Discovering the oceans with Ifremer

Fisheries activities and coastal zone management

Rennes, march 2001

Four sessions of communications and exchanges with a very diverse audience show the coastal zone as a strategic challenge for fisheries and aquaculture where there are many interactions coming from the diversity of uses. A state of regulatory regimes is attempted before proposing objectives and modes of an integrated management.

D. Gascuel, G. Fontenelle (éd.)

236 p.
38 euros
ISBN 2-84433-112-2

Aquaculture, environment and marine phytoplankton

Brest, May 2001

Aquaculture impact has been demonstrated as well as the response of phytoplankton to aquacole wastes input and climatical variations (including UV). Prevention from economical losses due to a degraded milieu and caused by ichtyotoxic algae is based on predictive models. A sustainable aquaculture will depend on new detection tools and techniques reducing the wastes.

G. Arzul (coord.)

248 p.
38 euros
ISBN 2-84433-072-X

Oceanography of the bay of Biscay

Organized by the Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer (Ifremer) in collaboration with the Laboratoire d'analyses de prélèvements hydrobiologiques (Laphy) of Biarritz, the Seventh International Symposium brought together in Biarritz (France), approximately 200 participants from various European countries from April 4 to April 6, 2000. These proceedings gather about sixty contributions presented at this scientific meeting. A first part of the work approaches the marine environment itself under these various aspects : physical oceanography, benthology, planktonology and fishery sciences. A second part, devoted to the lagoon and estuarian areas, deals with the following topics : hydrogeology, pollutant impacts and biology.

J. d'Elbée, P. Prouzet (coord.)

370 p.
53.36 euros
ISBN 2-84433-054-1

Restoring coastal ecosystems

Brest - 8-9 novembre 2000

This conference proceedings review the thought and discussion given, both in France and abroad, to restoring marshes, estuaries, bays and lagoons, including the impact on species and resources.
The publication contains a selection of papers presented to an audience of scientists, teachers, professional developers of the sea and coastal protection officers. They report on some major work sites (Venice and Tunis lagoons, the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, the Seine estuary...) as well as achievements of varying scope and nature. Special aspects of bio-aspects are based on examples of accidental or natural events.
These documents will provide planners and developers and environmental engineering firms with scientific assessment criteria and methods to estimate the costs of restoring ecosystms with respect to the extent of the "damage'.

L. Drévès, M. Chaussepied (coord.)

376 p.
38.11 euros
ISBN 2-84433-048-7

CoastGIS'99 : Geomatics and coastal environment

This publication contains a selection of papers presented at the CoastGIS'99 symposium, a gathering of over 150 scientists, planners and industrialists representing the international community for geographic information in the coastal environment. The scientific, technical and socio-economic stakes for data, systems, communication and representation modes are discussed. In the light of regional experiences, we focus on institutional constraints : how can we draw up and then disseminate as widely as possible the high-quality information on the physical and human environments which could enable us to protect and make better use of our coastal areas ?

J. Populus, L. Loubersac (coord.)
A part of the papers is in French
320 p.
33.54 euros
ISBN 2-84433-036-3

Non-point source pollution: from catchment to coast

(Saint Brieuc, Ploufragan - September 1999)

These conference proceedings gather main results from five years of research in the "Catchments and transmission of pollution to the coast" programme. This programme was funded by the 1994-1998 State-Region plan contract for Brittany, and aimed to investigate nitrate, faecal bacteria and main pesticide transfers from a farmed plot of land to the watercourse and hence to the coast, in an intensive farming context. The relationships between nitrates and green tides were investigated, along with their spread further offshore. Some papers by contributors outside of the programme, but similar to its theme are also provided. Although restoration of good water quality in Brittany will depend on implementing new farming practices, the scientific foundation for other actions is laid.

M. Merceron (coord.)

352 p.
28.97 euros
ISBN 2-84433-017-7

Aquaculture and environment

Regulations and practices for marine finfish farming

A diversified public composed of professionals, scientists, economists, legal and administrative specialists has tried to link the legal constraints, the state of technical and scientific knowledge and their impact on the life of fishfarming enterprises in France, including a look at Europe. The main conclusions drawn from discussions are : we note increasing mastery of aquaculture, including mastery of its potential impact on the environment, efforts to find ways to better integrate this activity in coastal planning programmes, need for information on local and regional levels, and finally pathways for action both for research and for regulations and practices.

M.-C. Miner, M. Kempf (coord.)

188 p.
27.44 euros
ISBN 2-84433-016-9

French estuaries

Natural and artificial development

The working seminar on French estuaries held in Paris in November 1997, took stock of questions raised by administrations, planners, associations and users of these estuaries, large or small, concerning the future of their areas of biological importance. The presentation of French and European approaches to preserving and restoring these zones of biological importance has highlighted the need for a new way of administrating French estuaries and the requirements for research to be undertaken in the estuarine environment, society and the economy.

C. Auger, J.-L. Verrel (coord.)

368 p.
33.54 euros
ISBN 2-905434-95-3

Salt marshes and aquaculture

Long-lasting activity for protecting and exploiting coastal wetlands

This publication reviews aquacultural uses of salt and brackish marshes on the Atlantic coast and research achieved in this field. It considers aquaculture in the widest sense of the term, including fish farming, shellfish farming in marshes and tourism. The seminar defined research and development priorities for these environments and showed that the concerns are shared on a European level.

J. Hussenot, V. Buchet (coord.)

280 p.
38.11 euros
ISBN 2-905434-89-9

Urban discharges and the sea (reprint)

The French conference on Urban discharges and the sea in June 1990, gathered 150 French scientists and technicians involved in coastal remediation. It summarizes the programmes of studies conducted by Ifremer, in collaboration with the Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse water authority, on urban discharges at sea.

