Heavy metal content of forest litter arthropods as related to body-size and trophic level

Abstract

Lead, zinc and cadmium concentrations were measured in thirteen species of small forest floor arthropods, inhabiting an area polluted by zinc factory emissions in the Netherlands. The species covered three orders of magnitude in body-sizes (3 μg to 6 mg), and a variety of feeding habits. Analysis of covariance was used to correct for weight effects on body burden. Metal analysis on an individual basis revealed large differences between species, even with similar feeding habits. The data are discussed in the light of two conflicting ecotoxicological theories which state that residues of chemicals either depend on body-size, or on the trophic level. The results show that, although body-size considerations may be relevant with respect to lead, both theories are inadequate with respect to zinc and cadmium. The concentrations of these metals seem to be connected to the physiological equipment of species, rather than to body-size or trophic level.