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The bioavailability of trace metals to soil invertebrates in urban contaminated soils /

Bioavailability of trace metals in urban contaminated soils was investigated to relate chemical extraction efficiencies with biological effects. / Results from a Collembola reproduction bioassay showed minimal toxicity suggesting limited bioavailability. Chemical extractions were carried out on these urban soils. The sodium acetate extraction was the best predictor of the biological effects of Cd while the biological effects of Zn were best explained by a water extraction. / An earthworm uptake bioassay was done to quantify the bioavailable fractions. Cadmium, Cu, Pb and Zn accumulated in Lumbricus terrestris L. The sodium acetate extraction was the best predictor of Cd uptake while calcium chloride extraction best predicted Zn uptake by earthworms. / Treatments were made to urban soils to immobilize the metals and reduce their bioavailability. The metal concentrations were so low in the soils that the effects of the treatments could not be measured. / Collembola and earthworms are good indicators of trace metal bioavailability and should be included in the evaluation of contaminated soils.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.20261
Date January 1997
CreatorsKennette, Debra.
ContributorsHendershot, William (advisor)
PublisherMcGill University
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Formatapplication/pdf
CoverageMaster of Science (Department of Natural Resource Sciences.)
RightsAll items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.
Relationalephsysno: 001609077, proquestno: MQ44194, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest.

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