Ants as bioaccumulators of metals from soils: Body content and tissue-specific distribution of metals in the ant Crematogaster scutellaris

摘要: Abstract Ants possess several features that make them good candidates as indicators of environmental contamination. Concentrations six metals (Cu, Cd, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) were investigated in Crematogaster scutellaris , a myrmicine ant common throughout the Mediterranean basin. bodies soil samples from polluted unpolluted sites compared. Tissue-specific distribution non-soluble form was examined using novel technique coupled histological imagery micro-PIXE analysis. Zinc cadmium accumulated ants with respect to soil. Copper body burdens independent concentration, while lower concentrations nickel, manganese lead found than soil, although content correlated concentrations. Most concentrated midgut, Malpighian tubules fat body, supporting role these organs primary metal storage contaminant immobilization.