Effect of vermic-activity of earthworm Lampito mauritii on the physico-chemical parameters of different combinations of feed materials after vermicomposting

Chitosan-collagen-G-90 film enhances wound closure and collagen remodeling: FTIR imaging and PCA-kNN analysis.

Currently, earthworm extracts and products derived from earthworms are aimed at improving ecosystem stability as well as discovering new therapeutic applications. This study aimed to isolate, characterise and assess the antimicrobial and antitumor properties of the earthworm (Lampito mauritii) extract against pathogenic microbes and cancer cells. Characterisation of the earthworm extracts was executed using Ultraviolet (UV)-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and ionexchange chromatography, accompanied by the evaluation of cytotoxicity, initially using MTT assay. The earthworm extracts were then evaluated for wound healing potential. Additionally, Acridine Orange (AO)/Ethidium Bromide (EB) and nuclear staining techniques were performed, followed by flow cytometry and gene expression analysis with MDA-MB231 cell lines. The antimicrobial assays of L. mauritii extract exerted a substantial increase in the zone of inhibition as perceived in terms of bactericidal and fungicidal activity. Earthworm extract’s diverse activities are attributed to bioactive signatures in the extract. It was found that earthworm extracts at a concentration of 10 μg/mL inhibited 50% of tumour cell growth (IC50). When exposed to IC50 concentrations of earthworm extract, excellent wound healing and cell migration were observed. These findings displayed promising antiproliferative, antimigratory and apoptotic effects on MDA-MB231 cells compared to untreated control, against a pan of malignant cells, which correlates with gene expression levels of key molecules like AKT involved in growth and proliferation. It is possible to develop an effective therapeutic molecule from L. mauritii extract for the treatment of breast cancer, pathogenic bacterial and fungal infections with further research. Major/Key findings: 1. Isolation and characterisation of earthworm extract; 2. Cytotoxicity of extract against MDA-MB231 cancer cell line; 3. Antimicrobial, proteolytic and wound healing activities of earthworm extract.

This present study documents the first comprehensive biodiversity inventory of selected faunal groups (Oligochaeta, Lepidoptera, Araneae, Orthoptera, and Pisces) at the Maa Manikeshwari University campus in Bhawanipatna, Kalahandi district, Odisha, India. The survey was conducted from November 2024 to October 2025. The study across cropland, swamp, vegetated, and adjacent aquatic habitats revealed rich faunal diversity amid ongoing climate and anthropogenic pressures. Three earthworm species, such as Perionyx millardi, Drawida calebi, and Lampito mauritii were collected from cropland and swamp areas. Lepidoptera surveys recorded 31 butterfly species across 4 families and 25 genera, with Nymphalidae dominating (18 species), followed by Pieridae (5), Lycaenidae (4), and Papilionidae (4). Araneae assemblages featured Araneidae as the most abundant (~40% of specimens), succeeded by Salticidae (~30%), Pholcidae (~20%), Oxyopidae (~7%), and Theridiidae (~3%), underscoring the prevalence of orb-weavers and jumping spiders in campus vegetation. Orthoptera included 9 grasshopper species and 1 cricket species. From the nearby Pipal Nala stream, 8 indigenous freshwater fish species were identified: Ompok bimaculatus, Mystus gulio, Channa punctata, Puntius sophore, Puntius chola, Mastacembelus armatus, Salmosoma bacaila, and Rasbora daniconius

Microplastics Occurrence in Earthworm (Lampito mauritii) from the Mettur Dam, Southern India and Contamination Indices: Investigation and Indication

Exploring the role of Arthrospira platensis and earthworms (Lumbricus castaneus) biosystem in mitigating antimony toxicity and enhancing the biochemical properties of cucurbit plants.

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted in a Vertisol and the effect of various bio inputs and recommended doses of fertiliser (RDF) was studied on soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions and carbon management indices under soybean–wheat cropping sequence in central India. The experiment consisted of seven treatments with four replications in randomised block design (RBD) such as T 1 : Organic manure (OM); T 2 : Biodynamic preparation (BP); T 3 : T 1 + panchagavya (PG); T 4 : T 1 + T 2 ; T 5 : T 2 + T 3 ; T 6 : No fertiliser/manure; and T 7 : Inorganic fertiliser (IF). Organic manure was supplied as cattle dung manure on nitrogen equivalent basis for soybean. For wheat crop a mix of three manures prepared from cattle dung, earth worms and poultry in a 1:1:1 proportion on N equivalent basis were supplied. The treatments receiving organic inputs with or without PG and BP improved total organic carbon (TOC) and SOC fractions viz. Walkley‐Black easily oxidizable soil organic carbon (WBC), acid hydrolyzable carbon (AHC), resistant carbon (RC), particulate organic matter carbon (POM‐C), potassium permanganate oxidizable carbon (KMnO 4 ‐C), water soluble carbon (WSC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Increases in SOC fractions ranged between 8% and 73% over the IF. Soil carbon indices, including the Carbon Pool Index (CPI), Carbon Lability Index (CLI) and Carbon Management Index (CMI), were markedly higher under organic nutrient treatments than under inorganic treatment. The CMI increased by 64%–72% with organic amendments, indicating improved soil organic carbon dynamics and more effective carbon management under organic nutrient regimes.

