Explanation: The text notes that specific robust species of earthworms are capable of absorbing or neutralizing toxic heavy metals without dying. Section B: True, False, Not Given FALSE
to regenerate contaminated land at the former Hallside steelworks in Scotland
Castings (Enriches the soil with vital plant nutrients)
Below are the typical questions and answers associated with this passage, often found in IELTS reading practice tests, such as those provided by Kanan.co . Questions 1-5: True/False/Not Given worms put new life into derelict site reading answers
is often where candidates face the most pressure. The passages can be dense, the vocabulary challenging, and the questions – ranging from multiple choice to note completion – require rapid, precise analysis. "Worms Put New Life into Derelict Site" is a passage that illustrates these demands perfectly.
Traditional cleanup methods often rely on expensive engineering solutions, such as excavating the contaminated soil or treating it with synthetic chemicals. While these methods can remove pollutants, they do not restore the "living" quality of the soil. This is where biological remediation, specifically through earthworms, offers a revolutionary alternative. Earthworms as Ecosystem Engineers
Successfully revitalizing a derelict site requires more than just dumping earthworms onto bare ground. It demands a structured, phased ecological strategy. Step 1: Soil Preparation Explanation: The text notes that specific robust species
Explanation: The same paragraph confirms the land "was too contaminated with heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium and lead to support any kind of brick and mortar development".
In 1990, a rescue plan was proposed by the local landscaping company and the regional developer Scottish Greenbelt . Rather than using expensive traditional methods, they opted for a low-cost, biological solution: vermiremediation (using earthworms to restore soil).
Abandoned and in poor condition (usually referring to land or buildings). The passages can be dense, the vocabulary challenging,
Different earthworm species occupy distinct ecological niches. Effective reclamation uses a combination of types:
Earthworms can catalyze recovery of derelict sites through physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms. A dynamic, mechanistic approach — combining targeted introductions or facilitation, monitoring, and modelling — can guide restoration that balances rapid recovery with long-term ecosystem stability.