INDIRECT EFFECTS OF ZINC ON SOIL MICROBES VIA A KEYSTONE ENCHYTRAEID SPECIES

摘要

Effects of Zn pollution on a keystone species of forest soils, the enchytraeid Cognettia sphagnetorum, and its consequent indirect effects on microbial biomass and activity were studied in a microcosm experiment using experimentally contaminated humic soil. Microbial growth and decomposition were enhanced in the presence of C. sphagnetorum. At high Zn concentrations (<2,939 mg/kg dry soil), populations of C. sphagnetorum went extinct, resulting in negative indirect effects on microbial activity as measured by soil respiration.