Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Institute of African Research and Studies - Department of Natural Resources

In this study toxicity of four heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) was studied, where they present the most predominant heavy metals. The four heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) chosen due to their important effect on man and environment. Analysis of the soil samples of 3rd and 4th industrial zones in 6th of October city, in addition to the collected soil samples from AbuRawash were analyzed to find the base line concentrations of heavy metals in these areas, to observe the transfer of heavy metals between different trophic levels. Field surveys were made at three different sites, soil and fauna were analyzed for their heavy metal content fauna samples were collected in between January to December 2012 in the three sites from random points in each site using the pit fall trap method. The effect of different soil characteristics and the amount of heavy metal in soil on the concentration of heavy metals in soil fauna was as follows: Increase of pH, EC, total C,Cacauses a decrease of heavy metal concentrations in soil fauna tissues. On the other hand an increase of concentration of heavy metals in soil causes a decrease in soil fauna heavy metal concentrations except for Pb where there was a positive relationship between Pb in soil and Pb in soil fauna continue to accumulate when soil concentration exceeds the equilibrium so that earthworms can be useful in monitoring soil pollution with Pb

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