Ref ID : 4496
Yahia Y. Mosleh, Severine Paris-Palacios, Michel Couderchet, and Guy Vernet; Effects of the herbicide isoproturon on survival, growth rate, and protein content of mature earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) and its fate in the soil. Applied Soil Ecology 23:69-77, 2003
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This study was conducted to investigate the effects of isoproturon on mature earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) and its fate under laboratory conditions. Earthworms were exposed for various durations to soils contaminated with concentrations that were chosen to mimic an accidental spill of the herbicide. Residues were monitored in soil and earthworms after 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days of exposure to different isoproturon concentrations. Effects of the herbicide on mortality, relative growth rate, and total soluble protein content of earthworms were determined. No lethal effect of isoproturon was observed even at the highest concentrations tested (1.4 g/kg soil) after 60 days of exposure. Residues of isoproturon caused a significant reduction in the growth rate (maximum -27.9%). Additionally a reduction in total soluble protein was observed in all treated worms (maximum -36.1%). The decrease in isoproturon concentration in the soil depended initial concentration: it was slower at higher concentrations. In the worms, in increased during the first 15 days and decreased thereafter. It was concluded that an accidental spill of isoproturon may have localized consequences very different from those observed in cases of diffuse pollution, in terms of herbicide degradation and toxicity.