# Genomic analysis of the *Bacillus megaterium* Mes11: New insights into nitroreductase genes associated with the degradation of mesotrione

**Authors:** Carles L, Donnadieu F, Wawrzyniak A, Besse-Hoggan Pascale) et al.

**Source:** INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION 162: 105254, 2021, DOI 10.1016/j.ibiod.2021.105254

**Abstract:** Mesotrione is among the most recently marketed herbicides belonging to the triketone family and applied on maize crops. A *Bacillus megaterium* Mes11 strain isolated from an agricultural soil was able to completely transform 1 mM of mesotrione, alone or in a mixture with 1 mM of nicosulfuron and/or S-metolachlor herbicides, in 5 h. Its complete genome contains one circular chromosome (5,191,612 bp) and nine plasmids (from 45,372 to 169,684 bp). Genome analysis revealed that 10 genes encoded oxygen-insensitive nitroreductases of which only one (NfrA2) was shown to be involved in the first step of mesotrione transformation "in cellulo"...

# The NORMAN Association and the European Partnership for Chemicals Risk Assessment (PARC): let's cooperate!

**Authors:** Dulio V, Koschorreck J, van Bavel B, van den Brink P et al.

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 32(1): 100, 2020, DOI 10.1186/s12302-020-00375-w

**Abstract:** The Partnership for Chemicals Risk Assessment (PARC) is currently under development as a joint research and innovation programme to strengthen the scientific basis for chemical risk assessment in the EU. The plan is to

bring chemical risk assessors and managers together with scientists to accelerate method development and the production of necessary data and knowledge, and to facilitate the transition to next-generation evidence-based risk assessment, a non-toxic environment and the European Green Deal. The NORMAN Network is an independent, well-established and competent network of more than 80 organisations in the field of emerging substances and has enormous potential to contribute to the implementation of the PARC partnership. NORMAN stands ready to provide expert advice to PARC, drawing on its long experience in the development, harmonisation and testing of advanced tools in relation to chemicals of emerging concern and in support of a European Early Warning System to unravel the risks of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and close the gap between research and innovation and regulatory processes...

# Copper Content and Export in European Vineyard Soils Influenced by Climate and Soil Properties

**Authors:** Droz B, Payraveau S, Martin JAR, Toth G et al.

**Source:** ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 55(11): 7327-7334, 2021, DOI 10.1021/acs.est.0c02093

**Abstract:** Copper-based fungicides (Cu-f) are used in European (EU) vineyards to prevent fungal diseases. Soil physicochemical properties locally govern the variation of the total copper content (Cu-t) in EU vineyards. However, variables controlling Cu-t distribution at a larger scale are poorly known. Here, machine learning techniques were used to identify governing variables and to predict the Cu-t distribution in EU vineyards. Precipitation, aridity and soil organic carbon are key variables explaining together 45% of Cu-t distribution across EU vineyards. This underlines the effect of both climate and soil properties on Cu-t distribution. The average net export of Cu at
the EU scale is 0.29 kg Cu ha(-1), which is 2 orders of magnitude less than the net accumulation of Cu (24.8 kg Cu ha(-1)). Four scenarios of Cuf application were compared...

## Effects of thorium on bacterial, microalgal and micromeiofaunal community structures in a periphytic biofilm

**Authors:** Doose C, Morin S, Malbezin L, Vedrenne J et al.

**Source:** ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 218: 112276, 2021, DOI 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112276

**Abstract:** Few ecotoxicity studies are available on thorium (Th) which hinders the ability to evaluate its ecotoxicological risk. Its release in the environment is often associated with the extraction of rare earth elements and uranium, as well as the field applications of phosphate fertilizers. This study investigates the effects of Th on microbial communities of periphytic biofilms. Ceramic plates were left to colonize for one month in the laboratory with a biofilm sampled from Cap Rouge river (QC, Canada). Plates were randomly placed in channels containing culture media representing three different conditions: a control condition (C0; background Th concentrations of 0.004 +/- 0.002 nM), a low Th concentration condition (C1; 0.18 +/- 0.09 nM Th) and a moderately high Th condition (C10; 8.7 +/- 3.4 nM) for up to 4 weeks...

