Functional traits of soil invertebrates as indicators for exposure to soil disturbance

We tested a trait-based approach to link a soil disturbance to changes in invertebrate communities. Soils and macro-invertebrates were sampled in sandy soils contaminated by long-term wastewater irrigation, adding notably organic matter and trace metals (TM). We hypothesized that functional traits of invertebrates depict ways of exposure and that exposure routes relate to specific TM pools. Geophages and soft-body invertebrates were chosen to inform on exposure by ingestion or contact, respectively. Trait-based indices depicted more accurately effects of pollution than community density and diversity did. Exposure by ingestion had more deleterious effects than by contact. Both types of exposed invertebrates were influenced by TM, but geophages mainly responded to changes in soil organic matter contents. The trait-based approach requires to be applied in various conditions to uncorrelate specific TM impacts from those of other environmental factors.

► We linked pollution, exposure routes and impacts on soil invertebrates.
► Proportions of exposed animals accurately depicted pollution effects.
► Exposure by ingestion had more deleterious effects than exposure by contact.
► Geophages decline reflected changes in soil organic matter.
► Soft-body proportions were mainly influenced by TM pools.