Biochemical and transcriptomic response of earthworms Eisenia andrei exposed to soils irrigated with treated wastewater.

Abstract

In order to ensure better use of treated wastewater (TWW), we investigated the effect of three increasing doses of TWW, 10%, 50%, and 100%, on biochemical and transcriptomic statuses of earthworms Eisenia andrei exposed during 7 and 14 days. The effect of TWW on the oxidative status of E. andrei was observed, but this effect was widely dependent on the dilution degree of TWW. Results showed a significant decrease in the catalase (CAT) activity and an increase in the glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity, and considerable acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition was recorded after 14 days of exposure. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation was found to be higher in exposed animals compared to control worms. The gene expression level revealed a significant upregulation of target genes (CAT and GST) during experimentation. These data provided new information about the reuse of TWW and its potential toxicity on soil organisms.