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Morelli G, Ciani F, Cocozza C, Costagliola P, Fagotti C, Friani R, Lattanzi P, Manca R, Monnanni A, Nannoni A, Rimondi V. Riparian trees in mercury contaminated riverbanks: An important resource for sustainable remediation management. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119373. [PMID: 38852831 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Mining operations generate sediment erosion rates above those of natural landscapes, causing persistent contamination of floodplains. Riparian vegetation in mine-impacted river catchments plays a key role in the storage/remobilization of metal contaminants. Mercury (Hg) pollution from mining is a global environmental challenge. This study provides an integrative assessment of Hg storage in riparian trees and soils along the Paglia River (Italy) which drains the abandoned Monte Amiata Hg mining district, the 3rd former Hg producer worldwide, to characterize their role as potential secondary Hg source to the atmosphere in case of wildfire or upon anthropic utilization as biomass. In riparian trees and nearby soils Hg ranged between 0.7 and 59.9 μg/kg and 2.2 and 52.8 mg/kg respectively. In trees Hg concentrations were below 100 μg/kg, a recommended Hg limit for the quality of solid biofuels. Commercially, Hg contents in trees have little impact on the value of the locally harvested biomass and pose no risk to human health, although higher values (195-738 μg/kg) were occasionally found. In case of wildfire, up to 1.4*10-3 kg Hg/ha could be released from trees and 27 kg Hg/ha from soil in the area, resulting in an environmentally significant Hg pollution source. Data constrained the contribution of riparian trees to the biogeochemical cycling of Hg highlighting their role in management and restoration plans of river catchments affected by not-remediable Hg contamination. In polluted river catchments worldwide riparian trees represent potential sustainable resources for the mitigation of dispersion of Hg in the ecosystem, considering i) their Hg storage capacity, ii) their potential to be used for local energy production (e.g. wood-chips) through the cultivation and harvesting of biomasses and, iii) their role in limiting soil erosion from riparian polluted riverbanks, probably representing the best pragmatic choice to minimize the transport of toxic elements to the sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guia Morelli
- CNR - Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciani
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy.
| | - Claudia Cocozza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali (DAGRI), Italy
| | - Pilario Costagliola
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Cesare Fagotti
- ARPA Toscana-Area Vasta Sud, Loc. Ruffolo, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Friani
- ARPA Toscana-Area Vasta Sud, Loc. Ruffolo, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Pierfranco Lattanzi
- CNR - Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Rosarosa Manca
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Alessio Monnanni
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Alessia Nannoni
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
| | - Valentina Rimondi
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Via G. La Pira 4, Florence, 50121, Italy
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Li L, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Wu B, Gan X. Spatial diffusion of potentially toxic elements in soils around non-ferrous metal mines. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119285. [PMID: 38823614 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
This study focuses on the diffusion patterns of principal ore-forming elements (Pb and Zn) and associated elements (Cd, Cu, Cr, and As) in lead-zinc ore. Sampling points in upwind and downwind directions of lead-zinc ore areas at various densities (1 N/km2 - 4 N/km2) were categorized. This study analyzed the statistical relationship between the content of PTEs in the soil around lead-zinc ore and the source strength and dominant wind direction, constructed one-dimensional and two-dimensional diffusion model, and simulated the EER scope caused by PTEs. The findings indicate that: (1) concerning source strength, the content of PTEs in soils of high-density ore aggregation areas is significantly higher than in low-density ore aggregation areas. However, the impact of source strength decreases with decreasing ore grade, with a difference in Pb content of 1.71 times among principal ore-forming elements and almost consistent Cd content among associated elements. (2) Regarding the transport pathways, for most PTEs, the inverse proportion coefficients downwind are higher than upwind, approximately 1.18-3.63 times, indicating greater migration distances of PTEs downwind due to atmospheric dispersion. (3) By establishing a two-dimensional risk diffusion model, the study simulates the maximum radius of risk diffusion (r = 5.7 km), the 50% probability radius (r = 3.1 km), and the minimum radius (r = 0.8 km) based on the maximum, median, and minimum values statistically obtained from the EER. This study provides a scientific basis for implementing preventive measures for PTEs accumulation in soil within different pollution ranges. Different risk prevention and control measures should be adopted for PTEs accumulation in soil within the three ranges after cutting off pollution sources. Subsequent research should further investigate the impact and contribution of atmospheric transmission and surface runoff on the diffusion of PTEs in areas with high risk near lead-zinc ore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Li
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yunlong Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Lingyan Zhang
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, PR China
| | - Bo Wu
- Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, PR China.
| | - Xinhong Gan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Soil Environmental Management and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, Nanjing, 210042, PR China.
