DIN ISO 17512-2:2012-12

This part of ISO 17512 specifies a rapid screening method for evaluating the habitat function of soils based on the avoidance behaviour of springtails. The test is a rapid method that reflects the bioavailability of contaminants in natural soils and substances spiked into soils to Folsomia candida. The avoidance behaviour of the springtails is the measurement endpoint of the test. In both cases, it is possible to establish a dose-response-relationship. This test is not intended to replace the Collembola reproduction test. The use of the avoidance behaviour of soil invertebrates as an indicator of unfavourable conditions allows a preliminary assessment of contaminated soils in a short period of time, with a high degree of sensitivity. Being rapid, cost-effective and ecologically relevant, the avoidance tests with earthworms were proposed to complement conventional chemical analysis. Supporting the results obtained in the chronic tests, the avoidance bioassays can be used as a first screening tool in the assessment of the habitat function of soils. Considering the fact that the avoidance response of soil invertebrates differs between species due to their distinct sensitivity to contaminants and modes of exposure, it is recommended to standardize a second rapid cost-effective and ecologically relevant avoidance bioassay. Springtails have shown a distinct sensitivity towards several contaminants when compared with earthworms, complementing the information obtained in the avoidance tests with earthworms. Until now, the species Folsomia candida has been the most commonly used collembolan test species due to a great facility to keep laboratory cultures and due to their high locomotor ability. Folsomia candida is considered to be a hemiedaphic species, meaning that it lives mainly in the soil. Furthermore, this species is already used in ISO 11267. The committee responsible is NA 119-01-02-04 UA "Biologische Verfahren" ("Biological Methods") at DIN.