Metal bioaccumulation in some Auchenorrhyncha (Hemiptera) species in apple orchards

Abstract

Traffic is an important pollution factor causing environmental damages such as soil, water and atmospheric pollution, greenhouse effect, and climate change. Effects of traffic pollution on various organisms enlightened with various studies. In this study, it was aimed to examine the effects of traffic-based pollution on Auchenorrhyncha (Insecta: Hemiptera) species in apple orchards and their potential as biomonitor for heavy metal pollution. The Auchenorrhyncha specimens were collected from the apple orchards near the Amasya-Samsun motorway in Türkiye. The heavy metal concentrations were determined by ICP-OES. Five Auchenorrhyncha species were determined from three sites from each of three different distance. Empoasca decipiens specimens were collected only from 0 m while others found in all localities. Heavy metal concentrations in insect specimens tended to decrease with the increasing distance from the motorway. These differences were clearly indicated in Psammotettix provincialis and Phlepsius intricatus, which were found in all localities. Except for Ni, Fe and Mn for Phlepsius intricatus, all examined heavy metals significantly varied in both species. Results showed that heavy metals tended to accumulate in the body of Auchenorrhyncha specimens and because of this they may be evaluated as a biomonitor for heavy metal pollution.