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Liu N, Ye W, Zhao G, Liu G. Development of smartphone-controlled and machine-learning-powered integrated equipment for automated detection of bioavailable heavy metals in soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133140. [PMID: 38061131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Rapid and accurate on-site detection of crop-absorbable cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in soils is important for food security and human health. The automated soil sample pretreatment method, including the ultrasonic extraction of weakly acid-soluble heavy metals, suction-filtration, and UV photolysis, was proposed to achieve the high-efficiency preparation from soil sample to extract solution. Bismuth-film-modified glass carbon electrode combined with the homemade potentiostat was fabricated to implement the square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) measurements of soil extracts. The peak-information-acquisition algorithm was designed to automatically obtain peak heights and widths of Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Bi3+, and Cu2+ stripping currents, and then which were used as input variables for establishing machine-learning models to enhance the detection accuracy of SWASV to Cd2+ and Pb2+ under the coexistence of multiple heavy metal ions. Eventually, the smartphone-controlled integrated-automated detection equipment was developed and successfully applied to the automatic pretreatment of soil samples and the determination of weakly acid-soluble Cd2+ and Pb2+ in real soil samples. The detection speed was 75 min/sample, and the detection results were close to the standard method (BCR-ICP-MS). This equipment can provide powerful technical support for on-site rapid and accurate determination of crop-absorbable heavy metals in soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Key Lab of Smart Agriculture Systems, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Wenshuai Ye
- Key Lab of Smart Agriculture Systems, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Guo Zhao
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210031, PR China
| | - Gang Liu
- Key Lab of Smart Agriculture Systems, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Information Acquisition Technology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
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Luo F, Zhang F, Zhang W, Huang Q, Tang X. Distribution, Ecological Risk, and Source Identification of Heavy Metal(loid)s in Sediments of a Headwater of Beijiang River Affected by Mining in Southern China. TOXICS 2024; 12:117. [PMID: 38393212 PMCID: PMC10892579 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the contents of eight heavy metal(loid)s (As, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Sb and Tl) in 50 sediment samples from a headwater of Beijiang River were studied to understand their pollution, ecological risk and potential sources. Evaluation indexes including sediment quality guidelines (SDGs), enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), risk assessment code (RAC) and bioavailable metal index (BMI) were used to evaluate the heavy metal(loid)s pollution and ecological risk in the sediments. Pearson's correlation analysis and principal component analysis were used to identify the sources of heavy metal(loid)s. The results showed that the average concentration of heavy metal(loid)s obviously exceeded the background values, except Cr. Metal(loid)s speciation analysis indicated that Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were dominated by non-residual fractions, which presented higher bioavailability. The S content in sediments could significantly influence the geochemical fractions of heavy metal(loid)s. As was expected, it had the most adverse biological effect to local aquatic organism, followed by Pb. The EF results demonstrated that As was the most enriched, while Cr showed no enrichment in the sediments. The assessment of Igeo suggested that Cd and As were the most serious threats to the river system, while Cr showed almost no contamination in the sediments. Heavy metal(loid)s in sediments in the mining- and smelting-affected area showed higher bioavailability. According to the results of the above research, the mining activities caused heavier heavy metal(loid)s pollution in the river sediment. Three potential sources of heavy metal(loid)s in sediment were distinguished based on the Pearson's correlation analysis and PCA, of which Cd, Pb, As, Zn, Sb and Cu were mainly derived from mining activities, Cr was mainly derived from natural sources, Tl was mainly derived from smelting activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Luo
- Institute of Karst Geology, CAGS/Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MNR&GZAR/International Research Center on Karst under the Auspices of UNESCO, Guilin 541004, China; (F.L.); (Q.H.)
