Cobalt, Chromium and lead heavy metals accumulation from animal dung, soil and rice grain through Vermic-activity by Lampito mauritii Kinberg

Abstract

Heavy metals are a severe concern that causes a variety of health issues in both human beings and animals. They also have an impact on the variety of soil organisms and the ecosystem. The inoculation of earthworms in their natural environments can assist in monitoring heavy metal concentrations. The earthworm Lampito mauritii is a significant species for bioaccumulating highly toxic metals from soil and organic wastes for vermicomposting. This research aims to investigate the concentrations of heavy metals such as cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) found in various animal dungs, earthworm Lampito mauritii body tissues before and after vermicomposting, soil, and rice grains (Oryza sativa L.). Compared to the initial feed mixture of various animal dungs, it was found that the Co, Cr, and Pb heavy metal concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) in the final vermicompost. When the soil was mixed with cow dung vermicompost that had been inoculated with the earthworm Lampito mauritii, the highest concentrations of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) were found to decrease by nearly 44.03% and 17.08%, respectively, while the maximum concentration of lead (Pb) was significantly reduced by 32.46% when the soil was mixed with goat dung. Heavy metal concentrations in rice grains were measured both before and after harvesting. When the soil was combined with goat dung vermicompost, the highest concentrations of Co, Cr, and Pb were found to decrease. Before and after crop harvesting, heavy metal concentrations were also investigated in the earthworm body in soil and soil with vermicompost of different animal dungs. When soil and cow dung were combined, the highest amount of cobalt (Co) was found to increase by 29.91% in the earthworm Lampito mauritii body, whereas the highest concentrations of chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) were found to increase by 18.05% and 30.22%, respectively, in the earthworm body when soil and buffalo dung were combined. For the protection of both the health of humans and the environment, vermicomposting and the utilization of Lampito mauritii are considered to be efficient methods for extracting these harmful metals from rice field soil.