A review of studies performed to assess metal uptake by earthworms

The effect of anthropogenic arsenic contamination on the earthworm microbiome

Earthworms are globally distributed and perform essential roles for soil health and microbial structure. We have investigated the effect of an anthropogenic contamination gradient on the bacterial community of the keystone ecological species Lumbricus rubellus through utilizing 16S rRNA pyrosequencing for the first time to establish the microbiome of the host and surrounding soil. The earthworm-associated microbiome differs from the surrounding environment which appears to be a result of both filtering and stimulation likely linked to the altered environment associated with the gut micro-habitat (neutral pH, anoxia and increased carbon substrates). We identified a core earthworm community comprising Proteobacteria (∼50%) and Actinobacteria (∼30%), with lower abundances of Bacteroidetes (∼6%) and Acidobacteria (∼3%). In addition to the known earthworm symbiont (Verminephrobacter sp.), we identified a potential host-associated Gammaproteobacteria species (Serratia sp.) that was absent from soil yet observed in most earthworms. Although a distinct bacterial community defines these earthworms, clear family- and species-level modification were observed along an arsenic and iron contamination gradient. Several taxa observed in uncontaminated control microbiomes are suppressed by metal/metalloid field exposure, including eradication of the hereto ubiquitously associated Verminephrobacter symbiont, which raises implications to its functional role in the earthworm microbiome.

Metallothionein gene expression differs in earthworm populations with different exposure history

Metals are persistent pollutants in soils that can harm soil organisms and decrease species diversity. Animals can cope with metal contamination with the help of metallothioneins, small metal-binding proteins involved in homeostasis and detoxification of metals. We studied the expression of metallothionein with qPCR in a small, epigeic earthworm, Dendrobaena octaedra. We compared expression patterns and metal body content in earthworms collected from two sites with different metal contamination histories: Harjavalta, contaminated by a Cu-Ni smelter operational for over 50 years, and Jyväskylä, an uncontaminated site. Earthworms from both sites were also experimentally exposed to different concentrations of Cu (control, 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) or Zn (control, 75, 150 or 300 mg/kg) for 7, 14 or 28 days to determine if there is a time related dose-response in gene expression. Population comparison showed that metallothionein expression was higher in earthworms from the contaminated site. In the exposure experiment, exposure time affected expression, but only in the earthworms from the uncontaminated site, suggesting that there is a delay in the metallothionein response of earthworms in this population. In contrast, earthworms from the contaminated site showed higher and constant levels of metallothionein expression at all exposure concentrations and durations. The constant metallothionein expression in earthworms from the contaminated site suggests that inducibility of metallothionein response could be lost in earthworms with metal exposure history. Adaptation of D. octaedra to metal exposure could explain the differences between the populations and explain the persistence of this species in contaminated forest soils.

The effect of dibenzo-p-dioxin- and dibenzofuran-contaminated soil on the earthworm Eisenia andrei

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) belong to the group of persistent organic pollutants, highly toxic environmental pollutants that include hydrophobic compounds with the tendency to bioaccumulate. Earthworms (Eisenia andrei) were exposed to PCDD/Fs-contaminated soil, and changes in their lipophilic structures and the gene expression of their defense molecules were followed. Damage to the intestinal wall and adjacent chloragogenous tissue was observed. Further, the up-regulation of the expression of several genes was detected. On the basis of these results, the mechanism of the impact of PCDD/Fs on earthworms has been proposed. Dioxins that accumulate in the lipophilic structures cause an increase in reactive oxidative species that triggers oxidative stress followed by the gene expression of two molecules that play a role in protection against oxidant toxicity, calreticulin (CRT) and Hsp70. Moreover, the effect of microbial biomass on the expression of coelomic cytolytic factor (CCF), a pattern recognition receptor, was also observed.

Uptake and elimination kinetics of metals in soil invertebrates: a review

Uptake and elimination kinetics of metals in soil invertebrates are a function of both soil and organism properties. This study critically reviewed metal toxicokinetics in soil invertebrates and its potential use for assessing bioavailability. Uptake and elimination rate constants of different metals are summarized. Invertebrates have different strategies for essential and non-essential metals. As a consequence, different types of models must be applied to describe metal uptake and elimination kinetics. We discuss model parameters for each metal separately and show how they are influenced by exposure concentrations and by physiological properties of the organisms. Soil pH, cation exchange capacity, clay and organic matter content significantly affect uptake rates of non-essential metals in soil invertebrates. For essential metals, kinetics is hardly influenced by soil properties, but rather prone to physiological regulation mechanisms of the organisms. Our analysis illustrates that toxicokinetics can be a valuable measurement to assess bioavailability of soil-bound metals.

Is there a relationship between earthworm energy reserves and metal availability after exposure to field-contaminated soils?

Generic biomarkers are needed to assess environmental risks in metal polluted soils. We assessed the strength of the relationship between earthworm energy reserves and metal availability under conditions of cocktail of metals at low doses and large range of soil parameters. Aporrectodea caliginosa was exposed in laboratory to a panel of soils differing in Cd, Pb and Zn total and available (CaCl2 and EDTA-extractable) concentrations, and in soil texture, pH, CEC and organic-C. Glycogen, protein and lipid contents were recorded in exposed worms. Glycogen contents were not linked to the explaining variables considered. Variable selection identified CaCl2 extractable metals concentrations and soil texture as the main factors affecting protein and lipid contents. The results showed opposite effects of Pb and Zn, high inter-individual variability of biomarkers and weak relationships with easily extractable metals. Our results support the lack of genericity of energy reserves in earthworms exposed to field-contaminated soils.

Earthworm bioturbation influences the phytoavailability of metals released by particles in cultivated soils

The influence of earthworm activity on soil-to-plant metal transfer was studied by carrying out six weeks mesocosms experiments with or without lettuce and/or earthworms in soil with a gradient of metal concentrations due to particles fallouts. Soil characteristics, metal concentrations in lettuce and earthworms were measured and soil porosity in the mesocosms was determined. Earthworms increased the soil pH, macroporosity and soil organic matter content due to the burying of wheat straw provided as food. Earthworm activities increased the metals concentrations in lettuce leaves. Pb and Cd concentrations in lettuce leaves can increase up to 46% with earthworm activities … These results and the low correlation between estimated by CaCl2 and EDTA and measured pollutant phytoavailability suggest that earthworm bioturbation was the main cause of the increase. Bioturbation could affect the proximity of pollutants to the roots and soil organic matter.

Toxicokinetics of metals in the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus exposed to natural polluted soils--relevance of laboratory tests to the field situation

The aim of this study was to estimate the bioavailability of essential (Zn, Cu) and non-essential metals (Cd, Pb) to the earthworm Lumbricus rubellus exposed to soils originating from a gradient of metal pollution in Southern Poland. Metal uptake and elimination kinetics were determined and related to soils properties. Experimental results were compared with tissue metal concentrations observed in earthworms from the studied transect. Cd and Pb were intensively accumulated by the earthworms, with very slow or no elimination. Their uptake rate constants, based on 0.01 M CaCl2-extractable concentrations in the soils, increased with soil pH. Internal concentrations of Cu and Zn were maintained by the earthworms at a stable level, suggesting efficient regulation of these metals by the animals. The estimated uptake and elimination kinetics parameters enabled fairly accurate prediction of metal concentrations reached within a life span of L. rubellus in nature.

