XPO: eXPerimentation and Observation on Aquatic Ecosystems
Introduction
XPO (Platform for eXPerimentation and Observation on Aquatic Ecosystems) is a component of INRAE's LIFE Research Infrastructure, which is a Collective Scientific Infrastructure (CSI) aimed at characterizing biodiversity and understanding the functioning of continental aquatic ecosystems in a context of global change. It was created and is supported by the EABX - Aquatic Ecosystems and Global Change research unit (INRAE, UR 1454). Research carried out within this unit aims to acquire knowledge, build methods and develop tools to characterize and understand the state and dynamics of continental aquatic ecosystems (estuaries, lakes, rivers), by assessing the responses of these ecosystems or their species (amphihaline migratory fish and aquatic plants) to anthropogenic pressures (fishing, fragmentation of environments, contamination, climate change).
The various platforms and tools made available by ISC XPO enable research to be carried out on different groups of organisms (e.g. fish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic plants) in freshwater, estuarine or marine environments. This may involve work in ecology, ethology and ecotoxicology, potentially targeting different levels of organization, from the individual to the community.
Proposed services
- Custom experimental services in enclosed environment;
- Service for the provision of equipment.
Detailed service offer
XPO provides scientists with the following services:
- The Experimental Station at Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle, which offers mesocosms of various sizes (aquariums, speed rings, basins and artificial rivers) that can be customized for fine, automated control of exposure conditions for all types of aquatic organisms;
- The Pôle Végétation Aquatique (located in Cestas), which enables experiments to be carried out, as well as characterizing and monitoring the evolution of communities of freshwater primary producers and biofilm micro- and meiofauna under controlled conditions;
- Experimental support services, to carry out various manipulations, measurements and analyses under optimal conditions.
Types d'écosystèmes
Freshwater ecosystemsTypes of pressures
Manipulation of aquatic ecosystemsType d'observations
Biodiversity, Chemical property of water, Ecosystem management, Water biology, Water physics
Platforms
Station d’Expérimentation de St Seurin sur l’Isle
The experimental station at St Seurin sur l’Isle has dual accreditation for fish farming and animal experimentation, in particular on wild fauna (on-site capacity).
It offers standardized experimental equipment (aquariums, speed rings, basins and artificial rivers) or custom-built equipment, particularly for ecotoxicology experiments.
Various tools enable fine, automated control of exposure conditions (multi-parameter probes for physicochemical monitoring; control of pumps, solenoid valves, lighting, etc.).
Physiological (e.g. hormone levels) and behavioral (via Ethovision ©/ Daniovision©) monitoring can be carried out to measure animal well-being.
Staff benefit from expertise in safeguarding endangered species (acclimatization/reproduction/breeding), particularly sturgeon.
The site has facilities (bedrooms/kitchen) to accommodate external collaborators.
Aquatic Vegetation Center
The Aquatic Vegetation Center (located in Cestas) enables us to carry out experiments, then characterize and monitor the evolution of communities of primary freshwater producers (e.g. benthic and planktonic microalgae, macroalgae, macrophytes) and biofilm micro- and meiofauna under controlled conditions.
Services supports de l’offre expérimentale
The support services for experimental facilities at the Saint-Seurin-sur-l’Isle and Cestas platforms enable a wide range of manipulations, measurements and analyses to be carried out under optimum conditions.
These include a sclerochronology center, a freeze-drying room and a boat center (8 boats, from canoes to 13-meter vessels).
