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Knowledge on the mechanism of earthworm-induced removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in vermicomposting systems and interaction with nutrient mineralization and microbial growth is scarce in literature. Moreover, the PAH accumulation capacity of Eudrilus eugeniae has not been studied. This research, therefore, investigates the apportionment dynamics of 13 PAH compounds in aerobic composting and vermicomposting (Eisenia fetida and E. eugeniae) systems using novel budget equations. The PAH removal efficiency of vermicomposting was significantly higher (2–threefold) than composting with concurrent microbial augmentation (p < 0.01). However, the 4–6 ring compounds reduced more significantly (30–50%) than the 3-ring PAHs (p < 0.01), and E. eugeniae was an equally competitive PAH-accumulator compared to E. fetida. The budget equations revealed that although the bioaccumulation capabilities of earthworms were retarded due to PAH exposure, earthworms facilitated PAH-immobilization in decomposed feedstock. A marked increase in bacterial, fungal, and actinomycetes proliferation in PAH-spiked vermibeds with parallel removal of the PAHs indicated that earthworm-induced microbial enrichment plays a vital role in PAH detoxification during vermicomposting. Correlation analyses strongly implied that earthworm-driven mineralization-humification balancing and microbial enrichment could be the critical mechanism of PAH remediation under vermicomposting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vermicomposting process using sugarcane bagasse as substrate with cow dung and elephant dung were evaluated by using earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae. The significant of the current study to create a biological alternative and humification process for open-air decomposed debris of sugarcane crop residue and animal dungs by using earthworm. FT-IR and GC–MS analysis was performed to determine the maturity and stability stage of vermicompost in the initial and 90th day substrates. The zero day raw material had found 25 organic compounds which was increased to 30 compounds after 90th day of vermicomposting. FT-IR spectroscopy demonstrated that distinct biochemical functional groups included in wastes, underwent variable chemical changes and turnover during vermicomposting. GC–MS profile revealed that existence of numerous humic acids in the predominant level of metabolites and disintegrating compounds viz., Hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (14.89%), Benzenepropanoic acid 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-methylester (108.53%), Octadecanoic acid (8.98%), Dodecanoic acid methyl ester (1.99%), Methyl tetradecanoate (1.36%) and interestingly absence of toxic compounds, its clearly demonstrating as an indicator of substrate maturity. All the biochemical compounds are considered biologically and pharmacologically important and this was supported by a fall in the humification index, which focuses on the joint action of earthworms and bacteria in the decomposition of organic substrates. The technique FT-IR verified the mineralization process and formation of a significant amount of carboxylic and aliphatic group degradation and GC–MS profile found the turnover of different organic components in chemical footprints and it were proved to be more promising fast, reliable and conventional method. Therefore, the current study can be regarded as a comprehensive eco-biochemical method that will open a new vista on the significance of sugarcane bagasse for solid waste management. Finally, it was found that the amount of solid waste dumped in landfills could be greatly reduced and that industrial waste could be transformed into high-quality vermicompost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing blood vessels from the existing vasculature is vital for the growth of the organism, as well as for systematic wound healing and the repair process. In this study, we investigated the role of angiogenesis during the regeneration process in the earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae, animal model. Briefly, the morphological examination of blood vessels in juvenile and mature worms is documented, along with the development of new blood vessels in regenerating blastema. However, in vivo and in vitro experiments with juvenile worms revealed that geraniol retards blastemal regeneration growth with undeveloped blood vessels, as compared to the control. The results of qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry confirmed a reduced expression of VEGFR2 and WNT5A in the day 3 regenerating blastema of geraniol-treated worms, as compared to the control. We conclude that geraniol acts as a potent natural inhibitor of angiogenesis, thereby retarding the regeneration process in earthworms. In addition, for studying angiogenesis and screening effective angiogenesis inhibitors as drug candidates, the earthworm is an ambient animal model system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic pesticides are a considerable issue in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Green pesticides derived from fungi, provide an efficient tools and alternative to chemicals. Secondary metabolites from Metarhizium anisopliae were tested against major disease mosquitos such as, Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus, as well as two non-target species, Eudrilus eugeniae and Artemia nauplii. After 24 h of treatment, M. anisopliae derived chemical constituent produced low LC50 values, 54.678, 92.819, and 93.792 µg/ml on Aedes aegypti, for Anopheles stephensi, 80.933, 116.990 and 130.173 µg/ml, for Culex quinquefasciatus, 109.733, 196.540, 182.853 µg/ml in larvae, pupae, and adult, respectively. On the contrary, fungal metabolites are not hazardous to non-target species.. Midgut histology investigations revealed that M. anisopliae metabolites were less harmful to earthworms than chemical pesticides (Permethrin). The treatment of fungal crude extract exhibited minimal toxicity effects on gut tissues, normal epidermis, circular muscle, setae, mitochondrion, and intestinal lumen tissues. M. anisopliae crude metabolites showed a lower toxicity against the non-target species A. nauplii. Our results clearly shows minimal mortality rates were produced by the M. anisopliae derived chemical constituents, LC50 and LC90 values were, 455.947, 5098.233 μg/mL−1. No behavioral changes were observed during the treatment. The primary components of M.anisopliae crude extract identified by GC–MS studies were aucubin (14.356%) and 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (z,z)-(75.009%). The presence of key functional groups such as carboxylic acid, amides, and phenol groups was revealed by FT-IR spectral studies, which may be involved in mosquitocidal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms are frequently employed in terrestrial eco-toxicological investigations and are regarded as domain soil creatures. The current study focused to assess the toxicity and bioconversion capability of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae after exposed to various concentrations of petroleum and engine oil–contaminated soil. In each treatment, totally ten clitellated earthworms were introduced and maintained for 20 days by providing suitable moisture level of 70–80%. The survival rate and reproductive indices and the nutrient analysis in petrol and engine oil-contaminated soil were examined. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed in the gut tissue of earthworm to determine the changes in functional group of an organism. The findings clearly demonstrated that the earthworm E eugeniae with high rate of acclimatization in contaminated soil led to drop down in the macro- and micronutrients due to nutrient mineralization. The FTIR analysis reveals the alteration of important functional groups such as alkenes, nitro groups, alkyl halides, amines, and ester compounds in the earthworm gut region earthworm exposed to petroleum and engine oil-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the production of silver nanoparticles and their commercial products has generated increased concern and caused a hazardous impact on the ecosystem. Therefore, the present study examines the toxic effect of chemically engineered silver nanoparticles (SNPs) and polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped silver nanoparticles (PVP-SNPs) on the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (E. eugeniae). The SNPs and PVP-SNPs were synthesized, and their characterization was determined by UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The toxicity of SNPs and PVP-SNPs was evaluated using E. eugeniae. The present result indicates that the lethal concentration (LC50) of SNPs and PVP-SNPs were achieved at 22.66 and 43.27 μg/mL, respectively. The activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) was increased in SNPs compared to PVP-SNPs. Importantly, we have noticed that the E. eugeniae can amputate its body segments after exposure to SNPs and PVP-SNPs. This exciting phenomenon is named "autotomy," which describes a specific feature of E. eugeniae to escape from the toxic contaminants and predators. Accordingly, we have suggested this unique behavior may facilitate to assess the toxic effect of SNPs and PVP-SNPs in E. eugeniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the annelids, earthworms are renowned for their phenomenal ability to regenerate the lost segments. The adult earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae contains 120 segments and the body segments of the earthworm are divided into pre-clitellar, clitellar and post-clitellar segments. The present study denoted that clitellum plays vital role in the successful regeneration of the species. We have performed histological studies to identify among the three skin layers of the earthworm, which cellular layer supports the blastema formation and regeneration of the species. The histological evidences denoted that the proliferation of the longitudinal cell layer at the amputation site is crucial for the successful regeneration of the earthworm and it takes place only in the presence of an intact clitellum. Besides we have performed clitellar transcriptome analysis of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae to monitor the key differentially expressed genes and their associated functions and pathways controlling the clitellar tissue changes during both anterior and posterior regeneration of the earthworm. A total of 4707 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between the control clitellum and clitellum of anterior regenerated