Efficiency of soil organic and inorganic amendments on the remediation of a contaminated mine soil: II. Biological and ecotoxicological evaluation

The feasibility of two organic materials (pig slurry and compost) in combination with hydrated lime for the remediation of a highly acidic trace elements (TEs) contaminated mine soil was assessed in a mesocosm experiment. The effects of the amendments on soil biochemical and ecotoxicological properties were evaluated and related with the main physicochemical characteristics of soil and soil solution. The original soil showed impaired basic ecological functions due to the high availability of TEs, its acidic pH and high salinity. The three amendments slightly reduced the direct and indirect soil toxicity to plants, invertebrates and microorganisms as a consequence of the TEs' mobility decrease in topsoil, reducing therefore the soil associated risks. The organic amendments, especially compost, thanks to the supply of essential nutrients, were able to improve soil health, as they stimulated plant growth and significantly increased enzyme activities related with the key nutrients in soil. Therefore, the use of compost or pig slurry, in combination with hydrated lime, decreased soil ecotoxicity and seems to be a suitable management strategy for the remediation of highly acidic TEs contaminated soils.

Disposal of dredged sediments in tropical soils: ecotoxicological effects on earthworms

The upper limit concentrations of metals established by international legislations for dredged sediment disposal and soil quality do not take into consideration the properties of tropical soils (generally submitted to more intense weathering processes) on metal availability and ecotoxicity. Aiming to perform an evaluation on the suitability of these threshold values in tropical regions, the ecotoxicity of metal-contaminated dredged sediment from the Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) was investigated. Acute and avoidance tests with Eisenia andrei were performed with mixtures of dredged sediment with a ferralsol (0.00, 6.66, 13.12, 19.98, and 33.30 %) and a chernosol (0.00, 6.58, 13.16, 19.74, and 32.90 %). Mercury, lead, nickel, chromium, copper, and zinc concentrations were measured in test mixtures and in tissues of surviving earthworms from the acute tests. While ferralsol test mixtures provoked significant earthworm avoidance response at concentrations ≥13.31 %, the chernosol mixtures showed significant avoidance behavior only at the 19.74 % concentration. The acute tests showed higher toxicity in ferralsol mixtures (LC50 = 9.9 %) compared to chernosol mixtures (LC50 = 16.5 %), and biomass increased at the lowest sediment doses in treatments of both test soils. Most probably, the expansive clay minerals present in chernosol contributed to reduce metal availability in chernosol mixtures, and consequently, the ecotoxicity of these treatments. The bioconcentration factors (BCF) for zinc and copper were lower with increasing concentrations of the dredged sediment, indicating the existence of internal regulating processes. Although the BCF for mercury also decreased with the increasing test concentrations, the known no biological function of this metal in the earthworms metabolism lead to suppose that Hg measured was not present in bioaccumulable forms. BCFs estimated for the other metals were generally higher in the highest dredged sediment doses.

Determining the bioavailability and toxicity of lead contamination to earthworms requires using a combination of physicochemical and biological methods

This study aimed at assessing the bioavailability and toxicity of lead to Eisenia andrei in shooting range soils representing different land uses (forest, grassland, bullet plot). Soils contained 47-2398 mg Pb/kg dry weight (dw), but also had different pH-CaCl2 (3.2-6.8) and organic matter contents (3.8-13%). Therefore artificial soils with different pH and organic matter contents and two natural soils were included as control soils. Earthworms were exposed for 28 days and toxicity and uptake of Pb were related to total, water and 0.01 M CaCl2 extractable and porewater Pb concentrations as well as to soil characteristics. Pb uptake in the earthworms linearly increased with increasing soil concentrations. At >2000 mg Pb/kg dw and pH 3.3-3.5, high earthworm mortality with significant weight loss and complete inhibition of reproduction were recorded. At <1000 mg/kg dw, earthworm reproduction was more related to differences in pH and other soil characteristics than to Pb.

Cross-species extrapolation of prediction model for lead transfer from soil to corn grain under stress of exogenous lead

There has been increasing concern in recent years regarding lead (Pb) transfer in the soil-plant system. In this study the transfer of Pb (exogenous salts) was investigated from a wide range of Chinese soils to corn grain (Zhengdan 958). Prediction models were developed with combination of the Pb bioconcentration factor (BCF) of Zhengdan 958, and soil pH, organic matter (OM) content, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) through multiple stepwise regressions. Moreover, these prediction models from Zhengdan 958 were applied to other non-model corn species through cross-species extrapolation approach. The results showed that the soil pH and OM were the major factors that controlled Pb transfer from soil to corn grain. The lower pH and OM could improve the bioaccumulation of Pb in corn grain. No significant differences were found between two prediction models derived from the different exogenous Pb contents. When the prediction models were applied to other non-model corn species, the ratio ranges between the predicted BCF values and the measured BCF values were within an interval of 2-fold and close to the solid line of 1∶1 relationship. Moreover, the prediction model i.e. Log[BCF] = -0.098 pH-0.150 log[OM] -1.894 at the treatment of high Pb can effectively reduce the measured BCF intra-species variability for all non-model corn species. These suggested that this prediction model derived from the high Pb content was more adaptable to be applied to other non-model corn species to predict the Pb bioconcentration in corn grain and assess the ecological risk of Pb in different agricultural soils.

Can commonly measurable traits explain differences in metal accumulation and toxicity in earthworm species?

There is no clear consensus in the literature on the metal accumulation pattern and sensitivity of different earthworm species. In the present study, accumulation and toxicity of Cu, Cd, Ni, and Zn in the earthworms Lumbricus rubellus (epigeic), Aporrectodea longa (anecic), and Eisenia fetida (ultra-epigeic) were determined after 28 days exposure in two soils. Metal accumulation and sensitivity were interpreted using the specific traits of different earthworm species. Results showed that for all four metals tested L. rubellus was the most sensitive species, followed by A. longa and E. fetida. At the same exposure concentration, internal concentrations followed the order: L. rubellus > E. fetida > A. longa for Cu and Ni, L. rubellus ≈ E. fetida ≈ A. longa for Cd, and L. rubellus > A. longa > E. fetida for Zn. Langmuir isotherms were used to model metal accumulation at both nontoxic and toxic exposure concentrations. The Cu, Cd, and Zn concentrations in E. fetida generally leveled off at high exposure concentrations but not for the other two species. A. longa showed a high capability of regulating internal Ni concentrations. The traits-based approaches suggested that most likely a group of earthworm traits together determined (differences in) metal accumulation and sensitivity. More research is needed in this respect to build up solid relationships between species-specific responses and traits, enabling cross-species extrapolation of accumulation and toxicity data.

