معرفی
Paco Bustamante is a Professor at the University of La Rochelle, specializing in ecotoxicology and marine contaminant research. His work primarily focuses on mercury contamination, trace elements, and pollutants in marine ecosystems across the globe, from polar regions to tropical environments. With affiliations including the CNRS (Section 30) and the French University Institute (as an honorary member), he leads significant research projects investigating bioaccumulation, detoxification mechanisms, and trophic transfer of contaminants.
Dr. Bustamante's research interests span ecotoxicology, bioaccumulation of trace elements and organic pollutants, stable isotope applications, biomarker development, and trophic ecology. His work examines contamination patterns in diverse marine organisms including bivalves, cephalopods, fish, birds, and mammals, with particular emphasis on mercury cycling in polar and tropical ecosystems. His innovative research has revealed novel detoxification mechanisms for mercury in marine predators and documented century-long trends in mercury contamination.
His publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research, with over 380 publications focusing on environmental contaminants in marine systems. Recent work has examined PFAS pollution in Mediterranean shearwaters, mercury speciation in emperor penguins, and the relationship between changing trophic niches and mercury contamination in seabirds. His research often involves international collaborations across multiple continents, reflecting the global nature of marine pollution issues.
- Honorary Member of the French University Institute
- Best Paper Award 'Environmental Science and Technology' 2021
- Principal investigator on multiple ANR projects (ToxSeaBird, TONIC)
- Coordinator of European research projects (BIOCET, FACTS, ARCTOX)
Dr. Bustamante actively supervises research and collaborates with numerous scientists worldwide. His work informs environmental policy through projects related to the Minamata Convention on mercury pollution. Current research focuses on emerging contaminants like PFAS, climate change impacts on contaminant distribution, and developing novel biomarkers for environmental monitoring. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including stable isotope analysis, speciation chemistry, and molecular approaches to understand contaminant fate in marine ecosystems.
