Going inland in France: TREC pilot project to explore freshwater ecosystems
Scientists from EMBL and CEREEP – Ecotron IleDeFrance (IDF) joined forces to advance environmental research by deploying mobile laboratories to study freshwater ecosystems and their vulnerability to human activities
Aerial view of the CEREEP Ecotron IDF facilities and the Advanced Mobile Lab parked on site. Credit: Nikolaus Leisch/EMBL
Following the successful TRaversing European Coastlines (TREC) expedition (2023–2024), EMBL embarked on a new research initiative to explore freshwater ecosystems and their vulnerability to human activity. Building on the standardised methods developed during the first expedition, and in collaboration with a strong network of partners, this new phase aims to deepen our understanding of how variations in this specific environment shape life at the molecular level.
Credits: Michael Bonadonna/EMBL, Valerie Helene Maier/EMBL, Thomas Haize/EMBL
Freshwater ecosystems are teeming with microorganisms, yet a major challenge for researchers has been studying them before transport to the laboratory changes their natural conditions, affecting how closely the observations match real life. For over a month, EMBL’s Mobile Laboratories fleet and the TREC sampling team – now supported by a dedicated mobile unit for water sample analysis – brought cutting-edge technologies and methods directly into the field in the Fontainebleau region of France. This mobile setup enabled real-time experiments and on-site sample processing, overcoming a key barrier to more comprehensive studies of freshwater ecosystems.
Freshwater sampling required adapting and testing existing protocols originally developed for coastal environments. With input from freshwater experts, these methods were adjusted to suit the specific conditions of inland waters. The team collected water, sediment, and soil samples from a range of environments, including the River Seine, natural or under-controlled lakes, and the experimental ponds at the CEREEP – Ecotron IDF research facility. TREC researchers will now sequence these samples and conduct environmental analyses – including pollution assessments – to build a comprehensive dataset for the international scientific community.
Building on a longstanding collaboration with CEREEP–Ecotron IDF
The CEREEP–Ecotron IDF and its director, Professor Samuel Abiven, were involved in the early stages of the TREC expedition, particularly in the soil and plant research components. Professor Abiven contributed to the initial site selection during TREC’s preparation phase.
During the fieldwork, the CEREEP–Ecotron IDF provided several volunteers — mainly highly motivated students from the École normale supérieure (ENS) — who supported sampling and logistical activities.
In the current phase of TREC, the CEREEP–Ecotron IdF serves as the main base for analyses related to continental ecosystems, focusing on the characterisation of soils and root samples collected along the expedition route.
Credits: Antonella Ruggiero/EMBL, Thomas Haize/EMBL
To round off the expedition, the sampling teams took part in Fête de la Science week, joining forces with EMBL’s Science Education and Public Engagement (SEPE) and Ecotron teams to bring science to life for the public. A treasure hunt led participants through the CEREEP – Ecotron IDF facility, with a series of fun, discovery-based activities along the way. EMBL scientists and the TREC mobile laboratories fleet became one of the key stops on the treasure map – where students met researchers, asked questions, and gathered clues to complete their quest.
In the Science Village, the SEPE team also hosted a hands-on TREC activity stall, inviting visitors to explore the science behind the expedition. During the public open day, scientists welcomed visitors of all ages for an interactive introduction to TREC and its mobile laboratories, turning complex science into an accessible, inspiring experience for everyone.
Credit: Valerie Helene Maier/EMBL
The pilot project concluded amid the laughter and excitement of Fête de la Science participants. Over a month of close collaboration, the CEREEP – Ecotron IDF and EMBL TREC teams completed the first inland stop and developed new standardised freshwater protocols, which they will now test and apply across Europe.
