Orthoptera insects as bioaccumulators of potentially toxic elements (Ostrava city, Czech Republic)

Abstract

Abstract This paper explores whether orthopteran insects (Orhtoptera) may be used to study bioaccumulation of potentially toxic elements in their bodies on the territory of Ostrava City. For the purpose of laboratory analysis, we used a common species Metrioptera roeselii (Ensifera) and Chorthippus parallelus (Caelifera). The laboratory analysis confirmed a bioaccumulation of some potentially toxic elements (Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr), which is probably dependent on the distance of the sources of pollution and main wind direction.