Invertebrates, terrestrial nickel

Data are limited on nickel concentrations in terrestrial invertebrates. Earthworms from uncontaminated soils may contain as much as 38 mg Ni/kg DW, and workers of certain termite species may normally contain as much as 5000 mg Ni/kg DW (Table 6.6). Larvae of the gypsy moth (Porthetria dispar) near a nickel smelter had 20.4 mg Ni/kg DW concentrations in pupae and adults were lower because these stages have higher nickel elimination rates than larvae (Bagatto et al. 1996). 

Data on nickel toxicity to terrestrial invertebrates are scarce. A soil concentration of 757 mg/kg DW soil is lethal to 50% of earthworms (Eisenia foetida) in 14 days, and higher concentrations of 1200 to 12,000 mg/kg DW soil for shorter periods produced reduced growth and survival in the same species (WHO 1991). Earthworms are less sensitive to nickel if the medium is rich in microorganisms and organic matter, thus, making the nickel less bioavailable (WHO 1991). 

Data on nickel toxicity to terrestrial invertebrates are scarce. A soil concentration of... 

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See also in sourсe #XX -- [ , , , ]

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