Time-dependent transfer of 137Cs, 85Sr and 65Zn to earthworms in highly contaminated soils

The transfer characteristics of (137)Cs, (85)Sr and (65)Zn to earthworms (Eisenia andrei) in soils with different amounts of the radionuclides have been investigated. The time-dependent whole-body concentration ratios (CR) were derived for worms in artificially contaminated soils with three different activity concentrations. Two parameters of a first order kinetic model, the equilibrium concentration ratio (CR(eq)) and the effective loss rate constant (k), were estimated by a comparison of experimental CR results with model predictions. The estimated CR(eq) (Bq/kg fresh worm per Bq/kg dry soil) ranged from 3.9 × 10(-4) to 4.1 × 10(-3) for (137)Cs, 1.39 × 10(-3) to 2.94 × 10(-2) for (85)Sr, and 1.39 × 10(-3) to 5.0 × 10(-2) for (65)Zn, and consistently decreased with increasing soil activity concentration but the trend was not statistically significant. The CR(eq) for (137)Cs was one to two orders of magnitude lower than previously reported CR(wo-soil) values (based on field data with much less contaminated soil), that for (85)Sr was comparable with other reported values and for (65)Zn was less two to three orders of magnitude lower than CR(wo-soil) values for stable zinc. The estimated k (d(-1)) values ranged from 9 × 10(-2) to 1.4 × 10(-1) for (137)Cs, 7 × 10(-2) to 2 × 10(-1) for (85)Sr, and 6 × 10(-2) to 1.8 × 10(-1) for (65)Zn, and did not show a relationship with soil activity concentration. The effect of CR(eq) on the total dose rate was insignificant for (137)Cs or (65)Zn because external dose rates to the soil dwelling earthworms due to these radionuclides were much greater than the internal dose rate. In contrast, the total dose from (90)Sr was determined by the internal dose rate and therefore proportional to the CR(eq).

Toxicological responses of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) exposed to metal-contaminated soils

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicological responses of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) induced by field-contaminated, metal-polluted soils. Biochemical responses and DNA damage of earthworm exposed to two multi-metal-contaminated soils in a steel industry park and a natural reference soil in Zijin Mountain for 2, 7, 14, and 28 days were studied. Results showed that three enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and cellulase, in earthworm in metal-contaminated soils were significantly different from those of the reference soil. Cellulase and AChE were more sensitive than SOD to soil contamination. The Olive tail moment of the comet assay after 2-day exposure increased 56.5 and 552.0 % in two contaminated soils, respectively, compared to the reference soil. Our findings show that cellulase and DNA damage levels can be used as potential biomarkers for exposure of earthworm to metal-polluted soils.

Dose-dependent reactions of Aporrectodea caliginosa to perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid in soil

As a consequence of their widespread use, e.g. as protective coatings for fabrics, and their resistance to thermal and biological breakdown, perfluorinated compounds are increasingly found in the environment, but little is known about their ecotoxicological properties. A 40-day microcosm experiment was carried out to examine the effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) on the endogeic geophagus earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa, its survival and feeding on soil organic C and microbial biomass C. Three levels of concentration (1, 100, and 500 mg kg(-1)) were chosen. The lowest represented the maximum found in sediments and soils and the other two are extreme concentrations that might occur in pollution hotspots and that have been shown to poison organisms. Earthworms promoted the production of CO2 and decreased microbial biomass C in soil, regardless of the presence of PFOA or PFOS. Both compounds significantly decreased the surviving numbers and dry weight of earthworms at concentrations of 100 mg kg(-1). No earthworms survived at PFOA and PFOS concentrations of 500 mg kg(-1). At concentrations of 1 mg kg(-1), no negative effects were observed. The δ(13)C values of A. caliginosa did not differ between treatments. In contrast, the δ(15)N values were significantly increased after adding 1 mg kg(-1) of PFOA, reflecting elevated portions of soil-derived N in the earthworm tissue. In contrast, these portions of soil-derived N were lower in the earthworms after addition of 100 mg kg(-1) of PFOA and PFOS. In conclusion, extreme concentrations of PFOA and PFOS negatively affected endogeic A. caliginosa, whereas a concentration of 1 mg kg(-1) of PFOA and PFOS was related to an increased uptake of soil N by the earthworms.

A study on As, Cu, Pb and Zn (bio)availability in an abandoned mine area (São Domingos, Portugal) using chemical and ecotoxicological tools

The aim of this study was to relate the results obtained by chemical methods, used to assess environmental (bio)availability, with the ecotoxic response and bioaccumulation of trace elements (TE) by the earthworm Eisenia fetida exposed to field-contaminated, metal-polluted soils from a sulphide mine. The extracting solution 0.5 M NH4CH3COO, 0.5 M CH3COOH and 0.02 M EDTA (pH 4.7), was able to predict environmental bioavailability of TE to E. fetida. However, the toxicological bioavailability could not be predicted from the results of the chemical extractions or from the bioaccumulation results: E. fetida reproduction was higher in soils where environmental bioavailability of TE and bioaccumulation values were also higher. In this study, the toxic response of the organism seemed to be more influenced by the overall nutritional status of the soil (e.g. pH, organic matter, plant nutrient availability and cation exchange capacity) than by its TE contamination. In the case of anthropogenic multi-contaminated sites, the different soil characteristics exert an important and confounding influence in the toxic response and the relationship between different bioavailable fractions cannot be easily established, emphasising the need to combine results from chemical methods with those from bioassays when evaluating the bioavailability of TE in these soils.

Using a toxicokinetics approach to explain the effect of soil pH on cadmium bioavailability to Folsomia candida

The aim of this study was to improve our understanding of metal bioavailability in soil by linking the biotic ligand approach with toxicokinetics modelling. We determined cadmium bioaccumulation kinetics in Folsomia candida (Collembola) as a function of soil pH. Animals were exposed for 21 days to LUFA 2.2 soil at 5 or 20 μg Cd g(-1) dry soil followed by 21 days elimination in clean soil. Internal cadmium concentrations were modelled using a first-order one-compartment model, relating uptake rate constants (k1) to total soil, water or 0.01 M CaCl2 extractable and porewater concentrations. Based on total soil concentrations, k1 was independent of soil pH while it strongly increased with increasing pH based on porewater concentrations explaining the reduced competition of H(+) ions making cadmium more bioavailable in pore water at high pH. This shows that the principles of biotic ligand modelling are applicable to predict cadmium accumulation kinetics in soil-living invertebrates.

Using biomarkers in an evolutionary context: lessons from the analysis of biological responses of oligochaete annelids to metal exposure

Anthropogenic activities may lead to the accumulation of inorganic and organic compounds in topsoils. Biota living in close contact with contaminated soils may experience stress at different levels of biological organization throughout the continuum from molecular to community level. Biological responses observed at the individual or infra-individual level of biological organization led to the development of biomarkers. The development of biomarkers consists often in evidencing biological modifications following a contaminant stress in laboratory conditions, using naïve organisms and it is sometime proposed to use the biological state of individuals from sentinel species collected in the field to evaluate the level of environmental exposure. However, considering the possibility of local adaptation following long-term exposure, organisms response sampled in the field may substantially differ from laboratory specimens. In this review, we discuss this point focusing on the definition and validity of molecular biomarkers of metal pollution using earthworms of the Lumbricidae family.