J.-F. Guillaud

244 p.
22.87 euros
ISBN 2-905434-73-2

PNEC : The French Coastal Environment Research Programme

Overview of 1999 - 2002 activities

The French coastal environmental research programme (PNEC) does basic research on coastal areas in metropolitan France and overseas. The fact that it is directed and financed by several organisations and covers a wide range of disciplines makes it a novel programme. This document is a summary of results achieved from 1999-2002, either in specific geographic areas (eastern Channel sites, bay of Seine, Mont-Saint-Michel bay, bay of Biscay, gulf of Lions, Mediterranean lagoons, New Caledonia, French Guyana) or by research themes (biogeochimical cycles, population dynamics, toxic algae blooms, hydroclimatic factors and variability, microorganisms, environmental stewardship and sedimentary dynamics).

Jacques Clavier, Michel Joanny, François Carlotti

310 p.
40 euros
ISBN 2-84433-151-3

Assessing the health of marine organisms and ecosystems

Which biological signals should be measured ?

Organisms living in marine waters are numerous and varied. Examining their biological signals could help to evaluate and protect their health and that of their environment. This publication focuses on this topic, answering the following questions: What are the measurable biological signals in marine organisms? Do they reflect the state of health of individuals, populations or ecosystems? Can they provide information about the specificity and level of chemical pollution? Are measurement results from bioassays useful in predicting and limiting ecological dysfunctions? In conclusion, an integrated, operational approach is proposed to carry out environmental assessments which take biological and spatiotemporal diversity in marine waters into account.

N. Devauchelle

48 p.
17 euros
ISBN 2-84433-106-8

Paralytic phycotoxins contaminated shellfish

Toward a detoxification process

Since 1988 on northern Brittany coasts and 1998 in the Thau lagoon, two neurotoxic species of the dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium have bloomed yearly, but in different seasons and with different effects on farmed shellfish. While coastal areas involved were being monitored and bloom triggering factors investigated, efforts to reduce consumer risk levels and shell-fishermen's economic losses by setting up accelerated detoxification systems were also required.
Based on the available data, this document summarises i) the different experimental devices used, ii) compared efficiency of biological (non-toxic algal cultures) and physico-chemical (ozone) treatments, iii) oyster and scallop feeding behaviour, as well as toxin conversion and detoxification processes, iv) how opportune it is to transfer a faster detoxification process to the shellfish industry, in view of current scientific knowledge and shellfish trade bans in France.

P. Lassus (coord.)

48 p.
14,50 euros
ISBN 2-84433-070-3

Monitoring coastal environmental quality

Proposal for better coordination between networks

There are many, diversified environmental quality monitoring networks on the French coastline. They involve several actors (Ifremer, Ddass, Cquel, water authorities), parameters (microbiology, phytoplankton, chemistry, biology, etc.) compartments (water, sediment, living matter), zonings (Quadrige, Sdage, recreational waters) and are located all along the coast. This document assesses current monitoring. On a series of colour maps, it positions the various existing networks and zonings and highlights the need for optimization and coordination of networks. This will require drawing up a geographic frame of reference recognized by all actors which will be the basis for a future geographic information system.

M. Morel (coord.)

72 p.
18.29 euros
ISBN 2-84433-012-6

State of the environment on the Atlantic seaboard

This document was drawn up by a working group for forward studies of the Atlantic seaboard. It focuses on various coastal problems: inputs, estuaries, green tides, bloom species, wetlands, state of living resources, extraction of granulate and hydrocarbons, consequences of planning, shoreline evolution, coastal landscapes, macrowaste. It also specifies the current state of coastal monitoring : the national monitoring network for marine environmental quality, microbiological monitoring of beaches and shellfish production areas, phytoplankton monitoring, shellfish growth. Lastly, the report addresses proposals for action to improve water quality, made by the Loire-Bretagne and Adour-Garonne water authorities and gives food for thought about coastal protection.

J.-L. Mauvais, R. Goarnisson (coord.)

140 p.
33.54 euros
ISBN 2-905434-98-8

Newtech

It is sometimes necessary to disinfect wastewater before reuse or discharge into the environment. Various processes have been tested in pilot plants or in the laboratory : using UV, ozone and peracetic acid, were assessed by total, faecal and bacteriophagic coliform counts. Enzyme and molecular techniques were tested to find faecal coliforms and enteric viruses, respectively. The economic study showed that ozone or UV treatments can be selected, depending on objectives.

M. Pommepuy (coord.)

24 p.
9.15 euros
ISBN 2-905434-86-4

Coastal environmental monitoring

This document assesses strategies used to implement French coastal monitoring. It describes the objectives set by the various existing monitoring networks and the means they implement to reach them. Based on this assessment and seeing the progress expected in the field, a series of recommendations is proposed, oriented towards progressively optimizing monitoring strategies and their technical environment.

M. Joanny

36 p.
10.67 euros
ISBN 2-905434-81-3

Analysis of organic contaminants (herbicides, PCB, OCP, HAP) in estuarine and coastal marine waters

This document is one in a series of fascicules called "Analytical methods in the marine environment". It presents the analytical methods developed for the quantitative study of some organic contaminants dissolved in sea water and associated with suspended matter. The methods described should enable the analysis of organic contaminants generally found at trace levels of pg/L or ng/L and ng/kg or µg/kg in the compartments. Analyses deal with some herbicides like triazines and their degradation by-products, polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HAP) sulfur heterocycles (S-HAP) and their alkyl counterparts. Their titration requires special analytical techniques as well as mastery of sample taking and processing (filtration, extraction and purification). These methods are used in the framework of various studies conducted by Ifremer to better identify and understand chemical contamination of the marine environment.

J. Tronczynski, C. Munschy, K. Héas-Moisan, N. Guiot, I. Truquet

52 p.