- Guangxi Karst Resources and Environment Research Center of Engineering Technology, Guilin 541004, China
- Pingguo Guangxi, Karst Ecosystem, National Observation and Research Station, Pingguo 531406, China
| | - Fawang Zhang
- Center for Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology Survey, China Geological Survey, Baoding 071051, China
| | - Wenting Zhang
- Regional Geological Survey of Guangxi, Guilin 541003, China;
| | - Qibo Huang
- Institute of Karst Geology, CAGS/Key Laboratory of Karst Dynamics, MNR&GZAR/International Research Center on Karst under the Auspices of UNESCO, Guilin 541004, China; (F.L.); (Q.H.)
- Guangxi Karst Resources and Environment Research Center of Engineering Technology, Guilin 541004, China
- Pingguo Guangxi, Karst Ecosystem, National Observation and Research Station, Pingguo 531406, China
| | - Xing Tang
- Hunan Geological Testing Institute, Changsha 410007, China;
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Guerin AJ, Kidd KA, Maltais MJ, Mercer A, Hunt HL. Spatial patterns of sediment contamination and their influence on benthic infaunal communities in a highly tidal and industrial estuary in Atlantic Canada. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115872. [PMID: 38096692 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Sediment contamination can be elevated in ports, harbours, and estuaries with legacies of exploitation, negatively impacting infaunal invertebrate communities. Saint John Harbour (45.25° N, 66.05° W), New Brunswick, Canada, is an active harbour with strong tides and a long history of human activity. To examine spatial patterns of sediment contamination, samples were collected between 2011 and 2021 from subtidal sites near potential contaminant sources. Invertebrate data from the same samples were used to investigate potential effects on biological communities. Contaminant concentrations in the inner parts of the harbour were elevated compared to reference sites, but generally did not reach levels comparable to other highly contaminated harbours in the region. Effects on invertebrates were detectable, particularly at sites with higher contamination, although physical factors (depth, sediment grain size) were more important. Dynamic tidal conditions in the harbour may reduce the accumulation of contaminants in subtidal sediments and their impacts on infaunal communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Guerin
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada; School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Marie-Josée Maltais
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Angella Mercer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Heather L Hunt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
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Mauffret A, Chouvelon T, Wessel N, Cresson P, Bănaru D, Baudrier J, Bustamante P, Chekri R, Jitaru P, Le Loc'h F, Mialet B, Vaccher V, Harmelin-Vivien M. Trace elements, dioxins and PCBs in different fish species and marine regions: Importance of the taxon and regional features. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114624. [PMID: 36309213 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chemical contaminant concentrations in wild organisms are used to assess environmental status under the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. However, this approach is challenged by the complex intra- and inter-species variability, and the different regional features. In this study, concentrations in trace elements (As, Cd, Hg and Pb), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorodibenzo-para-dioxines (PCDDs) and polychlorodibenzofuranes (PCDFs) were monitored in 8 fish species sampled on the continental shelf of three French regions: the Eastern English Channel (EEC) and Bay of Biscay (BoB) in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Lions (GoL) in Western Mediterranean Sea. Our objectives were to identify species or regions more likely to be contaminated and to assess how to take this variability into account in environmental assessment. While concentrations were higher in benthic and demersal piscivores, PCB and PCDD/F concentrations (lipid-weight) were similar in most teleost species. For Cd, Hg and Pb, the trophic group accumulating the highest concentrations depended on the contaminant and region. Concentrations in Hg, PCBs and PCDD/Fs were higher in the EEC and/or GoL than in BoB. Cadmium and Pb concentrations were highest in the BoB. Lipid content accounted for 35%-84% of organic contaminant variability. Lipid normalisation was employed to enhance robustness in the identification of spatial patterns. Contaminant patterns in chondrichthyans clearly differed from that in teleosts. In addition, trophic levels accounted for ≤1% and ≤33% of the contaminant variability in teleost fishes in the EEC and BoB, respectively. Therefore, developing taxa-specific thresholds might be a more practical way forward for environmental assessment than normalisation to trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aourell Mauffret
- Ifremer, CCEM, Rue de L'île d'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311 Nantes Cedex 03, France.
