vraiment changer les pratiques

Actu-environnement 22/04/20

Constatant lui aussi l'échec des plans Écophyto, Pierre-Étienne Bisch dresse des pistes d'action pour engager une réelle mutation des pratiques agricoles. Formation, rémunération et lutte contre la concurrence déloyale en font partie.

Après avoir rencontré pendant plusieurs mois les parties prenantes de chaque région française, le coordinateur interministériel du plan de réduction de l'usage des produits phytosanitaires fait un premier constat sans appel, dans une note d'étape publiée le 20 avril : « Il ressort de notre mission que toute tentative de réduction de l'utilisation de produits phytopharmaceutiques aura des effets limités si l'agriculteur ne recherche qu'à optimiser le coût des traitements, par le biais de la seule réduction des quantités utilisées ». [...]

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Pesticides : les ONG s'attaquent aux chartes

## dérogeant aux distances minimales d'épandage

Actu-environnement 23/04/20

Neuf associations saisissent la justice pour annuler les dérogations accordées aux agriculteurs pour l'épandage de pesticides dans certains départements. Du fait des consultations publiques annulées, le ministère de l'Agriculture a validé des projets de chartes locales sans l'avis du public. Ces chartes étaient l'une des conditions pour réduire les distances d'épandage mises en place début 2020 près des habitations. [...]

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## « Nous souhaitons structurer l'offre ecotox pour développer le marché »

Actu-environnement 14/04/20

Les acteurs de la biosurveillance s'organisent pour créer leur syndicat. Un des objectifs : développer une demande pour ces outils qui s'appuient sur le vivant afin de comprendre les pollutions. Précision de Laurent Viviani, futur président du syndicat. [...]

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## Phytosanitaires : l'Anses publie la liste des substances préoccupantes à réévaluer rapidement

Actu-environnement 15/04/20

Dans le cadre du plan national d'action pour réduire le recours aux pesticides, l'agence de sécurité sanitaire a publié une liste de substances et produits qui devraient faire l'objet d'une réévaluation prioritaire.

Dans le cadre du plan national d'action visant à réduire l'usage des produits phytopharmaceutiques, le Gouvernement s'est engagé à interdire rapidement l'utilisation des substances les plus préoccupantes pour la santé et l'environnement. Une mission d'inspection avait établi, en 2017, une liste des substances actives jugées préoccupantes parmi les plus fréquemment
détectées ou mentionnées dans les rapports de surveillance. Cette mission préconisait de s'opposer au report de l'approbation européenne pour les substances à échéance en 2018 (chlorotoluron, dimoxystrobin, flumioxazine, glufosinate, diflufenican-il), diquat) et d'étudier, pour les autres (epoxiconazole, profoxydim, quizalofop-P-tefuryl, metam-sodium, metsulfuron méthyle, sulcotrione), la possibilité de prendre une initiative au niveau national. [...]

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## Faster-degrading plastic could promise cleaner seas

EurekAlert! 20/04/20

To address plastic pollution plaguing the world's seas and waterways, Cornell University chemists have developed a new polymer that can degrade by ultraviolet radiation, according to research published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

"We have created a new plastic that has the mechanical properties required by commercial fishing gear. If it eventually gets lost in the aquatic environment, this material can degrade on a realistic time scale," said lead researcher Bryce Lipinski, a doctoral candidate in the laboratory of Geoff Coates, professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Cornell University. "This material could reduce persistent plastic accumulation in the environment." [...]

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## Princeton scientist solves air quality puzzle : Why does ozone linger long after its ban?

EurekAlert! 20/04/20

Drought-stressed plants are less able to remove ozone from the air, despite laws limiting pollution from cars, trucks and factories, report an international team led by Princeton atmospheric scientist Meiyun Lin

When high in the atmosphere, ozone protects Earth from harmful solar radiation -- but ozone at ground level is a significant pollutant. Exposure to

high concentrations of ground-level ozone aggravates respiratory illnesses, thus exacerbating the negative health effects of heat and contributing to the catastrophic impacts of recent heatwaves and drought in Europe.

In Europe, despite laws limiting pollution from cars, trucks and factories, there has been little improvement in ozone air quality. An international team led by atmospheric scientist Meiyun Lin found the surprising chain of causes: As global climate change leads to more hot and dry weather, the resulting droughts are stressing plants, making them less able to remove ozone from the air. [...]

