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Effects of Earthworms on the Availability and Removal of Heavy Metals in Soil

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Soil Heavy Metals

Part of the book series: Soil Biology ((SOILBIOL,volume 19))

Abstract

Earthworms originally evolved in aquatic ecosystems and began to colonize terrestrial ecosystems 600 million years ago. Over the past few decades, research into earthworms has revealed that they stimulate the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and hence enhance soil fertility. Recent works have revealed that earthworms are able to direct the fates of heavy metals by passing and accumulating toxic metals through and in their body tissues, and that this distinctive phenomenon is influenced by various factors.

This chapter considers the role of earthworms in the accumulation, availability, and uptake of heavy metals in soil. In particular, it is known that the functions and capabilities of earthworms in various soil ecosystems are closely linked to their biological characteristics and habitats, so this review places special emphasis on these factors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Soil Science Diskapi, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey

    Ayten Karaca (Faculty of Agriculture) & Oguz Can Turgay (Faculty of Agriculture)

  2. Department of Soil Science, Ondokuzmayis University, Samsun, Turkey

    Ridvan Kizilkaya (Faculty of Agriculture)

  3. Department of Soil Science, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Turkey

    Sema Camci Cetin (Faculty of Agriculture)

Authors
  1. Ayten Karaca
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  2. Ridvan Kizilkaya
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  3. Oguz Can Turgay
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  4. Sema Camci Cetin
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Correspondence to Ayten Karaca .

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Karaca, A., Kizilkaya, R., Turgay, O.C., Cetin, S.C. (2010). Effects of Earthworms on the Availability and Removal of Heavy Metals in Soil. In: Soil Heavy Metals. Soil Biology, vol 19. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-02436-8_17

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