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SEPG 2145 Date Awarded 2003
Effects of heavy metal contamination on the abundance and diversity of soil mites in a tropical landfill site
Emmanuel T Tyokumbur
Abstract
An assessment was carried out on the effects of heavy metals on the abundance and diversity of soil mites in the Aba-Eku landfill in Ibadan during the early and mid-wet season period of March–July 2002.Four replicate soil samples were taken from the top 10cm of each of the three demarcated plots located within the landfill and a control at an elevated location of 100 meters away. Samples were collected on monthly basis from April to July. A total of 20 taxonomic groups were identified. The analyses revealed that the mean heavy metal concentration in the landfill plots were relatively higher than in the control. The control plot recorded a higher diversity and density of soil mites while the low mite densities in the landfill plots were seen as an impact of heavy metal contamination, the evidence of which was revealed by correlation analysis. Results of correlation between the mean heavy metal concentration in landfill soil samples and soil mite abundance showed that each group was negatively correlated to at least two of the eight detected contaminants.Oribatida and Gamasida showed significant positive relationship with Fe (II) and Zn respectively. The results of the study are indicative of the impact of heavy metal contamination on soil mite communities in a tropical landfill site. This information will be useful in the formulation of environmental management policy and plan for landfills and bioremediation projects in Nigeria.
Full report: SEPG2145
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