Use of the MicroResp TM method to assess Pollution-Induced Community Tolerance in the context of metal soil contamination

摘要: Microorganisms are known indicators of soil health, and there already several microbial tools for assessing substance ecotoxicity, but is still a need practical new that ecologically relevant in ecosystems. We developed protocol based on the substrate-induced respiration community using MicroResp TM technique as part Pollution-Induced Community Tolerance (PICT) approach. tested long-term field experiment studying effects sewage treatment plant discharge with high Cd Ni contents plants soil. found can be used PICT-bioassays to assess heavy metal (Cd) impact communities. Dose–response curves glucose mineralization were obtained microrespirometric eco-toxicological bioassays Cd, making it possible calculate half maximal effective concentration (EC 50). EC 50 values positively correlated concentrations plots. A community-level physiological profile different carbon substrates was established each sample. Basal active biomass estimated, metabolic quotient qCO 2 calculated. These ecotoxicological ecophysiological biomarkers converge suggest gradient associated sludge-impacted communities terms biomass, catabolic structure, allocation energy requirements versus growth response Cd-induced tolerance. To best our knowledge, this first study investigate micro-SIR contaminated system tool measuring traits Tolerance.