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## Study describes cocktail of pharmaceuticals in waters in Bangladesh

EurekAlert! 20/04/20

In spring of 2019, researchers set out to investigate what chemicals could be found in the waters of Bangladesh.

The scientists -- from the University at Buffalo and icddr,b, a leading global health research institute in Bangladesh -- tested a lake, a canal and a river in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital and the nation's largest city. The team also sampled water from ditches, ponds and drinking wells in a rural area known as Matlab.

In the lab, an analysis revealed that the waters held a cocktail of pharmaceuticals and other compounds, including antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, anesthetics, antihypertensive drugs, pesticides, flame retardants and more.

Not all of these chemicals were found at every location, and sometimes amounts detected were low.

But the ubiquity of contamination is concerning, says lead scientist Diana Aga, an environmental chemist at UB. [...]

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## Green chemistry approaches to the synthesis of coumarin derivatives
### EurekAlert! 20/04/20

Coumarin derivatives (coumarins) are a class of compounds with a wide range of biological activities, which have found their application in medicine, pharmacology, cosmetics and food industry. Coumarin is found in a number of plants such as tonka beans and vanilla grass, among others. The biological activity and potential application of coumarins is highly dependent on their structure. Therefore, many researchers have been performing the synthesis of coumarin derivatives on a daily basis. High demands for their synthesis often result in an increased generation of different waste chemicals. In order to minimize the utilization and generation of toxic organic substances, green synthetic methods are applied in this manner. These methods are receiving more attention in the last few decades.
[...]

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## Aquaculture at the crossroads of global warming and antimicrobial resistance

### EurekAlert! 20/04/20

Aquaculture - rearing aquatic organisms such as fish and shellfish - plays a vital role in food security in many countries (it supplies more than half of the aquatic animals consumed by humans worldwide). It is particularly important for developing countries, for instance in Asia, which accounts for 90% of global output.

Fish farmers use large quantities of antimicrobials to treat or prevent disease on their farms. However, when used inappropriately, antimicrobials are ineffective and foster the development of resistant bacteria.

An index to assess the risks of antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture [...]

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## University of Kentucky's Superfund Research Center receives $8.7 million

### EurekAlert! 20/04/20

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded the University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center (UK-SRC) a five-year, $8.7 million grant to conduct research aimed at better understanding and minimizing the negative health and environmental impacts of chlorinated organic compounds found at Superfund sites across the Commonwealth and the U.S.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health's NIEHS Superfund Research Program since 1997, the UK-SRC integrates multidisciplinary research, training and community engagement around a common theme: reducing risks posed by environmental contaminants in vulnerable communities.

Kentucky is home to 20 (13 active) Superfund sites that are on the Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List. They include manufacturing facilities, processing plants and landfills where hazardous waste has been improperly managed. [...]

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## MDI Biological Laboratory-led program reveals high arsenic in well water

### EurekAlert! 15/04/20

A program to teach data literacy to Maine and New Hampshire students by analyzing data on arsenic in well water collected from their homes has found that 25 percent of samples exceed the New Hampshire maximum safety level of 5 parts per billion (ppb) and 15 percent exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum safety level of 10 ppb.

The program also found that 62 percent of homeowners in the two states hadn't had their well water tested or didn't know if it had been tested despite the fact that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends testing at least once a year. [...]

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## ECOTOXicology Knowledgebase System User Guide Version 5.3
## EPA 15/04/20

The ECOTOX Knowledgebase is a comprehensive, publicly available application providing chemical environmental toxicity data on aquatic life, terrestrial plants and wildlife compiled from over 49,000 references covering more than 11,700 chemicals and 12,900 species. ECOTOX data are used for all ecological risk assessments supporting pesticide registrations and re-registrations, all ambient water quality criteria for chemicals published since 1985, site-specific water quality criteria (by EPA Regions, States, and Tribes), and assessments used in emergency response. ECOTOX has established standard operating procedures that meet requirements for Agency systematic reviews of available information for use in Agency decision making. To meet the data needs of 21st century toxicological assessments, new tools have been integrated into ECOTOX to improve data mining capabilities for end users such that environmental regulatory, the regulated industry, and researchers can more effectively and efficiently search and use existing toxic effects data. These additions are highlighted and explained in the updated Quick Reference guide and User guide documents.

