Environmental River Biofilms as Biological Indicators of the Impact of Chemical Contaminants
Utilisation des biofilms naturels de rivière comme bioindicateurs de l'impact des contaminants chimiques
Résumé
Periphytic microbial indicators are challenging issues in the early evaluation of the ecological state of aquatic environments. Their sensitivity to pollution and their early response have now been clearly demonstrated (Sabater et al. 2007). Biofilms could provide a comprehensive overview of ecosystem impairment that could be applied to anthropogenic pressures at different levels (urban, peri-urban, agricultural). It is essential to develop a multimetric index that can be used to assess the complexity of environmental exposure. It should be composed of multiple metrics covering the structural, diversity, and functional dimensions of ecosystem services. Development of new functional parameters (e.g., enzymes) and the use of more powerful molecular techniques can be expected to improve the assessment of biofilm integrity and promote the development of new water quality management tools.