DIREC

Chlordecone is an organochlorine pesticide used between 1972 and 1993 in the French West Indies to control the banana weevil. This molecule, which is highly persistent in the natural environment, has been the subject of numerous studies on its ecotoxicological effects, its capacity to accumulate in agricultural products and water quality.

The objective of the DIREC project is to study the bioaccumulation of this molecule in coastal macroalgae in Guadeloupe, particularly those of the genus Dictyota, which have already been identified as chlordecone bioaccumulating organisms. To this end, experiments on the accumulation kinetics of the molecule will be carried out in situ and in a controlled environment. The proteolytic and metabolomic properties of Dictyota will be studied in order to understand the accumulation mechanism. Finally, these macroalgae will be tested with a view to manufacturing activated carbons for the filtration of contaminated water.

Funding: Plan National Chlordécone 3 (National)