Deep dive into the Surface MicroLayer (SML) of Brest harbour

Abstract

International audienceThe surface microlayer (SML) is an exchange interface between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere, about 1mm thick, with chemical, physical and biological processes that differ from the Sub Surface Water (SSW) layer. It is also defined as a short-term bioaccumulator. Well-studied in the open ocean and costal areas, this microenvironment is less regarded in closed basins such as harbours. Brest harbour is home to a wide range of activities and therefore has multiple impacts. The aim of this study is to investigate the SML in a multipurpose harbour (Brest) in terms of microbiological biodiversity, physicochemical and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s) composition