Impact assessment of heavy metal pollution on soil mite communities (Acari: Mesostigmata) from Zlatna Depression - Transylvania

In total, 66 Mesostigmata species were identified, with 961 individuals. Mite communities from the most polluted areas were distinguishable from those from less polluted grasslands. Some heavy metals (e.g. As, Cu, Pb and Zn) influenced the soil mites from highly polluted ecosystems, while Mn and other environmental variables (altitude and soil humidity) were strongly correlated with invertebrate communities from the medium polluted areas. Soil temperature was the main factor influencing mites from the less polluted ecosystems.