Earthworm Research Articles

<i>In vitro</i> anthelmintic activity of <i>Heliotropium indicum, Senna fistula</i> and <i>Spigelia anthelmia</i> used as worm expeller in South West Nigeria

<p>The anthelmintic potential of <em>Heliotropium indicum, Senna fistula </em>and <em>Spigelia anthelmia</em> were investigated using nematodes larvae from sheep and adult earthworms in order to justify the folkloric claim of the plants as worm expeller in south west of Nigeria. The acetone, ethanol, hydro-alcohol and distilled water extracts showed dose-dependent anthelmintic activities at the different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 1.0 mg/ml) when tested against nematodes larvae. The order of anthelmintic effect for the plants was <em>H. indicum> S. fistula> S. anthelmia</em>. Acetone and ethanol extracts of the three plants showed the most effective activity (100% mortality) against adult earth worm (<em>Pheretima posthuma</em>) after 30 min of exposure The reference standard drug (Vermox®) showed less effectiveness compared to the medicinal plants used in the study. Overall, the study indicates that <em>Heliotropium indicum, Senna fistula </em>and <em>Spigelia anthelmia</em> are potential anthelmintic herbal drugs, which in turn validates the use of the three species as worm expellers by the Yorubas tribe of South West Nigeria.</p>

Rearing and Production Performance of Freshwater Mud Eel, Monopterus Cuchia in Different Culture Regimes

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of different environments on rearing and production performance of freshwater mud eel, Monopterus cuchia. The study was conducted over a period of six months from June to November 2013. Different environments such as House tanks, Earthen ditches, Plastic tank and Back yard tanks were used. Except the earthen ditch-2 (control), all environments were fed by different biological food such as small live fish (Tilapia fry), earth worms, small dead fish, snails, small frogs and chicken viscera in different amounts. 40 fishes (approximately 1kg in weight) were stocked into each of the environment. At the end of the experiment, the highest mean of final length (32.89±2.65423) and final weight (109.69±2.92777) were obtained in earthen ditch-1. The weight gain in length 17.78 ± 0.24 and in weight 85.07 ± 0.15 with 92.5% survival and production (4.07kg) were also highest in earthen ditch-1. However, earthenditch-2 which was used as control has also shown satisfactory results in terms of weight gain in length and weight 14.1 ± 0.48 and 66.66 ± 0.82 respectively with 87.5% survival. On the other hand, the lowest mean growth considering final length (28.45±2.80092) and weight (67.24±3.79328) were recorded in house tank-2 while the weight gain in length (11.86 ± 0.26) and in weigh (41.84 ± 0.59) were also observed in house tank-2 with the production of 2.02kg by 75% survival. Based on Pearson Correlation coefficient there were no significant correlations between lengths and weights of fish in different culture regimes. Significant value (P=0.000) of each of the environments implies that M. cuchia can be reared significantly except back yard tank-1 (P=0.009). But, in case of earthen ditch-1 the highest value was found in both length and weight with 5% significance level due to supplied live feeds. On the basis of the better growth, survival and production, it is suggested that the earthen ditch is one of the suitable culture environments of M. cuchia. From this study, it was also found that the live feed are suitable for obtaining highest growth performance based on the findings of plastic tank, house tanks 1 and house tank 3.

Cement, Earth Worms and Cheese Factories: Religion and Community Development in Rural Ecuador - by DeTemple, Jill

Cement, Earth Worms and Cheese Factories: Religion and Community Development in Rural Ecuador - by DeTemple, Jill

Chemical properties of soil, forage production and population density of earthworms in a silvopastoral system in the Zona Huetar Norte of Costa Rica

