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Setal-epidermal, muscular and enzymatic anomalies induced by certain agrochemicals in the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg)

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Abstract

Eudrilus eugeniae, the vermicomposing worm, is found in considerable numbers in agricultural fields in India due to their eventual transfer through vermimanure. These worms are very often exposed to pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilisers and other soil amendments. This paper reports the effects of variable concentrations of urea, phosphogypsum (PG), paper mill sludge (PMS) and two organophosphorus agrochemicals, monocrotophos and glyphosate, on certain morphological, histological and biochemical parameters of E. eugeniae. Results indicated setal anomalies, epidermal lesions, clitellar swelling and constriction of the body. Disintegration of connective tissue, vacuolation of dermis and significant alterations in protein, lipid peroxidation levels and activities of lactate dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase and catalase have also been observed in the treated worms. It is proposed that setae, connective tissue, protein and enzymes in E. eugeniae could be useful markers to evaluate toxicity due to the test chemicals.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha, India for financial support.

Funding

This study was funded by Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha, India (Grant number ST-Bio-15/2014/1191).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751003, India

    Suryasikha Samal & C. S. K. Mishra

  2. School of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar, Burla, 768019, India

    Sunanda Sahoo

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  1. Suryasikha Samal
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  2. C. S. K. Mishra
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Correspondence to Suryasikha Samal.

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Samal, S., Mishra, C.S.K. & Sahoo, S. Setal-epidermal, muscular and enzymatic anomalies induced by certain agrochemicals in the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg). Environ Sci Pollut Res 26, 8039–8049 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-019-04204-3

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