Assessing ecotoxicity and uptake of metals and metalloids in relation to two different earthworm species (Eiseina hortensis and Lumbricus terrestris)

Due to diffuse atmospheric fallouts of process particles enriched by metals and metalloids, polluted soils concern large areas at the global scale. Useful tools to assess ecotoxicity induced by these polluted soils are therefore needed. Earthworms are currently used as biotest, however the influence of specie and earthworm behaviour, soil characteristics are poorly highlighted. Our aim was therefore to assess the toxicity of various polluted soils with process particles enriches by metals and metalloids (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, As and Sb) collected from a lead recycling facility on two earthworm species belonging to different ecological types and thus likely to have contrasted behavioural responses (Eiseina hortensis and Lumbricus terrestris). The combination of behavioural factors measurements (cast production and biomass) and physico-chemical parameters such as metal absorption, bioaccumulation by earthworms and their localization in invertebrate tissues provided a valuable indication of pollutant bioavailability and ecotoxicity. Soil characteristics influenced ecotoxicity and metal uptake by earthworms, as well as their soil bioturbation.

Predicting copper toxicity to different earthworm species using a multicomponent Freundlich model

This study aimed to develop bioavailability models for predicting Cu toxicity to earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus, Aporrectodea longa, and Eisenia fetida) in a range of soils of varying properties. A multicomponent Freundlich model, complying with the basic assumption of the biotic ligands model, was used to relate Cu toxicity to the free Cu(2+) activity and possible protective cations in soil porewater. Median lethal concentrations (LC50s) of Cu based on the total Cu concentration varied in each species from soil to soil, reaching differences of approximately a factor 9 in L. rubellus, 49 in A. longa and 45 in E. fetida. The relative sensitivity of the earthworms to Cu in different soils followed the same order: L. rubellus > A. longa > E. fetida. Only pH not other cations (K(+), Ca(2+), Na(+), and Mg(2+)) were found to exert significant protective effects against Cu toxicity to earthworms. The Freundlich-type model in which the protective effects of pH were included, explained 84%, 94%, and 96% of variations in LC50s of Cu (expressed as free ion activity) for L. rubellus, A. longa, and E. fetida, respectively. Predicted LC50s never differed by a factor of more than 2 from the observed LC50s. External validation of the model showed a similar level of precision, even though toxicity data for other soil organisms and for different endpoints were used. The findings of the present study showed the possibility of extrapolating the developed toxicity models for one earthworm species to another species. Moreover, the Freundlich-type model in which the free Cu(2+) activity and pH in soil porewater are considered can even be used to predict toxicity for other soil invertebrates and plants.

Vermiremoval of heavy metal in sewage sludge by utilising Lumbricus rubellus

Experiments were conducted to remove heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) from urban sewage sludge (SS) amended with spent mushroom compost (SMC) using worms, Lumbricus rubellus, for 105 days, after 21 days of pre-composting. Five combinations of SS/SMC treatments were prepared in triplicate along with a control for each treatment in microcosms. Analysis of the earthworms' multiplication and growth and laboratory analysis were conducted during the tenth and fifteenth week of vermicomposting. Our result showed that the final biomass of earthworms (mg) and final number of earthworms showed significant differences between treatments i.e. F=554.70, P=0.00 and F=729.10, P=0.00 respectively. The heavy metals Cr, Cd and Pb contained in vermicompost were lower than initial concentrations, with 90-98.7 percent removal on week ten. However, concentrations of Cu and Zn, that are considered as micronutrients, were higher than initial concentrations, but they were 10-200-fold lower than the EU and USA biosolid compost limits and Malaysian Recommended Site Screening Levels for Contaminated Land (SSLs). An increment of heavy metals were recorded in vermicompost for all treatments on week fifteen compared to week ten, while concentration of heavy metals in earthworms' tissue were lower compared to vermicompost. Hence, it is suggested that earthworms begin to discharge heavy metals into their surroundings and it was evident that the earthworms' heavy metals excretion period was within the interval of ten to fifteen weeks.

Are plants useful as accumulation indicators of metal bioavailability?

The use of accumulation bioindicator to assess metal bioavailability has mainly concerned individual species. This work addresses this issue at the plant community level. Metal content within different species from plant communities found at three contaminated and one uncontaminated site was compared. Results showed that for two contaminated sites, leaf metals concentrations were comparable to those in plants from control site, i.e. approx (mg/kg) 0.1 Cd, 0.2 Cr, 9.2 Cu, 1.8 Ni, 0.5 Pb and 42 Zn. Only plants from the third site showed higher metal contents, ranging from 1.5- to 8-fold those of the control community. This contrasted with ammonium acetate-EDTA extractions, which indicated a very high "availability" of metals at the three sites, as compared to the control site. Thus, metal content in plant communities provided accurate information on actual transfer toward the ensemble of vegetation, which could be used to establish site-specific "fingerprints" of metal bioavailability.

Dynamic bioavailability of copper in soil estimated by uptake and elimination kinetics in the springtail Folsomia candida

This study aimed to assess the bioavailability of copper in soil, by measuring its uptake kinetics into a representative soil invertebrate, the collembolan Folsomia candida. The animals were exposed to 25 or 100 μg Cu g(-1) dry LUFA 2.2 soil at nominal pH(CaCl2) 4.5, 5.5, or 6.5 during 14 days after which they were transferred to clean soil for 14 days elimination. Uptake and elimination rate constants were calculated based on total and extractable soil concentrations and porewater concentrations using one-compartment first-order kinetics modelling. Copper was present in the animals at a basal physiological level of 40-90 μg g(-1)dry weight, on top of this uptake and elimination kinetics were observed. Uptake rates constants varied between 0.02 and 0.17 g(soil) g(animal)(-1) day(-1), being higher at lower exposure level, but did not differ significantly between different soil pH levels. Elimination rate constants ranged between 0.04 and 0.20 day(-1) and were negligible (k(2) < 0.001 day(-1)) at pH 4.5 and 6.5. Multiple linear regressions showed that the pH effect on copper uptake was only significant when taking into account cation exchange capacity, or calcium and dissolved organic carbon levels in the pore water. Copper concentrations in the animals however, never were higher than 185 μg g(-1) dry weight, independent of exposure level and pH, suggesting homeostatic regulation. These results show that the chemical composition of the pore water does affect bioavailability of copper in soil, but that copper uptake in collembolans is dominated by homeostatic regulation rather than by soil properties like pH.

Increased lead availability and enzyme activities in root-adhering soil of Lantana camara during phytoextraction in the presence of earthworms

Earthworms are known to increase availability of heavy metals in soils and also play an important role in maintaining the structure and quality of soil. The introduction of earthworms into soils contaminated with metals in the presence of a potential hyperaccumulator has been suggested as an aid for phytoremediation processes. The present study was conducted to evaluate: (i) the effects of earthworms on lead availability in artificially contaminated soil at 500 and 1000 mg kg(-1) Pb in the presence of Lantana camara, a hyperaccumulator, (ii) the effects of earthworms and lead on soil properties such as pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (OM), total and available N, P and K and (iii) soil enzyme activities. Earthworms increased the bioavailable Pb in root-adhering soil by a factor of 2 to 3 in the contaminated soils at concentrations of 500 to 1000 mg Pb kg(-1), respectively. In lead contaminated soils, the presence of earthworms led to a significant decrease in soil pH by about 0.2 but increased CEC by 17% and OM by more than 30%. Earthworm activities also increased the activities of N-acetylglucosamidase, β-glucosidase, cellulase, xylanase, alkaline and acid phosphatase, urease and fluorescein diacetate assay (FDA). These results indicate that the ecological context for phytoremediation should be broadened by considering plant-soil-earthworm interactions as they influence both plant health and absorption of heavy metals. They also showed that the enzyme activities monitored could serve as useful proxies for phytoremediation capability and, more generally, for soil quality as a whole.

