Linking Micropollutants to Trait Syndromes across Freshwater Diatom, Macroinvertebrate, and Fish Assemblages

The ecological quality of freshwater ecosystems is endangered by various micropollutants released into the environment human activities. cumulative effects these can affect fitness organisms and populations functional diversity stream ecosystems. In this study, we investigated relationships between joint toxicity trait syndromes. A syndrome corresponds to a combination traits that could occur together in communities due selection driven exposure micropollutants. Our objectives were (i) identify syndromes specific diatom, macroinvertebrate, fish assemblages their responses exposure, taking account four micropollutant types (mineral micropollutants, pesticides, PAHs, other organic micropollutants) nine modes action (only for pesticides), (ii) explore how vary within among three biological compartments, (iii) investigate categories driving (iv) taxa, so-called paragons, which are highly representative To achieve objectives, analyzed dataset including physico-chemical results 2007 sampling events from large-scale monitoring survey routinely performed French wadeable streams. We have identified five (diatoms), eight (macroinvertebrates), (fishes) syndromes, either positively or negatively related an increasing gradient different clusters action. analyses several key sets exhibiting good potential highlighting Overall, might represent novel integrative bioassessment tool, trait-based gradients toxic cocktails.