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Environmental River Biofilms as Biological Indicators of the Impact of Chemical Contaminants

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Encyclopedia of Aquatic Ecotoxicology

Synonyms

Benthic algae; Benthic microbial communities; Biofilms; Microbial mats; Periphyton; Phytobenthos

Glossary

Benthic communities:

Communities inhabiting the lowermost region of a freshwater profile. In streams and rivers, where the benthic zone is well lit, these communities are known to be very productive.

Biotic indices:

A weighted average of selected parameters usually linked to water quality classes. Biotic indices are calculated using metrics based on species abundance and their specific affinities for water contaminants (organic, nutrient, or pesticide concentrations).

Community function:

Refers to different functions ensured by organisms composing a community and their levels.

Community structure:

Refers to different kinds of organisms in a community and their abundances.

EPS matrix:

The EPS matrix is composed of polysaccharides and comprises, in addition, a wide variety of proteins, glycoproteins, glycolipids, and in some cases extracellular DNA.

Mesocosm:
...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. INRA UMR CARRTEL Research Unit, 75 avenue de Corzent, BP 511, Thonon-les-Bains Cedex, France

    Aurélie Villeneuve, Bernard Montuelle & Agnès Bouchez

  2. IRSTEA UR MALY, 5 rue de la Doua, CS 70077, Villeurbanne Cedex, France

    Stéphane Pesce

Authors
  1. Aurélie Villeneuve
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  2. Bernard Montuelle
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  3. Stéphane Pesce
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  4. Agnès Bouchez
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux (LIEC), Université de Lorraine, Metz, France

    Jean-François Férard

  2. Aquatic Ecosystem Protection Research Division, Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada

    Christian Blaise

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Villeneuve, A., Montuelle, B., Pesce, S., Bouchez, A. (2013). Environmental River Biofilms as Biological Indicators of the Impact of Chemical Contaminants. In: Férard, JF., Blaise, C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Aquatic Ecotoxicology. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5704-2_42

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