Seasonal vartadoosln the nutrtent content of carpets of Acrocladium cuspidatum (Hedw.)Lindb.

Abstract

1. Seasonal variations in the percentaae of potassium, sodium, calcium and phosphorus in the current season's growth segment of Acrocladium cuspidatum at three different habitats are presented.

2. The results show that the nutrient content of the moss carpet varies with time of year and also between habitats. For this reason comparisons between the nutrient content of moss carpets from different habitats are unlikely to be valid unless made at the same time of year or during comparable stages in the annual growth cycle of the species concerned.

3. In conditions where the moss becomes inundated by natural waters having a high concentration of calcium ions, the moss accumulates calcium to abnormally high levels.

4. Comparison of the nutrient content of the moss on open downland and under scrub shows a greater accumulation of potassium in the moss carpet of the scrub habitat. The monthly differences between the potassium contents from the two sites are positively correlated with the monthly rainfall as are also the actual percentages of potassium present in the moss carpet beneath the scrub.     

The ecological role of moss in a polar desert: implications for aboveground–belowground and terrestrial–aquatic linkages

The McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica is one of the coldest and driest habitats on the planet. As vascular plants are absent in this region, moss is the main form of aboveground primary production with a potentially important contribution to biogeochemical cycling, yet little is known about their ecological role. To determine the relationship between moss and soil properties relevant to biogeochemistry, we sampled both from a variety of locations in the Dry Valleys. Moss presence was compared to soil properties, and we measured the plasticity of moss stoichiometry (C:N:P) across gradients in nutrient availability. Results demonstrate that many soil properties significantly differed with moss presence, particularly conductivity and pH, but there is no strong evidence that this is caused by the moss presence and not the conditions inherent to the microsites where moss was found. There is great variability in moss stoichiometry, with some significant differences between sites, but generally variability within sites is larger than variation among sites. Results suggest that the main source of moss nutrients is from the soil, rather than water, but correlations with any one nutrient source are weak, suggesting a great deal of plasticity in moss stoichiometry and nutrient uptake.     

Temporal analysis of clonal structure in a moss bdelloid population

Clonal structure of a population of Macrotrachela quadricornifera (Rotifera, Bdelloidea) from a terrestrial moss in Northern Italy, was investigated over a 16 month period. Every month, 40–60 specimens of M. quadricornifera were collected from about 0.1 m² of moss. The individual animals were homogenized and their isozyme phenotypes analyzed by electrophoresis on vertical polyacrylamide gel. One enzyme, phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), was used as a marker to distinguish the different clones present in the sample. A few clones were established from the rotifers sampled and patterns of esterases and , and malic enzyme were studied. Nine electrophoretic patterns for PGI were seen. One was dominant, a second was almost always present, but in lesser amounts. The remainder were present occasionally.There seemed to be no seasonal replacement of the clones and the composition of the population appeared to be unaffected by variations in temperature. Relative humidity seemed to be the more important factor in regulating the number of electromorphs of the rotifer population.     

Oak trees and soil interactions in Mediterranean forests: a positive feedback model

Questions: What is the spectrum of variability of chemical elements in a Mediterranean forest ecosystem across the different compartments? Do co‐existing tree species with different leaf chemical composition and nutrient cycling distinctly modify soil conditions? Could these species‐specific, tree‐generated soil changes create a potential positive feedback by affecting long‐term species distribution? Location: Mixed oak forests of southern Spain, Los Alcornocales Natural Park. Methods: We sampled and chemically analysed five different ecosystem components: leaves, leaf fall, litter and superficial (0–25 cm) and sub‐superficial (25–50 cm) soil beneath the canopies of evergreen Quercus suber and deciduous Q. canariensis trees. We used multiple co‐inertia analysis (MCoA) to conjointly analyse the patterns of variability and covariation of eight macro‐ and micronutrients determined in each of the sampled ecological materials. We implemented a path analysis to investigate alternative causal models of relationships among the chemical properties of the different ecosystem components. Results: Variability in the concentration of chemical elements was related to the nature of their biogeochemical cycles. However, the rank of element concentration was consistent across ecosystem components. Analysis of co‐inertia (MCoA) revealed that there was a common underlying multivariate pattern of nutrient enrichment in the ecosystem, which supported the hypothesis of a separation in biogeochemical niches between the two co‐existing oak species, with Q. canariensis having richer plant tissues and more fertile soil directly under each tree than Q. suber. The feasibility of a potential tree–soil positive feedback model was the only statistically validated among several alternative (non‐feedback) models tested. Conclusions: In the studied Mediterranean forests, oak species distinctly modify soil fertility conditions through different nutrient return pathways. Further investigation is needed to address whether these tree‐generated soil changes could affect seedling establishment and ultimately influence species distribution.     

