Risk analysis of heavy metal contaminated habitats using a wolf spider, Pardosa astrigera (Araneae: Lycosidae)

Abstract

Using biological indicators to evaluate the healthiness of ecological habitats is increasingly important. Spiders are considered very useful candidates for this purpose, but few studies have been conducted. This study was conducted to investigate a relationship between heavy metal (cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) contamination levels in soil habitats and their accumulations in a wolf spider, Pardosa astrigera, and to develop a bio-evaluation system for soil risk assessment of Cd and Pb using P. astrigera. Contents of Cd and Pb in a female adult P. astrigera and soil were estimated in nine sites in September, 2004 in Korea. Cd and Pb contamination levels in soil were well described by the Cd and Pb content of female adult P. astrigera by power functions. A bio-evaluation system is proposed for a soil risk assessment of Cd and Pb with P. astrigera using the amount of bioaccumulation and the lethal body concentration.