El presente trabajo se llevo a cabo con el objetivo de evaluar algunas caracteristicas quimicas del suelo, la densidad poblacional de las lombrices y la produccion y el valor nutricional del forraje producido. Para esto se evaluaron dos sistemas de produccion: T1= Erytrina berteroana asociada con Brachiaria brizantha CV. Toledo CIAT 26110, y T2= Brachiaria brizantha CV. Toledo CIAT 26110 como monocultivo. La investigacion se realizo en una finca situada en la cuenca del rio Penas Blancas, sector de Los Angeles, distrito San Isidro, canton de San Ramon, provincia de Alajuela, Costa Rica. No se encontraron diferencias estadisticas (p≥0.05) en el suelo para los valores de pH (5.50 y 5.60 para T1 y T2, respectivamente), pero si para el porcentaje de materia organica (1.70 y 1.20 para T1 y T2, respectivamente) y la cantidad de lombrices en el suelo (314 y 263 lombrices/m2, para T1 y T2, respectivamente). Con respecto a la produccion de materia seca de Brachiaria brizantha, no se encontraron diferencias (p≥0.05) entre tratamientos, siendo la produccion estadisticamente igual en cualquiera de los sistemas estudiados (un promedio de 33 t ha-1 ano-1 en cortes cada 30 dias). La produccion de la biomasa de Erythrina berteroana fue de 2.724 kg MS ha-1 ano-1 con cortes cada seis meses. Para el valor nutricional del componente forrajero de Brachiaria brizantha, no se encontraron diferencias significativas (p≥0.05) para cada uno de los sistemas evaluados (un promedio de 10,40% PC, 33% FAD, 56% FND.

Feasibility Study of Vermicomposting of Textile Sludge Mixed with Cow Dung and Seed Germination Bioassay for Toxicity Evaluation of the Produced Compost

Transformation of textile sludges into vermicomposts can convert these wastes into good quality manure. The present study investigate the feasibility of vermicomposting process to transform the textile sludge amended with cow dung in different ratio into value added products by using an epigeic earthworm Eisenia foetida. Seed germination bioassay also investigated using mustard seeds (Brassica nigra) in order to evaluate the toxicity and maturity tests of those different mixtures and their produced composts. The result revealed that the E. foetida did not survive in fresh textile sludge. But worms grew and reproduced in textile sludge spiked with cow dung feed mixtures. Presence of more than 20% of textile sludge in feed mixture affected biomass gain and cocoon production largely by earthworms. The net weight gained by E. foetida in 100% cow dung was three fold higher than the feed mixture of 50% cow dung + 50% textile sludge. After 13 weeks, maximum cocoons (56 cocoons) were counted in 100% cow dung and minimum (6 cocoons) in 50% cow dung + 50% textile sludge feed mixture. Vermicomposting resulted in pH shift toward slightly acidic, significant reduction in TOC and C:N ratio, and increase in nitrogen phosphorus and sulphur content. Total potassium content, calcium content and heavy metal’s (Cu, Cr, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn) content were lower in the final product than initial feed material. The results of phytotoxicity test showed that all the vermicompost products had the higher seed germination percentage, root elongation percentage and germination index than their respective initial feed mixtures. The feed mixtures having the textile sludge had various phytotoxic compounds which might inhibit seed germination before vermicomposting. But the vermicomposts of different feed mixtures having the presence of 100% cow dung and 10% - 20% textile sludge were matured compost and had no phytotoxic effects as they had the germination index higher than 60. All the results indicated that vermicomposting (using E. foetida) is a suitable technology for the decomposition of textile sludge into value added materials. This textile sludge could be converted into good quality manure by vermicomposting if mixed in appropriate ratio (up to 20% on dry weight basis) with cow dung.

The influence of the earthworm Lampito mauritii (Kinberg) on the activity of selected soil enzymes in cadmium-amended soil

The effects of cadmium (CdCl2·7H2O) on cellulase, urease, amylase, invertase and phosphatase were assessed for a period of 45 days in the presence and absence of earthworms [Lampito mauritii (Kinberg)] in alfisol soil. The activities of all enzymes significantly increased with longer incubation times (45 days) under laboratory conditions in both control and Cd-amended soils (both with and without earthworm incubation). However, the activities of all enzymes decreased with increasing Cd concentrations under laboratory conditions, both in the presence and absence of earthworms. In the presence of earthworms, cellulase, urease, invertase and amylase activities increased. However, phosphatase activity was lower in most of the Cd-amended soils in the presence of earthworms compared to its activity levels in soils lacking earthworms. These results show that earthworms modulated the stress imposed by Cd by providing suitable substrates, which in turn acted as stimulants for extracellular enzyme secretion by microbes, and by removing Cd through its accumulation in the tissues of the earthworms.