## Occurrence of pesticides and their transformation products in headwater streams: Contamination status and

## effect of ponds on contaminant concentrations

**Authors:** Le Cor F, Slaby S, Dufour V, Iuretig A et al.

**Source:** SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 788: 147715, 2021, DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147715

**Abstract:** In France, more than 90% of monitored watercourses are contaminated with pesticides. This high contamination level increases at the head of agricultural watersheds, where dilution capacities are low and transport from treated lands is direct. Ponds, numerous around headwater streams, could provide additional protection against pesticide pollution. Because of their long hydraulic residence time and large water volumes, they mitigate pesticide concentrations between upstream and downstream rivers. However, pesticide transformation products may also be responsible for the degradation of environments, owing to their presence at high concentrations and their persistence, but related data are scarce, particularly because of their high level of molecular diversity...

## A method to assess glyphosate, glufosinate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in soil and earthworms

**Authors:** Delhomme O, Hernandez A, Chimjarn S, Bertrand C et al.

**Source:** JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A 1651: 462339, 2021, DOI 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.462339

**Abstract:** A new sensitive and selective analytical methodology to quantify glyphosate (GLY), aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), and glufosinate (GLU) in both soil and earthworms (Allolobophora chlorotica) was developed. The extraction and purification methods were optimized. The samples were extracted with
various aqueous solutions (HNO3, H2O, KOH and
borate buffer) and derivatized with 9-
Fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (FMOC-Cl). To
optimize the extraction step, a method to remove
the excess FMOC-Cl was applied based on liquid-
liquid extraction with diethyl ether. The
purification of derivatized extracts was carried
out using XLB solid phase extraction (SPE)
cartridges before internal standard quantification
by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass
spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)...

OUVRAGES /
RAPPORTS / ACTES
DE CONGRES

Freshwater Ecology 3rd
Edition: Concepts and
Environmental Applications of
Limnology

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /></figure>

Walter Dodds Matt
Whiles / Academic
Press,

3rd April 2019 ; 998
p. ; ISBN:
9780128132555,

eBook ISBN:
9780128132562

*Freshwater Ecology, Third Edition,* covers everything from the basic chemical and physical properties of water, to the advanced and unifying concepts of community ecology and ecosystem relationships found in continental waters. Giving students a solid foundation for both courses and future fieldwork, and updated to include key issues, including how to balance ecological and human health needs, GMOs, molecular tools, fracking, and a host of other environmental issues, this book is an ideal resource for both

students and practitioners in ecology and related
fields.

Accès au document

Pesticides in the Natural
Environment - 1st Edition

Elsevier 06/21

Editors: Pardeep Singh Suruchi Singh ; Elsevier ;
31st January 2022 ; 320 p., ISBN: 9780323904896

Pesticides in the Natural Environment: Sources, Health Risks, and Remediation presents direct and indirect impacts of the use of pesticides on the environment, human health, and agriculture. It then goes on to explore sustainable alternatives to pesticide use, policies for regulating use, and remediation techniques. Bridging the gap between regulations and the tangible environmental threat, the book proposes practical solutions while also providing important context on the hazards of pesticides. It highlights as well the influence on climate change, offering a holistic perspective for researchers in environmental science, policymakers, and land managers.

Accès au document

Reproductive and
Developmental Toxicology -
3rd Edition

Elsevier 06/21

Editor: Ramesh Gupta/Academic Press, 1st January 2022, p. 1200, ISBN: 9780323897730

Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, Third Edition is a comprehensive and authoritative resource providing the latest literature on this complex subject, focusing on the core three components - parent, placenta, and fetus - and the continuous changes that occur in each. Enriched with relevant references describing every aspect of reproductive toxicology, this revised and updated resource addresses the
totality of the subject, discussing a broad range of topics including nanoparticles and radiation, gases and solvents, smoking, alcohol and drugs of abuse, and metals, among others. With a special focus on placental toxicity, this book is the only available reference to connect the three key risk stages and is the only resource to include reproductive and developmental toxicity in domestic animals, fish, and wildlife. Completely revised and updated to include the most recent developments in the field, Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, Third Edition is an essential resource for advanced students and researchers in toxicology, as well as biologists, pharmacologists, and teratologists from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies.