ISBN 2-84433-148-3

Bio-indicator of potential toxicity in aqueous media : a "bivalve embryo-larval development"

Assessing the quality of a marine environment subjected to numerous discharges or substances from human activities and fixing regulations to authorise discharges at sea require bio-monitoring tools. Part of the series on "Méthodes d'analyse en milieu marin" (analytical methods in the marine environment), this fascicule describes a test protocol using embryo-larval development in bivalves as a tool to assess the potential toxicity of a substance or an aqueous medium. The acute toxicity bio-assay (24 h for cupped oysters and 48 h for mussels) can be applied at salinities ranging from 20 to 35 and make it possible to determine the concentrations inducing abnormal embryo-larval development. This bioassay will be useful for both environmental managers and researchers involved in marine environment bio-monitoring.

Françoise Quiniou, Édouard His, Régis Delesmont, Xavier Caisey

23 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-146-7

Analysis of organic contaminants (PCB, OCP, PAH) in marine sediments

This document is one in a series of fascicules on "Analytical methods in the marine environment". It describes the analytical methods developed in the Organic contaminant biogeochemistry laboratory of Ifremer's Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology department to quantitatively analyse polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulphur heterocycles and their alkyl counterparts in marine sediments. The methods are used in the framework of the national monitoring network (RNO) for marine environmental quality, at trace and ultra-trace detection levels (µg/kg and ng/kg), as well as in research and study projects aiming to better understand the behaviour and fate of these contaminants in the marine environment.

Jacek Tronczynski, Catherine Munschy, Karine Héas-Moisan, Nadège Guiot, Isabelle Truquet

44 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-145-9

Analysis of organic contaminants (PCB, OCP, PAH) in marine organisms

This document is one in a series of fascicules on "Analytical methods in the marine environment". It describes the analytical methods developed in the Organic contaminant biogeochemistry laboratory of Ifremer's Biogeochemistry and Ecotoxicology department to quantitatively analyse polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sulphur heterocycles and their alkyl counterparts in marine organisms. The methods are used in the framework of the national monitoring network (RNO) for marine environmental quality, at trace and ultratrace detection levels (µg/kg and ng/kg), as well as in research and study projects aiming to better understand the behaviour and fate of these contaminants in the marine environment.

Catherine Munschy, Jacek Tronczynski, Karine Héas-Moisan, Nadège Guiot, Isabelle Truquet

44 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-144-0

Biological markers of pollutant effects : acetylcholinesterase

Strategies to monitor the quality of the coastal environment are a topical issue, for both ecological and socio-economic reasons. This booklet deals with measuring acetylcholinesterasic activity in various marine species and its inhibition as a biomarker of neurotoxic effects of certain families of contaminants, especially pesticides. Using it for environmental diagnoses requires both thorough knowledge of the enzyme's kinetics and its natural variability, as well as strict characterisation of the conditions for extraction, sample storage and measuring the activity. These aspects are described in detail. The method to measure acetylcholinesterase activity described in this document was published by ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) in 1997. It is a benchmark method in the field.

G. Bocquené, F. Galgani

28 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-137-8

Measurement of EROD enzyme activity in marine finfish

Pilot studies conducted in the English Channel and North Sea, along with international intercalibration exercises in the 1990s, have helped validate the method for measurement of ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) which is dependent on the CYP4501A system. These stages have provided the basis to develop a detoxification biomarker for use in monitoring applications. The fluorescence-based EROD enzyme microplate assay has the advantage of being a fast, inexpensive and easily implemented method. The method described is the outcome of ten years of experience supported by the national observation network RNO. Some data on marine finfish collected in their natural environment and subjected to exposure in the laboratory are used to present a range of variations of use in interpreting EROD enzyme activity on the Channel, North Sea and Mediterranean coasts.

T. Burgeot, D. Ménard

28 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-136-X

Marine ecosystem hydrology : parameters and analyses

This publication aims to acquaint those concerned by marine environmental studies, especially involving the coastal environment and water quality monitoring, with hydrological descriptors.
It covers the most usual environmental descriptors, which fall into three main categories: physico-chemical (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity), particulate matter (total suspended matter, organic P, N and C, chlorophyll pigments) and nutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, phosphate and silicate). Several chapters provide an overview setting analyses in their environmental context.
Although the methods contained in this document are not standardized, they are those used by a very large community of marine environment analysts. They can be applied over the entire range of salinity encountered in open sea, coastal and estuarine (including fresh water) environments.

A. Aminot, R. Kérouel

336 p.
30 euros
ISBN 2-84433-133-5

Mercury speciation in sea water

Determination of total, gaseous and reactive mercury, monomethylmercury and dimethylmercury

Sampling and analytical techniques for mercury speciation in sea water are described. They allow the determination of elemental mercury (Hg0), dimethylmercury (DMHg), reactive mercury (HgR or "easily reducible mercury" which consists of mainly inorganic mercury species), monomethylmercury (MMHg) and total mercury (HgT) dissolved in sea water. These techniques make it possible to detect trace amounts ranging from 4 to 60 pg L-1, depending on the chemical species and sample volume being considered. The ranges of measurable concentrations are of several orders of magnitude, and reproducibility varies between 5 and 15 %, depending on the species and concentration levels

D. Cossa, B. Averty, J. Bretaudeau, A.S. Sénard

28 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-125-4

Determination of some metals in sediments and suspended particulate matter by atomic absorption

This document is one in a series of booklets entitled "Procedures of analyse in the marine environment". This series is primarily designed for analysts, but could be useful for environmental managers as well as students concerned with the analytical specificities of the marine environment.
The acquisition of reliable data on metal concentrations in sediments and suspended particulate matter (in the order of µg/g or less) requires proven sampling strategies and procedures. After reviewing the procedures, from sampling to analysis, this manual describes a method of determination for some trace metals which are used in international monitoring programs and also for metallic elements which help to their interpretation.