Ecotoxicological Effects of Nanomaterials on Earthworms: A Review

ABSTRACTThe concern regarding the ecotoxicological effects of nanomaterials in the terrestrial environment is increasing. Against this background, several studies have investigated the effects of different nanomaterials on various earthworm species. Since the earthworm is a representative invertebrate present in soil and occupies an important trophic level, many studies have focused on earthworms. Understanding how and why nanoparticles are toxic to organisms is important to nanotoxicologists and ecotoxicologists. We have collated information from studies on the toxicity of metal- and carbon-based nanomaterials to earthworms in the soil matrix, and trends in the adverse effects of nanomaterials on earthworms were analyzed. Most studies showed that the survival and growth of adult earthworms are negligibly affected by nanomaterials in the soil. However, many studies reported that nanomaterials may result in a reduction in the reproductive activity. This study presents an intensive overall view of the ecoto...

農薬のミミズにおける毒性，濃縮性および代謝分解

農薬のミミズにおける毒性，濃縮性および代謝分解

Evaluating the Capacity to Generate and Preserve Nitric Oxide Bioactivity in Highly Purified Earthworm Erythrocruorin: A GIANT POLYMERIC HEMOGLOBIN WITH POTENTIAL BLOOD SUBSTITUTE PROPERTIES

The giant extracellular hemoglobin (erythrocruorin) from the earth worm (Lumbricus terrestris) has shown promise as a potential hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) in in vivo animal studies. An important beneficial characteristic of this hemoglobin (LtHb) is the large number of heme-based oxygen transport sites that helps overcome issues of osmotic stress when attempting to provide enough material for efficient oxygen delivery. A potentially important additional property is the capacity of the HBOC either to generate nitric oxide (NO) or to preserve NO bioactivity to compensate for decreased levels of NO in the circulation. The present study compares the NO-generating and NO bioactivity-preserving capability of LtHb with that of human adult hemoglobin (HbA) through several reactions including the nitrite reductase, reductive nitrosylation, and still controversial nitrite anhydrase reactions. An assignment of a heme-bound dinitrogen trioxide as the stable intermediate associated with the nitrite anhydrase reaction in both LtHb and HbA is supported based on functional and EPR spectroscopic studies. The role of the redox potential as a factor contributing to the NO-generating activity of these two proteins is evaluated. The results show that LtHb undergoes the same reactions as HbA and that the reduced efficacy for these reactions for LtHb relative to HbA is consistent with the much higher redox potential of LtHb. Evidence of functional heterogeneity in LtHb is explained in terms of the large difference in the redox potential of the isolated subunits.

Distribution of Earthworms at Different Habitats in Tangail, Bangladesh and Significantly Impacts on Soil pH, Organic Carbonand Nitrogen

Distribution of Earthworms at Different Habitats in Tangail District Significantly Impacts on Soil pH, Organic Carbon and Nitrogen. The earthworms were studied on habitat base. Two orders of class Oligochaeta of phylum Annelida: five families, nine genera include fifteen species. The recorded species are Drawida limella Gates 1934, Drawid anepalensis Michaelsen 1907, Glyphidrilus tuberosus Stephenson 1916, Amynthas alexandri Beddard 1900, Lampito mauritii Kinberg 1866, Metaphire houlleti Perrier 1872, Metaphire posthuma Vaillant 1868, Perionyx excavatus Perrier 1872, Perionyx horai Stephenson 1924, Perionyx modestus Stephenson 1922, Perionyx simlaensis Michaelsen 1907, Dichogaster modiglianii Rosa 1896, Dichogaster saliens Beddard 1893, Eutyphoeus gigas Stephenson 1917, Eutyphoeus orientalis Beddard 1883. The Highest number (11) of species was observed in water body adjacent habitat. The lowest number (03) of species was observed in steep habitat. The highest number (10) of species was observed in Gopalpur and Bhuapur upazila and the lowest number (04) of species was observed in Madhupur upazila. The studied parameters of soil were pH, organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N).The pH value of soil in the study area was slightly acidic but very close to the neutral status. Organic carbon status of the soil favors the distribution and abundance of earthworm that influence the soil nutrients and fertility. Nitrogen status was recorded under low level marked (0.075 %) in eleven (11) upazila out of twelve (12). The scenario of the soil nutrients OC and N are not up to the mark in the study area. Positive correlation was found between pH value of soil and earthworm species distribution in different habitats. Organic carbon is positively correlated with earthworm distribution. Nitrogen is positively correlated with organic carbon. These correlations establish that soil fertility is an integrated task where the participation of earthworm plays positive role.