Accès au document

## Exploring the benefits of biocontrol for sustainable agriculture

IEEP 24/06/21

Exploring the benefits of biocontrol for sustainable agriculture In creating a sustainable and healthy food system, reducing the pressure on the environment is key. As a non-chemical and targeted input, biocontrol can offer a systemic and balanced solution for sustainable agriculture. This new report explores the benefits of biocontrol and the role it could play in the implementation of the European Green Deal.

Accès au document

# REVUE DE PRESSE / ALTERNATIVES / BIOPESTICIDES

## Essais encourageants pour un futur produit de biocontrôle en céréales

Cultivar 27/08/21

Déjà bien éprouvé sur le marché des cultures spécialisées. Le secteur du bicontrôle ne cache pas ses ambitions : il représente déjà 11 % du CA total du marché de la protection des plantes et on parle de 30 % d'ici à 2030. La part du marché grandes cultures devrait progresser avec les innovations à venir.

Et c'est la société Amoéba qui s'y intéresse en développant une solution dédiée aux grandes cultures. Spécialisée dans le traitement du risque microbiologique dans les secteurs de l'eau, de la santé, elle ajoute la protection des plantes à ses activités. [...]

Accès au document

## Des insectes pour lutter contre les mouches en élevage

Agri-mutuel 24/08/21

Afin de réduire l'utilisation d'insecticides chimiques, l'entreprise Appi produit et commercialise des insectes auxiliaires pour lutter contre les mouches.

Spécialisée dans la production d'insectes pour la santé et la nutrition animale, la société Appi présente sa solution de biocontrôle pour lutter contre les mouches. Les insectes agissent comme traitement pour chaque stade du cycle de vie de la mouche [...]

Accès au document
## REVUE DE PRESSE / ASSOCIATIONS

### Exposure to Common Herbicide Increases Spontaneous Preterm Birth Incidents

Beyond Pesticides, August 26, 2021 A recent study published in *Environmental Research* demonstrates that exposure to the herbicide glyphosate and its breakdown product reduces pregnancy length, increasing the risk of preterm birth. Preterm births occur when a fetus is born early or before 37 weeks of complete gestation. Premature births can result in chronic (long-term) illnesses among infants from lack of proper organ development and even death. [...]

Accès au document

### Perturbateurs endocriniens : informer le consommateur... vraiment?

Générations futures 26/08/21

A partir du 1er janvier 2022, les fabricants de produits contenant des substances classées comme perturbateurs endocriniens (PE) devront « mettre à disposition du public » des informations sur la présence de ces substances, selon un décret publié mercredi au Journal officiel.

Cette information des consommateurs se fera à travers la mise en ligne et en « open data » (des données en accès public et exploitables sur internet) de « la liste de ces produits et des substances que chacun d'entre eux contient ». [...]

Accès au document

### Mildiou : les viticulteurs bio (et les autres) autorisés à dépasser le seuil légal de cuivre

Alerte environnement 12/08/21

Habituée à se scandaliser pour un rien, Générations Futures est aux abonnés absents. Et pourtant, un arrêté paru ce dimanche au *Journal officiel* autorise temporairement les viticulteurs à dépasser la quantité maximum autorisée de traitements à base de cuivre pour lutter contre le mildiou. [...]

Sont concernés les viticulteurs conventionnels comme les viticulteurs bio. Le lobby bio finançant Générations Futures, l'ONG ne va pas mordre la main qui la nourrit généreusement (en échange d'opérations visant à discréditer à tout prix le conventionnel à lui substituer du bio), elle préfère se taire. [...]

Pour rappel, *le cuivre n'est pas biodégradable, tue les lombrics, dégrade les sols sur le long terme, est toxique pour l'être humain et perturbateur endocrinien*. Pourtant *le bio ne peut toujours pas s'en passer*. Mais donne des leçons et tire à boulets rouges sur le conventionnel...

