On the following subject:
"Behaviour of trace metals during the resuspension of contaminated sediments in coastal areas".
Under the direction of
✞Cédric GARNIER, Senior Lecturer, University of Toulon, Co-Director
Stéphane MOUNIER, Senior Lecturer, University of Toulon, Co-Director
Véronique LENOBLE, Senior Lecturer, University of Toulon, Co-Director
Benjamin MISSON, Senior Lecturer, University of Toulon, Co-supervisor
before a jury made up of
Gabriel BILLON, University Professor, LASIR, Rapporteur
Ms Chrystelle BANCON-MONTIGNY, Senior Lecturer, HSM, Rapporteur
Ms Filella MONTSERRAT, University Professor, LGE, Examiner
Mr Ricardo RISO, University Professor, LEMAR, Examiner
Mr Dario OMANOVIĆ, Senior Researcher, RBI, Croatia, Examiner
Mr Jean-Ulrich MULLOT, Chief Pharmacist, LASEM Toulon, Invited guest
✞Mr Cédric GARNIER, Senior Lecturer, University of Toulon, Co-Director
Stéphane MOUNIER, Senior Lecturer, University of Toulon, Co-Director
Véronique LENOBLE, Senior Lecturer, University of Toulon, Co-Director
Mr Benjamin MISSON, Senior Lecturer, University of Toulon, Co-supervisor.
Abstract
Trace metals entering the marine environment accumulate naturally in sediments. In port areas, these sediments can be resuspended in the water column by natural phenomena (swells, storms, etc.) and/or human activity (maritime traffic, dredging activities). In particular, the north-western Mediterranean is an area of major maritime exchanges, leading to frequent anthropogenic resuspension events, while being little affected by natural phenomena linked to the tides. In this context, the objectives of this thesis were to study the potential for trace element remobilisation during resuspension events in order to provide knowledge that would help to better predict and manage the associated risk. The transfer kinetics of MBTEs, studied in laboratory experiments, were clarified in the light of the variability of port contexts. The transfer of MBTEs during the first 5 days of resuspension appeared to be determined mainly by abiotic processes. By understanding these processes, it was possible to partially explain the field observations made during an impact study of a dredging operation.