Chlordecone pollution and its effects on biodiversity: Knowledge gaps despite 15 years of public policy in the French West Indies

For many years, an unprecedented decline in biodiversity is observed. One of the main causes of this decline is the use of plant protection products. In this context, a collective scientific assessment was conducted to identify current consensus knowledge and further needs regarding the impacts of plant protection products on biodiversity and ecosystem services in France, including its overseas territories. A particular focus was placed on chlordecone, a highly persistent organochlorine insecticide used extensively in the French West Indies (FWI) for more than 20 years (1972-1993) to control the banana root borer, but also in Eastern Europe, the USA, South America and Africa for various uses. The FWI support biodiversity hotspots, with many endemic and endangered species, and include marine and terrestrial protected areas. The risk posed by persistent pollutants such as chlordecone in these areas is therefore of particular concern. The objective of this work was to review the contamination of the FWI environment by chlordecone, its transfer through ecosystems, and its effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Literature analysis emphasized valuable knowledge of chlordecone ecodynamics in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, revealing chronic exposure of a wide diversity of terrestrial and aquatic organisms. However, despite 15 years of public policy dedicated to developing knowledge on chlordecone’s fate and socio-economic impacts, there is a significant gap regarding its effects on terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, and on ecosystem functioning. Future research is needed to characterize the effects of legacy pollution by chlordecone and its transformation products on exposed organisms and ecosystems.

Keyword(s)

pesticide, soil ecosystem, aquatic ecosystem, sediment, ecotoxicology, review

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Sanchez Wilfried, Pesce Stéphane, Betoulle Stéphane, Charles Sandrine, Coeurdassier Michael, Coutellec Marie-Agnès, Leboulanger Christophe, Martin-Laurent Fabrice, Mougin Christian, Nélieu Sylvie, Sucré Elliott, Leenhardt Sophie, Mamy Laure (2024). Chlordecone pollution and its effects on biodiversity: Knowledge gaps despite 15 years of public policy in the French West Indies. Preprint / Submitted to PCI. INPRESS. https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00927/103862/

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