Within the IRDL, Oumaima Salhi has assessed the environmental risks of microplastics and nanoparticles on aquatic organisms.
Oumaima Salhi, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2025 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences Pour l'Ingénieur (Lorient ; 2022-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Marine pollution, particularly that related to plastics, has become a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The oceans, which cover more than 70% of our planet, are today inundated with millions of tons of plastic waste. This alarming situation is not limited to visual pollution; it has profound consequences for marine biodiversity and, by extension, human health. Microplastics, these small plastic particles less than 5 mm, are ubiquitous in our aquatic ecosystems, posing risks not only to biodiversity but also to human health. Oumaima Salhi, within the IRDL, has conducted an in-depth study on the interactions between microplastics, metallic nanoparticles, and cadmium, a heavy metal recognized for its toxicity. This research aims to understand how these contaminants interact and affect marine organisms, particularly bivalves and phytoplankton, which are essential elements of the marine food chain.
The preliminary results of this thesis highlight complex interaction mechanisms. For example, microplastics can act as vectors for metallic nanoparticles, thereby increasing their toxicity. This raises critical questions about the safety of the marine resources we consume. Indeed, bivalves, often consumed by coastal populations, can accumulate these contaminants, posing a direct risk to human health. Furthermore, metallic nanoparticles, due to their small size, can easily penetrate the cells of marine organisms, disrupting their biological functions. The implications of these findings are vast, affecting both the health of aquatic ecosystems and the food security of coastal populations.
It is imperative to strengthen regulations regarding the use of plastics and nanoparticles. West African countries, including Benin, must adopt stricter policies to limit the production and use of single-use plastics. For example, initiatives such as the ban on plastic bags in certain countries in the region demonstrate that action is possible. The results of this research also underscore the need to raise public awareness about the dangers of environmental pollutants. Awareness can be fostered through educational campaigns in schools and communities to promote responsible environmental behavior. Pollution cleanup initiatives must be supported by robust public policies, integrating preventive measures and sustainable management strategies for aquatic resources.
Moreover, it is essential to encourage research and innovation in the field of alternatives to plastics. The development of biodegradable materials or effective recycling systems could significantly reduce the amount of plastics entering our oceans. Governments, businesses, and researchers must collaborate to find sustainable solutions that meet economic needs while protecting our environment.
In conclusion, this thesis is not limited to a simple risk assessment. It proposes strategic recommendations for sustainable management of aquatic resources, calling for collective action to protect our environment. Policymakers must take these results into account to develop policies that address contemporary environmental challenges. The fight against marine pollution is a global issue that requires international cooperation, particularly among West African countries, to share best practices and innovative technologies. By acting together, we can hope for a future where our oceans are preserved for future generations.
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Sources et accès
Oumaima Salhi. Évaluation de risques environnementaux de micro et macroplastiques en interaction avec des nanoparticules métalliques ou du cadmium sur les organismes aquatiques.. Génie des procédés. Université de Bretagne Sud; Université de Tunis El Manar, 2025. Français. ⟨NNT : 2025LORIS740⟩. ⟨tel-05497072⟩