This text is part of the special section Professions and careers
For more than half a century, environmental groups have been on a crusade to preserve nature. Behind this eternal standoff between activists and the industrial sector, scientists are working to measure the concrete consequences of pollution on the environment. A look at a constantly evolving field, ecotoxicology.
In 1962, biologist Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, a book about the devastating effects of pesticides. This work is considered by many to be the founding element of the environmental movement in the West. For one of the first times, the harmful consequences of anthropogenic activity on the environment were exposed in broad daylight.
Much water has flowed under the bridges since then; other ecological scandals have made the headlines and stricter measures have also been put in place to better control human activity that could harm the environment. At the same time, the profession of ecotoxicologist emerged.
Ecotoxicology is an interdisciplinary science that studies the effects of chemical pollutants on ecosystems, as well as on the organisms that live there. The mission, simply summarized, is to monitor the environment, develop risk management strategies and communicate the results. Ecotoxicologists can work for companies, government departments and research institutes as well as NGOs.
“It is difficult to quantify the number of ecotoxicologists, given that there is no professional body or undergraduate studies in the field, but I can say categorically that the profession is growing,” says Claude Fortin, co-director of the Quebec Ecotoxicology Research Center. In 1970, the term didn’t even exist… Now it’s an expertise in demand. »
From Burkina Faso to Montreal
Yannick Arnold Nombré never thought he would one day study Quebec freshwater mussels. Originally from the Bobo-Dioulasso region in Burkina Faso, the 32-year-old researcher is a doctoral student in ecotoxicology at the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM). When he moved to Quebec in 2016 to continue his studies, the culture shock was intense, but not necessarily for the reasons you might think.
“My integration went rather well thanks, in particular, to the presence of the family I had here; They helped me a lot, explains the man who obtained a master’s degree in environmental sciences at UQAM. The most difficult thing was adapting to the academic system, but also, on a personal level, becoming aware of the scale of the ecological crisis. »
Yannick Arnold Nombré has always felt close to nature. He nostalgically recounts childhood memories, like when he practiced horticulture with his uncle. At school, environmental education was limited, with the exception of desertification, a particularly devastating phenomenon in Burkina Faso.
“When I arrived in Quebec, my vision changed a lot when I learned about all the environmental issues,” he admits. It was very shocking and revolting, it almost made me depressed. »
Fortunately for the Burkinabè, morale has improved over time, thanks in part to his job. The doctoral student is convinced that he can be part of the solution, a mentality which helps him a lot according to his own words.
“Five years ago, I wrote on my CV that my professional objective was to contribute to the protection and restoration of the environment,” he says. Every year, when I update my CV, I see this objective and it reassures me to know that I am on the right professional and personal path. »
Better protect the mussels
After his master’s studies, Yannick Arnold Nombré took his first steps on the job market by completing an internship at the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP).
“The internship focused on the regulations for aquaculture effluent discharges (wastewater that flows from aquaculture facilities), he explains. It trained me on the issues of aquaculture in a Quebec environment; I learned a lot. »
One thing led to another and the scientist began a doctorate in ecotoxicology with the health of freshwater mussels as the main subject. A problem that is as niche as it is fascinating, according to him.
“I study the effects of pesticides on freshwater mussels,” he explains. The data collected is used to build a diagnostic tool for the health of these mussels in the agricultural rivers of Montérégie. The ultimate goal is to better protect these species in the future. »
For Yannick Arnold Nombré, the time spent in the laboratory and in the field allows him to look to the future with hope. When we ask him about his environmental optimism, we nevertheless feel cautious on the other end of the line.
“If you saw my face right now [rires]. I ask myself a lot of questions, especially whether I want to have children or not, he admits. I don’t know if I’m optimistic, but I’m still hopeful. Hope is important in our world. »
Between optimism and realism, one thing is certain: this year will be special for the ecotoxicologist. The reason ? He will return to visit Burkina Faso for the first time in seven years. Plenty of quality family time awaits at home, a temporary but extremely effective remedy to existential questions.
Women still underrepresented in the environment
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