ABSTRACTIn recent years, microplastics (MPs) have become a major environmental pollutant, posing threats to both human health and ecological sustainability. These small plastic particles have been found to have negative impacts on soil physicochemical properties, soil microorganisms, soil enzymes, and nutrient availability, ultimately hindering plant growth. Recent research highlights the crucial role of soil fauna, particularly earthworms (EWs), in facilitating the degradation of MPs. EWs enhance MPs biodegradation by extracellular enzymes released by microbes. Furthermore, the mucus secreted by EWs significantly enhances decomposition during vermicomposting, thereby promoting microbial activity and diversity. This review presents a comprehensive compilation of scientific data to provide: (1) an extensive overview of the fate of MPs in soil environments, including their effects on soil structure, microbial communities, enzymatic activity, and plant‐nutrient interactions; and (2) examining the role of EWs in MPs degradation and remediation. It also explores how MPs affect EWs growth and metabolism. EWs offer a promising pathway for environmental remediation, and their use in plastic‐contaminated soil or waste can effectively mitigate MPs pollution. The findings presented in this review offer a novel perspective on addressing MPs contamination through the implementation of EWs as a sustainable bioremediation strategy.

The ability of a given kind of soil to perform, under the boundaries of the natural or managed ecosystems and to perpetuate the plant and animal productivity, preserve or enhance water and air quality and human health, and livability, is therefore referred to as soil fertility. The most significant living being in the soil with regard to betterment of the soil health is possibly the earthworm. The earthworms are the most abundant soil animals. Earthworms bring in the organization of organic stuff and stir up the soil. At this mixing, the soil becomes fertile as it helps to distribute the organic matter within the soil as well as freeing the nutrients contained in the organic matter to be available to the plants. An important decomposer of organic material is earthworms. They find their food in microorganisms which are found on organic matters and soil. As earthworms crawl along the surfaces of the ground, they tunnel along their route leaving holes or burrows in them. These are burrows that are long lived underground. Earthworm burrows increase the porosity of soils, thus trapping more air and water into the soil. The soil biota makes all ecosystems sustainable and raises the soil productivity. The cycling of nutrients is one of the important processes required to support life on the earth. Earthworms (EWs) are an important soil fauna community in most of the environments and a considerable volume of macrofauna biomass. They have a positive activity because in some cases it contributes to the optimisation of the soil nutrient cycle through the rapid conversion of detritus to mineral soils. The comminution effect, together with mucus presence due to water extraction in the guts of the earthworms, also leads to the increased activity of many of the beneficial soil microorganisms. The next process is that of organic matter production. Short term, there is a significant impact of high concentrations of nutrients (N, P, K, and Ca) being sequestered in the immediate cast deposits that would be easy to be consumed by plants. Also, earthworms seem to increase the mineralization and rotation of soil organic material. The earthworms may increase the process of nitrogen mineralization through direct and indirect effects on the microbial community. Their increased movement of organic carbon and nitrogen into moving soil aggregates is an indicator that earthworms probably contribute a lot to stabilizing and accretion of human organic matter in agricultural systems and their influence differs greatly depending on land management.

Heavy metals are toxic and can cause a variety of health problems in humans and animals. They affect the natural environment in addition to the wide range of soil fauna. Effective management of heavy metal concentrations can be achieved through the inoculation of earthworms in their habitats. Lampito mauritii, an anecic species of earthworm, is known for its ability to accumulate heavy metals in its body yellow tissues. In the present research, we examined the concentrations of heavy metals in various combinations of animal dung with kitchen waste (KW) in the feed mixture that was initially prepared, in the final vermicompost, and in the earthworm's body tissues. During the earthworm, Lampito mauritii vermicomposting process, a significant decrease in the levels of heavy metals, including cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd), was observed in all combinations of animal dung mixed with kitchen waste (KW). The concentration of Co and Ni was significantly increased (2.71% and 12.40%) in earthworm Lampito mauritii body (6.915 ± 0.004 and 7.120 ± 0.005 mg/kg) when treated in the combination of BD+KW (1:3) and BD+KW in 1:1 ratio respectively. Whereas, the concentration of Cd was maximum accumulated in the body tissue of earthworms from the combination of goat dung (0.42%, 61.899 ± 0.005 mg/kg). The results show that Lampito mauritii functions as a biological indicator and significantly decreases the number of heavy metals in the final vermicompost during vermicomposting processes. This method not only facilitates the effective management of kitchen waste but also mitigates the risk of heavy metal contamination in the human diet.