Combined toxicity of cadmium and lead on the earthworm Eisenia fetida (Annelida, Oligochaeta)

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in soil have received extensive attention due to their potential toxicological effects. This study analyzed the combined toxicity of Cd and Pb on the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Cellulase activity and DNA damage were chosen as toxic endpoints. Factorial analysis was applied to identify the interaction of Cd and Pb. The results showed that single Pb and Cd could increase the cellulase activity and DNA damage of coelomocytes. The combination of both metals could significantly inhibit cellulase activity. For low Cd concentration, the addition of Pb could increase the DNA damage. However, for high Cd concentration, Pb could decrease the DNA damage. Factorial analysis showed that the changes of Cd concentrations exerted the highest influence on the combined toxicity, followed by factor "Cd*Pb" and "Pb". The combined toxicological effects between Cd and Pb were complex, which might be influenced by the competition adsorption of both metals in soil and biomembrane and their bioavailability. The results of this study are useful for understanding of combined toxicity of Cd and Pb on terrestrial invertebrates.

Bioavailability of copper and zinc in mining soils

The soil-contact exposure pathway can be the main driver of ecological risk assessments. There is currently no standard method to measure bioavailability of metals in soil to ecological receptors, yet the influence of metal bioavailability on toxicity has been known for decades and is a major factor influencing risk to ecological receptors. Bioavailability is to a large degree governed by varying soil characteristics within and among sites, yet ecological screening benchmarks are often derived on a total-concentration basis. We compared a calcium chloride (CaCl2) extraction, cyclodextrin extraction, simulated earthworm gut (SEG) test, earthworm kinetic bioaccumulation test, and metal residues in plant tissues with a battery of invertebrate and toxicity tests using mining soils consisting of high organic-matter content cocontaminated with copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). Earthworm (Eisenia andrei) tissue concentrations of Cu and Zn were regulated and were not predictive of invertebrate toxicity. All chemical measures of bioavailability correlated with several biological responses; however, CaCl2-extractable Cu and SEG-extractable Cu and Zn best predicted effects to E. andrei. Total Cu concentrations in soil best correlated with effects to plants. Overall, a chemical measure was the best predictor of toxicity to each organism compared with biological measures, although the exact measure was dependent on organism and end point. Chemical-extraction techniques provide relatively quick, inexpensive indicators of essential metal bioavailability compared with biological measures; however, no single measure was indicative of all effects to all organisms.

Ecological transfer of radionuclides and metals to free-living earthworm species in natural habitats rich in NORM

Transfer of radionuclides ((232)Th and (238)U) and associated metals (As, Cd, Pb and Cr) from soil to free-living earthworm species was investigated in a thorium ((232)Th) rich area in Norway. Sampling took place within former mining sites representing the technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM), at undisturbed site with unique bedrock geology representing the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and at site outside the (232)Th rich area taken as reference Background site. Soil analysis revealed the elevated levels of investigated elements at NORM and TENORM sites. Based on sequential extraction, uranium ((238)U) and cadmium (Cd) were quite mobile, while the other elements were strongly associated with mineral components of soil. Four investigated earthworm species (Aporrectodea caliginosa, Aporrectodea rosea, Dendrodrilus rubidus and Lumbricus rubellus) showed large individual variability in the accumulation of radionuclides and metals. Differences in uptake by epigeic and endogeic species, as well as differences within same species from the NORM, TENORM and Background sites were also seen. Based on total concentrations in soil, the transfer factors (TF) were in ranges 0.03-0.08 and 0.09-0.25, for (232)Th and (238)U, respectively. TFs for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) were low (less than 0.5), while TFs for Cd were higher (about 10). Using the ERICA tool, the estimated radiation exposure dose rate of the earthworms ranged from 2.2 to 3.9 μGy/h. The radiological risk for investigated earthworms was low (0.28). The obtained results demonstrated that free-living earthworm species can survive in soil containing elevated (232)Th and (238)U, as well As, Cd, Pb and Cr levels, although certain amount of radionuclides was accumulated within their bodies. The present investigation contributes to general better understanding of complex soil-to-biota transfer processes of radionuclides and metals and to assessment of risk for non-human species in the ecosystem with multiple contaminants.

Evaluation of the sensitivity of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity endpoints in earthworms exposed in situ to uranium mining wastes

Earthworms were exposed for 56 days to a contaminated soil from an abandoned uranium mine and to the natural reference soil LUFA 2.2. The exposure occurred in situ: the containers with contaminated soil were placed near the mine pit; the containers with reference soil were placed in a reference site. For the assessment of metals bioaccumulation, DNA damages, cell-to-cell variation in DNA content, Median Fluorescence Intensity (MFI), coelomocytes frequency and proliferation, organisms were sampled after 0, 1, 2, 7, 14 and 56 days of exposure. For the assessment of radionuclides bioaccumulation, animals were sampled after 0, 14 and 56 days of exposure. As for growth, organisms were sampled after 0, 14, 28 and 56 days of exposure. The reproduction assay was performed according to the OECD (2004) guideline. DNA damages were assessed by comet assay and flow cytometry was used to determine cell-to-cell variation in DNA content, Median Fluorescence Intensity (MFI), coelomocytes frequency and proliferation. Results have shown a myriad of effects in the organisms exposed to the contaminated soil, namely: the inhibition of reproduction, growth reduction, DNA damages, cytotoxicity, changes in eleocytes fluorescence intensity, coelomocytes proliferation and bioaccumulation of metals and radionuclides. Our results showed that the evaluation of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity endpoints, along with other parameters at an individual level in standard reproduction assays conducted in situ, are important to improve the risk assessment process of areas contaminated with uranium and other radioactive mining wastes.

Sources of variation in the assimilation of lead by a common gastropod sentinel Cantareus aspersus

The assimilation efficiency of Pb was measured in the candidate sentinel Cantareus aspersus, to assess its capacity to consistently represent the bioavailability of Pb. Three populations were compared from habitats with different levels of toxic and essential metals. For each, 36 snails were fed a laboratory diet with known concentrations of Pb, Ca and Mg over 64 days. Lead bioavailability was measured as the percentage assimilation by the soft tissues (mass in tissues as a fraction of that consumed), and its variation was assessed between populations, exposure periods, dietary Mg and replicates. The indicated bioavailability was consistent over time and Pb consumed, but differed between populations and diets. Population differences were due, in part, to their different growth rates: soft tissue growth was positively correlated with Pb mass and, in the most rapidly growing populations, this accounted for more than 40% of the variation in soft tissue Pb. Populations did not differ in their consumption of Pb, but the highest Mg diet induced higher food consumption and a reduced assimilation of Pb. Tissue growth determines retention and contributes to the variation in the bioavailability indicated by these populations, as do essential metals in the diet. Such variability has important implications for monitoring programmes using resident populations of sentinels to map the bioavailability of toxic metals or integrate a pollution signal over time.

