Aquatic Organic Matter in the Seine Basin: Sources, Spatio-Temporal Variability, Impact of Urban Discharges and Influence on Micro-pollutant Speciation

Abstract

This research has been conducted over the last 10 years to characterise the spatio-temporal variability of aquatic organic matter (OM) composition in the Seine River watershed upstream and downstream of Paris Megacity and its effect on micro-pollutants. For this purpose, a large number of samples were collected under different hydrological conditions, and, over 1 year, three representative sites were monitored monthly. Furthermore, the evolution of the OM composition along an urbanisation gradient, from upstream to downstream of the Paris agglomeration, was characterised, highlighting the very strong impact of urban discharges, especially during low-water periods. Substantial differences in the chemical composition are emphasised relative to the urban or natural origin of the organic matter. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) interactions with metallic and organic micro-pollutants were studied, allowing us to (1) identify the key role of DOM on their speciation and bioavailability in aquatic systems and (2) demonstrate that these interactions depend on DOM composition and origin. The essential role of urban DOM on the speciation of trace metals in the Seine River downstream of the Paris agglomeration is also shown.