Publication details
Effects of water-bloom on survival and reproduction of springtail Folsomia candida
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2008 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | In many countries, harvested water-bloom biomass from water reservoirs is directly applied onto soils as organic fertilizers. Furthermore, water used for soil irrigation may contain high numbers of cyanobacteria too. Exposure of soil organisms to cyanobacteria and their toxins is highly probable. However, only limited data exist about the possible effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different samples of water-bloom on the soil dwelling springtail Folsomia candida for which a standard test protocol is available. No adverse effects on survival or reproduction were observed for any concentration of any sample up to 8 mgbiomass/gsoil. Actually, one sample induced higher reproduction probably due to an improvement of microbial growth conditions. Direct stimulation (cyanobacterial biomass as a food) was not confirmed in food preference tests. Purified microcystine was tested as well in our study, but no effects were found for this compound. To conclude, cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins dont seem to pose direct risks for soil collembolans. |
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