Preliminary achievement of molecular taxonomy of some important animal groups in Vietnam

The molecular taxonomy in Vietnam has been started since year 2000. In the beginning stage a numerous molecular techniques such as PCR, PCR-RFLP, and sequencing has been applied for taxonomy of some important animals and plant in Vietnam. To date the molecular characters of 51 indigenous animal species and subspecies has been characterized. Based on these molecular data some about twenty new species to science were revealed. Among them, four new species of plant parasitic nematodes (Radopholus spp. and Apratylenchus spp.), eleven new species of enthomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp.) and one species of pulmonary trematodes (Paragonimus vietnamensis). The phylogenetic tree constructed from generic data has allowed to clarify some unclear and confusion situation on taxonomic of some species as well as subspecies of primates (Rhinopithecus avunculus, Pygathrix nemaeus subspp., P. nigripes, Trachypithecus germaini, T. barbei holotephreus, T. hatinhensis, T. delacouri, T. francoisi subspp. and T. barbei subsp), swallow (Aerodramus fuciphagus), earth worm (Pheretina spp.), forest hare (Lepus sinensis), grey civet (Paguma spp.) and Indian cobra (Naja spp.). The phylogenetic trees produced based on maximum parasimony and maximum likelihood analyses were allowed to clarify and revise with the interpretation of the taxonomic position and origin some indigenous plant parasitic and enthomopathogenic nematodes in Vietnam. In addition, the molecular techniques has also been assembled molecular proofs for preventing illegal trade of animals and plants belonging to CITES convention. The paper also been affirmed the advantage of molecular techniques that are not only as useful tools for taxonomy but they are also very real measure for phylogenic inference. Subsequently, the necessary of molecular approach in taxonomy and phylogeny as well as biological conservation of animals and plants in Vietnam was discussed in the paper.

Synthesis and Anthelmintic Activity of N-Benzylidenepyridin-4-amines

A series of N-benzylidenepyridin-4-amines (1a–1j) were synthesized by refluxing 4-aminopyridine with various substituted aromatic aldehydes in toluene. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed on the basis of IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopy data. The synthesized compounds were screened for anthelmintic activity on earth worms. Tested compounds showed paralysis time from 0.44 to 2.46 min and death time from 1.03 to 3.50 min, whereas the standard drugs albendazole and piperazine citrate showed paralysis time of 0.54 and 0.58 min and death time of 2.16 and 2.47 min, respectively, at the same concentration of 1 % m/V. Three compounds, including N-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)pyridin-4-amine (1e), N-(4-nitrobenzylidene)pyridin-4-amine (1h), and N-(4-methoxybenzylidene)pyridin-4-amine (1j), showed significant anthelmintic activity compared to the standard drugs.

Deer and earthworms modify forest responses to climate change

Deer and earthworms modify forest responses to climate change

Diversity and Distribution of Earthworms in Different Soil Habitats of Assam, North-East India, an Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

Species diversity and distribution of earthworms was carried out in different soil habitat conditions of Assam, north-east India, a part of Indo-Burma mega biodiversity hotspot. Seventeen species belonging to six different families namely Moniligastridae, Megascolecidae, Almidae, Glossocolecidae, Lumbricidae, Ocnerodrilidae were recorded from the study locations. The population density and biomass of the worm species ranged from 65–238 m−2 and 1.1–5.4 g m−2 across different sampling habitats. Relative occurrence of earthworm species varied according to soil habitat conditions. Amynthas diffringens, Perionyx excavates, Glyphidrilus gangeticus, Lampito mauritii were dominant species under agricultural land use system while Metaphire posthuma, Dichogaster saliens were the dominant species under open grass land and mixed forest system. The present investigation is the first report on diversity and distribution of earthworm species collected from different soil habitats of Assam, north-east India.

