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A toxicity test in artificial soil based on the life‐history strategy of the nematode Plectus acuminatus
Author(s) -
Kammenga Jan E.,
Van Koert Paul H.G.,
Riksen Joost A.G.,
Korthals Gerard W.,
Bakker J.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620150517
Subject(s) - pentachlorophenol , ec50 , cadmium , ecotoxicology , biology , toxicity , toxicology , nematode , environmental chemistry , zoology , chemistry , ecology , biochemistry , organic chemistry , in vitro
The ecological risk assessment of toxicants in soil requires reproducible and relevant test systems using a wide range of species. To supplement present test methods from the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in artificial soil with earthworms and springtails, a toxicity test in OECD artificial soil has been developed using the bacterivorous nematode Plectus acuminatus (Bastian, 1865) (Nematoda; Plectidae). The juvenile to adult ratio was used as a test parameter since previous life‐cycle studies pointed out that fitness of P. acuminatus was strongly determined by changes in both reproduction and juvenile survival. Optimal conditions for the performance of nematodes in OECD artificial soil were determined (pH KCl = 5.5, temperature = 20°C, and a moisture content of 70% dry wt. artificial soil), and tests were conducted with cadmium, copper, and pentachlorophenol. After an exposure period of 3 weeks the EC50 for cadmium was 321.0 ± 1.7 mg/kg dry wt., and the no‐observed‐effect concentration (NOEC) was 32 mg/kg dry wt. The EC50 for pentachlorophenol was 47.9 ± 1.2 mg/kg dry wt., and the NOEC was <10 mg/kg dry wt. For copper the EC50 was 162 ± 0.2 mg/kg dry wt., and the NOEC was 32 mg/kg dry wt. It is concluded that the nematode test may well supplement current soil test systems using earthworms and springtails.