Oxidative stress in earthworms short- and long-term exposed to highly Hg-contaminated soils

Exposure to mercury is often assessed by the measurement of molecular and biochemical antioxidant defences against an excessive production of reactive oxygen species. Here we examined some selected biomarkers of oxidative stress in the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris short- (2d) and long-term (44 d) exposed to Hg-contaminated soils (up to 1287 mg/kg dry wt). This level of Hg exposure did not cause earthworm mortality, however it yielded organisms to a situation of oxidative stress which was evidenced by the time-dependent responses of biomarkers. The reduced to oxidized glutathione ratio was a sensitive and early biomarker of Hg exposure, although the glutathione reductase activity back returned their normal physiological concentrations. Metallothioneins and total glutathione seemed to have a significant role in reducing Hg-induced oxidative stress when exposure to Hg prolonged up to 44 d. We combined biomarker responses into an integrate biomarker index which positively correlated with the Hg concentrations measured in the postmitochondrial fraction of the earthworm muscle, and with the available Hg fraction in soil. Current results suggest that glutathione redox cycle can be a complementary tool in the exposure and effect assessment of Hg-polluted soils.

Chemical extractions and predicted free ion activities fail to estimate metal transfer from soil to field land snails

This study investigates the relevance of several soil chemical extractions (calcium chloride, acetic acid, citric acid and a four-step sequential procedure) and predicted free metal ion activities in the soil solution to characterise the transfer of trace metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn) from soil to snail soft tissues over a large smelter-impacted area (Metaleurop Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France). The study was first performed on six snail species together and then specifically on Cepaea sp. and Oxychilus draparnaudi. When the six species were considered together, the accumulation of metals depended mostly on the species. When significant, total or extractable metal concentrations, or the predicted free ion activities, accounted for less than 7% of the variation of the metal concentrations in the snail tissues. Species-specific analyses showed that extractable concentrations explained approximately 25% of the variation of the metal concentrations in O. draparnaudi, and up to 8% in Cepaea snails. When using total soil concentrations and soil properties as explanatory variables, the models were generally slightly better, explaining up to 42% of the variance. The soil extraction procedures and predicted free ion activities used in this study did not accurately estimate the metal transfer from soil to snails and could not be used in risk assessment.

Bioavailability pathways underlying zinc-induced avoidance behavior and reproduction toxicity in Lumbricus rubellus earthworms

We investigated possible bioavailability pathways underlying zinc-induced avoidance behavior and sublethal reproduction impairment in Lumbricus rubellus. Clay-loam (pH 7.3) and sandy soil (three pH values of 4.3-6.0) were amended with zinc sulfate at six soil concentrations of total Zn ranging from 0.1 to 36 mmol/kg dw. Estimated and measured concentrations of free and exchangeable Zn ranged 10(-4) to 7.1 mmol/l. Avoidance behavior responses were fast and could be directly predicted from the activity of free zinc ions without a modifying pH effect. The repellent effect is thus likely mediated by a direct action of Zn(2+) ions on epidermal chemosensitive receptors. Body zinc uptake, however, was determined by proton competition with free Zn(2+) sorption. Excess accumulation of body Zn was a good predictor of reproduction decline, which is indicative of internal zinc poisoning. The results indicated that zinc affects earthworms via both direct and indirect mechanisms of external and internal exposure.

Aporrectodea caliginosa, a suitable earthworm species for field based genotoxicity assessment?

There is a growing interest for the application of biomakers to field-collected earthworms. Therefore we have evaluated the usability of native populations of endogeic, widely distributed earthworm Aporrectodea caliginosa in the assessment of soil genotoxicity using the Comet assay. Validation of the Comet assay on earthworm coelomocytes has been established using commercially available Eisenia fetida exposed to copper, cadmium, and pentachlorophenol, along with A. caliginosa exposed to copper in a filter paper contact test. Neutral red retention time (NRRT) assay was conducted on copper exposed and field-collected earthworms. Significant DNA and lysosomal damage was measured using Comet and NRRT assays in native populations of A. caliginosa sampled from the polluted soils in the urban area in comparison to the earthworms from the reference site. The results of this study confirm the employment of A. caliginosa as a suitable species for the in situ soil toxicity and genotoxicity field surveys.

An enriched stable isotope technique to estimate the availability of soil zinc to Lumbricus terrestris (L.) across a salinization gradient

An enriched stable isotope approach was developed to evaluate Zn bioavailability to Lumbricus terrestris. The decrease in (68)Zn/(66) Zn in organ tissues was used to assess the relative magnitude of the bioavailable soil Zn pool. This tool was then used to specifically evaluate bioavailability as a function of soil cation distribution. Storm-water pond soils were modified using two treatment regimens whereby H(2)O-extractable Zn was varied either by different ZnCl(2) amendments or by constant ZnCl(2) amendment followed by varying the soil cation distribution through salt amendments (NaCl or CaCl(2)). Earthworms previously equilibrated in (68) Zn-spiked soil were introduced to experimental soils, and after 2 d, removed for analysis of isotopic ratios in specific tissues. Despite a wide range of H(2)O-extractable Zn values produced by the salt treatments (0.007-24.3 mg/kg), a significant relationship between Zn turnover rate in earthworm tissues and H(2)O-extractable Zn in the salt-treated soils was not observed. Rather, considering both treatment regimens, turnover rate better correlated with Zn present in broader pools, such as that extracted by 6M HNO(3). The bioavailability of trace metals to earthworms may be poorly characterized by loosely bound fractions such as the pore water. Additionally, the turnover rate of (68)Zn in anterior organ tissues may be an effective tool to evaluate the relative magnitude of the bioavailable soil Zn pool.

Genotoxic endpoints in the earthworms sub-lethal assay to evaluate natural soils contaminated by metals and radionuclides

Eisenia andrei was exposed, for 56 days, to a contaminated soil from an abandoned uranium mine and to the natural reference soil LUFA 2.2. The organisms were sampled after 0, 1, 2, 7, 14 and 56 days of exposure, to assess metals bioaccumulation, coelomocytes DNA integrity and cytotoxicity. Radionuclides bioaccumulation and growth were also determined at 0 h, 14 and 56 days of exposure. Results have shown the bioaccumulation of metals and radionuclides, as well as, growth reduction, DNA damages and cytotoxicity in earthworms exposed to contaminated soil. The usefulness of the comet assay and flow cytometry, to evaluate the toxicity of contaminants such as metals and radionuclides in earthworms are herein reported. We also demonstrated that DNA strand breakage and immune cells frequency are important endpoints to be employed in the earthworm reproduction assay, for the evaluation of soil geno and cytotoxicity, as part of the risk assessment of contaminated areas. This is the first study that integrates DNA damage and cytotoxicity evaluation, growth and bioaccumulation of metals and radionuclides in a sub lethal assay, for earthworms exposed to soil contaminated with metals and radionuclides.

