• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.360-365
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• 2002

The variety and density of entomopathogenic nematodes from the polluted soils of heavy metals were examined. In order to investigate the pollution of heavy metals in soil, 300 sites in kyungsangbuk-do were collected from March to October in 2001. We measured the contents of seven heavy metal elements (Cd, Cu, As, Hg, Pb, Cr^{6+}$, CN) and than cheesed soil of 25 sites with high concentration of heavy metals. The seven strains of nematodes were isolated from seven samples by silkworm host (Bombyx mori mori) and white trap. Isolated nematodes are composed of two families, one order. The members of Rhabditida were isolated in the soil with mean Cd content of 0.870 ppm. And they were isolated in the soil samples with As content less than 0.745 ppm. However they were isolated regardless of concentration of Cu and Pb. The members of Cylindrocorpidae were isolated in the soil samples with Cr^{6+}$ content less than 0.05 ppm. Any entomopathogenic nematode was not detected in the CN polluted soil. Isolated nematodes successfully cultured on the silkworm host and were confirmed the pathogenicity, multiplicity, and tolerance against various condition of preservation. Which proved its potential usefulness as biological agent.