Sublethal toxicity of copper to a soil-dwelling springtail (Folsomia fimetaria) (Collembola: Isotomidae)

Abstract The collembolan Folsomia fimetaria was exposed to a range of elevated copper (Cu) concentrations in a LUFA-Speyer soil for 7, 14, and 21 d, in a microcosm test. The results showed that F. fimetaria was sensitive to copper, with reproduction being a more sensitive parameter of effect than either growth (measured as final body size) or survivorship. A 10% effective concentration (EC10) of 38 mg Cu/kg was calculated for reproduction, and an EC10 between 509 to 845 mg Cu/kg (depending on sex and developmental stage) was calculated for growth. No mortality was observed for soil concentrations up to 1,000 mg Cu/kg. This study has shown that F. fimetaria populations may with time become severly reduced or may even become extinct (in extreme circumstances) as a result of copper exposure. Although survival of the adults was not affected, toxicity was expressed solely through reproductive failure. The present study has also shown that the duration of copper exposure was not an important factor for the determination of effects during short-term tests with F. fimetaria.