Predicting As, Cd and Pb uptake by rice and vegetables using field data from China

Plant uptake factor (PUF), single-variable regression of natural log-transformed concentrations in rice grain/vegetables versus natural log-transformed concentrations in soil and multiple-variable regression with soil concentrations and pH, was derived, validated and compared based on the paired crop and soil data collected from studies regarding As, Cd and Pb contaminated croplands in China. Results showed that the median value of PUF did not present deterministic prediction. But after natural logarithm transformation, the PUF followed Gaussian distribution which could be useful in risk assessment. The single-variable regression models were significant for As, Cd and Pb uptake both by rice and vegetables; however, the standard errors of all the regressions were comparatively large. Soil pH as a variable was generally significant but it only contributed positively to model fit for Cd uptake. After model comparison and selection, the upper 95% prediction limits of the multiple regression model for Cd uptake by rice was recommended to calculate screening value of Cd for paddy soil based on the limit for Cd concentration in rice grain.

Hazardous effects of eight years of application of four organic waste materials on earthworm numbers and biomass in field lysimeters

The hazardous effects on the earthworm numbers and biomass of eight consecutive yearly applications of three levels (12.5, 25, and 50 tons of dry matter/ha/y) of four different organic sludges (municipal sewage, industrial sewage, alcohol fermentation processing, and leather processing) to earthworm-free soils were examined using field lysimeters. Results were compared with those of pig manure compost (PMC)-treated soil. Of five species (Amynthas agrestis, A. sangyeoli, A. hupeiensis, Drawida koreana, and D. japonica) from 390 adult specimens collected 4 and 8 years after treatment, the number of species appeared to be lower in sludge-treated soils than in PMC-treated soils. Earthworm populations and biomass were correlated negatively with the pollution index [∑(heavy-metal concentration in soil/tolerable level)/number of heavy metal] 4 and 8 years after treatment. These results suggest that the long-term application of these sludges, particularly from industrial sewage and leather processing, might affect adversely the establishment of Megascolecid and Moniligastrid earthworms in field conditions.

Effect of silver nanoparticle surface coating on bioaccumulation and reproductive toxicity in earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of surface coating on the toxicity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) soil. Earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were exposed to AgNO(3) and Ag NPs with similar size ranges coated with either polyvinylpyrrolidone (hydrophilic) or oleic acid (amphiphilic) during a standard sub-chronic reproduction toxicity test. No significant effects on growth or mortality were observed within any of the test treatments. Significant decreases in reproduction were seen in earthworms exposed to AgNO3, (94.21 mg kg(-1)) as well as earthworms exposed to Ag NPs with either coating (727.6 mg kg(-1) for oleic acid and 773.3 mg kg(-1) for polyvinylpyrrolidone). The concentrations of Ag NPs at which effects were observed are much higher than predicted concentrations of Ag NPs in sewage sludge amended soils; however, the concentrations at which adverse effects of AgNO(3) were observed are similar to the highest concentrations of Ag presently observed in sewage sludge in the United States. Earthworms accumulated Ag in a concentration-dependent manner from all Ag sources, with more Ag accumulating in tissues from AgNO(3) compared to earthorms exposed to equivalent concentrations of Ag NPs. No differences were observed in Ag accumulation or toxicity between earthworms exposed to Ag NPs with polyvinylpyrrolidone or oleic acid coatings.

Metal toxicity in a sediment-dwelling polychaete: threshold body concentrations or overwhelming accumulation rates?

We followed the net accumulation of As, Cu and Zn in the deposit-feeding polychaete Arenicola marina exposed in the laboratory to natural metal-contaminated sediments, one exposure leading to mass mortality between day 10 and 20, and the other not causing lethality over a period of 60 days of exposure. The worms showed lower total accumulated metal concentrations just before mortality occurred (<20 days) at the lethal exposure, than after 30 days of exposure to sediments not causing mortality. Moreover rates of accumulation of As, Cu and Zn were significantly higher in the lethal exposure than in the sublethal exposure. Our results show that it is not possible to link mortality to a critical total body concentration, and we add to a growing body of literature indicating that metal toxicity occurs when organisms cannot cope with overwhelming influx and subsequent accumulation rates.

Comparison of biological and chemical measures of metal bioavailability in field soils: test of a novel simulated earthworm gut extraction

Bioavailability of metals in soil is a major factor influencing estimates of risk associated with exposure of ecological receptors. Metal concentrations in soil are often compared to ecological screening benchmarks, which are based on total concentrations in soil. Often, the total concentration is not correlated with toxicity. No standardised method exists for determining the bioavailability of metals in soil to ecological receptors. Several surrogate measures of bioavailability were compared to the results of a battery of toxicity tests using copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)-contaminated soils collected from a former industrial area. A calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) extraction, cyclodextrin (HPCD) extraction, simulated earthworm gut (SEG) test, and earthworm bioaccumulation test were performed using the soils. Extractable metals using the CaCl(2) solution were not correlated with any biological responses of earthworms (Eisenia andrei), collembola (Folsomia candida), northern wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus), or alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Concentrations of metals in the HPCD extracts were highly variable and were not adequate for revealing adverse effects. E. andrei tissue concentrations were variable but were predictive of adverse effects to invertebrates. The results of the SEG test correlated with most of the biological endpoints. Bioavailable Cu was correlated with adverse effects to invertebrates and plants using the SEG test. Overall, coefficients of determination associated with the relationships between the biological responses and each measure of bioavailability indicated that those for the SEG test were greater than those for the other surrogate measures of bioavailability. Further validation is required before this test is routinely used to estimate metal bioavailability and toxicity.

Influence of soil properties on molybdenum uptake and elimination kinetics in the earthworm Eisenia andrei

This study aimed at determining the uptake and elimination kinetics of molybdenum in the earthworm Eisenia andrei, and the influence of soil properties on molybdenum bioaccumulation. Three natural and four artificial soils were spiked at concentrations of 10 and 100 microg Mo g(-1) dry soil. Earthworms were exposed individually to spiked soils and sampled at different time intervals for 21 d. Remaining earthworms were transferred to non-spiked soil to determine elimination, also for 21 d. Uptake and elimination rate constants and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were calculated using a one-compartment model, and related to total, water and CaCl2 extractable molybdenum concentrations in soil. Molybdenum was rapidly accumulated by the earthworms with uptake rate constants between 0.05 and 1.70 g dry soil g(-1) dry earthworm d(-1), and equilibrium generally was reached within 10 d. Molybdenum was not strongly bioaccumulated (BAF<or=4). Mo availability and bioaccumulation in earthworms was mainly affected by soil pH and organic carbon content.

