An ecological dose-response model approach to short- and long-term effects of heavy metals on arylsulphatase activity in soil

Summary

The aim of this study was to provide data to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of heavy metals on arylsulphatase activity in five soils. The effects are fitted on a logistic dose-response model and are presented graphically as the ecological dose (heavy metal concentration corresponding to 50% inhibition; ED₅₀) and ecological dose range (heavy metal concentration range corresponding to 10–90% inhibition; EDR). In 7 out of 22 comparable soil-metal combinations the ED₅₀ decreased significantly over 6 weeks to 18 months of incubation and in two cases the ED₅₀ increased. Toxicity (defined as ED₅₀) was highest in sand and sandy loam and lowest in sandy peat. Cd toxicity in sand, silty loam, and clay varied from 1.08 to 9.04 mmol kg^-1. Both Cr and Ni toxicity varied strongly and decreased with time in some soils while increasing in others. The Cu toxicity ranged from 4.51 to 2 mmol kg^-1 in sand and silty loam, respectively, but remained fairly constant over time. Pb was the least toxic element (14.5 to 59.9 mmol kg^-1). The toxicity of Zn ranged from 5.73 to 148 mmol kg^-1 in sand and sandy peat, respectively. At critical concentrations set by the Dutch Soil Protection Act, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn inhibited arylsulphatase by 53, 35, 48 and 97%, respectively.