An uptake and elimination kinetics approach to assess the bioavailability of chromium, copper, and arsenic to earthworms (Eisenia andrei) in contaminated field soils

Johanna Kilpi-Koski, Olli Pekka Penttinen, Ari O. Väisänen, Cornelis A.M. van Gestel

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    The aim of this study was to determine the bioavailability of metals in field soils contaminated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) mixtures. The uptake and elimination kinetics of chromium, copper, and arsenic were assessed in the earthworm Eisenia andrei exposed to soils from a gradient of CCA wood preservative contamination near Hartola, Finland. In soils contaminated with 1480-1590 mg Cr/kg dry soil, 642-791 mg Cu/kg dry soil, and 850-2810 mg Ag/kg dry soil, uptake and elimination kinetics patterns were similar for Cr and Cu. Both metals were rapidly taken up and rapidly excreted by Eisenia andrei with equilibrium reached within 1 day. The metalloid As, however, showed very slow uptake and elimination in the earthworms and body concentrations did not reach equilibrium within 21 days. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were low for Cu and Cr (< 0.1), but high for As at 0.54-1.8. The potential risk of CCA exposure for the terrestrial ecosystem therefore is mainly due to As.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)15095-15104
    Number of pages10
    JournalEnvironmental science and pollution research international
    Volume26
    Issue number15
    Early online date28 Mar 2019
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2019

    Funding

    The Onni and Hilja Tuovinen Foundation, Maj and Thor Nessling foundation, the Lahti fund of University of Helsinki, and Lahti Region Development LADEC Ltd. have funded this project. Open access funding provided by University of Helsinki including Helsinki University Central Hospital. We thank Rudo Verweij, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, for technical assistance and Virve Haili, University of Helsinki, Lahti, for her assistance during the experiments.

    FundersFunder number
    Hilja Tuovinen Foundation
    Lahti fund of University of Helsinki
    Maj and Thor Nessling foundation
    University of Helsinki including Helsinki University Central Hospital

      Keywords

      • Bioaccumulation
      • Bioavailability
      • CCA-contaminated soil
      • Eisenia andrei
      • Metals and metalloids
      • Uptake and elimination kinetics

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