Contributions of ecological tools for evaluating efficiency of a depollution treatment: evaluation and perspectives

Summary

Against a backdrop of rapid growth in methods/tests assessing the effects of contaminants on living organisms, the aim of this study was to take a specific interest in the so-called "ecological" tools that can be used before and after depollution of various matrices (terrestrial, aquatic and ambient air) in order to assess the effectiveness of the treatment, from an innovative perspective that complements the results provided by the physico-chemical tools traditionally used. It is possible to combine the chemical approach with an assessment of the effects of pollutants on living organisms, either at the level of individuals (biomarkers) or at the level of populations or communities (bioassays and bioindicators). A bibliographical phase presents the various ecological tools in a highly educational and critical manner (advantages, disadvantages, limitations), as well as international feedback on their use in this context. Complemented by a survey of specialists in the field and RECORD members, this work then presents possible approaches to progress. It demonstrates the value of these methods and identifies very interesting avenues for further research (field studies).