J.F Chiffoleau, D. Auger, B. Boutier, E. Rozuel, I. Truquet

46 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-122-X

Determination of some trace metals (Ag, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, V, Zn) in marine organisms by atomic absorption

This document is one in a series of booklets entitled "Procedures of analyses in the marine environment ". This series is primarily designed for analysts, but could be useful for environmental managers as well as students concerned with the analytical specificities of the marine environment. Trace metal concentrations in the tissues of marine organisms are in the order of µg/g. The measurement requires rigorous protocols and contamination control for sampling, conditioning and analysis. After reviewing the procedures, from sampling to analysis, this manual describes a method of determination for some trace metals used in international monitoring programs or involved in more specific studies in cases of regional contamination.

J.F Chiffoleau, D. Auger, E. Chartier, A. Grouhel

36 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-114-9

Organotin compound analysis in sea water

Organotin compounds in sea water are toxic in concentrations around 1 ng.l-1. Analyzing them in the marine environment is only of interest if such low concentrations can be evaluated correctly. Full compliance with the method described here makes it possible to achieve this goal. The method uses the technique of organotin compound derivatization with sodium tetraethylborate to prepare volatile derivatives which are then extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography with a tin-specific detector. The equipment, reagents, procedures and analytical performances are described here. Some information on French coastal monitoring provides comparison of the results in a more general context.

P. Michel, B. Averty

28 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-108-4

Determination of mercury and monomethylmercury in marine biota and sediments

The sampling, the pre-treatment and the analysis of biota and sediment samples are described. The total mercury is determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry after a dry ashing of the sample and a preconcentration step of elemental mercury on a gold trap. This rapid semi-automatic method is used in the French Mussel Watch Program (RNO) since 1997. For a 20 mg sample the detection limit is 0.007 ng.mg-1 (dry weight) and the reproductibility 7 %. The monomethylmercury determination technique consists of an isolation step by ethylation and chromatography and a quantification step by atomic fluorescence spectroscopy. For a 20 mg sample, the detection limit and the reproductibility are 0.004 ng.mg-1 (dry weight) and 10 %, respectively.

D. Cossa, M. Coquery, K. Nakhle, D. Claisse

28 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-105-X

Determination of trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) dissolved in seawater by atomic absorption after liquid-liquid extraction

Determination of trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) dissolved in seawater by atomic absorption after liquid-liquid extraction This document is one in a series of booklets entitled "Procedures of analyses in the marine environment". This series is mainly intended for analysts, but it can also be useful for environmental managers or students concerned by analytical specificities for the marine environment.
The concentration of trace metals dissolved in seawater is on the order of ng/l. Their measurement requires specific techniques as well as controlling contamination when sampling, conditioning and filtration. After a review of these procedures from sampling to analysis, this manual describes a method to preconcentrate some dissolved trace metals, followed by their determination using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

J.F. Chiffoleau, D. Auger, E. Chartier

40 p.
10 euros
ISBN 2-84433-104-1

Automated determination of nutrients in marine waters

This handbook describes the automated determination of dissolved inorganic and organic nutrients in oceanic, coastal and estuarine waters. Particularly intended for analysts, it describes the theoretical and pratical bases for continuous segmented flow analysis (principles,techniques, adaptation to marine waters) and proposes specific protocols developed for this analytical technique.

A. Aminot, R. Kérouel

188 p.
20 euros
ISBN 978-2-7592-0023-8

Analysis of chemical risk in the marine environment

European methodological approach

European legislation concerning chemicals requires risk assessments to protect both human health and the environment. The procedure adopted is based on a technical handbook ("Technical Guidance Document" or TGD) on chemical risk assessment for use throughout the European Union. This document covers only an environmental approach to protect aquatic environments, and more specifically the marine environment. It can serve as a reference for environmental managers, particularly those working in the coastal marine environment, dealing with problems arising from chemical contamination of aquatic environments.

Michel Marchand, Chrystèle Tissier

126 p.
25 euros
ISBN 2-84433-153-X

Dredging and environment marin

Large amounts of sediments are dredged to maintain ships' access to ports and harbours. Dumping dredged waste at sea is only authorized if they have been shown to be harmless for the marine environment. Following a brief review of the geochemistry and toxicity of the various contaminants adsorbed on sediments, this manual proposes a holistic and integrated approach to assessing the environmental hazards related to dredged materials disposal at sea. The document also gives a detailed description of risk characterization methods based on chemical analysis (Géodrisk), along with selected toxicity assays used for sediment quality bioassessments as defined by the Index for evaluation of the coastal endofauna (I2EC) and active biomonitoring of dumping sites.
This iterative and bottom-up approach, as applied in the French regulatory context, fulfils international recommendation requirements, and especially OSPAR Convention guidelines.
This multidisciplinary manual is designed for scientists, engineers and managers working in marine port environments.

Claude Alzieu (éd.)

128 p.
30 euros
ISBN 2-84433-142-4

Provides complement to the CD-ROMs Géodrisk
and to the book Bio-assessment of the quality of port sediments and dumpling zones .

Bio-assessment of the quality of port sediments and dumpling zones

This book proposes a number of monitoring methods designed to verify the impact hypothesis and readjust it with any required corrective measures. Thus, the I2EC index (Index for Evaluation of the Coastal Endofauna) assigns a bio-quality score to each type of sediment. Monitoring procedures in the open sea, based on the bio-accumulation properties of bivalves, now make it possible to check the impacts of contaminants inputs. One chapter deals with monitoring of inputs from confined disposal on land. The book will provide port managers, scientific researchers and environmental engineers with a bottom-up monitoring approach in compliance with OSPAR guideline recommendations.

C. Alzieu (coord.)

248 p.
43 euros
ISBN 2-84433-124-6

Provides complement to the CD-ROMs Géodrisk
and to the book Dredging and the marine environment .

