Earthworms and in vitro physiologically-based extraction tests : complementary tools for a holistic approach towards understanding risk at arsenic-contaminated sites

Button, Mark; Watts, Michael J.; Cave, Mark R.; Harrington, Chris F.; Jenkin, Gawen R.T.. 2009 Earthworms and in vitro physiologically-based extraction tests : complementary tools for a holistic approach towards understanding risk at arsenic-contaminated sites. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 31 (2). 273-282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-008-9208-3

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Abstract/Summary

The relationship of the total arsenic content of a soil and its bioaccumulation by earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus and Dendrodrilus rubidus) to the arsenic fraction bioaccessible to humans, measured using an in vitro physiologically-based extraction test (PBET), was investigated. Soil and earthworm samples were collected at 24 sites at the former arsenic mine at the Devon Great Consols (DGC) in southwest England (UK), along with an uncontaminated site in Nottingham, UK, for comparison. Analysis of soil and earthworm total arsenic via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed following a mixed acid digestion. Arsenic concentrations in the soil were elevated (204–9,025 mg kg−1) at DGC. The arsenic bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for both earthworm species was found to correlate positively with the human bioaccessible fraction (HBF), although the correlation was only significant (P ≤ 0.05) for L. rubellus. The potential use of both in vitro PBETs and earthworms as complementary tools is explored as a holistic and multidisciplinary approach towards understanding risk at contaminated sites. Arsenic resistant earthworm species such as the L. rubellus populations at DGC are presented as a valuable tool for understanding risk at highly contaminated sites.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-008-9208-3
Programmes:	BGS Programmes 2009 > Environment and Health
Additional Keywords:	Arsenic, Contamination, Health
NORA Subject Terms:	Earth Sciences
Date made live:	12 May 2009 12:23 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/7156

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-008-9208-3

Programmes:

BGS Programmes 2009 > Environment and Health

Additional Keywords:

Arsenic, Contamination, Health

NORA Subject Terms:

Earth Sciences

Date made live:

12 May 2009 12:23 +0 (UTC)