Occurrence and Seasonal Dynamics of ALNs in Freshwater Lakes Are Influenced by Their Biological Environment

International audience; Aster Like Nanoparticles (ALNs) are femtoentities, recently discovered in different aquatic environments, whose intrinsic nature and ecological features remain to be determined. In this study, we investigate the in-situ temporal dynamics of ALNs during one year in 3 different lakes, in relation with the physico-chemical and biological environment. ALN abundances in investigated lakes showed a marked seasonal dynamic (from no detectable to 4.28 ± 0.75 x 10 6 ALNs.mL-1), with characteristic peaks in spring. We recorded correlation between ALNs and some prokaryotic phyla suggesting a broad and non-specific relationship. From their seasonal dynamics and potential link with prokaryotes, we conclude that ALNs represent an important ecological actor in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems.