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Helminthic infections are among the global public health problems. Due to high cost of standard drugs and resistance, rural dwellers use herbal preparations. However, efficacy and mechanisms of action remains elusive. In Uganda,Rytigynia kigeziensisis one of the commonly used anthelmintic herbs. The current study sought to determine the effect of phytochemicals inR. kigeziensisfrom the stem bark against E. eugeniae model for application as anthelmintic. The anthelmintic activity was carried out by time of paralysis and time of death at various at concentrations (15, 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml). Further LDH activity was examined to shade light on the possible mechanism of inhibition. All the results obtained were expressed as mean values ± SEM (n=3). The significance of difference between the means of albendazole and extracts concentrations were determined using One-way ANOVA on PAST version 3.15 and regarded significant at P ≤ 0.05. The phytochemicals extracted were in the order ethanol> methanol> aqueous> ethyl acetate> chloroform whereby alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, anthraquionones and tannins were present in all the extracts. Phlobatannins were absent in all extracts while terpenoids were absent in ethyl acetate, reducing sugars and phenols were also not observed in chloroform extracts. The anthelminthic activity was dose dependent in all extracts in the order ethanol>methanol>ethyl-acetate>aqueous>chloroform extracts. The LDH activity was dose dependent and statistically significant. The results were statistically significant when compared against albendazole. The findings suggest synergistic effectR. kigeziensisstem bark extracts, and the plant may serve as a potential anthelminthic agent.

Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg) BRDF0317, 60 individuals, purchased from bait shop, Brasília-DF (S15°52'7.72", W47°56'51.26"), 14 February 2019, C. Ussuki, C. C. Niva, colls. Taxonomical notes: This species is not normally found in natural conditions in Brazil, and is usually sold in bait shops from local breeders. In the present case, the earthworms were originally from a vermiculture operation in Anápolis, GO., Published as part of Ferreira, Talita, Niva, Cintia C., Dudas, Rafaela, Roani, Rodrigo, Durães, Natália, Marchão, Robélio Leandro, James, Samuel Wooster, Bartz, Marie L. C. & Brown, George G., 2023, Earthworm species in different land use systems in the state of Goiás and the Federal District of Brazil, pp. 283-303 in Zootaxa 5255 (1) on page 295, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5255.1.24, http://zenodo.org/record/7744899

Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg, 1867) Lumbricus eugeniae Kinberg, 1867: 98. Eudrilus decipiens Perrier, 1871: 1176. Eudrilus lacazii Perrier, 1872: 75. Distribution. Capital District: Caracas (Michaelsen 1892). Margarita Island. Hotel Central courtyard; Porlamar (Zicsi 1995)., Published as part of Hernández-García, Luis Manuel, Sousa, Sandriel Costa, Ferreira, Carmen & Rousseau, Guillaume Xavier, 2023, An annotated checklist and distribution of earthworms from Venezuela (Megadrili: Crassiclitellata), pp. 183-211 in Zootaxa 5255 (1) on page 193, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5255.1.19, http://zenodo.org/record/7744707, {"references":["Kinberg, J. G. H. (1867) Annulata Nova. Ofversigt af Kongliga Vetenskaps - akademiens forhandlingar, 23, 97 - 103.","Perrier, E. (1871) Description of Eudrilus and Eu. Decipiens. Le Comptes Rendus de l'Academie des Sciences Biologie, 73, 1175 - 1176.","Perrier, E. (1872) Recherches pour servir a l'histoire des Lombriciens terrestres. Nouvelles Archives du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, 8, 5 - 198. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. title. 12201","Michaelsen, W. (1892) Terricolen der Berliner Zoologischen Sammlung. II. Archiv f ¸ r Naturgeschichte, 58 (1), 209 - 261. https: // doi. org / 10.5962 / bhl. part. 8321","Zicsi, A. (1995 b) Ein weiterer Beitrag zur Regenwurm-Fauna der Karibischen Region (Oligochaeta) Regenw ¸ rmer aus S ¸ - damerika 24. Mitteilungen aus dem Hamburgischen Zoologischen Museum und Institut, v. 92, 53 - 64."]}

Dentre as técnicas utilizadas no aproveitamento de resíduos agroindustriais, destaca-se a vermicompostagem, ou seja, o uso de minhocas na degradação desses resíduos pelo trato digestivo, transformando-os em húmus de minhoca. A minhoca Eudrilus eugeniae (gigante africana) é muito utilizada nesse processo de biotransformação e estabilização dessas materiais. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho conhecer a viabilidade do uso de resíduos agroindustriais na produção de húmus e multiplicação de minhocas. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por diferentes proporções de conteúdo ruminal (CR) e bagaço de cana (BC), sendo: (T 1 ) 100% CR; (T 2 ) 87,5% 12,5% CR + BC; ( T3 ) 75% CR + 25% BC; (T 4 ) 62,5% 37,5% CR + BC; (T5 ) 50% CR + 50% BC. Realizamos a inoculação das minhocas Eudrilus eugeniae , e decorridos 78 dias, quantificamos a massa de minhocas e de húmus. Uma combinação de 75% de conteúdo ruminal + 25% de bagaço de cana propicia melhores condições para multiplicação de minhocas Eudrilus eugineae. Quanto à produção de húmus, 100% do conteúdo ruminal possibilita maior produção do mesmo e essa decresce com a adição do bagaço de cana.

The earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae is a well-known source of protein in animal feeding but there is lack of information on its fatty acid profile. This study aimed to determine its nutrient components and fatty acid profile. Earthworms were bred in substrate containing organic matter; peanut powder was added in the experimental group diet. The nutrient components (protein, ash, and minerals) of the adult worms were determined according to the Kjeldahl method and by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. The dry-matter protein content significantly increased in worms fed peanut powder (p < 0.05) as did the minerals measured. The main fatty acid families had similar proportions in the groups. In the saturated fatty acids, C12:0 and C18:0 were present in higher proportions in both groups, whereas in monounsaturated fatty acids, C18:1ω9 prevailed. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in polyunsaturated fatty acids were observed between the two groups. An increase in the proportion of ω6 and ω3 was observed in the experimental group compared to the control. This study showed that peanut powder significantly influenced nutrient components of E. eugeniae. The fatty acid profile of this species was similar to that of most animals. Earthworms’ diet can be altered to improve the nutritional value of E. eugeniae.

The earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae is an economical model system for cell and molecular biological experiments to study regeneration and stem cell biology. The purpose of this brief review is to summarize those published studies on the regeneration biology using E. eugenia and to provide the advantages of the model system.

Parthenium hysterophorus is considered one of the most noxious terrestrial weeds which needs to be efficiently managed to sustain the environment and vermicomposting are a promising eco-friendly management technique. In the current study, vermicomposting of P. hysterophorus was carried out using a polyculture of two epigeic earthworm species, i.e., Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae employed in five different vermireactors referred as Rp1, Rp2, Rp3, Rp4, and Rp5 with five mixing ratios 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, and 7:3 respectively of P. hysterophorus to cow dung as a blending material. The nutrients in the final vermicompost were determined by analyzing different physico-chemical parameters and the efficiency evaluated by the growth rate of earthworms. After vermicomposting, TKN, TP, and K contents increased with the highest percentage change of 74.74%, 91%, and 47.2% respectively, compared to initial values. Reduction in C/N ratio was observed in all the vermireactors with the lowest C/N ratio of 9.76. EC increased for all the vermireactors during the process and reached in the range of 3.7–3.85 ds/m at the end of the process. The highest percentage gain in biomass of earthworms was 46.25% in Rp2. Vermicomposting of P. hysterophorus is possible for the management of this invasive weed through polyculture of the earthworms E. fetida and E. eugeniae to obtain a value-added organic fertilizer, i.e., vermicompost by a sustainable process.

Pollution is the preface of infect into an environment, may also defined as an unwanted modify in the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of air, water and soil which influence human life, lives of other useful alive plants and animals, industrial progress, alive conditions and florescent property Water is the most necessary & major necessaries of life. One can rarely survive without water also for a few days. At that 2/3 of the world’s float up region is enclosed by water but yet we are blank. An incubation study was conducted to know the toxicity level of Fipronil in soil fauna by using earthworm species Eudrilus eugeniae as a biomarker. The earthworm were incubated in the spiked soil, with concentration of 17ml, 18ml, 19ml, 20ml for a period of 24hours and 48 hours. From the study, 50% mortality was observed in 17ml. The LC50 concentration were calculated from that it was clear that Fipronil is toxic to earthworm.

The oligochaete earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae is capable of regenerating both anterior and posterior segments. The present study focuses on the transcriptome analysis of earthworm E. eugeniae to identify and functionally annotate the key genes supporting the anterior blastema formation and regulating the anterior regeneration of the worm. The Illumina sequencing generated a total of 91,593,182 raw reads which were assembled into 105,193 contigs using CLC genomics workbench. In total, 40,946 contigs were annotated against the NCBI nr and SwissProt database and among them, 15,702 contigs were assigned to 14,575 GO terms. Besides a total of 9389 contigs were mapped to 416 KEGG biological pathways. The RNA-Seq comparison study identified 10,868 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and of them, 3986 genes were significantly upregulated in the anterior regenerated blastema tissue samples of the worm. The GO enrichment analysis showed angiogenesis and unfolded protein binding as the top enriched functions and the pathway enrichment analysis denoted TCA cycle as the most significantly enriched pathway associated with the upregulated gene dataset of the worm. The identified DEGs and their function and pathway information can be effectively utilized further to interpret the key cellular, genetic and molecular events associated with the regeneration of the worm.

The raising earthworms by cassava waste is a useful solution to reduce environmental pollution caused by cassava starch processing. In this study, cassava waste (including cassava peel, cassava pieces and soil) was used as a food source for raising African Nightcrawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) with three experiments: E1, earthworms were raised in crushed cassava waste right after being discharged; E2, earthworms raised in crushed cassava waste that had been incubated with organic matter after decomposing microbiological preparation for the previous two weeks; E3, earthworms were raised in crushed cassava waste that had self-decomposed naturally for the previous two weeks. The cassava waste was decomposed naturally for 4 weeks for control. The results showed that the content of organic matter, humic acid and total nitrogen in organic cassava humus, obtaining from experiments, increased compared to the control; the total organic matter content reached from 10.4%-15.7%, higher than the control (8.2%) from 1.27-1.92 times, humic acid content reached 0.6 - 0.8% and total nitrogen reached 0.3%. Experiment 3 had the highest quality of humus (organic matter content 15.7%, total nitrogen 0.3%, humic acid 0.7% and fulvic acid 0.5%). The experiment 3 also had the highest earthworm biomass (3.6kg), increasing 30.5% compared to experiment 1 and 19.4% comparing to experiment 2. Therefore, experiment 3 was proposed for application in treatment of cassava waste at larger scale. The organic humus obtaining from raising earthworms by cassava waste can be used as raw material for vermicompost production. The earthworm biomass can be used as protein-rich food for domestic animals (such as chicken, tortoise, eel, fish, etc) or used as nutritious fertilizer. Nuôi giun bằng phế liệu sắn là giải pháp hữu ích nhằm giảm thiểu ô nhiễm môi trường do chế biến tinh bột sắn gây ra. Trong nghiên cứu này, bã thải sắn (bao gồm vỏ, đầu mẩu sắn và bùn đất) được sử dụng làm nguồn thức ăn giun đất Châu Phi (African Nightcrawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) với các thí nghiệm như sau: Thí nghiệm 1: Giun quế được nuôi trong bã thải sắn nghiền ngay sau khi được loại bỏ; Thí nghiệm 2: giun đất được nuôi trong bã thải sắn nghiền đã được ủ với chế phẩm vi sinh phân hủy chất hữu cơ trong hai tuần trước đó; Thí nghiệm 3: Giun đất được nuôi trong bã thải sắn nghiền được để tự phân hủy tự nhiên trong hai tuần trước đó. Đối chứng là bã thải sắn để phân hủy tự nhiên trong 4 tuần. Bên cạnh đó, bã thải sắn nghiền còn được ủ bằng chế phẩm vi sinh phân hủy chất hữu cơ trong 4 tuần để cung cấp thêm số liệu so sánh giữa các thí nghiệm (Thí nghiệm 4). Các thí nghiệm được theo dõi trong 4 tuần. Kết quả cho thấy: Kết quả cho thấy: hàm lượng chất hữu cơ, axit humic và nitơ tổng trong mùn sắn hữu cơ thu được từ thí nghiệm đều tăng so với đối chứng: hàm lượng chất hữu cơ tổng số đạt từ 10,4% -15,7%, caohơn đối chứng (8,2%) so với 1,27-1,92 lần, hàm lượng axit humic đạt 0,6 - 0,8% và nitơ tổng số đạt 0,3%. Trong đó, thí nghiệm 3 có chất lượng mùn cao nhất (hàm lượng chất hữu cơ 15,7%, đạm tổng số 0,3%, axit humic 0,7% và axit fulvic 0,5%). Thí nghiệm 3 cũng có sinh khối giun quế cao nhất (3,6kg), tăng 30,5% so với thí nghiệm 1 và 19,4% so với thí nghiệm 2. Do đó, thí nghiệm 3 đã được đề xuất ứng dụng để xử lý phế thải sắn ở quy mô lớn hơn. Chất mùn hữu cơ thu được từ việc nuôi trùn quế bằng phế thải sắn có thể được sử dụng làm nguyên liệu để sản xuất phân trùn quế. Sinh khối trùn quế có thể dùng làm thức ăn giàu đạm cho vật nuôi (như gà, ba ba, lươn, cá ...) hoặc làm phân bón dinh dưỡng.

Present study deals with cocoon biology of tropical epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus (Perrier), Perionyx ceylanensis (Michaelsen) and Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg). Ultra structure observed under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) revealed that wall of the cocoon is porous (which helps in aeration) and the terminal part of the cocoon is softer than that of middle part which facilitates the hatching process. The size of the cocoon varies among the species and is related to the diameter and length of the clitellum. All the epigeic species under study are continuous breeder with high fecundity. Among the studied species shortest incubation period, highest fecundity and highest hatching rate were observed in P. ceylanensis. Cocoon production in these three epigeic species increases in summer and monsoon season and decreases in the winter season. Temperature is the limiting factor for cocoon production as well as incubation period of cocoon. Cocoon production was affected by temperature and body weight of the earthworm. Thus it can be considered that cocoon production in epigeic earthworm species depends on biological factor (body mass), as well as, ecological factor (temperature). Continuous breeding strategy, high fecundity, high rate of cocoon production, as well as high hatching rate, indicates greater usefulness of P. ceylanensis followed by E. eugeniae than P. excavatus in the vermiculture based biotechnology in North-East India.

Tannery effluents having the different kind’s chemical compounds are extensively used to the production of leather industries and it’s considered as rich potential of environmental pollutant.Earthworms are easily affecting the toxic chemical in environmentally and in this organism is good experimental animal for monitoring the soil pollution and terrestrial ecosystem. In this study, we taken from the industrial raw tannery effluents and the experimental animal in earthworm species of Eudrilus eugeniae (10 for each group) were introduced to 48 hrs for tannery effluent in five different concentrations like 10 ml, 20ml, 30ml, 40 ml, and 50 ml and to find out LC50 level. The LC50 was found at 35 ml concentration. The study was used to the LC50/2, LC50, 2XLC50 for 48 hrs. Then the genotoxicity level was evaluated in Eudrilus eugeniae species. After that we collect earthworm’s coelomocytes by using the micronucleus (MN) test and comet assay (CA) test. Result of the study, MN and CA level was significantly increased in both genotoxicity and cytotoxicity assays and the high concentration of effluent to promote the increased level of DNA damage and micronucleus in Eudrilus eugenie species.

The present study was carried out to determine the toxic effects of lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) on the survivability, reproduction and growth of earthworm, Eudrilius eugeniae. Adult E. eugeniae were exposed to the varying concentrations of Pb and Ni. Mortality, growth and cocoon production were measured at every 30 days interval for 90 days. The results suggest clear dose-dependent negative effects of Pb and Ni on survivability, reproduction and growth of earthworms. A maximum reduction (43.35%) in survivability was observed in the case of Pb (0.06 ppm) followed by Ni+Pb (0.03+0.03 ppm) in which there is 31.65% decrement in survivability was observed. A similar trend was observed in growth and reproduction studies. It was concluded that the heavy metal Pb was more noxious to E. eugeniae as compared to Ni alone as well as in combinations. These results can be used for environmental monitoring and estimation of heavy metals contamination in soil.

Moisture is a limiting factor for the survival and distribution of earthworms. During rainy season earthworms come out from their water-filled burrows and during summer move deeper into the soil to prevent acute desiccational water loss. Moisture loving worms likeEudrilus eugeniaewhen subjected to the dry soil and then subsequently hydrated, both the types of neurosecretory cells (A and B cells) show contrasting neurosecretory changes. During dehydration stress (2, 4 & 6 hours), both A and B cells deplete, lose their cellular conformity with extensive vacuolation. But in subsequent hydration of desiccated worms for 4 hrs, there is accumulation of neurosecretory materials in both types of cells, chiefly in A cells. The result indicates involvement of both A and B neurosecretory cells during osmotic stress from the perspective of histomorphic variations and secretory dynamics.

Vermicompst is a rich source of vitamins and growth hormones and contains most nutrients in plant available form. Ten adult earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were cultured for three (3) months and three (3) weeks in sack made from old window mosquito net. The resultant product at harvest – vermicompost made of mostly worm casts was used to incubate sandy and clay soils respectively at the ratio of 50g: 300g for two (2) months and replicated five (5) times. The results of the study shows that the produced vermicompost enriched the two types of soil with favourable pH level, high content of P, Ca, Mg and OM. Available P, pH level, Ca, Mg and OM were significantly (P < 0.05 ) increased and varied among the treatments. Exch. K and microbial biomass (MB) result showed higher value in clay while sand recorded higher value in N, Na and exchangeable acidity (EA). The findings of this study are of evidence that vermicompost improved the fertility of the soils by releasing mineral elements in the forms that are available for uptake of crops.

There is limited knowledge about how organic substrates influence reproductive characteristics and growth of African night crawler earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae). It is, however, essential to understand the reproductive characteristics, fecundity, longevity and growth patterns of earthworms to promote vermiculture biotechnology as a strategy for ecological livestock intensification and sustainable production of earthworm biomass as a source of protein and vermicompost. To generate this information, reproductive characteristics, growth and offtake of E. eugeniae were studied using four organic substrates including abattoir waste (AW), cattle manure (CM), soya bean crop residue (SBCR) and a binary mixture of cattle manure and soya bean crop residue (CM + SBCR) aged for 2 weeks. Growth rate was 17.7, 15.8, 15.6 and 14.3 mg/worm/day when earthworms were fed AW, CM + SBCR, CM and SBCR, respectively. Irrespective of the substrate, length and biomass of earthworms increased at a decreasing rate between the 1st and 11th weeks. Clitellum appearance was initiated at 31.5 ± 2.4, 32.8 ± 3.2, 33.7 ± 3.3 and 35.5 ± 2.4 days for AW, CM, CM + SBCR and SBCR, respectively, while cocoon initiation was at 69.0 ± 1.4 (AW), 54.9 ± 2.3 (CM), 51.7 ± 1.7 (CM + SBCR) and 60.0 ± 2.4 (SBCR) days. Cocoon production rate (0.41 cocoons/worm/day) was highest (P

Detergent fiber analysis was used to fractionate carbon (C) into hemicellulose (degradable carbon) and cellulose and lignin (recalcitrant carbon) for cattle manure (CM), neem leaves (NL), corn stov...

Helminthiasis is a great burden in current era as it causes enormous health threats. Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken and Tagetes erecata Linn are the medicinal plants which are traditionally used for the treatment of helminthiasis. They are commonly known as ‘Kusum’ and ‘Genda’ respectively. The present research focused on the evaluations of anthelmintic potency of both the plant extracts against an earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae. The successive extraction method with different solvents (petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and water) is used to prepare the extracts. The extracts were evaluated for the anthelmintic potency at 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml concentrations. Albendazole was used as standard drug. All the solutions were prepared in 3% tween 80 in normal saline solution and alone this solution was considered as control. All the earthworms (n=6) were taken in separate petri-dishes containing extracts, standard and control solution. Paralysis and death time were noted as result in minutes. Standard HPTLC technique (using CAMAG LINOMAT 5) was used to isolate and identify of quercetin from the ethanolic extracts of both the plants. High extractive yields were observed for ethanolic extracts in both the plants. Significant outcome was observed for the evaluation of anthelmintic activity for all the extracts. S. oleosa ethanolic extract showed maximum potency than T. erecta extracts at all concentrations. Dose responsive results were noted. At 100 mg/ml concentration ethanolic extracts of both plants were significant against E. eugeniae. Quercetin was identified in both ethanolic extracts by HPTLC analysis. Structural elucidation of the quercetin and identification of other constituents should be the future prospect.

The application of a mixture of pesticides to the agricultural field may adversely affect the health of non-target organisms besides the target ones. In the present study, the antagonistic effect o...

In the present study, green synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) from the leaves of the medicinal plant, Abrus precatorius, were characterized and tested for toxicity using Eudrilus eugeniae. The formation of ZnS NPs through green synthesis was confirmed by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM, FT-IR, and XRD analyses. The clitellate earthworms were used to assess the effect of ZnS NPs by exposing to ZnS NPs 300 mg ZnS NPs per kg of OECD soil. On 0, 7, and 14 days of exposures, the coelomic fluid of the earthworms were separated and analyzed for total protein and protein profile, activities of enzyme markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and protease. The results on the analysis of coelomic fluid of E. eugeniae after exposure to ZnS NPs showed a significant increase in protein content from the initial levels of 1.51 to 2.32 mg/mL with a protein profile of 25–40 kDa size. The activity of SOD was significantly (P < 0.05) declined from initial levels whereas CAT and protease showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase on 7th day of exposure then declined. The results indicate that the ZnS NPs in OECD soil significantly interfere with the protein and enzyme markers, SOD, CAT, and protease in earthworm coelomic fluid.

Cocoa and cashew residues are lignocellulosic fibrous materials produced in huge quantities, in West Africa, posing disposal problems thus threatening environmental health. Decomposition of these residues in the field is slow due to their complex chemical composition. Vermicomposting is an eco-friendly technology that converts organic biomass into nutrient-rich organic fertilizers. The growth, reproduction, and life-cycle of Eudrilus eugeniae, in cocoa and cashew residues, were evaluated under laboratory conditions to assess the viability of recycling these residues via vermicomposting. Two hatchlings were introduced into 100 g of cocoa, cashew, and a mixture of both residues after two weeks of traditional pre-composting. Earthworms' weight gain, mortality, sexual maturity, and cocoons production were monitored periodically for 21 weeks. No mortality was observed in any of the residues. The maximum weight gain and the highest growth rate were observed in cashew residues. Net biomass gain per worm was 1.04 ± 0.29 g in cocoa residues, 1.71 ± 0.22 g in cashew residues, and 1.19 ± 0.30 g in the mixture of both residues. The number of cocoons produced per worm per day in cashew residues (0.28 ± 0.03) was significantly higher than those observed in cocoa residues (0.17 ± 0.02) and in the mixture of the two residues (0.21 ± 0.01). Statistically, number of cocoons produced per worm per day in cocoa residues was significantly lower than that obtained in the mixture of the two residues. The results suggested that both cashew and cocoa residues or their 1:1 mixture are viable growth and reproduction media for E. eugeniae, and hence both are potential substrates for vermicomposting with E. eugeniae.

Earthworm survey was conducted across Bidar district that contains solidified lava and forms the part of Deccan trap of Hyderabad–Karnataka Region. Earthworm samples along with their habitat soil were collected by digging and hand sorting method from the selected spots like gutter, garbage, near bore well, near tap, garden, pasture, drainage system and fields. Ten different species of earthworms were identified viz., Eudrilus eugeniae of the family EUDRILIDAE; Lampito mauritii and Perionyx sansibaricus of the family MEGASCOLECIDAE; Dichogaster bolaui, D. modiglianii, Eudichogaster ashworthi, E. prashadi, E. poonensis, Octochaetona beatrix and O. paliensis of the family OCTOCHAETIDAE. Among these the genus Eudichogaster is found to be the most dominant and widely distributed earthworm in Bidar district. Eudichogaster poonensis is reported for the first time from South India. Soil chemical characteristics of their habitat were pH 6.7–8, electrical conductivity (EC) 0.28–1.16 mohs/cm, organic carbon (OC) 0.75–3.54%, nitrogen (N) 25.2–118 kg/acre, phosphorous (P) 6.6–48.8 kg/acre and potassium (K) 79–354 kg/acre. Earthworms inhabiting in the laterite soil showed wider range in the soil chemical characteristics, pH ranged from slightly acidic to alkaline; whereas earthworms inhabiting in regur soil of this region showed narrow range in the soil chemical characteristics.

The fate of filter materials and microbial communities during the vermifiltration process were studied for 5 months while treating the concentrated greywater. Four filters were filled with 10 cm gravel of which a layer of medium size gravel (5 cm thickness, aggregate size 20–40 mm) at the bottom and a layer of coarse gravel (5 cm thickness, aggregate size 10–20 mm) at the top, then filled with 20 cm sand (d60 = 0.2 mm, d10 = 0.118 mm). Finally, Vermifilter 1 (VF1), control unit and Vermifilter 2 (VF2), were filled with 40 cm fine sawdust (0.05–5 mm) but Vermifilter 3 (VF3), was filled with 40 cm cow dung (0.05–5 mm). Three filters were inoculated with 200 individuals of Eudrilus eugeniae except for the control unit which was filled with sawdust. Five sampling ports were installed on the wall of the filters at 10 cm intervals with reference to the surface of the top layer. Three of the filters were supplied with concentrated greywater and VF1 was supplied with drinking water at the hydraulic loading rate of 16 L m−2.d−1 on batch basis, i.e., four times a day at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Weekly, samples from influent and effluent, and monthly, samples of filter materials collected via sampling ports, were collected and analyzed.The removal efficiencies of biological oxygen demand (BOD5), total chemical oxygen demand (tCOD), and dissolved chemical oxygen demand (dCOD) of VF2 and VF3 were 5–7% higher than the control unit, but little differences were observed in terms of total suspended solids (TSS). However, the removal efficiencies of nutrients for the control unit was slightly better than VF2 and VF3. The pH and Moisture content (MC) of filter materials increased along the depth, but percentage of volatile solids to total solids (VS/TS) decreased through time due to the high number of microbial communities and earthworms dominating the top layer compared to the bottom. The performance of VF2-sawdust was slightly better than VF3-cow dung to treat concentrated greywater., Highlights • Fate of filter materials and microbial communities during vermifiltration process were studied. • Ratio of volatile solids to total solids decreased during vermifiltration process in filter materials. • The bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi intensified where earthworms dominated. • VF2-Sawdust performed slightly better than the VF3-Cow dung.

The experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Research Station, College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Jabugam during three consecutive seasons of the years 2015-16 and 2016-17. This was to evaluate banana Pseudostem and maize fodder waste with and without cow dung and Anubhav biodegradable bacterial consortium (ABBC) for it bi-product in terms of vermi-composting, time required for degradation and the nutritive quality of vermicompost. The experiment consisted of eight treatments and conducted in RBD with three replications. Results shows that, the treatment Banana pseudostem + 5% Cow dung + Anubhav biodegradable bacterial consortium and the treatment Maize fodder waste + 5% Cow dung + Anubhav biodegradable bacterial consortium were significantly higher for N, P, K content during all the three seasons and in pooled analysis with less number of days to harvest and high recovery. While, microbial count were recorded maximum in banana Pseudostem based vermicompost than maize fodder waste. Overall, vermicompost produced from the banana Pseudostem and maize fodder waste by using ABBC @ 1 lit/t and 5 % cow dung provided the major nutrients in more balanced proportion. The main perspectives of this study is to decrease the environmental pollution by making vermicompost from banana pseudostem waste or maize fodder (waste) instead of dumping on road side or burning or left in the field and also reduce the use of chemicals by using vermicompost.

Limbah kotoran sapi sebagai limbah ternak banyak mengandung unsur hara makro seperti Nitrogen (N), Fospat (P 2 O 5 ), Kalium (K 2 O) dan Air (H 2 O) dan Komposisi blotong terdiri dari sabut, wax dan fat kasar, protein kasar, gula makan cocok untuk media cacing African Night Crawler ( Eudrilus eugeniae ). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah Mengetahui pengaruh pertumbuhan bobot cacing tanah dengan penambahan media blotong tebu dan kotoran sapi, selain itu mengetahui konsentrasi media yang terbaik dengan penambahan media blotong tebu dan kotoran sapi yang paling cocok untuk menaikan bobot cacing tanah dan pengaruh kadar protein pada cacing African Night Crawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) . Metode Penelitian yang digunakan yaitu Rancangan Acak Lengkap dengan beberapa berlakuan . Tujuan penelitian Experimental untuk mengetahui hubungan sebab akibat dengan cara memberikan perlakuan-perlakuan tertentu pada beberapa kelompok experimental dan menggunakan metode kjeldahl untuk analisis protein pada cacing. Parameter limbah yang diuji pada penelitian ini adalah pH, suhu, bobot cacing, protein media dan protein cacing African Night Crawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) . Suhu media selama penelitian berkisar antara 23-28 0 C sedangkan untuk pH media antara 6,3 hingga 7,6 dengan bobot cacing meningkat antar perlakuan dan nilai protein dengan BNT 5% sebesar 9,29. Konsentrasi media yang terbaik adalah pada perlakuan BK3 50% blotong tebu + 50% kotoran sapi dimana mengalami kenaikan rata-rata tertinggi sebesar 1,727kg. Protein media berpengaruh terhadap bobot cacing ANC ( eudrilus eugeniae ) sebesar 18,77%

Metal nanoparticles found its application in most fields because of its different physiochemical properties. Although there are several methods for synthesis of nanoparticles, where green and biological synthesis of nanoparticles reduces the toxicity. These metal nanoparticles are not properly disposed to the environment. Thus, this study was focussed to evaluate the effects of Araucaria heterophylla mediated green synthesised silver nanoparticles on various in vivo models such as earth worm—Eudrilus eugeniae and zebra fish—Danio rerio. Even the biologically synthesised nanoparticles were showing negative impacts on these models. Silver nanoparticles was found to cause epithelial erosion and lipofucshin deposits on Eudrilus eugeniae, where it was causing erosion and structure deformation in guts of Danio rerio.

The acute toxicity of three formula grade pesticides namely, triazophos (an organophosphate, OP), deltamethrin (a pyrethroid) and combined pesticide (triazophos + deltamethrin) was determined in ea...

Earthworms are an ideal biological model in toxicity assays and environmental monitoring studies. In the present study, the reproductive toxicity and histopathological effects of Monocrotophos pesticide on an exotic epigeic Eudrilus eugeniae and an indigenous epigeic Perionyx barotensis earthworm were studied. Earthworm species were exposed to different concentrations of pesticide like 450 ppm, 500 ppm, and 650 ppm for 45 days and the mortality rate and reproductive activity was recorded every 15 days of exposure. There was an increase in mortality and abnormal sperm (asthenospermia, necrospermia, and oligospermia) and defective cocoons in earthworms with increasing concentrations of the pesticide. Histopathological changes like rupture of chloragogenous tissue, longitudinal muscle, fused and extra-villous growth and necrotic cell rupture in earthworm's body wall (epidermis, circular and longitudinal muscles) were observed. Fluorescent probes have detected cell death in pesticide-treated earthworms when compared to the control group after 45 days. The present findings show that Monocrotophos pesticide on exposure to epigeic earthworm species causes significant reproductive toxicity and histopathological abnormalities and these changes could be used as a tool in environmental risk assessment of pesticides.Abbreviations: DDT: Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane; MCP: Monocrotophos; EPA: Environment Protection Act; SL: Soluble Liquid; C: N (Carbon: Nitrogen); C: P (Carbon: Phosphorus); LC: Lethal Concentration; PBS: Phosphate Buffer Solution; WHO: World Health Organization; HE SV: seminal vesicles; O: ovary; GP: genital papillae; Ch: chloragogenous tissue; EL: epithelial layer; CM: circular muscle; LM: longitudinal muscle; CD: cell debris.

We report here that earthworm can be used as an in vivo system to prescreen antimitotic compounds. The known antimitotic compound colchicine and the aqueous extract of Acorus calamus L. rhizome were used to examine this system. The antimitotic activity of colchicine and the rhizome extract was confirmed by methods with Allium cepa root tip, earthworm regeneration, and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazolyl-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide). An earthworm regeneration assay examined the regeneration ability of tissues from amputated regions of the earthworm. All 3 assays showed that cell division is inhibited with colchicine and the aqueous extract of A. calamus rhizome. Histology studies with amputated earthworms confirmed that the development of the blastema was observed only in control worms. Immunohistochemistry analysis with proliferation cell nuclear antigen and phospho serine 10 histone H3 antibodies showed that amputated worms treated with colchicine or the aqueous extract of A. calamus did not have active cell division. MTT assay with the MCF-7 cell line (human breast carcinoma) further confirmed that the aqueous extract of rhizome affected cell proliferation. Our results suggest that the earthworm could be used to prescreen the antimitotic potential of plant extracts or other unknown compounds. It is simple, reproducible, and cost-efficient compared to animal cell line-based methods.

Eudrilus eugeniae Kinberg 1867 Diagnosis Body length 90–185 mm, tapering posteriorly, becoming thinly flattened at terminal end. Width 4–8 mm. Segments 161–211. Red-brown dorsum fading posteriorly; anterior with bright blue/green iridescent sheen from cuticle diffraction, ventrum beige, clitellum darker (sometimes lighter) than surroundings. Prostosmium small, open epilobous. Dorsal pores, absent. Eight setae per segment from segment 2, closely paired. Clitellum covers segments 13, 14, 15–18, usually 13, 14–18, and interrupted ventrally. Male pores in 17 on tips of longitudinally grooved, tapering, eversible penis in large ventral chambers. Female pores combined with modified ‘spermathecal pores’, lateral, presetal in 14 as raised intrasegmental openings. Genital markings on 17 between male pores, faintly repeated in 18. Weakly muscular gizzard in v. Calciferous glands in x and xi. Intestine originates in or around xiv. Caeca absent. Male organs holandric with two large, unpaired sacs seen ventrally in x and xi, each contains a testis anteriorly and funnels posteriorly. Large pair of digitiform euprostates, with white muscular sheen from xviii extending to xxiii; acutely muscular enlargements of loop of paired sperm ducts which attach to apex of copulatory bursae mound centrally. Remarks This species is popularly known as the African nightcrawler, native to tropical West Africa and now widespread in warm regions. Being highy adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions and able to grow and reproduce fast (through parthenogenesis), this species is popularly used in vermicomposting in countries including the Philippines and India. The Western Philippines University in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, has been culturing the African nightcrawler for agricultural purposes., Published as part of Aspe, Nonillon M., Manasan, Rafael Ethan, Manlavi, Albert B., Patiluna, Ma. Lotus E., Sebido, Maria Asela B., Obusan, Marie Christine M., Simbahan, Jessica F. & James, Samuel W., 2021, The earthworm fauna of Palawan, Philippines with description of nineteen new pheretimoid species (Clitellata: Megascolecidae), pp. 733-797 in Journal of Natural History 55 (11 - 12) on page 738, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2021.1923849, http://zenodo.org/record/5463798, {"references":["Kinberg JGH 1867. Annulata nova. Ofvers K. Vetensk Academy, Ford Stockholm. 23: 97 - 103."]}

Background: Agricultural chemicals, metals, industrial effluents, plastics, excessive dumping of unused and expired pharmaceutical chemicals etc. contaminate terrestrial, aquatic and aerial environment. The excessive usage of the unwanted chemicals elicits undesirable effects in the non target organism inhabited in the various environments. The soil biota like earthworm faces threats of the environmental contaminants. A number of research works has been carried out to study the impact of certain environmental pollutants on the terrestrial inhabitant like earthworms which are widely utilized in the waste disposal management. Tamarind shell waste is considered one of the unwanted materials dumped in the road side and being discharged from industry and from the houses. The bio waste is now a day’s utilized for various purposes. The environmental contaminants such as diclofenac and bisphenol-A are discharged into the environment and finally reach the terrestrial environment where the inhabitants are adversely affected. Hence the study has been focused to analyze the efficiency of earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae in the conversion of tamarind shell waste mixed separately with Diclofenac and bisphenol-A. Methods: Vermibed was prepared for the present work. The vermibed contains cow dung and garden soil which are common in all the pots. One pot was considered as control. The second pot was mixed with tamarind shell waste. The third pot was mixed with diclofenac and finally in the last pot bisphenol-A was taken. Healthy earworms were selected and released to the four pots. The experimental set up was maintained for 30 days. Correlation matrix and t-test was performed to understand the significance of the results.Result: The study revealed the impact of pollutants on the bioconversion of tamarind shell waste. The contaminants like diclofenac and bisphenol-A significantly decreased the micro and macro nutrient levels. The phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium level showed a decrease when compared to control on 30th day in the diclofenac treatment. The nitrogen value was also decreased in the bisphenol-A treated compost on 30th day and the value was statistically significant. The other nutrients, phosphorous and iron were also decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) in the treatment and correlation matrix showed positive and negative correlation with micro and macro nutrients. The physico-chemical characters such as pH and electrical conductivity are also altered in the experimental conditions.

Suan Sunandha Science and Technology Journal, 8, 2, 36 to 41

The ingestion of organic and mineral materials by earthworms is a prominent functional role that has profound consequences for the decomposition and stabilization of soil organic matter. To investigate the litter consumption of the African nightcrawler earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae under different tropical conditions, we used DNA barcoding to identify specimens of E. eugeniae collected from sites across the Adamawa region in Cameroon, and studied the influence of habitat suitability (soil properties), soil moisture, litter type, and population density on litter consumption. A total of four litter consumption experiments were carried out using soils collected from refuse disposal sites, agricultural lands, and savannahs dominated by the Mexican sunflower Tithonia diversifolia. The results revealed that litter consumption significantly increased in the refuse disposal and agricultural soils as opposed to the Mexican sunflower (T. diversifolia) soil, a cow dung enriched substrate, and a sterile soil horizon from the savannah (P0.05). The optimum moistures for litter consumption were between 24% and 50%. Litter type did not affect the consumption rate of the earthworms (P0.05). We observed a general positive density-dependent consumption with litter mass loss increasing with increasing density. Our results suggest that E. eugeniae has a strong direct effect on the decomposition of plant materials than expected from previous estimations, and that litter consumption rates are determined by several habitat components and population density.

In this study, agricultural waste materials (fresh and dried plantain peels and fresh and dried potato peels) were placed in four plastic bins labelled A1, A2, B1 and B2 respectively and vermicomposted into bio-fertilizer. The earthworms used for the study, Eudrilus eugeniae, were introduced into the bins at a ratio of 5:1 (waste/worm) in grams. The moisture content, temperature and pH level in the system were monitored for a study period of 15 days. At the end of the study period, the vermicasts produced were collected from each bin and analysed for Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium concentration. Sample A1 (fresh plantain peel) had the maximum concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with a value of 0.20%, 0.05% and 0.40% respectively. While sample B1(fresh potato peel) had 0.11% N, 0.04% P and 0.30% K; A2 (dried plantain peel) had 0.09% N, 0.02% P, and 0.30% K; and B2 (dried potato peel) had 0.13% N, 0.02% P, and 0.10% K. The results also revealed that vermicomposting reduced the mass of all the samples with a reduction of 48%, 45%, 53% and 49% for A1, A2, B1 and B2 respectively. The data obtained were statistically analysed using ANOVA to ascertain the significant effect of the types of peels on the NPK contents; Duncan multiple range test was also used to check if the differences in mean values obtained were significant. The concentration (in ratio) of N-P-K for the vermicompost are; A1 4:1:8, A2 5:1:15, B1 3:1:8 and B2 7:1:5, in comparison with the inorganic fertilizer with ratio 1:1:1. This indicated that the concentration (in ratio) of N-P-K is higher in the vermicompost than inorganic fertilizer. Therefore, vermicomposting is a promising alternative technology for the treatment of agricultural wastes into nutrient rich bio-fertilizer, it is eco-friendly, cheaper and more sustainable.Keywords - Earthworm, plantain peel, potato peel, vermicast, vermicomposting

In spite of hermaphroditism, most earthworm species reproduce by cross fertilization i.e. by the process of copulation of two mature partners. Mechanism of copulation in few earthworm species (Lumbricus terrestris) is known. However literature on neurosecretory control of copulation in earthworm is lacking. In the present study 30 pairs of conjugating earthworms of Eisenia fetida were collected from laboratory culture beds during 2016 of monsoon season. Cerebral and ventral ganglia of 10 pairs of conjugating earthworms and 20 pairs of post conjugation (2 hrs after separation, 4 hrs after separation) earthworms were fixed in Bouin’s fluid for cytomorphological studies on their cerebral neurosecretory cells. Earthworms (10 numbers) debrained through anterior transection of first five segments (brain present in 3rd segment) by sterilized paragon knife were studied to observe conjugation if any. Cerebral and ventral ganglia of 5 pairs of pre-conjugating earthworms were considered as control. Cerebral and ventral ganglia of earthworms displayed chiefly two types of neurosecretory cells such as A cells and B cells. The A cells are deeply stained AF-positive cells arranged in upper cortical tier beneath the perineurium and generally exhibiting process of axonal transport. The B cells, generally larger in size than A cells, are lightly or moderately stained with or without axonal transport and lie in between cortical A cells and central fibrous neuropile. In the cerebral ganglia the A cells outnumbered the B cells, while in the ventral ganglia the opposite is true. Debrained E. fetida survived but did not conjugate. Secretory dynamics in the cerebral and ventral ganglionic neurosecretory cells A and B were recorded in pre-conjugating, conjugating and post-conjugating earthworms. Absence of conjugation in debrained worms and exhibition of the same in earthworms with brain and its changes in neurosecretory profile clearly indicate involvement of cerebral neurosecretion in the phenomenon of conjugation in earthworm. Our result indicates probable involvement of cerebral neurohormone in the process of conjugation in E. fetida.

Information on prospective metal remediation by Eudrilus eugeniae during vermicomposting of cotton textile sludge (CTS) is rather scarce. This investigation, therefore, evaluates the sanitization efficiency of this species in CTS and CTS + cow-dung (CD) based feedstocks against aerobic composting. Accordingly, reduction in Pb, Cd, Cr, and Zn concentrations was between 50 and 70% under vermicomposting. Budget equations substantiated that humic compound mediated chelation was the dominant route of metal removal, against nominal bioaccumulation by earthworms. Correlation statistics revealed that formation of humic compounds (humic acid, fulvic acid, and humin) greatly influenced the transition of toxic Cr6+ to benign Cr3+ during vermicomposting. Moreover, increase in total N content and P availability was significantly greater under vermicomposting than composting. Thus, E. eugeniae efficiently stabilized the feedstocks by reducing pH, Ca, S, and organic C and CTS + CD(2:1) was the most favorable feedstock for E. eugeniae vermicomposting in respect of metal detoxification and nutrient stabilization.

Eudrilus eugeniae, the vermicomposing worm, is found in considerable numbers in agricultural fields in India due to their eventual transfer through vermimanure. These worms are very often exposed to pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilisers and other soil amendments. This paper reports the effects of variable concentrations of urea, phosphogypsum (PG), paper mill sludge (PMS) and two organophosphorus agrochemicals, monocrotophos and glyphosate, on certain morphological, histological and biochemical parameters of E. eugeniae. Results indicated setal anomalies, epidermal lesions, clitellar swelling and constriction of the body. Disintegration of connective tissue, vacuolation of dermis and significant alterations in protein, lipid peroxidation levels and activities of lactate dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase and catalase have also been observed in the treated worms. It is proposed that setae, connective tissue, protein and enzymes in E. eugeniae could be useful markers to evaluate toxicity due to the test chemicals.

Vermifiltration technology using Eudrilus Eugeniae could be an alternative low-cost option for the treatment of urban greywater, which is highly polluted with high concentrations of surfactants, so...

Regeneration is a complex mechanism to restore lost or damaged body parts. In earthworms, regeneration capability varies among different species, and it is important to explore the mechanism behind the regeneration process. Interestingly, regeneration in earthworms is either dependent or independent of clitellum segments. In the present study, juvenile earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were amputated at 3 different sites, namely the head, clitellum, and tail segments (at segments 10, 15, and 30, respectively), and their regeneration ability was documented using a foldscope. The amputated segments having the intact clitellum were able to heal the wounds and form the regenerative blastema. The smaller portions of the amputated segments (segments 1–10 and 1–15) without intact clitellum were unable to heal the wound, and death occurs within 12–24 h. The larger portions of the amputated segments (segments 15 and 30 to anus) without intact clitellum were able to heal the wound but lacked the regeneration capability. In control worms, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) signals were observed at the anterior tip, clitellum, and gut epithelium tissues, whereas, upon amputation, the enriched signals from the clitellum diminished, but profound signals were observed at the amputation site and regenerative blastema. Interestingly, on days 3 and 4, blastemal tips lacked ALP signals due to initiation of the differentiation process in the regeneration blastema. In summary, using a foldscope microscope, the role of the clitellum in the regeneration mechanism was indicated by ALP activity.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Coelomic fluid of 3 earthworms exhibited cytotoxicity on oral cancer cells. • Coelomic fluid induced DNA strand breakage in SCC-9 cells. • Coelomic fluid of Perionyx excavatus showed highest percentage of G2M cycle arrest. • Coelomic fluid of Eudrilus eugeniae caused a 37-fold rise in apoptosis percentage., The current protocol of cancer management includes surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, these modalities have significant adverse effects and affect the quality of life. Further intensification of treatment is hindered as maximal toxicity levels are reached impeding improvement. Hence researchers are in the quest for adjunctive naturally available therapies that can alter tumor proliferation without causing significant adverse reactions. The present study aims to explore the cytotoxic potential of earthworm coelomic fluid (ECF) of Eudrilus eugeniae (EE), Eisenia foetida (EF), and Perionyx excavatus (PE) on oral cancer cell line SCC-9. The effect of ECF on cell cycle analysis and mechanism of cell death have also been investigated. All experiments reported in this paper were performed as 3 replicates per experiment. The results indicated that ECF of EE, EF and PE have potent variable cytotoxic effect on SCC-9 cells demonstrated through LDH, clonogenic and comet assay. An effective cell cycle arrest was observed at the G2M phase of cell cycle with apoptotic induction that was observed through an Annexin V – FITC/PI assay. ECF of EE was found to be superior in its cytotoxic action closely followed by ECF of PE. The present findings provide evidence for the first time that ECF of EE, EF and PE have potent cytotoxic effect on oral cancer cells in vitro. They significantly induce G2M cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis in SCC-9 cell line. Gene expression studies have been planned to ascertain the pathways of cell death.