Accès au document

### Study identifies the presence of organochlorine pesticides among South China Sea coral reefs

Beyond Pesticides, August 12, 2021

A recent study published in *Chemosphere* identifies the concentration, consequences, and potential sources of 22 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) among corals in the South China Sea (SCS) for the first time. SCS corals exhibit a higher affinity toward bioaccumulation of OCPs, which are legacy
persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention—a global treaty to eliminate POPs. The study finds the distribution of OCPs in coral tissue matches that of the surrounding oceanic air samples. Hence, atmospheric concentrations of OCPs—influenced by continental air masses—migrate from the atmosphere to seawater through gas exchange.
[...]

Accès au document

# Biden EPA Reapproves Paraquat with Weaker Protections than Trump Administration Proposed

Beyond Pesticides, August 10, 2021

President Biden's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under Administrator Michael Regan, is set to reapprove the highly hazardous herbicide paraquat with fewer protections than those proposed by the Trump administration. Despite strong links to Parkinson's, and bans on the herbicide in the European Union, China, Brazil, and many other countries, EPA's press release inexplicably states, "No direct one-to-one alternatives to paraquat are available." [...]

Accès au document

# Pesticides and Other Volatile Chemicals Cause Air Pollution Linked to Premature Deaths

Beyond Pesticides, July 29, 2021

Between 340,000 and 900,000 premature deaths each year can be linked to air pollution caused by the release of volatile organic compounds, such as pesticides, paints, and cleaning agents, from anthropogenic sources. The findings, published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, included an international team of over 50 scientists, lead by

researchers at the University of Colorado, Boulder. [...]

While the connection between air pollution and direct sources of particulate matter in the atmosphere have a large body of supporting literature, there is little understanding of the impact caused by other chemical products that humans use. [...]

This new research finds that anthropogenic secondary organic aerosols (ASOAs), including intermediate and semi-volatile organic compounds like pesticides, paints, cleaners, and other personal care products, are a major, underrepresented source of PM2.5 mortality. [...]

Accès au document

# A tale of disruption: looking back at one decade of Europe's (unkept) promises to address endocrine disrupting pesticides

HEAL 29/07/21

Under the European Green Deal and related Farm-to-Fork strategy, the European Commission has committed to reduce the overall use and risk of all chemical pesticides by 50%, as well as the use and risk of high-risk pesticides by 50%, by 2030. At the time of writing, it remains however difficult to see how those lofty promises will become reality. By way of example, this article focuses on the controversial implementation of the ban of pesticides that are harmful to our health via our hormonal system (known as endocrine disrupting pesticides), which we believe is illustrative of the serious loopholes requiring urgent fixing in Europe's safety assessment and regulation of harmful pesticides. [...]

Accès au document
# Debilitating Ear Blisters Plague Long Island Turtle Populations from Pesticide Use

## Beyond Pesticides, August 5, 2021

A recent report by *Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons* finds Long Island, New York turtles are experiencing higher rates of deadly aural abscesses or ear blisters from pesticide use. Previous research *documents* role chemical exposure from environmental toxicants play in inner ear abscess formation among turtles. However, synergism (collaboration) between viral infection and toxic chemical exposure increases aural abscess instances. [...]

Accès au document

## JUSTICE : Epandage des pesticides à proximité des habitations

### Générations futures 27/07/21

Nouvelle victoire pour nos ONG, nouveau désaveu pour le gouvernement !

A la suite des recours déposés par nos organisations*, le Conseil d'Etat (CE) vient de rendre une décision majeure dans la lutte contre les pesticides, en annulant, car insuffisamment protectrices, plusieurs dispositions encadrant leur épandage près des habitations :

- insuffisance des distances minimales pour les produits suspectés d'être cancérogènes, mutagènes ou toxiques pour la reproduction (CMR 2) - plusieurs pesticides relevant de cette catégorie-,

- absence d'information réelle des riverains en amont des épandages,

- insuffisante protection des riverains et travailleurs. [...]