不同经营模式对川西亚高山天然次生林林地水文效应的影响

天然次生林是川西亚高山林区经历大规模砍伐后形成的主要森林类型之一,是我国西南林区水源涵养林的重要组成部分。以不同经营模式(抚育经营、清林+补植经营以及封育经营)的川西亚高山次生桦木林和桦木、岷江冷杉混交林为研究对象,通过样方取样法获取和分析了林地苔藓、枯落物和土壤的水文指标。结果表明,与封山育林经营相比,抚育经营下的两种林型的苔藓最大持水率均显著升高(F=8.147,P=0.010;F=15.525,P=0.006)、桦木林的蓄积量显著降低(F=4.979,P=0.022),而苔藓最大持水量变化不显著;混交林则均无显著变化。在清林+补植经营下,混交林苔藓水文效应变化不显著(F=2.280,P=0.183),而桦木林虽然苔藓最大持水率无显著变化(F=4.072,P=0.098),但蓄积量的显著降低(F=3.536,P=0.044)导致了其最大持水量的降低(F=3.782,P=0.042)。两种经营方式基本上促进了天然林的枯落物最大持水率、降低了林下枯落物蓄积量;其中抚育经营效果更显著,但两种经营方式下枯落物最大持水量变化不显著。两种经营方式下,桦木林和混交林的林下土壤容重均降低(F=10.715,P0.01;F=5.148,P0.05),同时桦木林土壤最大持水量增加(F=4.499,P0.05),其中抚育经营的影响程度都更显著。从4年来的短期效应来看,两种经营方式均对天然林的林地持水能力具有促进作用,抚育经营较清林+补植经营更显著,但这仅是短期的结果,两种经营方式对于退化天然林水文以及其他生态功能恢复的长期影响还有待于进一步的观测研究。     

Effects of chemical substances on the rapid cultivation of moss crusts in a phytotron from the Loess Plateau,China

In this study, typical moss crusts, which were dominated by the species Didymodon vinealis (Brid.) Zand., were collected from the Loess Plateau and a 65-day cultivation experiment was performed to study the effects of five kinds of nutrient solutions (Knop, Murashige-Skoog (MS), Benecke, Part and Hoagland), two kinds of carbohydrates (glucose and sucrose) and three kinds of plant growth regulators (thidiazuron (TDZ), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA)) on the coverage, plant density, and plant height of moss crusts. The main conclusions are as follows. (1) All Knop, MS, Benecke, Part and Hoagland nutrient solutions improved the coverage and plant density of moss crusts to different degrees and the promotional effects of the Hoagland nutrient solution were most significant. (2) Glucose and sucrose could promote the formation of moss crusts, but they inhibited the development of moss crusts at concentrations greater than 10?g/L. (3) With an increase in concentration, the effects of TDZ on the development of moss crusts changed from “enhanced” to “inhibited”. Regardless of whether the concentration was high or low, 6BA had no significant effects on the growth of moss crusts, and NAA reduced the development of moss crusts. Results suggest that nutrient solutions (e.g. Hoagland), low concentration carbohydrates solutions, and some plant growth regulators (e.g. 1?mg/L TDZ) enhance the development of moss crusts in Loess Plateau under the appropriate environmental conditions.     

Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) loeske as bioindicator of metal pollution in polar regions

The length of gametophytes in the moss Sanionia uncinata and concentrations of the elements Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in this moss and in the parent rock material were measured in West Spitsbergen (Svalbard). Samples were collected at different distances from the seashore from pure colonies in a wet moss tundra, a moderately wet moss and herb tundra, and a dry rock and terrestrial tundra. Not any statistical relation (PCCA) between concentration of elements in mosses and type of tundra habitat could be found. The principal component and classification analysis (PCCA) ordination revealed that S. uncinata from sites the most close, the most remote and on an intermediary distance from the seashore differentiated by the value of factor 1, which relates negatively to concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb and V. S. uncinata from sites situated the most close to and the most distant from the seashore was differentiated by the value of factor 2, which was negatively related to concentrations of Na, Ni and Mn in this moss. The established model points that Na, Mn, Cu, Ni and Zn were accumulated by S. uncinata mostly from sea spray.     

The Role of Overweight and Obesity in Calcium Oxalate Stone Formation

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of overweight and obesity on the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation. Research Methods and Procedures: BMI, 24‐hour urine, and serum parameters were evaluated in idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers (363 men and 164 women) without medical or dietetic pretreatment. Results: Overweight and obesity were present in 59.2% of the men and in 43.9% of the women in the study population. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between BMI and urinary uric acid, sodium, ammonium, and phosphate excretion and an inverse correlation between BMI and urinary pH in both men and women, whereas BMI was associated with urinary oxalate excretion only among women and with urinary calcium excretion only among men. Serum uric acid and creatinine concentrations were correlated with BMI in both genders. Because no association was established between BMI and urinary volume, magnesium, and citrate excretion, inhibitors of calcium oxalate stone formation, the risk of stone formation increased significantly with increasing BMI among both men and women with urolithiasis (p = 0.015). The risk of calcium oxalate stone formation, median number of stone episodes, and frequency of diet‐related diseases were highest in overweight and obese men. Discussion: Overweight and obesity are strongly associated with an elevated risk of stone formation in both genders due to an increased urinary excretion of promoters but not inhibitors of calcium oxalate stone formation. Overweight and obese men are more prone to stone formation than overweight women.     

Notes on the biology of Eudonia mawsoni (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae) on subantarctic Macquarie Island

Eudonia mawsoni, the only moth breeding on subantarctic Macquarie Island, was sampled to measure density and sex ratios in different habitats and at different altitudes, and to investigate the distribution of colour morphs. Sites sampled ranged in altitude from 20 to 433 m above sea level, and included mire, short grassland, herbfield, feldmark and moss. Adult moths were widespread, occurring from sea level to the highest mountain (433 m a.s.l.). Mean density ranged from 0 to 2.3 m^–2. Frequencies of males and females differed significantly for only 6 of the 24 sampling events, with males predominant at 5 of those 6. Females predominated only in collections from a pure moss site, where they appeared to gather to oviposit. In some vegetation types, moth sex proportions differed significantlly from average proportions, with the proportion of females elevated in feldmark and moss, and depressed in mire. Colour morph distribution was significantly affected by both sex and altitude, with females darker than males and both sexes with a greater proportion of darker individuals at higher altitudes. Larvae occurred at sites ranging from sea level to 370 m a.s.l., usually in mosses. Their diet included mosses and some non-moss plant material.     

Life History Traits of the Endangered Endemic Amphipod Echinogammarus cari (Crustacea,Gammaridae) from the Dinaric Karst

The life history of the endemic amphipod Echinogammarus cari, endangered by damming, was studied at a site on the Gojačka Dobra River which was flooded after closure of a large dam (D5) and at a site in an intact tributary (B2). Four replicate samples in moss microhabitats were collected over twelve months. Site B2 had a lower range and mean water temperature (10.8 °C) and higher concentration of calcium ions. The population sampled at this site showed continuous reproduction, very high densities and a cohort life span of 6–7 months. Site D5 showed higher summer temperatures (max. recorded: 21.0 °C), and the population at this site had a reproductive resting stage in September and October, a lower density and a cohort life span of 7–12 months. Growth of cohorts was faster during the colder period of the year at both sites, while higher summer temperatures at D5 inhibited growth. These results show that the proximate cause of the restricted distribution of the species is adaptation to relatively colder conditions with higher calcium content. The presented results provide a better understanding of the damming impact on the species and will contribute to the development of conservation plans to ensure its future survival. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Evaluation of the efficacy of the sequential elution technique,by use of electron microscopy methods

