Abstract
Aquatic oligochaetes, comprising a large number of species showing various degrees of resistance to chemical pollution, are recognized as valuable bioindicators of sediments’ quality. In the Geneva area (Switzerland), oligochaete tools were previously tested for assessing the biological quality of stream sediments, and effect thresholds of combined metals (quotients) in sediments were defined. The aims of the present study were to update this previous work with new data acquired in different cantons of Switzerland and to establish effect thresholds on oligochaete communities for individual metals and for combined metals. The oligochaete metrics “Oligochaete index of sediment bioindication (IOBS)”, “oligochaete density” and “percentage of tubificids without hair setae” proved pertinent for assessing the effects of metals and organic matter in sediments. We established a threshold effect level (TELoligo) and probable effect level (PELoligo) for eight metals in sediments (Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg and As) as well as a probable effect level for these metals combined (mPELoligo-Q). These thresholds could be used directly to screen for alteration of in situ communities restricted to sediments and/or for establishing sediment quality standards based on a combination of different biological and ecotoxicological tools.
Highlights
Sediments are an essential component of river and lake ecosystems
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinated polybiphenyls (PCBs), or organochlorine (OC) pesticides that are only found in trace concentrations in water, are examples of toxic and hydrophobic substances that tend to accumulate in the sedimentary phase [2]
We studied the relationships between the different oligochaete metrics and concentrations of metals and organic matter in sediments collected in different cantons of Switzerland
Summary
Sediments are an essential component of river and lake ecosystems. they play an important role for many species as habitat or nesting site, representing a significant environment of biological diversity [1]. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), chlorinated polybiphenyls (PCBs), or organochlorine (OC) pesticides that are only found in trace concentrations in water, are examples of toxic and hydrophobic substances that tend to accumulate in the sedimentary phase [2]. These substances can reach concentrations sufficient to induce adverse effects on benthic organisms and disrupt the proper functioning of the ecosystem [1,3].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