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# OSU research program awarded $12.7 million grant for Superfund research

## EurekAlert! 13/04/20

An Oregon State University-led research program has been awarded a $12.7 million grant to serve the Pacific Northwest by studying harmful chemicals found at federally designated hazardous waste sites.

The Oregon State University Superfund Research Program received the five-year grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The program has now received more than $40 million from the NIEHS since 2009.

The program, which includes research partner Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), will continue to focus on the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on human health. The pollutants, known as PAHs, are produced when coal, gas, oil and wood are burned. [...]

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# Skoltech researchers find a new HIT defense bacteria use against antibiotics

## Eurekalert! 13/04/20

Scientists at the Severinov Laboratory in Skoltech and their colleagues from Russia and the US have uncovered a new mechanism of bacterial self-defense against microcin C, a potent antibiotic weapon in the microscopic world that can sometimes turn on its master.

Microcin C is a peptide-nucleotide antibiotic produced by some strains of Escherichia coli. It is essentially a Trojan horse: its peptide part helps it get into a cell, where the cell's own internal machinery turns it into what's called "processed McC". This compound completely blocks protein biosynthesis by interfering with its crucial component, aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. [...]

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# Nearly half of US breathing unhealthy air ; record-breaking air pollution in nine cities

## Eurekalert 21/04/20

American Lung Association's 'State of the Air' report finds climate change is driving increases in unhealthy air, 150 million people at risk

American Lung Association

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Clean Air Act, which is responsible for dramatic improvements in air quality. Despite this, a new report from the American Lung Association finds nearly half of the nation's population - 150 million people - lived with and breathed polluted air, placing their health and lives at risk. The 21st annual "State of the Air" report finds that climate change continues to make air pollution worse, with many western communities again experiencing record-breaking spikes in particle pollution due to wildfires. Amid the COVID-19
pandemic, the impact of air pollution on lung health is of heightened concern. [...]

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# Viruses that ‘turn off’ plant genes could help farmers battle herbicide-resistant weeds

GLP 15/04/20

A team of scientists from Rothamsted Research have successfully adapted genetic techniques developed for crop improvement to be used in weeds - allowing them, for the first time, to directly study the genetics responsible for herbicide resistance.

Since the invention of weed killers, farmers have been caught in a never-ending arms race with weeds - from the moment of first spraying weeds start to develop resistance to the chemicals - and year on year, the armory is shrinking.

Writing in the journal Plant Physiology, the group report they have used plant viruses to switch weed genes off, or alternatively, ramp up the production of specific proteins by weeds in the laboratory.

This means that these researchers can now directly show that a specific gene is required for herbicide resistance, or else is sufficient to confer it. [...]

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# Thixotropie « Réduire les doses de fongicides jusque - 50 % » avec l'adjuvant 846

Terre-Net 15/04/20

Avec Le 846 (aussi appelé Oliofix selon les distributeurs), De Sangosse entend proposer aux agriculteurs une « innovation de rupture » permettant de limiter les pertes de pulvérisation et de concentrer les fongicides sur les feuilles de la culture cible.

Lancé cette campagne, l'adjuvant « Le 846 » vient compléter la famille des biosolutions De Sangosse, « composante stratégique de l'entreprise », présente Christophe Zugaj, responsable

communication institutionnelle et affaires publiques. De Sangosse souhaite, en effet, « accompagner la transformation profonde des filières agricoles en mettant à la disposition des agriculteurs des biosolutions et outils de pilotage permettant de nourrir, stimuler, protéger les cultures pour une triple performance économique, sociale et écologique ». [...]

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# Protection intégrée : des solutions rentables pas toujours dispos, mais des résultats encourageants

Terre-Net 20/04/20

Issue de l'Organisation internationale de lutte biologique (OILB), la notion de protection intégrée regroupe toutes les méthodes de protection des plantes limitant le recours aux produits phytopharmaceutiques. Même si des solutions rentables ne sont pas toujours disponibles, le biocontrôle produit déjà des résultats encourageants.

