Response of Enchytraeus crypticus worms to high metal levels in tropical soils polluted by copper smelting

Abstract

Tropical soils from the vicinity of the Mufulira copper smelter (Zambian Copperbelt) were found to contain high levels of metals, particularly in the upper parts of soil horizons. Metal concentrations varied within the ranges: 37-8980 mg Cu/kg, 3-46 mg Co/kg, 5000 mg/kg.

Median effect concentration (EC50) was calculated for total Cu concentration, and corresponded to 351 mg/kg.

Keywords

• soils
• copper smelting
• toxicity
• Enchytraeus crypticus
• mufulira
• Zambian Copperbelt