Estimating Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil with Ecotoxicity Test.

Estimating Heavy Metal pollution in Soil with Ecotoxicity Test

Dae Bok Kim, Se Gae Shin, Hye Ri Kim, Won Suk Choi, Eui Young Kim, Kyung Jun Min and Sung Chul Kim

Department of Bio Environmental Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 305-764, Korea

Heavy metal pollution in soil can cause serious problem not only soil ecosystem but also human health. Heavy metal pollution in soil is primary judged by measured concentration and compared with criteria. However, evaluating heavy metal pollution with ecotoxicity test can provide more detailed information of heavy metal pollution for ecosystem. Main objective of this research was to evaluate heavy metal pollution in soil with ecotoxicity test. Earthworm, Eisenia fetida, was used for indicator along with seed germination and root elongation. Total of 5 sampling area located near at the abandoned metal mines was monitored. Result showed that mortality of earthworm was the highest (21.7%) when heavy metal concentration was the highest(Cd: 2.5, Pb: 1,205.4, As:397.4, Cu:825.7, and Zn: 450.9 mg/kg) in soil. Germination and inhibition of root elongation was ranged 43-73% and 7.9-68.1% respectively. Based on result of ecotoxicity test ecotoxicity index (EI) was calculated and ranged between 0.06-0.30 depending on sampling sites. Overall, calculation of EI for heavy metal polluted soil can provide not only information of heavy metal pollution but also guideline for management strategy.

Key words: Heavy metal, ecotoxicity test, Earthworm, Index

*Corresponding author: Sung Chul Kim, sckim@cnu.ac.kr, Tel:+82-42-821-6737