Effects of Hg/Co Toxicity in Soil on Biomolecules of Earthworm, Eisenia Fetida

Abstract

Heavy metals act as toxicants to soil and crops at elevated level. Earthworms help in bioremediation process they remove heavy metal from the soil and accumulate them in their body tissues especially yellow cells. Depending upon the concentrations of heavy metals the body of earthworm get affected. An experiment was conducted to check the effect of Hg and Co on Eiseniafetida. Nine concentration of heavy metals were sprayed i.e. Hg @0.02,0.04,0.06 ppm ,Co @0.02,0.04,0.06 ppm and Hg+Co @0.01 ,0.02,0.03 ppm for two months . Bio-molecular parameters were calculated at an interval of 15 days for 2 months And it was concluded that Hg at 0.006 ppm affect the biomoleculer concentration of body of earthworm than Co and combination of both. The carbohydrates level has been decreased from 17.65% in 0.06 Hg, 17.05% in 0.06 Co and 17.32% in combination of 0.03Hg+0.03Co. At 0.06ppm of Hg lipid content decreased by 41.25%, 23.26% at 0.06ppm Co and 32.44% at 0.03Hg +0.03 Co whereas protein concentration was decreased by 42.47% at 0.06ppm Hg, 35.27% at 0.06ppm Co and 38.07% at 0.03Hg+0.03Co. So it was concluded that Hg is more toxic to earthworm not only bio-molecular parameter it affect coccon production, coelomocytes, body weight, length also.