*AMLP, Collectif Victimes pesticides de l'Ouest et du Nord, Eau et Rivières de Bretagne, FNE, Générations Futures, UFC Que Choisir, Vigilance OGM 16

Accès au document

## Épandage des pesticides à proximité des propriétés riveraines : encore un énième passage en force du gouvernement !

### Que Choisir 21/07/21

Il y a plus d'un an l'UFC-Que Choisir et 8 autres ONG déposaient deux recours devant le Conseil d'État, en réaction aux distances d'épandage des pesticides ridiculement faibles que le gouvernement avait autorisées à proximité immédiate des riverains, mais également aux "chartes d'engagement" permettant de rogner encore davantage sur ces distances. Alors que le Conseil Constitutionnel a retoqué les "chartes" de bon voisinage cousues mains par et pour les agriculteurs intensifs, et que le Conseil d'État doit prochainement rendre sa décision, le gouvernement s'entête en organisant une nouvelle parodie de consultation en pleine torpeur estivale, par le moyen d'une instruction aux préfets totalement surréaliste. [...]

Accès au document

## Deer Ticks Developing Resistance to Popular Tick Control Chemical: Implications of Lyme Disease

### Beyond Pesticides, July 22, 2021

A new study published in *the Journal of Medical Entomology* finds black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapulari) in New York are developing potential resistance to widely used tick-control
pyrethroid insecticide, permethrin. The study suggests continuous use of area-wide, 4-poster devices (devices that attract deer and then apply pesticide to their head, ears, and neck) to apply insecticide treatments on deer to control tick populations promotes resistance. [...]

Accès au document

# Insecticide Chlorpyrifos Interacts with Genes to Increase Autism Risk, Research Finds

Beyond Pesticides, July 20, 2021

Chlorpyrifos exposure results in the expression of genetic mutations associated with autism spectrum disorder in a laboratory model, finds research published in *Environmental Health Perspectives* by scientists at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “This is a step forward in showing an interplay between genetics and environment and its potential role for autism spectrum disorder,” says study lead Lena Smirnova, PhD, a research associate in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering at the Bloomberg School. [...]

Accès au document

# Produits phytos et santé : le lien se précise pour six maladies graves

Terre-Net 30/06/21

Les produits phytosanitaires à nouveau pointés du doigt : il existe une « présomption forte » de lien entre l'exposition professionnelle à ces produits et six maladies graves, dont certains cancers et des troubles du cerveau, selon une vaste expertise française publiée mercredi.

Les six pathologies sont trois types de cancer (prostate, lymphomes non hodgkiens, myélomes

multiples), la maladie de Parkinson, les troubles cognitifs et une maladie respiratoire évolutive, la BPCO, selon l'expertise réalisée par l'Inserm (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale). Pour les quatre premières, la « présomption forte » de lien avec l'exposition professionnelle à certains pesticides avait déjà été mise en évidence lors de la précédente expertise de l'Inserm, en 2013. [...]

Accès au document

## REVUE DE PRESSE / RECHERCHE ET MEDIAS

# First ever study finds microplastics in northeast Lapland

The Barents Observer 31/08/21

A research project, led by non-profit organisation Snowchange Cooperative, has found large amounts of microplastics in Näätämöjoki river and Lake Inari. The project's aim was to track the impacts of climate change in Näätämö, Vuonnijavr, Voronye and Ponoi waters, and they conducted first ever surveys on microplastics in northeast Lapland. The research has shown that the amount of microplastics in Lake Inari is similar to samples taken from lakes in Southern Finland. [...]

Accès au document
# Les viticulteurs pourront déroger à la réglementation sur les traitements à base de cuivre pour lutter contre le mildiou

## Le Monde 08/08/21

L'ensemble des viticulteurs, que ce soit en viticulture biologique ou conventionnelle, est concerné par cet arrêté « en vigueur pour une période de cent vingt jours ».[...] Les professionnels viticoles sont, désormais, autorisés à dépasser provisoirement la réglementation sur les traitements à base de cuivre pour lutter contre le mildiou de la vigne, selon un arrêté publié, dimanche 8 août, au JO. [...]