Uptake and elimination of cadmium and zinc by Eisenia andrei during exposure to low concentrations in artificial soil

Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) are often used in the risk assessment process to estimate trophic transfer of contaminants such as metals from soil. BAFs can be derived from laboratory studies through the determination of steady-state concentrations or kinetic estimation methods. In this study, bioaccumulation tests were performed with artificial soil spiked at low levels with cadmium or zinc to determine uptake and elimination kinetics of both metals by the compost worm Eisenia andrei. The metal-amended soils were acclimated for 21 days prior to the test, after which worms were individually incubated in the soils. The uptake phase comprised 0-21 days, after which the test organisms were transferred into clean soil and the elimination phase continued for an additional 21 days. Subsamples of soil and earthworms (whole body) were collected from independent replicates throughout the uptake phase and elimination phase and analyzed for total metal concentrations. Uptake of Cd in E. andrei increased linearly with time and did not reach steady state within the testing period. Cd uptake and excretion were described by a one-compartment first-order kinetics model. Zn concentrations rapidly increased in E. andrei after 1 day of exposure but subsequently decreased to background levels throughout the remainder of the uptake phase; internal Zn concentrations did not change from background levels during the elimination phase. Kinetic BAFs were calculated for Cd and Zn. Cd is a nonessential metal that is bioaccumulated at a relatively rapid rate, while Zn is an essential metal, and as such, it is regulated by E. andrei. Metal essentiality and concentration significantly impact bioaccumulation of metals by terrestrial invertebrates.

Eco-restoration: simultaneous nutrient removal from soil and water in a complex residential-cropland area

An eco-restoration system to remove excess nutrients and restore the agricultural ecosystem balance was proposed and applied from August 2006 to August 2008 in a residential-cropland complex area (1.4 x 10(5) m(2)) in Kunming, western China, where the self-purifying capacity of the agricultural ecosystem had been lost. The proposed eco-restoration system examined includes three main foci: farming management, bioremediation, and wastewater treatment. The results showed that the removal efficiencies of total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) from the complex wastewater were 83% and 88%, respectively. The Simpson's diversity indices of macrophytes and zoobenthos indicated that the system had increased macrophyte and zoobenthic diversity as well as improved growth conditions of the plankton habitats. The results demonstrated that the proposed eco-restoration system is a promising approach for decreasing the output of nutrients from soil, improving agricultural ecosystem health, and minimizing the downstream eutrophication risk for surface waters.

Effects of zinc exposure on earthworms, Lumbricus terrestris, in an artificial soil

Earthworms have the potential to act as trophic links for pollutants that accumulate in urban soils. However, many pollutants may act as micronutrients at low concentrations and toxins at higher concentration. When pollutants are also micronutrients, bioaccumulations may initially increase trophic transfer as pollutant concentration increase, but at higher levels toxic effects may limit population size and the potential for trophic transfer. We found support for this model among earthworms exposed to a range of soil Zn levels. Worms showed increasing bioaccumulation of Zn with increasing Zn soil concentrations, but at higher Zn levels worm growth rates decreased.

A novel approach for soil contamination assessment from heavy metal pollution: a linkage between discharge and adsorption

Soil protection from heavy metal contamination requires scientific assessment on the linkage between site-specific pollutant discharge and environmental effects. However, this kind of linkage is usually disregarded due to the lack of assessment tools in environmental policies, e.g., some developed coastal cities in China have forced their highly polluting industries out to less developed interior areas without consideration of the impacts from pollution transfer. This paper developed a soil adsorption fraction (SAF) model to characterize the emissions-to-adsorption relationship between heavy metal emission and the adsorption by soil. Case studies were carried out for two adjacent southern cities in China, i.e., Guangzhou and Shaoguan. The results indicated that the average SAF of cadmium was 5.38 x 10(-3) for Shaoguan and 1.28 x 10(-3) for Guangzhou, i.e., cadmium released from Shaoguan threatened the soil environment 4.2 times of that from Guangzhou. Further analysis showed the polluting pathway and abundance of water resources were the main influencing factors on SAF. Soil contamination will be exaggerated by relocating heavy metal polluting industries from coastal areas to interior areas. The results should be useful to prompt site-specific policies on heavy metal pollution control.

Responses of wild small mammals to a pollution gradient: host factors influence metal and metallothionein levels

We investigated how host factors (species, age, gender) modulated Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu concentrations, metallothionein levels (MTs) and their relationships in 7 sympatric small mammal species along a pollution gradient. Cd concentrations in liver and kidneys increased with age in all species. Age effect on other metals and MTs differs among species. Gender did not influence metal and MT levels except in the bank vole. Three patterns linking internal metal concentrations and MTs were observed along the gradient: a low metal accumulation with a (i) high (wood mouse) or (ii) low (bank vole) level of MTs accompanied by a slight or no increase of MTs with Cd accumulation; (iii) an elevated metal accumulation with a sharp increase of MTs (common and pygmy shrews). In risk assessment and biomonitoring perspectives, we conclude that measurements of MTs and metals might be associated because they cannot be interpreted properly when considered separately.

ICRP Publication 114. Environmental protection: transfer parameters for reference animals and plants

In Publication 103 (ICRP, 2007), the Commission included a section on the protection of the environment, and indicated that it would be further developing its approach to this difficult subject by way of a set of Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs) as the basis for relating exposure to dose, and dose to radiation effects, for different types of animals and plants. Subsequently, a set of 12 RAPs has been described in some detail (ICRP, 2008), particularly with regard to estimation of the doses received by them, at a whole-body level, in relation to internal and external radionuclide concentrations; and what is known about the effects of radiation on such types of animals and plants. A set of dose conversion factors for all of the RAPs has been derived, and the resultant dose rates can be compared with evaluations of the effects of dose rates using derived consideration reference levels (DCRLs). Each DCRL constitutes a band of dose rates for each RAP within which there is likely to be some chance of the occurrence of deleterious effects. Site-specific data on Representative Organisms (i.e. organisms of specific interest for an assessment) can then be compared with such values and used as a basis for decision making. It is intended that the Commission's approach to protection of the environment be applied to all exposure situations. In some situations, the relevant radionuclide concentrations can be measured directly, but this is not always possible or feasible. In such cases, modelling techniques are used to estimate the radionuclide concentrations. This report is an initial step in addressing the needs of such modelling techniques. After briefly reviewing the basic factors relating to the accumulation of radionuclides by different types of biota, in different habitats, and at different stages in the life cycle, this report focuses on the approaches used to model the transfer of radionuclides through the environment. It concludes that equilibrium concentration ratios (CRs) are most commonly used to model such transfers, and that they currently offer the most comprehensive data coverage. The report also reviews the methods used to derive CRs, and describes a means of summarising statistical information from empirical data sets. Emphasis has been placed on using data from field studies, although some data from laboratory experiments have been included for some RAPs. There are, inevitably, many data gaps for each RAP, and other data have been used to help fill these gaps. CRs specific to each RAP were extracted from a larger database, structured in terms of generic wildlife groups. In cases where data were lacking, values from taxonomically-related organisms were used to derive suitable surrogate values. The full set of rules which have been applied for filling gaps in RAP-specific CRs is described. Statistical summaries of the data sets are provided, and CR values for 39 elements and 12 RAP combinations are given. The data coverage, reliance on derived values, and applicability of the CR approach for each of the RAPs is discussed. Finally, some consideration is given to approaches where RAPs and their life stages could be measured for the elements of interest under more rigorously controlled conditions to help fill the current data gaps.