Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soil and Chlaenius (Chlaeniellus) olivieri (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in the vicinity of a textile factory near Ras Jbel (Bizerte, Tunisia)

In this study, data on several metals (Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb) in soil and carabids Chlaenius (Chlaeniellus) olivieri sampled from northeastern Tunisia were presented. Samples were taken at six sites S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 and S6 alongside Kantra River close to three jeans fading industries: Lee Cooper, Denim authority and CRJ. Elemental compositions were assessed through the estimation of geochemical accumulation indices, pollution load index, the contamination factor and bioaccumulation factor (BAF), determined to reveal any potential toxic effects on biota. Significant enrichment of the soil with Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb was observed in all considered sites and shows a veritable metallic polluted state. The highest concentrations of metals recorded in soil were found at S1. In addition, negative correlation was observed between concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and the species. The BAF values show that C. olivieri is a macro-concentrator for Cd and a micro-concentrator for Zn. The finding provides a rich dataset of metals in several biotas and had operational significance for coexistence of heavy metals in both soil and ground beetles. C. olivieri can be used as a bioindicator in monitoring metals pollution of terrestrial ecosystem. Results can be useful for mitigating the impact of metallic pollution on environmental health and required strategies to prevent such effect.