REMED-CHLOR

As chlordecone (CLD) can only be biotransformed in the absence of oxygen, this project will study the possible remediation of CLD contaminated soils by implementing anaerobic conditions and by activating the bacteria contained in different plots of Guadeloupe soil, located in 5 zones with different bio-geographical environments (humidity, slope, etc.). Synthesis of standards for the metabolites of chlordecone is a prerequisite to accurately follow the decontamination. The first step of the project therefore consists in the synthesis, purification, characterisation and quantification of CLD transformation products (WP1). The second step (WP2) consists in the implementation and monitoring of degradation at the microcosm and column scale. Bacterial consortia obtained in WP2 will be used to design a field tool for the rapid detection of chlordecone and its metabolites (WP3), using the biochemistry responsible for this degradation. This device will also be adapted to measure chlordecone concentrations in water and tested in water treatment plants. A One Health approach, involving a multisectoral, transdisciplinary vision, will be implemented. A toxicological study of the metabolites and leachates produced at different scales (microcosms, column and pilot) will be carried out as part of WP1. In WP4 a study at the pilot scale will be carried out that will involve stakeholders from the agricultural sector, with an active participation of researchers in social sciences on two levels. Firstly, farmers will be integrated by identifying the agricultural practices that can be used during the implementation of the field protocols in WP4, based on the results obtained during the column studies. In addition, the necessary adaptation and modulation of the legal framework for sustainable and resilient agriculture in contaminated areas will be studied in WP5. A communication tool for the public and schoolchildren will be as well set up.