Abstract

In the present study, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) was used in conjunction with the sequential elution technique (SET) to evaluate the efficacy of extraction of Zn from the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum (Hedw.) M. Fleisch. Moss samples were collected from two areas, a contaminated area (with high concentrations of Zn) in the surroundings of a steel works, and an uncontaminated area. Some samples from the uncontaminated area were used as controls, and others were incubated in a solution of ZnCl₂ for subsequent analysis of uptake and location of Zn. The concentrations of Zn in the different cell compartments of the moss were determined by use of the SET, and different points on the surface of the moss and in deposited particles were analysed by SEM–EDS. The results showed that the extracellular fraction obtained by SET includes the Zn bound to cation exchange sites in the moss and Zn bound to particles on the moss surface, which leads to overestimation of extracellular Zn. After extracellular extraction, Zn was not detected on the surface of the moss or in the particles. To avoid problems associated with the presence of particles on the moss surface, a washing procedure should be used to remove such particles before application of the SET. Another possibility is to use the intracellular concentration, as this is not affected by the metal load in the particles and better reflects those contaminants that affect the moss metabolism.     

Vegetation transition following drainage in a high‐latitude hyper‐oceanic ecosystem

Questions: How does draining affect the composition of vegetation? Are certain functional groups favoured? Can soil parameters explain these differences? Location: Central Faroe Islands, treeless islands in the northern boreal vegetation zone. Since 1987, an area of 21 km² at 100–200 m a.s.l. was drained in order to provide water for hydro‐electric production. Method: Vegetation and soil of a drained area and a control, undrained neighbouring area of approximately the same size were sampled in 2007. Six sites were sampled in each area. The vegetation was classified with cluster analysis. Results: Four plant communities were defined in the area: Calluna vulgaris–Empetrum nigrum–Vaccinium myrtillus heath, Scirpus cespitosus–Eriophorum angustifolium blanket mire, Carex bigelowii–Racomitrium lanuginosum moss‐heath, Narthecium ossifragum–Carex panacea mire. Heath was more extensively distributed within, and was the dominant community of the drained area, whereas moss‐heath was more extensive in the undrained area. Blanket mire and mire had approximately the same distribution in both areas. For the blanket mire, species composition indicated drier conditions in the drained than in the undrained area. The drained area had higher frequencies of woody species and lichens, grasses had finer roots and available soil phosphate was considerably higher, whereas the undrained area had higher frequencies of grasses and sedges. Conclusion: The dominant plant communities were different in the two areas, which indicated that the blanket mire was drying in the drained area. Higher concentration of soil phosphate in the drained area also indicated increased decomposition of organic soils owing to desiccation.     

Plant regeneration from alginate-encapsulated shoot tips of Phylianthus amarus schum and thonn, a medicinally important plant species

Summary A method was developed for plant regeneration from alginate-encapsulated shoot tips of Phyllanthus amarus. Shoot tips excised from in vitro proliferated shoots were encapsulated in calcium alginate beads. The best gel complexation was achieved using 3% sodium alginate and 75 mM CaCl₂·2H₂O. Maximum percentage response for conversion of encapsulated shoot tips into plantlets was 90% after 5 wk of culture on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium without plant growth regulator. The regrowth ability of encapsulated shoot tips was affected by the concentration of sodium alginate, storage duration, and the presence or absence of MS nutrients in calcium alginate beads. Plantlets with well-developed shoot and roots were transferred to pots containing an autoclaved mixture of soilrite and peat moss (1∶1). The conversion of encapsulated shoot tips into plantlets also occurred when calcium alginate beads were directly sown in autoclaved soilrite moistened with 1/4-MS salts. Encapsulation of vegetative propagules in calcium alginate beads can be used as an alternative to synthetic seeds derived from somatic embryos.     