Accès au document

# Epandages agricoles : le Conseil d'État veut une plus grande protection des riverains

## ENVISCOPE 21/08/21

Saisi par plusieurs organisations le Conseil d'État a rendu le 26 juillet une décision dans la lutte contre les pesticides, en annulant, car insuffisamment protectrices, plusieurs dispositions encadrant leur épandage près des habitations.

Le Conseil d'État avait été saisi par plusieurs associations (AMLP, Collectif Victimes pesticides de l'Ouest et du Nord, Eau et Rivières de Bretagne, FNE, Générations Futures, UFC Que Choisir, Vigilance OGM) sur le dossier des épandages agricoles. Dans une décision du 26 juillet, il relève l'insuffisance des distances minimales pour les produits suspectés d'être cancérogènes, mutagènes ou toxiques pour la reproduction (CMR) - plusieurs pesticides relevant de cette catégorie. [...]

Accès au document

# Development of models to predict physicochemical properties of PFAS

## EPA 26/08/21

### Impact/Purpose:

Presentation to the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2021 National Meeting August 2021. Gathering experimental data and building models to predict phychem properties for PFAS. These properties are important to the program office for registering chemicals and PFAS chemicals have limited data available in the literature. Citation: Martin, T., G. Sinclair, C. Ramsland, AND A. Williams. Development of models to predict physicochemical properties of PFAS. 2021 Fall ACS Meeting, Cincinnati, OH, August 22 - 26, 2021. https://doi.org/10.23645/epacomptox.15405891

Accès au document

# The EPA is banning chlorpyrifos, a pesticide widely used on food crops, after 14 years of pressure from environmental and labor groups

## The conversation 24/08/21

On Aug. 18, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it will end use of chlorpyrifos - a pesticide associated with neurodevelopmental problems and impaired brain function in children - on all food products nationwide. Gina Solomon, a principal investigator at the Public Health Institute, clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco and former deputy secretary at the California Environmental Protection Agency,
explains the scientific evidence that led California to ban chlorpyrifos in 2020 and why the EPA is now following suit. [...]

Accès au document

## La pollution plastique du Rhône passée à la loupe - Vidéo

Actu-environnement 20/08/21

Les fleuves transportent la pollution plastique jusqu'à la mer, sous forme de macro et micro déchets. Une analyse en cours sur le Rhône va permettre de comprendre les mécanismes de fragmentation des plastiques rejetés en Méditerranée. Reportage vidéo.

[...] La mission dénommée Plastic-Rhône, est pilotée par la startup Plastic@sea, en partenariat avec la compagnie nationale du Rhône (CNR), l'agence de l'eau Rhône Méditerranée Corse (RMC) [...] et l'appui du CNRS. [...]

Accès au document

## Herbicide resistance no longer a black box for scientists

PHYS.ORG 16/08/21

When agricultural weeds evolve resistance to herbicides, they do it in one of two ways. In target-site resistance, a tiny mutation in the plant's genetic code means the chemical no longer fits in the protein it's designed to attack. In non-target-site resistance, the plant deploys a whole slew of enzymes that detoxify the chemical before it can cause harm.

Target-site resistance is easy for scientists. [...]. But for non-target-site resistance, it's a guessing game. Researchers can sometimes tell what class of enzymes detoxifies the chemical, but they know next to nothing about what genes code for

those enzymes. In other words, non-target-site resistance is a black box.

A University of Illinois study is the first to open that box in a new way, identifying gene regions responsible for non-target-site herbicide resistance in waterhemp. [...]

Accès au document

## Metal pollution: If it's in the air—and our iPhones—it'll end up in our bones

PHYS.ORG 16/08/21

[...] A new study by Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) reveals the link between rates of metal production and toxic lead exposure in humans. The research team closely examined human remains from a burial ground in central Italy that was in consecutive use for 12,000 years.

They found that as worldwide lead production began and increased, so, too, did the rates of lead absorption found in people who lived during those time periods—even those not remotely involved in lead production—simply by breathing the air around them. [...]

