Acute Ecotoxicological Effects of Bauxite Residue Addition on Mortality and Motion-frequency of Dendrobaena veneta and Enchytraeus albidus (Annelida) in Three Types of Soils

Abstract

The bauxite residue is produced in high amount all over the world. This industrial waste is a possible soil-ameliorant material. Although the material has been producing in high amount, it is not frequent to reuse it. We investigated its ecotoxicological effects on two annelid species: Dendrobaena veneta and Enchytraeus albidus. Two forms of bauxite residue (BR: S – untreated; G – dried, filter pressed and gypsum neutralized) and three natural soils (NH: Nagyhörcsök, NY: Nyírlugos, OB: Őrbottyán) were examined. To determine the safe concentration in short term, the acute mortality and sublethal behavior tests (peristaltic motion-frequency) were performed. The bauxite residue addition (< 5/10 %) raised the pH and water holding capacity level of soils. Both types of the bauxite residue increased the motion-frequency of the worms. The untreated type had an acute mortality effect (> 25 %). Both species refused the higher concentration soils (≥ 10 %) of both types of bauxite residue. Slight bauxite residue addition may improve the life circumstances of annelids in acidic sandy soils because of the pH level and water holding capacity potential rise.