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Modelling the effects of copper on soil organisms and processes using the free ion approach: towards a multi-species
Stephen Lofts1, Peggy Criel, Colin R Janssen
1NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United Kingdom. stlo@ceh.ac.uk
Abstract:
The free ion approach has been previously used to calculate critical limit concentrations for soil metals based on point estimates of toxicity. Here, the approach was applied to dose-response data for copper effects on seven biological endpoints in each of 19 European soils. The approach was applied using the concept of an effective dose, comprising a function of the concentrations of free copper and 'protective' major cations, including H(+). A significant influence of H(+) on the toxicity of Cu(2+) was found, while the effects of other cations were inconsistent. The model could be generalised by forcing the effect of H(+) and the slope of the dose-response relationship to be equal for all endpoints. This suggests the possibility of a general bioavailability model for copper effects on organisms. Furthermore, the possibility of such a model could be explored for other cationic metals such as nickel, zinc, cadmium and lead.
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