We previously showed that providing earthworms (EW) to broilers during early life can mitigate dietary challenges induced by soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP). However, whether the positive effects of providing EW are associated with changes in the gut microbial communities of broilers was not studied. This follow-up study investigated the influence of providing EW and vermicompost (VC) on gut microbiota diversity in broilers fed either a standard corn-soy based diet as positive control (CON+) or a diet rich in NSP as negative control (CON-). A total of 120 newly hatched male birds of Cobb-500 genotype were examined in two periods (P), each lasting 8 days. In P1, birds were divided into four groups: two groups received the CON+ diet (n = 30 each), the third group received CON+ plus 1 % EW (CON+EW, n = 30), and the last group received CON+ supplemented with 1 % VC (CON+VC, n = 30). Half of the birds in each group were euthanized at the end of P1, and ileal digesta were collected for microbiota analysis. In P2, one of the CON+ groups from P1 continued the same diet, while the remaining groups were switched to dietary challenge either NSP supplemented negative control CON- (n = 15), or CON-EW (n = 15) or CON-VC (n = 15). At the end of P2, the remaining birds in all groups were euthanized for ileal digesta collection. Microbial composition was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In P1, the CON+VC exhibited a significantly higher Chao1 index compared to the CON+ and CON+EW (P < 0.05). In P2, α-diversity metrics remained unchanged across groups (P < 0.05), although the Chao1 index in the CON+ showed a trend toward an increase (P = 0.078). Analysis of β-diversity highlighted significant differences between dietary groups in P2 (P = 0.001). Further analysis identified differentially enriched genera, revealing that Enterococcus was prominent in the CON+ during P1, while Lactobacillus was significantly higher in the CON+EW group. In P2, the CON-EW group exhibited increased Lactobacillus abundance while Escherichia-Shigella was overrepresented in the CON- group. Functional analysis showed that the CON-EW and CON-VC diets enriched the pathways related to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide biosynthesis and fermentation to acetate and lactate, whereas the CON- increased the biosynthesis of enterobactin and aerobactin. In conclusion, dietary earthworm supplementation positively influenced gut microbiota composition and predicted functions in response to dietary challenges.

Earthworms are one of the major macrofauna of the soil ecosystem. They help in improving soil fertility by their activities and maintaining the biogeochemical cycles of soil. They are often called as ‘friends of farmers’ as their presence makes the soil environment more hospitable for crops and other floral communities. Earthworm population and diversity depend on various edaphic and climatic factors. Among them, soil physicochemical properties play a crucial role. The Present study was conducted in the Gohana region of Haryana to find out the earthworm diversity and factors that can impact the earthworm density. Three different fields, mix crop field (site 1), sugarcane field (site 2) and java plum garden (site 3) were selected for the study. Soil physicochemical properties, viz., temperature, moisture, bulk density, water holding capacity, pH, carbon, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium were analyzed on a monthly basis from November 2021 to October 2023 and earthworm density and diversity was measured during the rainy season of the year 2022 and 2023. Only three species were reported in the fields, out of which two species, Metaphire posthuma and Lampito mauritii were reported in all fields and Eutyphous incommodus was recorded only at site 3. Pearson correlation was applied using t-test and the results indicated that annual average Nitrogen values have a positive correlation with earthworm density (p&lt;0.025). The correlation of earthworm densities across all fields with the coefficient of variation indicated that temperature negatively impacts the earthworm density (p&lt;0.05). The study also indicated that an undisturbed environment is better suitable for earthworms as maximum earthworm density was observed at site 3. It also indicated that field management practices such as tillage and the use of pesticides and fertilizer may have an impact on the earthworm population.