Isolation of Predominant Bacterium from Gut of Earthworm Lampito mauritii for Effective Use in Soil Fertility

Lampito mauritii is an anecic earthworm living in the topsoil and it is geophytophagous in nature. This earthworm is an important soil macrofauna as it has the dual role of an 'ecosystem engineer' due to the ability to build burrows as well as 'keystone species' in soil food webs because of its function in degradation of organic wastes. The present study investigates the gut of this earthworm to find the most predominant bacterium harboured therein. Gut contents were regularly extracted and streaked on bacteriological media. The predominant type of colony was identified, isolated and streaked separately to get pure colonies. The microbe was subjected to several biochemical tests and also 16S rRNA sequencing for identification. On the basis of these tests, the bacterium was identified as Bacillus cereus. The microbe was used as a composting agent on solid wastes as a result of which good amount of plant nutrients, specially nitrogen (20.3 kg/ acre), phosphate (27.4 kg/acre) and potassium (52.1 kg/ acre) were found in the resultant manure. The compost thus obtained was then utilized for the production of vegetables with an attempt to protect soil environment, thus reducing the deleterious effects of chemical fertilizers.

Moving forward to go back: Doing Black feminism in the time of climate change

abstractThis article deals with how one moves from global catastrophe to local implementation from the perspective of one individual. It asks how one can live with the consciousness that system change is necessary and inevitable for species survival, while translating that consciousness into the necessity for immediate and personal action. It emanates from a history of oppression on the basis of race, gender and indigeneity, but argues that victimhood is no excuse for failing to take responsibility for our actions and how we live in this world. The recovery of indigenous knowledge systems is seen as crucial in making the transition from victim to survivor, and survivor to revolutionary in the sense of achieving long-term qualitative change. Since indigenous knowledge systems operate on the basis of experiential knowledge situated within specific material and cultural contexts, this recovery is described in terms of plants, soaps, oils, earth worms and manure.

Accumulation of Chromium in<i> Vetiveria zizanioides </i>Assisted by Earthworm (<i>Eisenia foelide</i>) in Contaminated Soil

The trial of the earthworm-assisted phytoremediation of Cr in contaminated yellow soil was made to study the performance of earthworm in Cr accumulation of Vetiver Grass (vetiveria Zizanioides VG). Two groups were designed, adding earth worm (marked EM) and not adding earth worm (marked NEW).The result showed Vetiveria Zizanioides can absorb great amounts of chromium in soil, the decline rate of Cr was up to 75% and 78% respectively in EM and NEM at 60th day. Both root and shoot can accumulate Cr from soil. As the concentration of Cr gradually increased within 0-80mg/kg,the accumulation activity of two groups presented first increase and then decrease and reached maximum 644.31mg/kg, 943.14 mg/kg in root when the Cr concentration was 80 mg/kg. It began to decrease when the Cr concentration was above 120mg/kg.Vetiveria Zizanioides's accumulation ability differs in root and shoot. It presented root>shoot. With a comparative analysis, EM has higher accumulation and resistance of Cr at any designed treatments. In the analysis of relation between plants and soils, it was found that there was significant correlation in Cr contents between plants and soils (P<0.05). Furthermore, there was extremely significant correlation (P<0.01) between root and shoot in EM. There was a high retention rate of Vetiveria Zizanioides root to Cr. Retention rate of any treatments were all greater than 83% except 120mg/kg in EM. Plants kept much higher concentrations of Cr in roots than in their respective shoots. The biggest value was up to 96.23%. There was no obvious difference between EM and NEM in retention rate. Earthworm-assisted phytoremediation has high efficiency in Cr contaminated soil. It’s an idea method to Cr contaminated soil.

