Effect of heavy metals on earthworm activities during vermicomposting of municipal solid waste
The effect of heavy metals on the activities of earthworm species Eudrillus eugineae was studied during vermicomposting of municipal solid waste (MSW) spiked with heavy metals. The activities of earthworms, in terms of growth and biomass production and number of cocoons produced, were monitored peri...
| Veröffentlicht in: | Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation. - 1998. - 80(2008), 2 vom: 15. Feb., Seite 154-61 |
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| Weitere Verfasser: | , , , |
| Format: | Aufsatz |
| Sprache: | English |
| Veröffentlicht: |
2008
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| Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk: | Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation |
| Schlagworte: | Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Metals, Heavy Soil Soil Pollutants Cadmium 00BH33GNGH Lead 2P299V784P Copper |
| Zusammenfassung: | The effect of heavy metals on the activities of earthworm species Eudrillus eugineae was studied during vermicomposting of municipal solid waste (MSW) spiked with heavy metals. The activities of earthworms, in terms of growth and biomass production and number of cocoons produced, were monitored periodically, and the concentration of heavy metals in earthworms and substrates was determined at definite intervals. Laboratory-scale experiments were performed by mixing individual heavy metals in MSW. Copper, cadmium, chromium, lead, and zinc were selected for the study. The study concludes that heavy metals tend to accumulate in the body of earthworms; hence, the inherent concentration of heavy metals in the substrate before vermicomposting must be considered in view of composting of MSW and its application to soil. It was observed that copper and cadmium were toxic for the worms at 1.5 and 0.1 g/kg of the waste, respectively. The studies also suggest that earthworms are susceptible to the free form of heavy metals. Cadmium is the most toxic metal, followed by copper. Based on the investigation and observation, it was also found that earthworms should be separated from castings before the use of castings in soil amendments |
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| Beschreibung: | Date Completed 12.05.2008 Date Revised 16.11.2017 published: Print Citation Status MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1554-7531 |