The tri-trophic transfer of Zn from the agricultural use of sewage sludge

摘要: Abstract An agricultural soil in Southern England was amended with two annual applications of sewage sludge at rates 0, 10 and 15 t ha −1 dry solids. Soil concentrations Zn reached 31.1 μg g the subsequent uptake measured wheat plants ( Triticum aestivum ), grain aphids Sitobion avenae ) a predatory carabid beetle Bembidion lampros order to test hypothesis that transferred through this tri-trophic food chain. Concentrations plants, beetles 31.7, 116.0 242.2 wt., respectively. A potential exposure pathway from soil→plant→herbivore→predator identified, concentration being related amount eaten application rate. The sludge-amended soils were all well within current UK regulation limits relevance pathways sub-critical when considering metal loading for is discussed.