Light-trapped caddisflies to decipher the role of species traits and habitats in Hg accumulation and transfer

We present a novel meta-community approach to explore the influence of species traits, such as adult body size, larval feeding type and microhabitat, well macrohabitat (main river channel vs. floodplain water bodies) on concentration total Hg accumulated ([THg]) in assemblages caddisflies. analyzed [THg] 157 light-trapped caddisflies sector French upper Rhône River used linear mixed effect model decipher role traits habitats accumulation. Variation between was best explained by type, whereas contributions size micro macro-habitat were minor. Results showed that associated with macrohabitats stage lower than those main channel. This difference could depend complexation DOM (in floodplain) MES channel). research provides first evidence potential an entire caddisfly assemblage for assessment contamination large alluvial rivers. The implications results are discussed view possible vectors riparian predators.