Effects of heavy metals on the structure and functioning of detritivore communities in a contaminated floodplain area.

P.H.F. Hobbelen, P.J. van den Brink, J.F. Hobbelen, C.A.M. van Gestel

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    The aim of this study was to determine the effects of heavy metal pollution on the structure and functioning of detritivore soil communities that consist of isopods, millipedes and earthworms, in 15 heavily polluted flood plain soils, located in the delta area of the rivers Rhine and Meuse, in the Netherlands. The 15 study sites represent a gradient in Zn, Cu and Cd concentrations. The structural attributes of the detritivore community, which were assessed, were the species richness and densities in the field sites. The functioning of the detritivore community was studied by determining organic matter decomposition using litter bags and feeding activity with the bait-lamina method. Concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn were measured in soil, pore water and 0.01 M CaCl
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1596-1607
    JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry
    Volume38
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2006

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