Water and Eurepean Union

A guide on the policy, its implementation and instruments

Environment in general and water in particular are horizontal subjects addressed by the traditional sector-related policies (industry, agriculture, economy, co-operation for development, health…) through prolific actions (legislative, policy making, financial incitement or support, research activities). Moreover, they are typically transboundary matters and concern every Member State of the European Union (EU). Therefore water has been a subject particularly dealt with by the Community, since the early 70's. This guide draws a synthesis of the EU water policy framework and its implementation through legislative and financial tools, focusing on the ones relative to research. It shows the different components of the water policy with their instruments and their structuring. This guide was designed for researchers dealing with water and willing to work in a Community framework. It is a tool to help them identifying appropriate project funding or supporting instruments (presented in card index with references to find further information), corresponding to their specialities or interests, among all the existing opportunities and which are not as well-known as Research and Technological Development Framework Programme or LIFE programme. Finally researchers may find in it the clues to build the arguments of their project proposals to be submitted to calls for tenders issued by the European Commission.

I. Conesa Alcolea, M. Bousquet

168 p.
15.24 euros
ISBN 2-84433-062-2

Algal toxins in food

During the last years, considerable efforts were produced on the study of algal toxins , due to recent increases of toxins number, algal vectors and impacted geographical areas. Whatever the biotope type (fresh or marine waters) and despite wide variations in phycotoxins structures, detection difficulties are similar : global but low sensitivity tests or, conversely, sensitive but too specific bioassays, limited number of available standards. Besides, epidemiological data are limited, recent and often resulting from the implementation of regional or national monitoring networks. Modes of action are well-known for the most frequently occurring compounds but poorly investigated for chronic effects. While some similarity in toxinogenesis regulation can be noticed, it appears that food web contamination processes are tightly dependent on the sensitiveness of producing organisms, as well as on habitats (benthic or pelagic). All stressed gaps in available knowledge ascertain the need to improve consumer risk prediction tools.

J.-M. Frémy, P. Lassus (coord.)

558 p.
68.60 euros
ISBN 2-84433-052-5

Coastal marine environment quality

This publication provides a comprehensive and summarized assessment of results from Ifremer's monitoring over several years, for coastal marine environmental quality (contaminants, toxic phytoplankton, microbiology). The document provides, along with an approach and a means to coastal knowledge, a decision-making tool for all those responsible for environmental management.

M. Joanny (coord.)
Multi-pagination
53.36 euros
ISBN 2-905434-45-7

Levels of metal, metalloid and organic chlorine compound concentrations in French inshore fisheries products

This publication reports on the concentrations of contaminants (arsenic, cadmium, copper, tin, mercury, methylmercury, lead, zinc, polychlorobiphenyls, DDT and lindane) detected in 16 marine species from the French Atlantic and Channel coasts (seabass, monkfish, conger, scallops, brown shrimp, common prawn, flounder, herring, Nephrops prawn, mackerel, whiting, hake, plaice, spotted dogfish, sole and whiting pout).

D. Cossa et coll.

60 p.
30.18 euros
ISBN 2-905434-29-5

Toxic plankton and red water plankton in European waters

A non-exhaustive inventory of European plytoplankton species responsible for exceptional blooms or toxic phenomena in the coastal zone. The publication focuses more particularly on the dinoflagellates and has numerous illustrations.

P. Lassus et coll.

180 p.
18.29 euros
ISBN 2-905434-18-X

Tin and organic tin in the marine environment

Biogeochemistry and ecotoxicology (revised version)

Summary of knowledge on the biogeochemistry and ecotoxicity of tin and organic tins in the marine environment. The consequences for coastal and shellfish farming ecosystems of using TBT in antifouling paints are explained and complemented by an analysis of international regulations adopted to reduce contamination in coastal waters.

C. Alzieu, P. Michel

106 p.
18.29 euros
ISBN 2-905434-88-0

Toxic blooms in French coastal waters

Ecology, ecophysiology, toxicology

Whereas some microalgae blooms cause serious nuisances due to their luxurient development, others are harmful because they produce toxins. These blooms are dangerous for marine organisms, as well as for seafood consumers, and have been studied in France since 1983. Seeing the scale of phenomena observed, a scientific programme (PNEAT) was created. The results obtained are presented both for French species recognized as being either toxic, or partially toxic as well as for the different phycotoxins which create sanitary or environmental problems.

B. Berland, P. Lassus

202 p.
30.49 euros
ISBN 2-905434-77-5

The impact of harmful algal blooms on finfish

Mortality, pathology and toxicology

This literary review (over 250 references) deals with the harmful effects of some toxic microalgae (marine and freshwater blooms) on fish and their environmental and economic impact (fisheries, aquaculture).

J. Bruslé

72 p.
15.24 euros
ISBN 2-905434-64-3

Surfactants in fresh and marine waters

This publication deals with the biogeochemistry, biodegradation and ecotoxicology of two families of surfactants in the aquatic environment : linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and alkyphenol poly-ethoxylates (APE).

G. Thoumelin

150 p.
18.29 euros
ISBN 2-905434-63-5

Chromium in the marine environment

This document summarizes what we know about the biogeochemical cycle of chromium in the marine environment. It reports on man-induced disturbances along the French coast. Research recommandations are made.

J.-F. Chiffoleau

48 p.
9.15 euros
ISBN 2-905434-58-9

Arsenic in the marine environment

Arsenic is toxic for some species of plankton. This summary focuses on man-induced inputs, levels of presence in all the marine environment compartments, geochemistry, metabolization, bioaccumulation and toxicity.

P. Michel

62 p.
10.67 euros

4 - Fine-grained sediment

The behaviour of suspended matter in the Seine estuary is due to the high organic content, the morphology of the dyked channel flow, the erosion/settlement processes and hydrodynamical parameters which come from tidal cycles and meteorological events. SPM discharge from the catchment area are focused during flood stages. One part of these materials moves to the mouth estuary and then are exported in the outer estuarine zone of Baie de Seine. The other part settles on banks and hydrological extends and then is transfered to the mouth estuary or exported by dredging. The turbidity maximum zone of the mouth estuary changes according to hydrodynamical effects. Turbidity and hydrodynamical recordings give us fundamental data for the development of hydrosedimentological models of the estuary.

Jean-Paul Dupont(coord.)