Biochar (char-product), generated by pyrolyzing organic materials, is produced for the intended use of land application to promote carbon sequestration, soil improvement and crop-yield. Despite the benefits biochar applications offers, scientific probing on impacts that may result from amendments with biochar is still fragmented. In this study, impact of biochar on Eudrilus eugeniae DNA was investigated. Rice-husk biochar was applied to soil at rates up to 80% d/w and earthworms were exposed for 35-day. Impact on DNA was measured using electrophoresis-gel-extraction-method. Data obtained showed that biochar application over 25% resulted in decreased survival. Electrophoresis-gel-analysis showed that DNA decreased from 450 to 300 bp in biochar soils (p = 0.002). Biochar rates (5%–25%) induced DNA damage. The DNA showed smeared bands or tail; indicating DNA degradation and/or damage. DNA damage is a clear evidence of negative impact of biochar(s) to soil-biota; suggesting that loading of soil with biochar could have serious consequences on soil-fauna.

Due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, probiotics in aquaculture are used for the prevention of infectious microbial diseases and substitute for antibiotics and chemotherapeutics. In this study, we evaluated the effect of probiotic Bacillus spp. isolated from African nightcrawler (Eudrilus eugeniae) on the growth, feed utilization, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four probiotic strains of Bacillus spp. (ANSCI9, BFAR9, RM3, and RM10) were individually incorporated in the commercial diet (control) at 108 CFU g-1 of feed. The experimental fish were fed at 5% of their body weight for 30 days, and subjected to a 14-day Aeromonas hydrophila challenge test afterward. The results showed the probiotic-treated groups have higher (PPP-1) and relative growth rate (RGR) (181.39 ± 18.16 %) than the control (SGR=1.29 ± 0.07 % day-1; RGR=129.84 ± 9.77 %). Consequently, RM10 had significantly lower (PPBacillus spp. isolated from E. eugeniae improved the growth, feed utilization, and the disease resistance of Nile tilapia.

Insecticides can cause significant harm to both terrestrial and aquatic environments. The new insecticides derived from microbial sources are a good option with no environmental consequences. Metarhizium anisopliae (mycelia) ethyl acetate extracts were tested on larvae, pupae, and adult of Anopheles stephensi (Liston, 1901), Aedes aegypti (Meigen, 1818), and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), as well as non-target species Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg, 1867) and Artemia nauplii (Linnaeus, 1758) at 24 h post treatment under laboratory condition. In bioassays, Metarhizium anisopliae extracts had remarkable toxicity on all mosquito species with LC50 values, 29.631 in Ae. aegypti, 32.578 in An. stephensi and 48.003 in Cx. quinquefasciatus disease-causing mosquitoes, in A. nauplii shows (5.33–18.33 %) mortality were produced by the M. anisopliae derived crude extract. The LC50 and LC90 values were, 620.481; 6893.990 μg/mL. No behavioral changes were observed. A low lethal effect was observed in E. eugeniae treated with the fungi metabolites shows a 14.0 % mortality. The earthworm E. eugeniae mid-gut histology revealed that M. anisopliae extracts had no more harmful effects on the epidermis, circular muscle, setae, mitochondrion, and intestinal lumen tissues than chemical pesticides. By Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, camphor (25.4 %), caprolactam (20.68 %), and monobutyl phthalate (19.0 %) were identified as significant components of M. anisopliae metabolites. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral investigations revealed the presence of carboxylic acid, amides, and phenol groups, all of which could be involved in mosquito toxicity. The M. anisopliae derived chemical constituents are effective on targeted pests, pollution-free, target-specific, and are an alternative chemical insecticide.

Hazardous coir industrial waste, coir pith has been subjected to 50 days vermicomposting with Eudrilus eugeniae by amending nitrogenous legume plant, Gliricidia sepium together with cattle dung in different combinations, after 21 days precomposting using Pleurotus sajor-caju spawn. An increase in electrical conductivity, total NPK and calcium, and a decrease in organic matter, total organic carbon, C/N ratio, C/P ratio and total phenolic content in the final vermicompost were observed. Dehydrogenase, urease and cellulase activity peaked up to 30 days of vermicomposting and then declined. The phytotoxicity studies with Brassica juncea, C/N ratio and enzyme activities confirmed the stability and maturity of vermicompost. The results also demonstrated that the 2:3:1 ratio (coir pith + Gliricidia sepium + cow dung) is a suitable effective combination for nutrient-rich (N: 2.43%; P: 0.92%; K: 2.09%) vermicompost production. The total phenolic contents declined during the vermicomposting with a lower final content of 21.26 mg/g GAE in 2:3:1 combination of substrates from the initial level (105.56 mg/g GAE). Besides, the concentration of total phenol contents inversely related to the germination index of Brassica juncea (r = -0.761), indicating that the phenolic content could also play an important role in phytotoxicity. Growth and fecundity of Eudrilus eugeniae in 2:3:1 combination revealed the acceptability and rapid decomposition of coir pith substrate into vermifertilizer.

The process parameters of in-vessel rotary drum composting (RDC) with vermicomposting (VC) were investigated for the conversion of vegetable waste into vermicompost. After 7-day initial thermophilic exposure (maximal 51.5 °C in 24 h), the partially degraded RDC waste was divided into R1 (no vermiculture), R2, R3, and R4 (with Eudrilus eugeniae; Eisenia fetida; and Perionyx excavates monocultures, respectively). R3 derived vermicompost displayed maximum optimal process parameters and desirable compost qualities. Against the constant 2.2% nitrogen content of R1, an increase from 1.4 to 4.15% was seen in R3, with a 52.5% reduction in total organic carbon (TOC). A clear testimony to the enhanced nutritional content and fitness of the novel combination of RDC thermophilic biodegradation and E. fetida based vermicomposting. In an environmentally compatible mode, the faster organic deconstruction in 27 days could substantially alter organic waste treatment in the immediate future.

Penambahan pupuk organik seperti vermikompos dapat dilakukan untuk mengatasi masalah kekurangan bahan organik tanah. Salah satu spesies cacing tanah yang biasa digunakan dalam vermicomposting adalah Eudrilus eugeniae. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh kombinasi antara kotoran sapi dan jerami padi terhadap kualitas vermikompos dari kandungan C-organik, N, P, K total dan aktivitas enzim urease serta produksi vermikompos yang dihasilkan. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan 4 perlakuan. Perlakuan berupa P1: pakan 400 g kotoran sapi, P2: pakan 400 g jerami padi, P3: pakan 280 g kotoran sapi dan 120 g jerami padi, dan P4: pakan 140 g kotoran sapi dan 60 g jerami padi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perlakuan secara nyata mempengaruhi semua parameter pada vermikompos yang dihasilkan. Hasil produksi ditentukan berdasarkan nilai nisbah output/input (O/I). Kualitas dan produksi vermikompos pada P4 merupakan perlakuan yang memiliki hasil terbaik. Hal ini dikarenakan pencampuran kombinasi kotoran sapi dan jerami padi memberikan hasil makro nutrisi yang relatif lengkap serta dosis pemberian pakan yang lebih tinggi akan memberikan hasil produksi vermikompos yang lebih tinggi.