Accès au document

## Microplastics: A trojan horse for metals

Phys.org 10/08/21

The fact that microplastics can accumulate organic pollutants from the environment and transport them has been known for some time. What is new, however, is that metals can also be transported in this manner. In addition, the smaller the particles, the greater the metal accumulation on the plastic. This has been demonstrated by scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon in a new study. The results were published now in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters. [...]
Accès au document

## Vermont fails to protect bats from pesticides, suit claims

Seven days 16/08/21

Two environmental groups are suing Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources for allegedly failing to protect endangered bats from pesticides meant to kill mosquitoes. [...]

The groups say the agency should have required a mosquito protection district to get “incidental take” permits under Vermont’s Protection of Endangered Species Act for harming five threatened and endangered bat species. [...]

A 2019 report by Huntington bat expert Jeff Parsons found that five bat species – Indiana bat, northern long-eared bat, eastern small-footed bat, little brown bat, and tri-colored bat – were all likely to suffer “acute toxic impacts” of flying though clouds of the insecticides malathion and permethrin. [...]

Accès au document

## Des parcelles de betteraves détruites pour cause d'herbicide non conforme

Agri-Mutuel 14/08/21

Le ministère de l'Agriculture a ordonné la destruction de parcelles de betteraves sucrières dans le nord et l'est de la France après la détection de phénomènes de toxicité dans des champs traités avec un herbicide produit par la société Adama, a-t-on appris vendredi auprès du ministère.

Deux lots de ce produit dénommé « Marquis » ont été jugés « non conformes en raison de la présence, à des taux variables, de trois substances actives interdites dans l'Union européenne », a expliqué le ministère dans une note. [...]

Accès au document

## 7 years later, 2 engineers face discipline for actions that led to Mt. Polley mine disaster

CBC 11/08/21

[...] Toxic contents from a tailings pond flow down Hazeltine Creek into Polley and Quesnel Lakes near the town of Likely, B.C., on Aug. 5, 2014. Two engineers have been cited for unprofessional conduct in the course of their work at the mine.

Seven years after Canada's largest tailings spill, the two engineers who were involved have been found in breach of their professional codes of conduct. [...]

Mount Polley mine records filed with Environment Canada reported that hundreds of tonnes of arsenic and lead, as well as other heavy metals including copper and nickel, flowed out in the sludge. [...] The owner and operator of this mine, Mount Polley Mining Corporation, a subsidiary of Imperial Metals, has faced no penalties for the spill. [...]

Accès au document

## Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals Bayer loses third appeals case over glyphosate weedkiller

Reuters, Aug 10

Bayer (BAYGn.DE) lost a third appeal against U.S. court verdicts that awarded damages to customers blaming their cancers on use of its glyphosate-based weedkillers, leaving the German drugs and pesticides group to pin hopes for legal relief on the U.S. Supreme Court.

A California appeals court late on Monday upheld an $86 million verdict that found Bayer responsible for a couple's cancer after using Bayer's glyphosate-based Roundup against weeds. [...]
Accès au document

# Pesticides, le Conseil d'État veut des textes plus stricts pour la protection des riverains

## Campagne et environnement 28/7/21

Le Conseil d'État a rendu, le 27 juillet, son verdict sur les textes encadrant la pulvérisation de pesticides près des habitations. Il préconise une augmentation des zones de non-traitement pour les pesticides suspectés cancérogènes, mutagènes ou reprotoxiques, demande à ce que les mesures protègent aussi les professionnels travaillant à proximité des parcelles, et exige un cadre plus strict pour les concertations locales. Le gouvernement a six mois pour réagir. [...]

Accès au document

# Impact of Estrogens Present in Environment on Health and Welfare of Animals

## MDPI 20/07/21

Estrogens are a group of steroid hormones that recently have gained even more attention in the eyes of scientists. There is an ongoing discussion in the scientific community about their relevance as environmental contaminants and the danger they pose to animal health and welfare. In available literature we can find many examples of their negative effects and mechanisms that are involved with such phenomena. [...] *Animals* 2021, 11(7), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072152

Accès au document

# Plastic accumulation in food may be underestimated

## PHYS.org 26/07/21

A new study has found plastic accumulation in foods may be underestimated. There is also concern these microplastics will carry potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli, which are commonly found in coastal waters, up the food chain.