La protection intégrée des cultures privilégie la croissance de végétaux sains en veillant à perturber le moins possible les agroécosystèmes et encourage les mécanismes naturels de lutte contre les ennemis des cultures. Elle s'articule autour de quatre axes : les macro-organismes comme les insectes, nématodes, acariens... ; les micro-organismes tels que les virus, les bactéries, les champignons qui ont montré des résultats intéressants contre la septoriose et la fusariose du blé ; les médiateurs chimiques comme les phéromones qui sont utilisés pour créer une confusion sexuelle et enfin les substances naturelles d'origine minérale, végétale ou animale. [...]

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# L'encadrement des pesticides destinés aux jardiniers amateurs est précisé

Actu-environnement 10/04/20

L'encadrement de l'usage des produits phytosanitaires par le grand public est complété
par un nouvel arrêté : celui du 6 avril relatif aux conditions d'autorisation d'un produit phytopharmaceutique pour la gamme d'usages « amateur ». Depuis le 1er janvier, la loi Labbé a interdit la mise sur le marché, la délivrance, l'utilisation et la détention des produits phytopharmaceutiques de synthèse chimique pour un usage non-professionnel. Certains produits restent toutefois autorisés. [...]

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# Une nouvelle étude lie pollution de l'air et létalité du coronavirus

## Actu-environnement 10/04/20

Une nouvelle étude américaine publiée dans la revue médicale MedRxiv relie la pollution de l'air et la létalité du Covid-19.

En se basant sur 90 % des cas de décès liés au coronavirus aux États-Unis depuis le 4 avril, les chercheurs de l'université de Harvard (Boston) démontrent un taux de mortalité accru des patients exposés pendant quinze à vingt ans aux particules fines PM2,5.

Selon leurs conclusions, toute hausse de 1µg/m³ de la teneur atmosphérique en PM2,5 entraînerait un taux de mortalité accru de 15 %. L'étude ne permet pas de trancher quant au rôle direct de la pollution, qui rendrait la population plus sensible au virus, ou sur des effets indirects, qui favoriseraient des maladies cardiovasculaires ou pulmonaires qui augmentent elles-mêmes le risque de mourir du virus. Ou si ces deux effets s'exercent en même temps.

Après une première étude italienne qui corrélait les taux de particules PM10 en suspension et le nombre de personnes atteintes du coronavirus, cette publication établit un nouveau facteur aggravant des effets de la pollution de l'air sur les personnes atteintes par ce virus. De nouvelles études doivent encore confirmer et affiner ces résultats.

La pollution de l'air diminuerait la résistance au coronavirus et faciliterait sa propagation (article paru le 20/03/2020). La pollution atmosphérique des grandes villes engendre des maladies qui induiraient une plus grande fragilité au coronavirus, et les particules fines pourraient aussi faciliter la diffusion de la maladie.

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# Résidus de pesticides dans les aliments : 4,5 % des échantillons dépassent la limite maximale

## Actu-environnement 03/04/20

L'Autorité européenne de sécurité des aliments (Efsa) a publié, le 2 avril, son rapport annuel sur les résidus de pesticides présents dans les aliments de l'Union européenne. Verdict ? Pour l'année 2018, 95,5 % (contre 95,9 % en 2017) des quelque 91 000 échantillons analysés sont endessous de la limite maximale de résidus (LMR). Ce qui signifie que 4,5 % dépassent ce niveau, 2,7 % étant considérés comme non conformes, car dépassant toujours la LMR après prise en compte de l'incertitude des mesures. [...]

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# L'Anses propose d'identifier le résorcinol comme un perturbateur endocrinien avéré pour l'Homme

## Actu-environnement 03/04/20

Le résorcinol est un perturbateur endocrinien avéré : c'est la conclusion d'une expertise réalisée par l'Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire, de l'alimentation, de l'environnement et du travail (Anses) et rendue publique début avril. Cette substance est communément utilisée pour la fabrication de pneus, de produits dérivés du caoutchouc, de colles, de résines industrielles, mais également de produits de consommation courants, comme les colorations pour cheveux et les mascaras. Elle fait également office d'antioxydant pour des produits alimentaires, comme les crevettes, et d'antiseptique dans la composition de certains médicaments. [...]

