Metal bioaccumulation in biofilms and diatom teratologies reflect legacy mining in an urban stream: the case of Lone Elm Creek (Missouri, USA).

Malbezin, Laura ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4544-7952; Bedoiseau, Maya; Wilson, Jessica; Argerich, Alba; Fortin, Claude ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2479-1869 et Lavoie, Isabelle ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2918-6297 (2025). Metal bioaccumulation in biofilms and diatom teratologies reflect legacy mining in an urban stream: the case of Lone Elm Creek (Missouri, USA). Journal of Applied Phycology . DOI: 10.1007/s10811-024-03412-w. (Sous Presse)

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Résumé

Biofilms are increasingly used as tools for biomonitoring disturbed environments, for example, in urban, agricultural, and mining contexts. In this study, we used biofilms as integrators and bioindicators of metal contamination of Lone Elm Creek, a highly contaminated stream within the Tri-State Mining District in Joplin, Missouri (USA). We sampled biofilms upstream and downstream of a mine adit and analyzed metal content (Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb), diatom assemblage composition, and the presence and severity of frustule teratologies. Physico-chemical analyses showed marked differences in nitrogen and oxygen concentrations at the first site downstream of the mine adit. Metal concentrations in the water were elevated at all sites and did not vary markedly along the upstream–downstream gradient. In addition to metallic contamination from mine tailings, legacy of past activities may represent other sources of contamination. Diatom assemblage composition differed markedly at the site immediately downstream of the mine adit compared to other sites. The presence of frustule deformities as well as their type and their severity were investigated. Ulnaria ulna, Achnantidium minutissimum, and Fragilaria austriaca were the most frequently deformed diatoms and showed the most severe abnormalities. However, the percentage of teratologies was not correlated with metal concentrations in the water or in the biofilm. Metal bioaccumulation in the biofilm as a function of metal concentration in the water fitted well to predictive models developed in previous studies, highlighting the potential of biofilms to be used as a tool to assess exposure to metal contamination.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	diatoms; biofilm; mining site; metal bioaccumulation; deformities
Centre:	Centre Eau Terre Environnement
Date de dépôt:	07 mars 2025 18:37
Dernière modification:	07 mars 2025 18:37
URI:	https://espace.inrs.ca/id/eprint/16269

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