Reproduction Test with Springtails (Collembola)

Reproduction Test with Springtails (Collembola)

Test organism

  • Springtails (Collembola), e.g. Folsomia fimetaria, Folsomia candida

Test principle

  • The effect of chemicals on the reproduction rate of Collembola is determined after keeping the Collembola in soil mixed with chemicals or in outdoor soil samples for 21 and 28 days, respectively.

Analysed parameters

  • Number of offspring

  • Mortality of adult animals

Test duration

  • 21 d (F. fimetaria), 28 d (F. candida)

Relevance

  • Important to evaluate the effect of toxic substances on soil organisms within the scope of a risk assessment in soil.

  • The toxicity of specific chemicals is determined using spiking methods where the soil is mixed with the chemical at a specific concentration.

  • Also suitable for measuring contaminations in soil samples

Guidelines and literature

  • International Organization for Standardization (1999). Soil quality -- Inhibition of reproduction of Collembola (Folsomia candida) by soil pollutants. ISO 11267

  • OECD (2009). Guideline for testing of chemicals 232: Collembolan Reproduction Test in Soil.

Video tutorial