A total of 10 oribatid species collected from soil around metal smelter, of which only three individuals of one primitive oribatid species. Rhysotritia ardue ardue were collected. Data concerning population density had revealed that the main effect of smelter emission was on the population structure rather than population density. Species diversity was the lowest in corresponding to that of the reference site. As for spatial distribution of mites a high tendency to aggregation could be recorded in polluted biotope. With respect to age distribution pattern, data showed marked differences among different seasons. However, between sites, no significant differences could be seen. As well as, the population from polluted site was identified among the declining populations. While, that from reference site showed a more stable trend. In conclusion, the null hypothesis that airborne emission from metal smelting works has no detectable importance in determining the species composition, abundance and distribution dynamics of soil oribatid mites was rejected.
Key words: Distribution dynamics, Oribatid mites, Heavy metals pollution
|