A comparative evaluation of anthelmintic activity of a natural polysaccharide sourced from Angelica sinensis using a novel housefly worms’ model and conventional earth worm model

Acetyl choline esterase is an enzyme participating in cholinergic system and breaks down acetylcholine into choline and acetate, terminating the neurotransmission process. The study highlights the influence of temperature on AChE activity in two ecologically different earthworm species viz., epigeic- Eudrilus eugeniae and aneic- Lampito mauritii when exposed to metal stress and temperature co-exposure. In Eudrilus eugeniae, an augmentation in the level of AChE was observed upon exposure to both metals (Zn2+ and Cr6+) while Zn2+ co-exposures carried at 18oC and 28oC found to inhibit the activity on day 21 and 28 highlighting the modulatory effect of temperature in augmenting the toxic potential of Zn2+. Chromium exposures carried out at 18oC caused a significant (p&lt;0.05) augmentation in AChE activity on day 7, 14 and 21 and the observed % change found to be +95.75, +27.71 and +32.99 respectively; while a considerable suppression in its activity was evident on day 28 (-29.17 %). Whereas, in Lampito mauritii, a considerable augmentation in AChE activity was evident upon exposure to both metals, while a significant (p&lt;0.05) inhibition in enzyme activity levels was evident in Zn2+ exposure at 18oC and 28oC explaining the influence of temperature in augmenting the toxicity. Likewise, Cr6+ co-exposures carried out at 18oC found to inhibit AChE activity on day 21 and 28 and similar, inhibition was evident in exposures made at 28oC on day 7 and 28 with exception on day 21 wherein increased AChE activity levels were observed. Thus emphasising significant role of temperature in routine toxicological assessments.

The rapid generation of coffee and tea ground wastes poses significant environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas. This study evaluates the potential of the Indian earthworm Lampito mauritii to vermicompost these wastes, aiming to identify optimal substrate ratios for maximizing compost quality and plant growth. Five treatments combining soil substrate with coffee and tea wastes in 3:1 and 1:1 ratios were tested. Results showed that the 1:1 ratios of coffee (T2) and tea (T4) wastes significantly enhanced biomass (52.43 g/kg for T2) and hatchling production (58 in T2). Vermicompost from these treatments exhibited enriched macronutrient levels (nitrogen 20.1 g/kg, phosphorous8.4 g/kg, potassium 19.7 g/kg in T2) and boosted rose plant growth, with plants in T2 growing to 110 cm and producing 7 flowers. This study highlights vermicomposting as an efficient, low-cost method for organic waste recycling and sustainable agriculture.

Evidence on prospective remediation of municipal solid waste contaminated with toxic heavy metals by Eudrilus eugeniae (Eu) and Lampito mauritii (L) is very scarce and yet to be explored. In this study, heavy metal detoxification potential of E. eugeniae and L. mauritii in municipal solid waste (MSW) + cowdung (CD) (3:1)-based feedstocks were investigated against Eisenia fetida (E) (a well-known vermi-remediator) and aerobic composting. Excellent reduction (70.01-93.04%) of potentially toxic heavy metals (PTHMs) (Pb, Cr, Cd and Zn) were evident in both E. eugeniae and L. mauritii employed treatments. Moreover, the results on heavy metal budget quotient clearly demonstrated the unique detoxification route undertaken by E. eugeniae and L. mauritii via humic composite facilitated chelation over the nominal bioaccumulation pathway. The principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the strong negative correlation between the heavy metal (HM) level in earthworm gut and MSW substrate, whereas a strong positive correlation between humic substances and HM remediation. Furthermore, analysis of ecological health parameters indicated substantial reduction of environmental risk and guaranteed negligible risk of PTHM if utilized as manure. Moreover, significant increment in total N content (3.2-3.8-fold), available P (4-5.9-fold), exchangeable K (3.66-fourfold) and enzyme activity along with significant reduction of TOC (~ 87%) confirmed E. eugeniae and L. mauritii could effectively stabilize MSW. Thus, the metal-binding potential of humic substances produced by earthworms during the detoxification of municipal solid waste (MSW), coupled with a metal budget analysis, has offered valuable insights into the usage of E. eugeniae and L. mauritii as effective contenders for sanitizing heavy metal-laden MSW.

