Cadmium transfer through a soil-plant-aphid system to the larvae of the green lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea) after the amendment of soil with sewage sludge.

Abstract

The extent of cadmium transfer and biomagnification in a sewage sludge amended soil – barley - grain aphid - lacewing larva food chain was investigated. Results indicate that restricted translocation in the barley prevented significant accumulation in higher trophic levels. Whilst no appreciable biomagnification of cadmium occurred in aphids, there was substantial biomagnification in lacewing pupae