Spatio-temporal risk prediction of leptospirosis: A machine-learning-based approach.

Background: Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease prevalent worldwide, particularly in tropical regions experiencing frequent rainfall and severe cyclones, which are further aggravated by climate change. This bacterial zoonosis, caused by the Leptospira genus, can be transmitted through contaminated water and soil. The Pacific islands bear a high burden of leptospirosis, making it crucial to identify key factors influencing its distribution.

Cytotoxicity of fibrous antigorite from New Caledonia.

Exposure to asbestos and asbestos-like minerals has been related to the development of severe lung diseases, including cancer and malignant mesothelioma (MM). A high incidence of non-occupational MM was observed in New Caledonia (France) in people living in proximity of serpentinite outcrops, containing chrysotile and fibrous antigorite. Antigorite is a magnesium silicate, which shares with chrysotile asbestos the chemical formula.

Influences of species and watersheds inputs on trace metal accumulation in mangrove roots.

Mangrove forest is a key ecosystem between land and sea, and provides many services such as trapping sediments and contaminants. These contaminants include trace metals (TM) that can accumulate in mangroves soil and biota. This paper innovates by the comparative study of the effects of the watershed inputs on TM distribution in mangrove soil, on roots bioconcentration factors of two species (Avicennia marina and Rhizophora stylosa), and on Fe plaque formation and immobilization of these TM.

Mobility of Ni, Co, and Mn in ultramafic mining soils of New Caledonia, assessed by kinetic EDTA extractions.

The aim of this study was to determine the mobilization capability of Ni, Co, and Mn contained in New Caledonian ultramafic soils. Two series of soils were sampled: bare-surface mining soils in a Ni-mining context (n = 10), and forest soils, either in the vicinity of mine-working areas (n = 3) or far away from any known mining activity (n = 2). We focused on the < 100 μm soil fraction, because of its sensitivity to wind erosion, and its possible dissemination toward urbanized areas.

Impact of nickel mining in New Caledonia assessed by compositional data analysis of lichens.

The aim of this study is to explore the use of lichens as biomonitors of the impact of nickel mining and ore treatment on the atmosphere in the New Caledonian archipelago (South Pacific Ocean); both activities emitting also Co, Cr and possibly Fe. Metal contents were analysed in thirty-four epiphytic lichens, collected in the vicinity of the potential sources, and in places free from known historical mining. The highest Ni, Co, and Cr concentrations were, as expected, observed in lichens collected near ore deposits or treatment areas.