India's native Lampito mauritii, a purely anecic peregrine has proven to be an effective tool for reducing organic waste in vermicomposting techniques. This study focuses on nutrient analysis and the analysis of physicochemical parameters in Lampito mauritii using the vermicomposting method. The results obtained from this study were elucidated using Physicochemical Parameters such as Moisture Content, Particle size, Odor and Color, pH and Electrical Conductivity and macronutrient analysis for Potassium, Available Phosphorus, Soluble calcium and magnesium, Chloride, Available boron, Micronutrients and Heavy metals. In our study macro and micro mineral analysis showed increased concentration in vermicompost. Heavy metal concentration is also considerably high in vermicompost. These results show the impact of Lampito mauritii in enriching the soil quality.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of aqueous extract of rhizomes of Curcuma aromatic Salisb in various concentration (25% to 100%) by using earth worms (Lumbricus rubellus). Albandezole 20mg/mL was used as the standard drug where distilled water as control. A strong association was seen between the concentration gradient and the results. The minimum time for paralysis (15.5 min) and death (34.7 min) was observed in 100% concentration of aqueous extract of rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. Maximum time taken for paralysis (46.2 min) and death (105.0) was recorded in the 25% concentration of aqueous extract of rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. Time taken for paralysis recorded in 50% and 75% concentration of aqueous extract of rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica Salisb were 34.2 min and 26.9 min accordingly. Time taken for death recorded in 50% and 75% concentration of aqueous extract of rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica Salisb were 67.6 min and 57.6 min accordingly. The results obtained were statistically analyzed by SPSS, IBM, Version 23. Using one way-ANOVA method and paired sample t-test analysis method. The standard used was albendazole at the concentration of 20mg/ml showed a significant value of 0.049 which is P&lt;0.05 which indicates that the standard drug used for the research is an efficient and effective drug which elicited anthelmintic activity. Where as aqueous extract of Rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica Salisb was used as the test drug at the different concentration gradients of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% against the Earth worms belongs to the species of Lumbricus rubellus which indicates the P values as for 25% (p=0.033, p&lt;0.05), for 50% (p=0.022, p&lt;0.05), for 75% (p=0.014, p&lt;0.05) and 100% (p=0.009, p&lt;0.05). When compared to the standard drug the test drug in all percentage of concentrations indicates effective anthelmintic activity. Among the different concentration gradients with the increase in concentrations, the anthelmintic activity also increased. Therefore, the results of this study conclude that the aqueous extract of rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica Salisb showed anthelmintic activity. Key words: Curcuma aromatica Salisb, Anthelmintic, Earth worms, Albendazole

Ecotoxicology is concerned with the possible long-term impacts of environmental stresses that alter organisms at the genetic level. Earthworm coelomocytes are sensitive environmental stress markers often employed in genotoxicity assessments. In this study, DNA damage was studied in coelomocytes of two different earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Lampito mauritii, upon exposure to Zn2+ and Cr6+ spiked soils at variable temperatures viz., 18℃ (Cold), 24℃ (Control), 28℃ (Warm) to measure modulatory actions of temperature stress. The results of the study infer a clear species-specific response to combined toxicity. Hence, comet assay representing genotoxicity in coelomocytes is the warning signal of temperature and metal stress in earthworms. Therefore, temperature should be considered as an important factor in toxicity testing, as it indicates variations in local conditions that could affect the efficacy of heavy metal toxicity in earthworms of different ecological habitats.

Monopterus albus is one of China’s renowned and superior aquaculture species, with its seedlings mainly sourced from wild capture. One of the bottlenecks in M. albus aquaculture is the high mortality rate and low feeding initiation rate from stocking wild fry to the initiation of feeding. In production, trash fish is commonly used to wean M. albus juveniles onto feeding. In this study, we introduced three other natural feeds, earthworms (EW), yellow mealworms (YMW), and fly maggots (FM), with frozen trash fish (TF) serving as the control group, to evaluate the effects of these four natural feeds on the survival rate, feeding initiation, antioxidant enzymes activity, and body composition of M. albus juveniles under recirculating water aquaculture conditions. The experiment comprised four treatments, each with three replicates. Each replicate consisted of stocking 150 M. albus juveniles weighing 10.02 ± 0.89 g in size, raised for 5 weeks. The survival rate of the YMW group was 73.33%–85.33%, which was significantly higher than that of the other three bait groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The four bait groups showed no significant differences in final body weight and specific growth rate (SGR) (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The EW group showed the highest final body weight, with an average SGR of 2.73, whereas the YMW group had an average SGR of 1.87. The average daily feeding amount was significantly higher in EW and YMW groups than in the other two groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The percentage of feeding amount to fish weight in the EW group reached 7.3% in the fifth week. After 5 weeks of cultivation, NO2−-N content was significantly higher in the waters of the TF and EW groups than in the waters of the FM and YMW groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05), there was no significant difference in TAN content among the treatment groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Liver malondialdehyde content was significantly higher in the TF group than in the other bait groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). GSH-Px activity was significantly higher in the EW group than in the FM group and YMW group. No significant differences in SOD and CAT activity and T-AOC were observed among the bait groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The increase in crude protein content was significantly higher in the TF group than in the FM group, but the increase in crude ash content was significantly lower in the TFgroup. In conclusion, Tenebrio molitor could potentially serve as one of the alternative feeds during the initial stages of M. albus juveniles stocking.