A soil microcosm to test the effects of pollutants on soil nematode and microarthropod communities
- Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH (United States). Dept. of Entomology
- Army CRDEC, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD (United States)
- Inst. of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY (United States)
Previous studies have demonstrated that microcosms with field collected soil nematode and microarthropod communities are suitable model systems to detect effects of toxins on soil food web structure and function. The authors investigated the toxicity of copper, cadmium, malathion, and Aroclor 1254 to nematodes (total, bacterivores, fungivores, herbivores, omnivore-predators, hatchlings) and microarthropods (Prostigmata, Mesostigmata, Oribatida, Collembola, other arthropods). Nematodes were sensitive indicators of copper application, and total numbers were reduced at 100 {micro}g g{sup {minus}1}. Fungivore, bacterivore and omnivore-predators were the most susceptible trophic groups. Cadmium had no effects on either nematode or microarthropod communities. Microarthropods were more sensitive to malathion than nematodes, and total microarthropod abundance was lower than controls at 320 {micro}g g{sup {minus}1}. Prostigmatid mites and other arthropods were the most affected groups. Only the herbivore nematode trophic group was affected by malathion, and numbers did not decline until 1,280 {micro}g g{sup {minus}1}. Aroclor 1254 also had a greater negative impact on microarthropods than on nematodes. Total microarthropod abundance declined at 2,500 {micro}g g{sup {minus}1}, while there was no effect on nematodes. Prostigmatid and oribatid mites were the most susceptible groups to PCB application. Strong differential sensitivity between nematode and microarthropod communities indicates that both groups need to be examined to fully evaluate the impact of chemicals on soil systems. The authors conclude that microcosms with field-collected communities of soil microfauna offer high resolution of the ecotoxicological effects of chemicals in complex soil systems.
- OSTI ID:
- 367529
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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