| | - Tiphaine Chouvelon
- Ifremer, CCEM, Rue de L'île d'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311 Nantes Cedex 03, France; Observatoire Pelagis, UAR 3462 La Rochelle Université/CNRS, 5 Allées de L'Océan, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Nathalie Wessel
- Ifremer, ODE/Vigies, Rue de L'île d'Yeu, BP 21105, 44311 Nantes Cedex 03, France
| | - Pierre Cresson
- Ifremer, Channel and North Sea Fisheries Research Unit, 50 Quai Gambetta, BP 699, 62321 Boulogne sur Mer, France
| | - Daniela Bănaru
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM110, Marseille, France
| | - Jérôme Baudrier
- Ifremer, Biodivenv, 79 Route de Pointe-Fort, 97 231 Le Robert, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS, La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rachida Chekri
- Anses, Laboratory for Food Safety, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Petru Jitaru
- Anses, Laboratory for Food Safety, 14 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Le Loc'h
- University of Brest, CNRS, IRD, Ifremer, LEMAR, 29280 Plouzane, France
| | - Benoit Mialet
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS, La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Vincent Vaccher
- Oniris, INRAE, UMR 1329, Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans Les Aliments (LABERCA), F-44307, Nantes, France
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix-Marseille Université, Université de Toulon, CNRS, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), UM110, Marseille, France
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Abdou M, Tercier-Waeber ML, Dutruch L, Bossy C, Pougnet F, Coynel A, Bakker E, Blanc G, Schäfer J. Estuarine dissolved speciation and partitioning of trace metals: a novel approach to study biogeochemical processes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112596. [PMID: 34968435 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Estuaries are complex systems involving numerous biogeochemical gradients and processes that influence the behavior of trace metals. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) speciation and partitioning were studied in the Gironde Estuary (SW France), using a multi-method approach in which data from innovative sensors and laboratory-based techniques were combined. For the first time in this system, the so-called dynamic fractions of the target metals (dissolved forms that are potentially bioavailable) were recorded on-board through voltammetry using unique antifouling gel-integrated microelectrode arrays (GIME) incorporated in a submersible sensing probe (TracMetal). Trace metals in the operationally defined dissolved <0.2 μm and <0.02 μm fractions, as well as complexed with suspended particles (collected after centrifugation) were quantified through sampling/laboratory-based techniques. High spatial resolution trace metal concentrations were monitored along the salinity gradient (S = 0.10 to S = 34.0) together with master bio-physicochemical parameters providing robust cruise-specific information on how well-known abiotic and biotic processes control the Gironde estuarine trace element partitioning, (i.e. conservative behavior, addition/removal). Combining conventional methods with GIME measurements showed: (i) the dominance of Cd dynamic species in the intra-estuarine total dissolved fraction (up to 90%), (ii) the importance of small colloids as trace metal carrier phases, desorbing and complexing dynamic fractions of Pb and Cu, and (iii) the potential influence of photo-redox processes remobilizing Pb under their dynamic forms (up to 80%). Data also suggest trace metal release/sorption by phytoplankton with an increase of dissolved Cu concentrations in the riverine branch, as well as Cu and Cd particulate concentrations showing higher levels towards productive coastal waters. This complete approach allowed to monitor key estuarine biogeochemical processes and highlighted the valuable use of the TracMetal to record subtle variations of potentially bioavailable dissolved metal fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Abdou
- University of Geneva, Sciences II, 30 Quai E.-Ansermet, 1221, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - M-L Tercier-Waeber
- University of Geneva, Sciences II, 30 Quai E.-Ansermet, 1221, Geneva 4, Switzerland.
| | - L Dutruch
- University of Bordeaux, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 33615, Pessac, France
| | - C Bossy
- University of Bordeaux, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 33615, Pessac, France
| | - F Pougnet
- University of Bordeaux, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 33615, Pessac, France
| | - A Coynel
- University of Bordeaux, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 33615, Pessac, France
| | - E Bakker
- University of Geneva, Sciences II, 30 Quai E.-Ansermet, 1221, Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - G Blanc
- University of Bordeaux, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 33615, Pessac, France
| | - J Schäfer
- University of Bordeaux, Allée Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 33615, Pessac, France
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