This review article surveys the available data on enchytraeid sensitivity t
oward chemical stress, and the effects of chemical stress on enchytraeid co
mmunities in terrestrial ecosystems. The factors affecting bioavailability
of stressors to enchytraeids and the nature of direct and indirect effects
that may occur are discussed, and the importance of laboratory tests and fi
eld studies for the evaluation of toxic effects is underlined. The existing
data on specific types of stressors such as pesticides' metals, fertilizer
s, and industrial and domestic chemicals often show clear responses of ench
ytraeids, and in many cases interspecific differences in sensitivity are re
corded. It is concluded that, although in several fields additional data ar
e required, there are good perspectives for the use of enchytraeids as indi
cator organisms. (C) 2001 Academic Press.