To obtain knowledge about heavy metal kinetics in earthworms (Dendrobaena veneta), we performed accumulation and excretion experiments under laboratory conditions using soils from a heavy metal (Cu, Pb, and Zn)‐contaminated site. To determine heavy metal accumulation rate, earthworms were exposed for 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, or 112 d to soil MH (Cu: 815 mg kg−1, Pb: 340 mg kg−1, and Zn: 225 mg kg−1). After exposure for 28 d to soil LB (Cu 242 mg kg−1, Pb: 109 mg kg−1, Zn 72 mg kg−1) or for 112 d to soil MH, D. veneta were transferred to uncontaminated soil and sampled after 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28, or 56 d to determine heavy metal excretion rates. Fourteen days after the transfer to the uncontaminated soil, some earthworms were transferred back to soil LB to determine the accumulation after a short recovery period. The Cu accumulation until Day 56 could be described by a one‐compartment model. At Day 112, however, we observed an unexpected further increase in tissue Cu concentration (CCu). We observed a significant increase in CZn, only at Day 112. Excretion of Cu could be described excellently by a two compartment model, the half‐life times being t1/2;1 ≈ 0.36 d, and t1/2;2 ≈ 37 d. Excretion of Pb could be described with a one‐compartment model. After a fast initial excretion (t1/2 ≈ 0.70 d), Pb excretion stagnated. The accumulation after a 14‐d recovery period appeared to be significantly less than the initial accumulation. The Pb accumulation appeared to be slower after recovery than before.