INFLUENCE OF OCTOPINE,CALCIUM AND COMPOUNDS THAT AFFECT CALCIUM TRANSPORT ON ZEATIN-INDUCED BUD FORMATION BY PYLAISIELLA SELWYNII

Decreasing the calcium chloride content of the medium for the moss, Pylaisiella selwynii (Kindb.) Steere and Anderson, reduces the number of developed buds obtained in the presence of zeatin (1 μm ), whereas similar changes in magnesium sulfate concentration have no effect. Cobalt (10 μm ), lanthanum (10 μm ), zinc (10 μm ) and cadmium (0.01 μm ) chlorides inhibit zeatin-induced bud formation even in the presence of 680 μm calcium, the normal concentration in the medium. Chlorpromazine (0.1 μm ), cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (100 μm ), and glutamate (100 μm ) also inhibit zeatin-induced bud initiation. Ethylene glycol-bis(β3-aminoethyl ether)N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (1 μm ), the antibiotic A23187 (100 μm ) and octopine (100 μm ) each act synergistically with zeatin in promoting bud development and are generally more effective at calcium concentrations of 6.8 μm or less. The combination of either ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, A23817 or octopine with zeatin plus any of the inhibitory metals or compounds results in more buds than are obtained with zeatin alone and these combinations are more effective relative to zeatin response at calcium concentrations lower than 6.8 μm . Experiments with Funaria hygrometrica (L.) Sibth. indicate a similar response to calcium, octopine and glutamate. These results appear to be related through changes in calcium availability at or within moss protonemal cells.     

光合细菌和小球藻对石生苔藓种源扩繁的作用

石生苔藓结皮可以从大气中吸收水分及养分，附着在岩石表面生长，具有促进矿物分化和植被演替等多种重要的生态功能，利用人工培育的苔藓结皮进行岩石工程创面生态修复具有广阔的市场前景，而针对特定地区的优势种探讨高效的种源扩繁技术则成为了首要任务。研究以秦岭北麓长势好、生物量大的石生匍匐型藓种羽枝青藓为研究材料，考虑沼泽红假单胞菌浓度(高浓度24 mL/L,低浓度12 ml/L,不添加)和小球藻浓度(高浓度250 mL/L,低浓度125 mL/L,不添加)开展双因素完全试验，观测人工气候箱条件下羽枝青藓的盖度、新发芽数和新发芽茎长，探究沼泽红假单胞菌和小球藻对羽枝青藓的作用效果、最适浓度及组合，为提高羽枝青藓扩繁效率提供科学依据。结果显示，(1)只添加低浓度沼泽红假单胞菌的处理羽枝青藓生长状况最优，相比于对照处理(不添加沼泽红假单胞菌和小球藻),可将盖度提高14.3%,新发芽数增加61.2%,新发芽茎长增长34.0%;(2)沼泽红假单胞菌浓度对羽枝青藓的盖度、新发芽数和新发芽茎长均有显著影响；(3)小球藻浓度对羽枝青藓各项生长指标均无显著影响，其与沼泽红假单胞菌的交互作用对羽枝青藓盖度有显著影响。...     

Stress responses and metal exchange kinetics following transplant of the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica

1. We studied stress responses and metal exchange (uptake and loss) kinetics in the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw. following transplant (in plastic mesh bags) to clean and metal-contaminated river sites and under laboratory conditions. 2. The stress response (estimated on the basis of chlorophyll:phaeophytin ratio) was more pronounced, and the moss took longer to recover, following transplant to heavily contaminated sites. 3. Metal uptake over the 28 day exposure period was predicted well by a two-compartment kinetic model: uptake velocity was initially high and gradually declined, with metal concentration in the moss showing a tendency to reach an equilibrium with metal concentration in the water. Mean uptake rate, time to reach equilibrium and metal concentration in moss at equilibrium all increased with increasing metal concentration in the water. 4. Bioconcentration constants calculated on the basis of our data rank the metals studied in the order Zn < Ni < Co < Cu < Pb < Cd. 5. Following retransplant of mosses to a clean site, metal loss was not predicted well by a passive exchange mode of the above type; instead, two phases (rapid and slow) were apparent. Loss rates during both phases, and proportion of metal load lost during the rapid phase, were proportional to the concentration of metal in the moss at the start of the recuperation trial. 6. We present nomograms to allow estimation of severity of contamination on the basis of metal concentration in moss and duration of transplant.     

Mineral relationships and ecological distribution of Fissidens cristatus Wils.

