Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Whole Cell Bioreporter Approach to Assess Transport and Bioavailability of Organic Contaminants in Water Unsaturated Systems
Published on: December 24, 2014
Dissolved and bioavailable contaminants in the Seine river basin
Marie-Hélène Tusseau-Vuillemin1, Catherine Gourlay, Catherine Lorgeoux
1Cemagref, Unité de Recherche Hydrosystèmes et Bioprocédés, parc de Tourvoie, BP 44 - F-92163 Antony Cedex, France. marie-helene.tusseau@cemagref.fr
Abstract:
Diffusive Gradient in Thin Films (DGT) and Semi-Permeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs) were deployed in the Seine river basin in order to assess labile metals and truly dissolved Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. We show that the tools are reliable in aquatic environments to assess the speciation of dissolved contaminants and hence provide a good insight into the potential bioavailability of contaminants. The deployment of the DGT and SPMDs in contrasting environments in the Seine river basin allowed distinction to be made of availability of contaminants between headwater streams and much more impacted river reaches and an assessment of bioavailability. At the stations under urban influence, the impact of dissolved organic matter on both copper and PAHs bioavailability is less pronounced than at upstream stations, where humic substances dominate.
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Wastewater Treatment
Microbial Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons
Freshwater Microbial Ecology
Microbial Bioremediation of Uranium
Bioremediation
Biological Treatment of Effluent and Waste Water