40 p.
6,86 euros
ISBN 978-2-7592-0021-4

2 - Currents, waves and tides

Water circulation in the Seine estuary is controlled by physical forcings (tide, wind, waves and fresh water input) and bottom morphology. Effects of these forcings are successively reviewed. Characterized by a long high water slack at the mouth, the tide is increasingly distorted as it propagates upstream, and associated currents are strongly asymmetric, with flood predominating. Wind is likely to alter tidal currents in shallow waters downstream of the estuary, as well as changing the water level. The more significant waves originate from winds over the Baie of Seine. The influence of the water level and tidal currents on waves is highlighted. Lastly, the mixing of fresh and marine waters is described, with respect to the river flow regime, and consequences on effluent dispersion are considered.

Pierre Le Hir(coord.)

32 p.
5,34 euros
ISBN 978-2-7592-0022-1

15 - Wetlands in the Lower Seine Valley

This booklet deals with wetlands in the lower Seine valley. A research project was conducted under the umbrella of the "Programme National des Zones Humides" (PNRZH national wetlands programme), associated in this geographical context with the "Seine Aval" programme. The booklet examines two major environmental issues : analysing the structure and functioning of wetlands, with respect to their history and their present biodiversity ; taking a conceptual approach to assessment, conservation, restoration and protection of wetlands in the human context of the lower Seine valley. The relevant scales in time or space for ecological management, the notions of system resilience or "ecosystem of reference" are presented. The issues of both biodiversity and ecosystem functions in wetlands should be taken into account to provide a basis for the sustainable development of the lower Seine valley.

Didier Alard(coord.)

36 p.
6,86 euros
ISBN 978-2-7592-0014-6

8 - Metal contamination

Final receptacle of waters originating from a highly urbanised and industrialised drainage basin, the Seine Estuary is contaminated to a large extent by some trace metals. These contaminants reach the estuary mainly associated with the suspended particles, but natural solubilisation phenomena occur in presence of saltwater, making them more available for the living organisms. As a consequence, these metals are transferred to the first levels of the food chain, and bio-concentrated in the coastal molluscs, at the mouth of the estuary.

Jacek Tronczynski(coord.)

40 p.
6,86 euros
ISBN 978-2-7592-0011-5

12 - Organic contaminants that leave traces

Sources, transport and fate

Chemical contamination of the Seine estuary by organic contaminants (PAH, PCB, pesticides) was studied to determine their geochemical sources, concentrations, behaviour and fate. The results show that the Seine is one of the most contaminated estuaries in Europe. The contaminants studied showed highly contrasting geochemical behaviours during their transport in the estuary. The triazine herbicides and their degradation products transit conservatively in a dissolved state, in the estuary. PCBs have complex dynamics. The estuary's chronic, high contamination raises the question of its effects on organisms and ecological resources.

Jacek Tronczynski (coord.)

40 p.
6,86 euros
ISBN 978-2-7592-0013-9

9 - Iron and maganese

Reactivity and recycling

The study focuses on the origin and fate of iron and manganese present in the Seine and its estuary. These two metals, considered to be non polluting, were selected because they can play a role as markers for processes involving highly toxic metals. The behaviour of iron and manganese was studied in the water column, suspended particles and sediments. The significance of heterogeneous exchange reactions) in these metals' transport and recycling was highlighted. Sediment not only acts as a trap for heavy metals, but can be a potential source of metal contaminants linked to physical and chemical variations of the environment. These results must be taken into account in impact studies for developments (redistribution of sediments, dredging, etc.).

Dominique Boust (coord.)

40 p.
6,86 euros
ISBN 978-2-7592-0012-2

7 - Biological heritage and food chains

In the Seine estuary, intertidal mudflats have been greatly reduced (< 30 km2) following channel management of the Seine river from Poses, in the upper part, to the sea. There are great differences between the biological compartments, ranging from areas with very high abundance of organisms (benthos on the muddy intertidal zone and, zooplankton in the lower part of the estuary) to areas with very low abundance (macrobenthos in the Seine river). There is also a contrast between the high abundance at the first levels of the trophic chain in a contaminated environment and the low abundance of fish. In the future, global management of the estuary will be required to ensure the biological compartments current level of functioning and to propose measures for rehabilitation of migrating fish.

Jean-Claude Dauvin (coord.)

48 p.
6,86 euros
ISBN 978-2-7592-0010-8

3 - Sands, channels, mudflats

Sediment transport and morphologic changes

The geological environment and different sources of the sedimentary particles making up the estuary's bottom are reviewed. The estuary's morphology is characterized, taking into account its evolution over a century or so. Then the sedimentary cover is characterized or updated, focusing on the study of mudflats. In all, over two thousand sediment samples have been analyzed, complemented by acoustic imagery surveys (sidescan sonar) and underwater video. The long-term (century scale) and short-term (less than a year) changes in sedimentary cover are described and interpreted and a long-term forecast is envisaged on how the estuary will evolve in morphodynamic terms.

Patrick Lesueur (coord.)

40 p.
6,86 euros
ISBN 978-2-7592-0009-2

15 - Wetlands in the lower Seine valley

This booklet deals with wetlands in the lower Seine valley. A research project was conducted under the umbrella of the "Programme National des Zones Humides" (PNRZH national wetlands programme), associated in this geographical context with the "Seine Aval" programme. The booklet examines two major environmental issues : - analysing the structure and functioning of wetlands, with respect to their history and their present biodiversity ; taking a conceptual approach to assessment, conservation, restoration and protection of wetlands in the human context of the lower Seine valley. The relevant scales in time or space for ecological management, the notions of system resilience or "ecosystem of reference" are presented. The issues of both biodiversity and ecosystem functions in wetlands should be taken into account to provide a basis for the sustainable development of the lower Seine valley.