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## Consultations publiques suspendues : le Gouvernement déroge aux distances d'épandage de pesticides

### Actu-environnement 09/04/20

Face à l'impossibilité de consulter le public dans le contexte du confinement, une dérogation ministérielle permet aux agriculteurs de bénéficier d'un assoulissement des règles en vigueur en matière d'épandage de pesticides à proximité des habitations.

Jusqu'au 30 juin 2020, en raison des conséquences de la pandémie de Covid-19, les distances d'épandage de pesticides dont la cancérogénicité, la mutagénicité et la reprotoxicité ne sont pas avérées, pourront être réduites. Cette dérogation, accordée par le ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'alimentation, autorise temporairement les agriculteurs à épandre des pesticides à cinq ou trois mètres des habitations selon le type de cultures, et ce sans concertation publique, alors que le décret du 27 décembre 2019 sur les distances d'épandage, préconise de demander l'avis des riverains. (...)

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## L'IRSN fait le point sur la pollution radioactive liée aux feux de forêt à proximité de Tchernobyl

### Actu-environnement 08/04/20

Le 4 avril, un feu de forêt s'est déclaré dans la zone d'exclusion de Tchernobyl. Une centaine d'hectares a été touchée. Dans un premier temps, la presse locale a annoncé une hausse localisée de la radioactivité gamma. Mais, « les autorités ukrainiennes ont démenti, lundi 6 avril 2020, toute hausse de la radioactivité, y compris dans les territoires touchés par le feu », explique l'Institut de radioprotection et de sûreté nucléaire (IRSN). À cela, il ajoute que « [sa balise Téléray] installée sur l'Ambassade de France à Kiev (à 100 km de Tchernobyl, ndlr) en avril 2011, n'a pas détecté d'élévation du débit de dose gamma ambiant ces derniers jours».[...]

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## Plant protection : Communication instead of poison

### EurekAlert! 01/04/20

Increasing drought and heat seriously affect plants. In the Upper Rhine area, for example, climate change results in the development of new plant diseases, an example being Esca, a disease that causes vines to die. Researchers of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and partners have now launched the DialogProTec project that focuses on new approaches to plant protection without herbicides and fungicides. In collaboration with colleagues from Germany, France, and Switzerland, the researchers are conducting research in dialog with winegrowers, farmers, and industry. The project is funded by the EU under the border-crossing Interreg Upper Rhine program. [...]

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## Seafloor of Fram Strait is a sink for microplastic from Arctic and North Atlantic Ocean

### EurekAlert! 28/03/20

A new study shows: Sea ice and ocean currents transport plastic particles into the deep sea from 2 directions.

Working in the Arctic Fram Strait, scientists from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) have found microplastic throughout the water column with particularly high concentrations at the ocean floor. Using model-based simulations, they have also found an explanation for this high level of pollution. According to their findings, the two main ocean currents in Fram Strait transport the microscopically small plastic particles into the region between Greenland and Spitsbergen from both the Arctic and the North Atlantic. While passing through the Strait, many particles eventually drift to the seafloor, where they accumulate. The experts report on this phenomenon in a study just released in the
esteemed journal Environmental Science & Technology. [...]

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## Completely new antibiotic resistance gene has spread unnoticed to several pathogens

EurekAlert! 27/03/20

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are critically important for treating several types of infections with multi-resistant bacteria. A completely new resistance gene, which is likely to counteract the newest aminoglycoside-drug plazomycin, was recently discovered by scientists in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The bacterial gene the team discovered in river sediment from India does not resemble any known antibiotic resistance gene. But when the scientist compared its DNA sequence to already published bacterial DNA sequences, they found that it was already present in several pathogens, including Salmonella and Pseudomonas, from the USA, China and Italy. Until now, no one had realized that it was a resistance gene. [...]

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## Mount Sinai researchers unveil mechanisms to prevent Crohn's disease

EurekAlert! 26/03/20

In a series of four studies published today in Gastroenterology, a journal of the American Gastroenterological Association, Mount Sinai inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) researchers, describe the identification of predictive tools and a new understanding of environmental factors that trigger IBD. [...]

First Study to Evaluate Association of Metal Exposure and IBD.

