The effect of zinc on detoxifying enzymes in the ground beetle poecilus cupreus

摘要

Carnivorous insects are importnat for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Xenobiotics tend to accumulate especially in higher trophic levels of food chains. The secondary consumers are particularly vulnerable to various pollutnats, including heavy metals. The ground beetle Poecilus cupreus, as a predator, is potentially exposed to elevated levels of toxicants. However, its body contains relatively low concentrations of heavy metlas even in highly polluted areas.