D. Alard (coord.)

36 p.
6.86 euros
ISBN 2-84433-077-0

7 - Biological heritage and food chains

In the Seine estuary, intertidal mudflats have been greatly reduced (< 30 km2) following channel management of the Seine river from Poses, in the upper part, to the sea. There are great differences between the biological compartments, ranging from areas with very high abundance of organisms (benthos on the muddy intertidal zone and, zooplankton in the lower part of the estuary) to areas with very low abundance (macrobenthos in the Seine river). There is also a contrast between the high abundance at the first levels of the trophic chain in a contaminated environment and the low abundance of fish. However, on the European scale, abundance in the Seine estuary remains high for young fish and birds, especially waders. In the future, global management of the estuary will be required to ensure the biological compartments current level of functioning and to propose measures for rehabilitation of migrating fish.

J.C. Dauvin (coord.)

48 p.
6.86 euros
ISBN 2-84433-076-2

2 - Currents, waves and tides : water movements

Water circulation in the Seine estuary is controlled by physical forcings (tide, wind, waves and fresh water input) and bottom morphology. Effects of these forcings are successively reviewed. Characterized by a long high water slack at the mouth, the tide is increasingly distorted as it propagates upstream, and associated currents are strongly asymmetric, with flood predominating. Wind is likely to alter tidal currents in shallow waters downstream of the estuary, as well as changing the water level. The more significant waves originate from winds over the Baie de Seine. The influence of the water level and tidal currents on waves is highlighted. Lastly, the mixing of fresh and marine waters is described, with respect to the river flow regime, and consequences on effluent dispersion are considered.

P. Le Hir (coord.)

31 p.
5.34 euros
ISBN 2-84433-069-X

8 - Metallic contamination

Final receptacle of waters originating from a highly urbanised and industrialised drainage basin, the Seine Estuary is contaminated to a large extent by some trace metals. These contaminants reach the estuary mainly associated with the suspended particles, but natural solubilisation phenomena occur in presence of saltwater, making them more available for the living organisms. As a consequence, these metals are transferred to the first levels of the food chain, and bio-concentrated in the coastal molluscs, at the mouth of the estuary.

J.F. Chiffoleau (coord.)

41 p.
6.86 euros
ISBN 2-84433-065-7

4 - Fine materials

Progression of suspended particles

The behavior of suspended matter in the Seine estuary is due to the high organic content, the morphology of the dyked channel flow, the erosion/settlement processes and hydrodynamical parameters which come from tidal cycles and meteorological events. SPM discharge from the catchment area are focused during flood stages. One part of these materials moves to the mouth estuary and then are exported in the outer estuarine zone of Baie de Seine. The other part settles on banks and hydrological extends and then is transfered to the mouth estuary or exported by dredging. The turbidity maximum zone of the mouth estuary changes according to hydrodynamical effects. Turbidity and hydrodynamical recordings give us fondamental data for the development of hydrosedimentological models of the estuary.

J.P. Dupont (coord.)

40 p.
6.86 euros
ISBN 2-84433-055-X

13 - Organic contaminant

What are the risks for the living world ?

This booklet on organic contaminants in organisms in the Seine estuary follows up that devoted to the transport and fate of these substances in the estuary's water and sediments. The measurements taken in organisms, especially in mussels, raised awareness of the estuary's contamination by organic contaminants, especially PCB. In the framework of the Seine Aval programme, assessment of PCB contamination status was extended to the key species in the estuary. These measurements and knowledge of the food webs made it possible to build a model for PCB bioaccumulation in seabass. PAH behaviour in food webs is different from that of PCB due to hydrocarbon metabolization. However, it remains difficult in an estuary to draw the link between the high levels noted for some contaminant groups and the biological effects observed related to highly varied substances.

A. Abarnou (coord.)

35 p.
6.86 euros
ISBN 2-84433-043-6

14 - Organisms under stress

An ecological epidemiology approach was applied to assess the stress effect from chemical contaminants in the Seine estuary. This approach has three key steps aiming to link sources, exposure and effects.
Toxic molecules in sediment, as well as in the food chain were estimated as sources of stress.
The state of stress was evaluated by measuring exposure indicators (MXR and lysosomal stability) in the zebra mussel Dresseina polymorpha and (Erod, AChE, DNA adducts) in flounder Platichthys flesus.
The diversity of fish species and effect indicators in flounder were studied to detect the effects of chronic exposure. This was the first time an ecological epidemiology approach has been applied in a French estuary, and it made it possible to identify sensitive areas of exposure.

T. Burgeot (coord.)

36 p.
6.86 euros
ISBN 2-84433-034-7

11 - Mercury dynamics

Mercury in the estuary is mainly related to suspended particulate matter (>90 %). Therefore, its dynamics are governed by sediment erosion-deposit cycles. However, two reactions, methylation and reduction, produce its mobilization. The former, by forming methylmercury, favours bioaccumulation ; the latter by forming volatile elementary mercury, leads to its being recycled in the atmosphere.
The mercury concentrations in the Seine estuary, which receives highly contaminated fresh waters, vary from 0.2 to 1.8 ng/l in the dissolved phase and from 0.3 to 2 µg/g in suspension. Sediment contamination is particularly high in the upstream estuary (> 1 µg/g) and decreases going downstream. However, levels measured in animals are only higher in a few exceptional cases than the European standard of fitness for consumption. Generally, the concentrations decrease over time. However, in flounder, a flat fish which migrates all over the estuary, this decreasing trend is less clear.

D. Cossa (coord.)

26 p.
5.34 euros
ISBN 2-84433-031-2

5 - Oxygen

A control for microbiological functioning

Over nearly fifty kilometres downstream from Rouen, the Seine is oxygen-depleted for over six months of the year. This serious problem of water quality was even more acute in the sixties. The water's oxygenation level closely reflects the balance of algal photosynthesis, heterotrophic degradation of organic matter, produced by algae or brought by effluents, and of ammonium's oxydation into nitrates by nitrification. Oxygen inputs from the upstream flow and exchanges with the atmosphere are not sufficient to compensate for the deficit, once the flow rate falls below 500 m³/s. Mathematical modelling provides better understanding of short-term variations in the estuary's oxygenation, linked to tidal and seasonal cycles, and its long-term variations, linked to changes in human acivities in the basin over the past fifty years. This tool can assess the measure to be taken to improve the oxygen level in future.

