https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:38758 Mon 24 Jan 2022 15:01:09 AEDT ]]> https://ogma.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:30026 neutral > alkaline soil. The EC50 values resulting in 50% decrease in worm weight over control for Pb in acidic, neutral and alkaline soils were 460, 3606 and 5753 mg/kg soil, respectively. Thus, the acidic soil recorded an EC50 well below the soil guideline value for Pb. Whereas, the LC50 values resulting in 50% mortality in worms over control were 1161, 4648 and 7851 mg/kg, respectively, for acidic, neutral and alkaline soils. The Pb concentrations in earthworms ranged from 0.2 to 740 mg/kg wet weight. Soils with low clay content and acidic to neutral pH values demonstrated an increased Pb toxicity in earthworms compared to the soils with alkaline pH. Conclusions: The worm weight loss is a more sensitive parameter than the mortality. This study emphasizes that the soil regulatory levels for Pb are not protective of worms in acidic soils. Therefore, care should be taken when using the current regulatory limits to assess and predict the safety of a contaminated site with acidic soils towards the ecological health.]]> Mon 23 Sep 2019 12:50:26 AEST ]]>