Validation of ecotoxicological tests for the assessment of soil quality

The retention and degradation function as well as the habitat function for soil organisms are important parameters for the assessment of soil quality. These soil functions are as important as the protection of human health by direct uptake of contaminated soil or by food cultivated on contaminated areas (production function). Ecotoxicological assessment of soil quality should be based on appropriate test batteries for which the feasibility of each test and the complete test battery well as the comparability of the results elaborated by different laboratories should be proved.