Assessing Cocoon Production by Earthworm in Response to Soil Pesticide Contamination

Himanshu Sharma¹, Nisha Vashishta², Pooja Suman², Anita Thakur¹, Yasha Yadav^1*

¹Department of Zoology, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, India

²Department of Zoology, Miranda House, University of Delhi, India.

Corresponding Author E-mail:yashayadav@hrc.du.ac.in

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.12.2.26

Abstract:

The global rise in human population has escalated food demand, leading the agricultural sector to heavily rely on pesticides, which over time contaminate soil. To preserve the environment, it is imperative to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. Pesticides adversely affect earthworm survival and cocoon production, rendering them unsuitable for agricultural purposes. Bioremediation combined with bioaugmentation offers a solution to improve pesticide-contaminated agricultural soil. Although earthworms are effective in soil bioremediation, even sublethal doses of pesticides can diminish their lifespan and reproductive capabilities. This study specifically highlights the impact of sublethal toxicity from AlP (Aluminium phosphide) and DDVP (dichlorvos) on Eisenia fetida. Initial findings indicate a substantial reduction in cocoon production in the early stages following pesticide exposure, yet subsequent bioaugmentation with cow dung marginally increased cocoon production. Thus, incorporating bioaugmentation with cow dung is essential when employing earthworms for bioremediation in pesticide-contaminated soil. Furthermore, this study underscores the significant harm that pesticide residues and sublethal doses inflict on soil fauna and the microorganisms residing within macrofauna.

Keywords:

Bioaugmentation; Bioremediation; Cocoon; Eisenia fetida; Vermiremidiation  

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