Identification of potential organisms of relevance to Canadian boreal forest and northern lands for testing of contaminated soils

Abstract

A literature review has been performed with the aim of identifying potential soil invertebrate species, culturing techniques, and testing methodologies of relevance to Canadian boreal forest, taiga, and tundra ecozones. This was achieved through a review of European and Canadian ecological and ecotoxicological literature. The criteria for candidate species selection included habitat, frequency and abundance, origin, taxonomy, practicability, and stress tolerance. Nineteen species or genera common to both Northern Europe and Canada were identified as proposed test organisms in ecotoxicological test methodologies. Some of these species are currently in culture at various European or Canadian laboratories. Three earthworm and one collembolan species were recommended for further method development, while two more collembolan species as well as a yet to be identified Canadian species of four genera of enchytraeids, nematods, predatory mites, and carabid beetles were recommended but need further research. A number of issues with the recommended species were identified that would need resolution through focused research. Also, additional potential test species were identified based on their frequency of occurrence in boreal forests and northern lands for possible further method development consideration. Available information and current research activities on Canadian soil invertebrates relevant to the boreal forest, taiga, and tundra ecozones should be compiled using a similar classification and short-list selection process as used for this contribution to help identify additional candidate test species. The recommended species could be used as part of a test battery covering litter layer and mineral soils of Canadian boreal forests and northern lands.Key words: Carabidae, Collembola, Enchytraeidae, Gamasida, Lumbricidae, Nematoda.