Effects of spatial and temporal variation in metal availability on earthworms in floodplain soils of the river Dommel, The Netherlands.

E.A.J. Bleeker, C.A.M. van Gestel

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Regarding impact on ecological soil functioning, metal pollution is often considered a constant factor for certain sampling sites. However, especially bioavailable concentrations may differ in space and time. This aspect was investigated on four sites along a metal-polluted river, differing in soil characteristics and metal concentrations. Every four weeks earthworm densities, soil characteristics, and metal concentrations in soil and earthworms were determined. Earthworm biomass and density fluctuated in time and increased with increasing metal contamination, indicating the presence of compensating factors. Multivariate analysis suggested organic matter and moisture content to be the main factors explaining earthworm biomass. Metal concentrations in the earthworms increased with increasing total or 0.01 M CaCl
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)824-832
    JournalEnvironmental Pollution
    Volume148
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2007

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