Environmental Aspect of Population Organisation of Terrestrial Mollusk Brephulopsis cylindrica (Pulmonata, Buliminidae) in Space and Time at a Remediation Territory (Nikopol Manganese ore Basin)

Abstract

Density variability of a population of the mollusk Brephulopsis cylindrica (Menke, 1828) was studied at a reclaimed site in the Nikopol manganese ore basin. This study was conducted on sod-lithogenic soil on grey-green clay. The samples were collected over 3 years, 3 times a year, on a regular grid. Lexis aggregation index (λ) and geostatistical tools were used to characterise spatial distribution of the mollusks. The correlation between the distribution of B. cylindrica and environmental factors was established using correlation analysis. Valid correlations were identified between distribution of the mollusk and variation of the fraction content in composition of structural aggregates of soil. Also, valid correlations were identified with plant species composition at the reclaimed site.

Keywords

• mollusk
• remediation
• geostatistics
• composition of structural aggregates
• vegetation