G. Billen, M. Poulin (coord.)

30 p.
5.34 euros
ISBN 2-84433-030-4

12 - Organic contaminants which leave traces

Sources, transport and fate

Chemical contamination of the Seine estuary by organic contaminants (PAH, PCB, pesticides) was studied to determine their geochemical sources, concentrations, behaviour and fate. The results show that the Seine is one of the most contaminated estuaries in Europe. Higher concentrations upstream, found for most compounds, indicate land-based sources. Internal PAH sources have also been identified. The contaminants studied showed highly contrasting geochemical behaviours during their transport in the estuary. The triazine herbicides and their degradation products transit conservatively in a dissolved state, in the estuary. PCBs have complex dynamics. The particulate phase plays a vital role in their distribution at equilibirum, disturbed in the mixing zone by high physical and chemical gradients. The estuary's chronic, high contamination raises the question of its effects on organisms and ecological resources.

J. Tronczynski (coord.)

40 p.
6.86 euros
ISBN 2-84433-029-0

10 - Cadmium

Behaviour of a metal contaminant in an estuary

In the framework of the Seine-Aval programme, cadmium has been particularly studied in terms of contamination levels in the estuary and the processes which control this contaminant's speciation during its estuarine transit. Results obtained in the field and experimentally have enabled a mathematical model to be developed, to understand cadmium dynamics in the Seine estuary.

J.-L. Gonzalez (coord.)

31 p.
5.34 euros
ISBN 2-84433-027-4

1 - Seine-Aval: an estuary and its problems

Estuaries are interfaces between land and sea, and have been developed naturally over millenia. Their biological wealth makes them exceptional environments. Being areas of human exchanges and development, the physical features and biological wealth of estuaries have often been modified by man over the centuries. The same processes which have created estuaries' richness (salinity gradient and storing of mud and silt), are now contributing to their deterioration, due to large inputs of contaminating substances. The Seine estuary is a concrete example of the far-reaching changes engendered by human pressure on estuaries. Subjected to high contaminant inputs of various origins, as well as major modification of its morphology, the Seine estuary remains all the same a habitat for many plant and animal species. We must learn more about this habitat in order to reconcile economic development with its ecological potential.

L. Guézennec (coord.)

29 p.
5.34 euros
ISBN 2-84433-026-6

6 - Bacterial and viral contamination

In the Seine estuary, the microbiological water quality is measured regularly. This is mainly done by counting bacteria, such as coliforms, which indicate faecal contamination. These measurements have shown that the bacteriological quality is mediocre. In the framework of the Seine-Aval programme, considerable efforts in methodology have been made to develop techniques to detect and count bacteria and viruses of sanitary importance, which do not have some biases of routine techniques based on culturing. An enzyme method, enabling rapid faecal coliform counts has been developed in order to appraise this type of bacteria's dynamics. A model has also been developed for faecal bacteria dynamics in the Seine. Moreover, techniques based on recent advances in molecular biology have been developed to find various types of bacteria and viruses in the Seine's waters.

P. Servais (coord.)

26 p.
5.34 euros
ISBN 2-84433-025-8

3 - Sands, channels, mudflats

Sediment dynamics and morphological development

This booklet takes stock of current knowledge about the Seine estuary's morphology and sedimentary cover. The geological environment and different sources of the sedimentary particles making up the estuary's bottom are reviewed. The estuary's morphology is characterized, taking into account its evolution over a century or so, influenced by developments for shipping and land reclamation. Then the sedimentary cover is characterized or updated, focusing on the study of mudflats. In all, over two thousand sediment samples have been analyzed, complemented by acoustic imagery surveys (sidescan sonar) and underwater video. The long-term (century scale) and short-term (less than a year) changes in sedimentary cover are described and interpreted and a long-term forecast is envisaged on how the estuary will evolve in morphodynamic terms.

P. Lesueur (coord.)

39 p.
6.86 euros
ISBN 2-84433-024-X

16 - Models

Tools for knowledge and management

Many studies carried out during the Seine-Aval programme have given rise to development and/or application of mathematical models. These research tools simulate the environment's different variables and deal with processes from various fields of study (hydrodynamics, dissolved and particulate transport, microbiology, chemistry, biology). The heterogenous nature of these phenomena and their respective rates, as well as their sometimes close interaction in the ecosystem, lead us to develop an integrated modelling approach, which should enable them to be combined, in future. This booklet gives a comprehensive, at-a-glance view of all these mathematical models, introducing the approach and objectives pursued.

B. Thouvenin (coord.)

32 p.
5.34 euros
ISBN 2-84433-023-1

9 - Iron and maganese

Reactivity and recycling

The study focuses on the origin and fate of iron and manganese present in the Seine and its estuary. Reactivity and recycling were investigated. These two metals, considered to be non polluting, were selected because they can play a role as markers for processes involving highly toxic metals. The behaviour of iron and manganese was studied in the water column, suspended particles and sediments. The significance of heterogeneous exchange reactions (suspended particles - water column, sediment - interstitial water) in these metals'  transport and recycling was highlighted. Manganese's behaviour in the water column was modelled using thermodynamic computation. Special focus was given to the study of early sediment diagenesis, emphasizing the vital role played by the iron carrying phases (sulphurs, carbonates) in the fate of toxic metals in the Seine estuary. Sediment not only acts as a trap for heavy metals, but can be a potential source of metal contaminants linked to physical and chemical variations of the environment. These results must be taken into account in impact studies for developments (redistribution of sediments, dredging, etc.).

D. Boust (coord.)

39 p.
6.86 euros
ISBN 2-84433-022-3