A meta-analysis-based evaluation of metallic element accumulation in earthworms.

The responses of earthworms to excess soil element concentrations are well studied. However, published information on the metallic element accumulation in individuals is controversial. In this paper, the published data on earthworm As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn whole body concentrations were evaluated in individuals collected from contaminated and uncontaminated (control) soils, using meta-analyses.