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(71-08) Species redundancy in contaminated soils, the relevance of environmental heterogeneity: first studies. Heemsbergen, Diane*,1,2, Faber, Jack2, Berg, Matty1, van Straalen, Nico1, 1 vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands2 Alterra, Wageningen, The Netherlands ABSTRACT- The depth distribution of soil organisms is affected by stratified soil physical and chemical properties, and this vertical heterogeneity is reflected in the nature and rate of soil processes. Likewise, the total amounts and chemical speciation of contaminants may show stratification over the soil profile as well. The Dutch river floodplains are diffusely contaminated with various contaminants, mainly heavy metals, PAHs, mineral oils and PCBs. Spatial differences in sedimentation rates and anthropogenic disturbances have caused the contamination to be variably positioned within the soil profile or even absent. Recent results of soil characteristics and contamination in a river floodplain, showed high heterogeneity, both horizontally and vertically. Soil profiles taken 35 meters apart showed different contamination patterns. The different contamination profiles and variable soil characteristics have impact on the presence and distribution of decomposition species in the field. The results of the species distributions and their relation to soil characteristics and contaminants will be presented, with discussion on sampling scale. Key words: species diversity, heterogeneity, contaminants, river floodplains |
