Eiseniella tetraedra (Savigny, 1826) (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) as a bioindicator of heavy metals

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the potential of the earthworm Eiseniella tetraedra (Savigny, 1826) as a bioindicator for cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) exposure. The importance of earthworms in metal pollution monitoring is widely recognized in terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, the levels of Cd and Pb in soils and earthworm tissues were studied at two locations, Polur Falls and a riverside area located in Abali, in the Elburz Mountains in Iran. At both locations the concentration of Cd and Pb in earthworms was higher than in the surrounding soils and a significant difference was found between the two stations, the latter probably attributable to the (1) amount of pesticides that are used for crop treatment in Abali and (2) presence there of clay, which is known to be rich in Cd. Data indicate that E. tetraedra is an efficient bioaccumulator of Cd and Pb and might act thus serve as a bioindicator of exposure.

Keywords:

• earthworms
• bioindicator
• cadmium
• lead
• Eiseniella tetraedra

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank University of Tehran and National Science Foundation of Iran for providing financial support. Thanks are extended to Dr Beyer for his help and useful comments and Ms Ezzatpanah and Mr Kazemi for their help with sampling.