Comparision between coelomocyte cells isolated from coelomic cavity of earth worm and leucocytes

The coelomocytes of Lumbricus terrestris have been isolated &described by used simple &modified method, ,theviability of isolated cells were (85%), and to diffrentiate the type of cells, stained by Leishmans stain,have beenobserved the more type cells which (granulocyte&neutrophile).All cell types, produce pseudopodia and are capable of phagocytosis. The phagocytotic activity of the coelomocytes to engulf. Killed yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) assessed in vitro and compared with phagocytic cells(polymorphic nuclear cell) isolated from human, was found the phagocytosis process increase with time the capacity of human phagocyte to excel in phagocytosis compared with coelomocyte was (86.1% , 67.1% ) respectively.

RTQUAKE, A Real-Time Earthquake Detection System Integrated with SEISAN

Seismic networks have over the last 10–15 years become nearly exclusively real‐time networks. The software used for data collection is both commercial and largely public domain. The two main public domain real‐time detection systems are Earth Worm (EW; Johnson et al. , 1995; http://www.earthwormcentral.org; last accessed March 2014) and SeisComP3 (SC3; www.seiscomp3.org). Both systems receive data in real time, perform triggering, store data in a continuous manner, and automatically determine location and magnitude. For a comparison and evaluation of the two systems, see Olivieri and Clinton (2012). EW and SC3 read data sources using different communication protocols. However, the SeedLink protocol for data exchange, used with SC3, has more or less become the public domain standard for real‐time data transmission due to its simplicity and reliability, and many instrument manufacturers now offer SeedLink as a standard for their seismic field stations. Although both systems provide some degree of automatic processing (SC3 has rather sophisticated automatic location and magnitude ability), most seismic networks would want to do manual processing of some or all of the detected events. Many users transfer the data to the SEISAN processing system (Havskov and Ottemoller, 1999). SEISAN is probably one of the most complete and widely used public domain processing systems available. In 2011, 27% of the agencies reporting to the ISC used SEISAN and reported in SEISAN format (Dmitry Storchak, personal comm., 2011). SEISAN can also work directly with the SC3 archive making this a simple way to inspect, process, and extract data from SC3. We have developed a simple data acquisition system, RTQUAKE, which fully integrates with SEISAN. Its main function is to read real‐time data from SeedLink servers, do triggering of events, and store data in the SEISAN database. Some optional automatic processing can also be done. RTQUAKE works with the …

Earthworm effects on native grassland root system dynamics under natural and increased rainfall.

Earthworms (EWs) can modify soil structure and nutrient availability, and hence alter conditions for plant growth through their burrowing and casting activities. However, few studies have specifically quantified EW effects by experimentally manipulating earthworm densities (EWDs). In an earlier field study in native grassland ecosystems exposed to ambient and experimentally elevated rainfall (+280 mm year-1, projected under some climate change scenarios), we found no effects of EWDs (37, 114, 169 EW m-2) and corresponding EW activity on aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), even though soil nutrient availability likely increased with increasing EWDs. The lack of effects of EWDs on ANPP suggested that EWs may have adversely affected root systems in that study in some way. The objective of the present study was to quantify responses of root length density (RLD), using data collected from the same grassland plots during the earlier study. RLDs were highest in plots with low EWDs and decreased in plots with higher EWDs. Elevated rainfall primarily increased RLDs in the low EWD treatment (by almost +40%). Reductions in RLDs resulting from increased EWDs did not affect ANPP. Our results indicate that elevating EWDs above ambient levels may limit root growth through large increases in soil bioturbation, but concurrent increases in cast production and nutrient availability may compensate for the suppression of root nutrient absorbing surface area leaving ANPP unchanged, but with shifts in growth (biomass) allocation toward shoots. Similarly, reductions in EWDs appeared to promote higher RLDs that increased soil nutrient foraging in soil with lower amounts of nutrients because of reduced casting activity. Amplified responses observed when rainfall during the growing season was increased suggest that EWDs may mainly affect RLDs and above- vs. belowground growth (biomass) allocation under climate changes that include more frequent wetter-than-average growing seasons.