Effects of iron pollution on macroinvertebrates promoting organic matter transformation in soils of Presila Cosentina (Italy)

Summary We studied the effect of a component (Fe³⁺) of a polluted atmosphere on the dynamic interactions among biotic and abiotic components of a simulated broad-leaved forest ecosystem in the district of Presila Cosentina. We reproduced, in laboratory trials, the environmental conditions and time sequences of most of the organic and inorganic parameters that affect the activities of microorganisms and of two invertebrates that inhabit broadleaved woods, Helix aspersa and Octolasion complanatum. We stressed this system by treatment with FeCl₃ solution at 60 mg kg^–1 to simulate environmental pollution. The results strongly suggest that heavy metal contamination, which essentially causes oxidative stress at cellular level, is detrimental to many of the parameters measured.