Unicellular algae used as biosensors for chemical detection in Mediterranean lagoon and coastal waters

Lagoons and coastal waters are contaminated by a large number of chemicals discharged directly or carried by rivers and runoff water that drain catchment areas in which agricultural activities take place. The inflow of these exogenous compounds constitutes a genuine risk for the health of ecosystems. It is therefore important to detect their presence in the natural environment before they cause irreversible damage. Here we present a study aimed at developing a tool for rapid detection of pesticides and other chemicals in environments liable to be contaminated, in order to propose an early warning system for decision-makers. The study carried out focuses on two herbicides commonly encountered in the environment, i.e. diuron and glyphosate, as well as several of their photodegradation products (DCPU, DCPMU, AMPA). The results presented contribute toward developing a biosensor based on measuring the metabolic activities of immobilized unicellular marine algae. The sensor's operation is based on measuring the esterase localized on the external membrane of the algae cells and chlorophyll fluorescence. The tests carried out show that the signal emitted by the sensor is disturbed by the presence of the two herbicides studied. The system proposed appears useful as a tool for controlling environments requiring monitoring.