Transfers of metals and metalloids in the soil-plant-atmosphere system: biogeochemical mechanisms and environmental-health consequences

Pollution of (peri)urban soils by (eco)toxic metal(loid)s is commonly observed on a global scale. Some elements (Se, Cu...) have biological roles and other (Pb, Cd...) only have an (eco)toxic impact influenced by their speciation and compartmentalization that can change their transfers and bioavailability. With the perspective of sustainable management of soil and food, multidisciplinary scientific questions are digging for: (i) the mechanisms involved in the bioavailability and impact on living organisms of inorganic elements related to speciation; (ii) the co-management of environmental-health risks from industrial regulated plants (ICPE in France, such as former battery recycling plant) with residents who grow vegetable gardens or employees. In this context, were studied: (1) the transfer of metals between solid phase and soil solution under the influence of earthworms on a ICPE site; (2) the transfer and bioavailability of Se in controlled conditions for two chemical forms; (3) the health risk for the residents with gardening activities near ICPE plant and factors influencing blood lead of professionals (statistical analysis of data). A literature review of the quality of cassava in connection with the cultivation and culinary practices and characteristics of the environment was finally performed to complete the 'Science and Society' process of the thesis. From the analysis of different isotopes of lead in the soil around the recycling plant it was concluded that 84 to 100% of lead in surface soils has anthropogenic origin. Avoidance behavior in the most lead polluted areas was observed for A. caliginosa earthworm species. The selenium root transfer, translocation to corn and its bioavailability in the grain are higher in the case of selenate (translocation factor of 1.1, and human bioavailability of 89.3%) compared to selenite (0.13 and bio-accessibility 82.7%). The study of crops quality in the gardens near the ICPE plant (in Bazoches), in relation to atmosphere and soil quality (low Pb contamination, alkaline pH and high organic content that reduce pollutants transfers) highlighted an atmosphere-plant transfer which depends on the metal (Cd is the most bioavailable) and plant species. Pb and Cd concentrations follow respectively the sequences: [lettuce> Leek> celery> carrot] and [lettuce> celery> carrot> leek]. To reduce population exposure, thorough washing of productions before consumption is recommended. This thesis illustrates the interest of socio-scientific analysis and multi-stakeholder interactions to effectively address the sustainable management of contaminated land. (author)