Field translocation of diatom biofilms impacted by Cd and Zn to assess decontamination and community restructuring capacities

▸ A decontamination study was conducted on biofilms to assess their recovery potential. ▸ After a colonisation in a polluted site, biofilms were translocated to a metal-free site. ▸ Metal decontamination occurred between 3 and 9 weeks respectively for Zn and Cd. ▸ After 3 weeks, diatom teratologies decreased and community biovolumes increased. ▸ The restructuration of diatom community was estimated complete after 9 weeks.