Bioaccumulation assessment via an adapted multi-species soil system (MS·3) and its application using cadmium

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental design for quantifying the transfer of chemicals at low trophic levels of terrestrial ecosystems. The soil microcosms, MS·3 foodchain (food chain multi-specie soil system) covered the transfer from soil to earthworms ( Eisenia fetida) and from soil to plant ( Triticum aestivum), then to phytophagus ( Rhopalosiphum padi) and finally predator ( Chrysoperla carnea) species. Cadmium was used as model pollutant. Cadmium accumulation in foliar invertebrates was related to the species biology. A significant transfer of this metal through the minimized food chain was found for all species, but not a biomagnification in the predator species. Results pointed out the relevance of foliar invertebrates and their trophic relationships as additional exposure routes for assessing secondary poisoning in predators. Hence, MS·3 foodchain, could be applied for terrestrial environmental risk assessment when potential bioaccumulation could be expected.