Ecotoxicological effects of petroleum-contaminated soil on the earthworm Eisenia fetida

Abstract

Petroleum is an important industrial raw material that enters the soil during production and use and is harmful to soil organisms. To evaluate the toxicity of petroleum-contaminated soil, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were used as model organisms for soil ecotoxicity studies. We found that earthworm weight and cocoon production decreased significantly after exposure to petroleum-contaminated soil. In addition, soil contaminated with high concentrations of petroleum can cause damage to the DNA within earthworm seminal vesicles. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and peroxidase activities were significantly inhibited when earthworms were exposed to petroleum-contaminated soil, indicating that oxidative stress was induced by petroleum pollutants. The mRNA levels of annetocin precursor, a reproduction-related gene, was significantly inhibited after petroleum exposure. The mRNA levels of translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) and SOD exhibited a concentration-dependent relationship, and their relative expression increased with petroleum concentration.