Rôle de la litière organique de miscanthus sur la stabilisation des éléments traces métalliques : Étude des différentes fractions de la matière organique : Cas d’étude à Auby, France

Details

Supervisors

Agnan, Yannick

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en sciences et technologies de l'environnement, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enLegacy of past industrial activities, diffuse pollution from metallic trace elements (MTEs) in soils poses a major challenge to agricultural sustainability and ecosystem quality. In this context, phytoremediation approaches—particularly phytostabilization—emerge as potential solutions, combining environmental respect, low intrusiveness, and valorization of degraded soils. This thesis is part of the MISTICC research project (2023–2026) and focuses on the role of organic litter produced by Miscanthus × giganteus in stabilizing MTEs (Cd, Pb, Zn) in an agricultural plot in Auby (Northern France), historically impacted by emissions from the Metaleurop Nord smelter. The primary objective is to determine how organic carbon derived from miscanthus—through its different fractions (labile, stable, soluble, and residual)—contributes to contaminant immobilization in the soil’s surface horizons. A multidisciplinary methodology was employed: isotopic analyses (δ¹³C) to trace organic matter origins, characterization of organic fractions, determination of MTE speciation, and correlation of these components. Results indicate that miscanthus-derived organic matter is partially integrated into stable soil fractions and correlates with increased retention of MTEs in less bioavailable forms. This work highlights the value of leveraging perennial crop organic inputs for sustainable management of polluted soils and offers insights for agroecological rehabilitation of degraded lands.