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OJVRTM

 Online Journal of Veterinary Research©

  Volume 11(2):23-37, 2007. Extensively redacted 2018.


Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) as indicator  of heavy metals in soils

 

Mahmoud HM’

 

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, American University in Cairo, 113 Kasr El Aini Street. P.O. Box 2511. Cairo 11511, Egypt.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Mahmoud HM Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) as bioindicator of heavy metal in soil. Onl J Vet Res 11(2):23-37, 2007. The important role of earthworms in the biomagnification of heavy metals in terrestrial ecosystems and its role in the transfer of heavy metals toward higher trophic levels are widely recognized. In the present study copper, iron, zinc, cadmium and lead levels in soil and earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) were used to determine contamination. Soil and earthworm samples were taken from areas polluted by agricultural activities or moderate industry. Results suggested that metal levels in worms taken from industrial area exhibited varying accumulation of metal from industrial pollution. We found a positive correlation (P < 0.05) between some heavy metals concentration in the soil and earthworms.

 

KEY WORDS: Earthworms, soil, heavy metals, bioconcentration, Egypt.


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