In a study of metal exposure in the baby teeth of patients who eventually developed IBD later in life, Mount Sinai researchers and colleagues in Portugal collected data from 28 adult Portuguese patients, taking advantage of the country's long

tradition of parents storing their children's baby teeth. Baby teeth, like the growth rings in trees, retain information incrementally, storing evidence of environmental exposure from their initial development in the womb until they are shed. Investigators were able to retrieve the baby teeth of 12 IBD patients and 16 unaffected controls, allowing them to study for the first time the association between early-life metal exposures and future risk of IBD. "The data suggests that metal exposure during a critical window in early life may be a risk factor for IBD," says Manish Arora, PhD, Professor of Environmental Medicine and Public Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Researchers investigated four metals--lead, copper, zinc, and chromium--and the developmental time periods during which exposure took place going back to the 25th week of pregnancy. [...]

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## Air pollution linked to dementia and cardiovascular disease

EurekAlert! 30/03/20

People continuously exposed to air pollution are at increased risk of dementia, especially if they also suffer from cardiovascular diseases, according to a study at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in the journal JAMA Neurology. Therefore, patients with cardiovascular diseases who live in polluted environments may require additional support from care providers to prevent dementia, according to the researchers.

The number of people living with dementia is projected to triple in the next 30 years. No curative treatment has been identified and the search for modifiable risk and protective factors remains a public health priority. Recent studies have linked both cardiovascular disease and air pollution to the development of dementia, but findings on the air pollution-link have been scarce and inconsistent.

In this study, the researchers examined the link between long-term exposure to air pollution and dementia and what role cardiovascular diseases play in that association. Almost 3,000 adults with an average age of 74 and living in the Kungsholmen district in central Stockholm were followed for up to 11 years. Of those, 364 people
developed dementia. The annual average level of particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in width (PM2.5) are considered low compared to international standards. [...]

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## Substances chimiques : 5 000 données de toxicité dans la base OpenFoodTox

Actu-environnement 30/03/20

L'agence européenne des produits chimiques (Efsa) a mis à jour sa base de données OpenFoodTox. Créée en 2017, elle contient désormais près de 5 000 données de toxicité sur les substances chimiques évaluées par l'Efsa depuis 2002. Pour chaque substance, les informations suivantes sont fournies : le secteur concerné de l'alimentation humaine ou animale (Par exemple additifs alimentaires, pesticides ou contaminants) et les populations affectées (humains, animaux d'élevage ou animaux sauvages). [...]

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## Pesticides et abeilles : troisième round de consultation sur les lignes directrices de l'Efsa

Actu-environnement 26/03/20

L'Autorité européenne de sécurité des aliments (Efsa) poursuit les consultations sur la révision des lignes directrices relatives à l'évaluation des risques liés aux pesticides pour les abeilles. Il s'agit de mettre à jour le document d'orientation actuel, qui date de 2013. Les nouvelles lignes directrices sont attendues pour 2021.

La révision porte notamment sur les protocoles de collecte et d'évaluation des données sur la mortalité des abeilles, les voies d'exposition aux pesticides (pulvérisation, traitement des semences, granulés...), les cultures attractives, les tests...

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## Pharma's potential impact on water quality

EurekAlert! 25/03/20

When people take medications, these drugs and their metabolites can be excreted and make their way to wastewater treatment plants. From there, the compounds can end up in waterways. Wastewater from pharmaceutical companies could start off with even larger amounts of these substances. In ACS' Environmental Science & Technology, researchers report that a single pharmaceutical manufacturing facility could be influencing the water quality of one of Europe's most important rivers. [...]

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## 26 types of microplastics and rubbers detected in Dutch rivers

Wur 25/03/20

Researchers from Utrecht University, Wageningen University & Research and the University of Amsterdam have analysed microplastics and rubbers in Dutch rivers the Dommel, the Maas and Dutch sewage treatment plants in a precise way. They found 26 different plastics and rubbers.

The majority of all microplastics in seas and oceans origin from rivers, where microplastics come together from different sources. Knowledge about those sources and the distribution of microplastics is important for water managers. Results from previous studies are not as reliable due to sample contamination, and often only larger particles were detected - now smaller microplastics have also been analysed. With the results of this study, water managers - both those of surface water and drinking water - can better estimate whether and where potential risks from microplastics can be expected. The results of this research were recently published in the scientific journal Water Research. [...]

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