Abstract

Studies carried out in the laboratory indicate that Fissidens cristatus Wils., a moss of chalk and limestone grassland, requires the following conditions for optimum growth: pH, 8.0; calcium, 10 mg/1; potassium, 10 mg/1; magnesium, 50–80 mg/1; iron, less than 0.1 mg/1; It has also been demonstrated that calcium inhibits the short-term uptake of potassium from the culture solution.

Within the shoots of specimens collected from the natural habitat, the potassium content was always higher in the current growth segments, whereas that of calcium was always lower. Seasonal variations in the total content of calcium, potassium and magnesium were observed.

The need to wash material collected in the field prior to chemical analysis has been established and the results are discussed in relation to the distribution and local environmental contamination of F. cristatus.     

Spring fen vegetation and water chemistry in the Western Carpathian flysch zone

In the western part of the Carpathian flysch zone, aquifers host several springwater chemistry types. Four vegetation types, distinguished along the poor-rich gradient (tufa-forming and peat forming brown moss fens, moderately rich and poorSphagnum fens), have been compared with respect to the main habitat factors. Water calcium and magnesium concentrations, pH and conductivity as well as the soil organic carbon content were the properties measured that showed the strongest correlation with the main vegetation gradient (the poor-rich gradient). Further, significant differences in iron, sodium, potassium, sulphate and phosphate concentrations were also found between pairs of related vegetation types. The range of calcium concentrations is wide (2–300 mg/l). The calcium concentration in tufa-forming springs is higher than values usually reported from northern and western Europe. Tufa formation is influenced not only by high calcium concentrations, but also by the total chemical composition of springwater and both climatic and topographic conditions. There is a great excess of cations over Cl⁻ and SO ₄ ²⁻ , balanced by HCO ₃ ⁻ and CO ₃ ²⁻ in springs with the most intense tufa precipitation. Unusually high calcium concentrations combined with high iron concentrations were found in peat-forming brown moss fens. RichSphagnum-fens with calcitolerantSphagnum species are distinctively low in phosphates. The Western Carpathian poor fens dominated bySphagnum flexuosum have water and soil calcium concentrations comparable to those reported from rich fens of some other areas. The springwater of these fens are rich in iron, phosphates and sulphates. The poorest spring fens withSphagnum fallax, S. magellanicum, S. papillosum andS. auriculatum are not only poor in calcium, but also in iron, sodium and potassium.     

Life history and migration of Sakhalin taimen, Hucho perryi, caught from Lake Akkeshi in eastern Hokkaido, Japan, as revealed by Sr:Ca ratios of otoliths

Microchemical analysis of the strontium (Sr) and calcium (Ca) ratios of otoliths was conducted to determine the life history and migration of anadromous Sakhalin taimen, Hucho perryi. In 2008 and 2009, 10 specimens were sampled from Lake Akkeshi in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Our results indicated that some specimens migrated to brackish waters during their early life histories. Because the Sr:Ca ratios of the specimens in this study were all less than those of specimens from Sakhalin Island during a previous study, specimens from Lake Akkeshi may have migrated to brackish water, or may have remained in the ocean for only a short period.     

Relationship Between Testate Amoeba (Protist) Communities and Atmospheric Heavy Metals Accumulated in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Barbula indica</Emphasis> (Bryophyta) in Vietnam

We studied the relationships between testate amoeba communities and heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu, Mn, and Fe) concentrations in the moss Barbula indica sampled at 29 sites in and around the city of Hanoi (Vietnam). Our first approach was to compare the heavy metal concentrations and testate amoeba variables between the city (zone 1) and the surrounding (zone 2). Mean moss concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, and Cu were significantly higher and testate amoeba species richness and abundance were significantly lower in zone 1 and the abundance of eight taxa differed significantly between the two zones. We then studied the correlation between heavy metals and testate amoebae. Species richness and abundance were correlated negatively to Pb concentration. Shannon H′ was negatively correlated to both Pb and Cd. The abundance of several species was negatively correlated with Pb, Cd, Zn, and Ni; however, at the community level, Pb emerged as the only significant variable in a redundancy analysis. Our results suggest that testate amoebae are sensitive to and may be good bioindicators for heavy metal pollution, especially lead. Further research is needed to understand the causal relationships underlying the observed patterns.