Researchers from the University of Portsmouth tested a theory that microplastics covered in a biofilm coating (much like natural algae) were more likely to be ingested by oysters than microplastics that were completely clean. Although the experiment was carried out on oysters under laboratory conditions, scientists believe similar results could be found in other edible marine species that also filter seawater for food. [...]

Accès au document

# Pesticides dans l'air : lancement d'un dispositif de surveillance permanent

## AirParif 23/07/21

Avec la fédération Atmo France, les autres Associations Agréées de Surveillance de la Qualité de l'Air (AASQA) et l'INERIS en tant que membre du Laboratoire Central de Surveillance de la Qualité de l'Air (LCSQA), Airparif participe au lancement d'un suivi pérenne des pesticides dans l'air au niveau national. Concrètement, dès 2021, 72 molécules fongicides, herbicides ou insecticides vont à présent être suivies dans l'air ambiant sur une station de mesure en Île-de-France de façon pérenne, tels que : [...]

Accès au document
# Pesticides et sécurité des riverains : l'État doit renforcer les règles

## Actu-environnement 27/07/21

Le Conseil d'État ordonne à l'État que les règles d'utilisation des pesticides à proximité des habitations soient complétées pour mieux protéger la population. Il donne six mois au Gouvernement pour renforcer ces règles.

Dans une décision rendue le 26 juillet, le Conseil d'État a annulé partiellement les dispositions du décret (Art.1 pour manquement d'information préalable des riverains et de l'arrêté du 27 décembre 2019 (art. 8 de l'arrêté pour non prévoyance de distances de sécurité suffisantes pour les produits classés comme suspectés d'être cancérigènes, mutagènes ou toxiques pour la reproduction (CMR 2), sur les zones de non-traitement (ZNT) des pesticides autour des habitations. [...]

Accès au document

# Méditerranée : des points de vigilance persistent sur certains polluants

## Actu-environnement 16/07/21

L'Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer (Ifremer) fait le bilan de 20 ans de surveillance de la façade française méditerranéenne : des données sur plus de 68 contaminants chimiques comme les hydrocarbures, les microplastiques ou les métaux lourds. Résultat, pour 90 % des points de prélèvements, le taux de polluants est inférieur au seuil réglementaire.

Il reste néanmoins des points de vigilance : anciennes pollutions contenues dans les sédiments à proximité des anciens sites industriels ou pollutions plus actuelles préoccupantes, les molécules médicamenteuses. [...]

Accès au document

# Réautorisation du glyphosate en Europe : la qualité des études réglementaires en cause

## Le Monde 2/07/21

La grande majorité des 53 études qui ont fondé l'opinion des autorités européennes sur la génotoxicité du pesticide ne remplissent pas les critères de conformité attendus, estiment deux toxicologues de renommée internationale.

Les deux auteurs de cette évaluation, Siegfried Knasmueller et Armen Nersesyan, sont chercheurs à l'Institut de recherche sur le cancer du Centre hospitalo-universitaire de Vienne (Autriche) et spécialistes internationalement reconnus de toxicologie génétique. [...]

Accès au document

# Towards sustainable agriculture - study identifies biodiversity-friendly alternatives to conventional wheat crop management, Germany

## EC Europa

As intensive agriculture is associated with large-scale impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, food security and human health, it is important to shift to more sustainable, yet highly productive, farming practices. A study now assesses such practices in wheat, evaluating agricultural-management strategies at the field and landscape scales. The findings suggest that biodiversity-enhancing practices can support natural pest predation without use of agrochemicals – and that controlling pests and weeds by agrochemical
means is less relevant than expected for final crop productivity.

Source: Redlich, S., Martin, E. A., and Steffan-Dewenter, I. (2020) Sustainable landscape, soil and crop management practices enhance biodiversity and yield in conventional cereal systems. Journal of Applied Ecology, 58 (3): 507-517

Accès au document