Influence of cadmium-contaminated soil on earthworm communities in a subtropical area of China
2018
Wang, Kun | Qiao, Yuhui | Zhang, Huiqi | Yue, Shizhong | Li, Huafen | Ji, Xionghui | Crowley, David
Research was conducted to examine the influence of historical cadmium (Cd) contamination and soil properties on the biomass, diversity and structure of earthworm communities in a subtropical area (Hunan province) of South China. Fourteen earthworm species were identified across the twelve field sampling sites. Metaphire californica was the most widespread and dominant species. Results showed that both earthworm density and the Simpson diversity index decreased inversely with increasing soil Cd concentrations. The proportion of adult earthworms was greater in soils with high levels of Cd contamination. The abundance of earthworms was also correlated with soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents. Cd concentrations in M. californica were well predicted by both the total and available soil Cd concentrations (R² = 0.83, R² = 0.90, p < 0.01, respectively), and suggested that this species may have particular applications for risk assessment and use in bioremediation.
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