Role of carpenter ants, Camponotus sp. as bioindicators for heavymetals and in modifying soil chemistry (Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India)

Concentrations of two heavy metals (Zn, Cd) were investigated in Camponotus sp., a common black ant. Concentrations of metals in the bodies of ants and soil samples from polluted industrial zone (Manali, 13.1636°N, 80.2586°E, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) and unpolluted (Thiruvottiyur residential area, 13.1600°N, 80.3000°E, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India) sites were compared. Zinc and cadmium accumulated in ants with respect to the soil conditions. There was increased concentrations of available P, K, S and organic matter in the nests, whereas concentrations of nitrate nitrogen, Ca and Na were lower. A decrease in pH concentrations in alkaline soil nests was also observed. These results suggest that the chemical properties of soil is altered due to the activity of ants and hence can be utilized in bioremediation processes.