Overview
EN ISO 17512-2:2020 - Soil quality - Avoidance test with collembolans (Folsomia candida) provides a rapid screening method to evaluate the habitat function of soils by measuring the avoidance behaviour of springtails. The test reflects the bioavailability of contaminants in natural soils or substances spiked into soils and allows establishment of dose–response relationships. It is a screening tool for soil ecotoxicology and is not intended to replace the Collembola reproduction test.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test organism: Folsomia candida (springtails) from synchronized laboratory cultures; typical test ages are 10–12 days (juveniles) or 20–22 days (adults).
- Principle: Individuals are given a choice between control soil and test soil in the same vessel; after an incubation period of 2 days the distribution is recorded and avoidance quantified.
- Endpoint: Avoidance behaviour (percentage choosing control vs test soil). Limited habitat function is indicated when >70% of animals are in the control soil.
- Metrics: Calculation of NOEC / LOEC and effective concentrations (ECx, e.g., EC50 for 50% avoidance) and dose–response relationships.
- Test substrate preparation: Natural soils sieved (typically ≤2 mm), moisture-adjusted to about 40–60% of maximum water-holding capacity (WHC); pH and water content determined per ISO methods.
- Apparatus & procedure: Two-section vessels or chambers, standardised rearing techniques, reference substances, and validity criteria are defined. Annexes provide guidance on rearing, chamber design, testing of chemicals, and WHC determination.
- Scope limits: Rapid screening only-does not replace chronic reproduction assays (ISO 11267).
Applications and users
This standard is used for:
- Rapid screening of contaminated or remediated soils for habitat suitability.
- Assessing bioavailability of pollutants (metals, organic contaminants, pesticides) in environmental monitoring.
- Preliminary hazard assessment in contaminated site investigation and risk-based remediation.
- Laboratory ecotoxicology studies to prioritise samples for more detailed chronic testing.
Typical users:
- Environmental testing laboratories and contract ecotoxicology facilities
- Soil scientists and ecotoxicologists
- Remediation consultants and contaminated land specialists
- Regulatory agencies and risk assessors evaluating soil quality and chemical impacts
Related standards
- ISO 17512-1: Avoidance test with earthworms (Eisenia spp.)
- ISO 11267: Collembola reproduction test (Folsomia candida)
- ISO 11268-2: Earthworm reproduction effects
- ISO 11465: Dry matter and water content (gravimetric)
- ISO 15799: Guidance on ecotoxicological characterization of soils
Keywords: EN ISO 17512-2:2020, soil quality, avoidance test, Folsomia candida, collembolans, bioavailability, soil ecotoxicology, NOEC, LOEC, EC50.