earthworms and 4343 DEGs were detected between the control clitellum and clitellum of posterior regenerated earthworms. The functional enrichment analysis confirmed the genes regulating the muscle mass shape and structure were significantly downregulated and the genes associated with response to starvation and anterior-posterior axis specification were significantly upregulated in the clitellar tissue during both anterior and posterior regeneration of the earthworm. The RNA sequencing data of clitellum and the comparative transcriptomic analysis were helpful to understand the complex regeneration process of the earthworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eudrilus eugeniae is a clitellum-dependent earthworm that requires intact clitellum segments for its survival and regeneration. The present study aims to interconnect the survival and regeneration ability that varies between in vivo and in vitro maintenance upon different sites of amputation. The amputated portion of the worm that possesses intact clitellum (13th–18th segments) survived and had the potential to regenerate, whereas worms with partial or without clitellum segments only survived and were unable to regenerate. Besides segment length and clitellum segments, clitellum factors also determined the survival, blastemal initiation and differentiation potential. The survivability and regeneration potential of worms were augmented upon in vitro maintenance. Notably, the amputated segments (1st–10th segments) and posterior segments of similar length, which usually die within the 4th day in vivo, survived for more than 60 days in vitro but lacked the regeneration ability. On the other hand, the amputated posterior segments (30th to 37th segments) from juvenile worms, maintained in in vitro condition, survived and initiated blastema with multiple buds but lacked the ability to regenerate. Interestingly, the equal half of adult worm blastema that is maintained in in vitro conditions were able to form the blastema-like structure with the help of a unique stick. The anterior blastema failed to retain the regenerative structure but the posterior portion of the amputated blastema, which is also associated with a small portion of the body segment, showed the ability to retain the regenerative structure. Our results conclude that the survivability is enhanced upon in vitro maintenance and this condition favours the adult dedifferentiated blastemal and stem cell–enriched juvenile posterior segments to form a regenerative blastema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 < 0.05) in earthworms fed CM + SBCR but abnormally lowest for AW. Cocoon incubation period ranged between 9 and 16 days for CM but was 11–16 days for SBCR and CM + SBCR but no sufficient cocoons were available for incubation from AW. Hatching success was 88%, 82% and 68% in CM, CM + SBCR and SBCR, respectively. Similarly, the highest mean number of hatchlings per cocoon was 3.08 ± 0.73 from CM. Consequently, earthworm offtake in CM, CM + SBCR, AW and SBCR was 86%, 78%, 70% and 62%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the type of organic substrate influence reproductive biology, growth and offtake of E. eugeniae, but suggesting that inadequately aged substrates negatively impact cocoon production and may cause earthworm death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enormous quantities of coal fly ash (FA) waste produced by thermal power plants during electricity generation lead to deterioration of soil and surface water quality. The present study aims to convert coal FA waste into valuable manure by aerobic composting and vermicomposting (VC) techniques with a comparative aspect. The investigation addresses the physico-chemical, microbiological and enzymatic behaviour of the substrates over a duration of 60 days. The enzymatic activities offer a promising solution for assessment of compost quality. Level of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable metals, plant hormones and microbial biomass carbon were also evaluated. The DTPA-extractable metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb) were reduced significantly (p <0.05) in final vermicomposts. The activity of enzymes (cellulase, amylase, dehydrogenase and protease) was observed to decline after 30th day of VC process. The decline in enzymatic activities was noteworthy in VC as compared to the composting process. The trend of bacterial population in vermicasts at day 30 was: CD alone > FA + CD (1:3) > FA + CD (1:1) > FA + CD (3:1) > FA alone. Microbial population (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, coliform, proteolytic and cellulolytic bacteria) in the compost was lower than the vermicomposts. The level of plant hormones (kinetin, gibberellic acid and indole 3-acetic acid) was higher in vermicompost as compared to compost. Microbial biomass carbon was higher in the vermicompost compared to the compost. The results showed the importance of earthworms and associated microorganisms in altering physico-chemical, microbial and enzymatic activities of vermicomposted FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles have attracted much interest in various fields very specifically in biomedical engineering. As gold nanoparticles have wide range of applications in different fields, there is a need to study about its toxicity against the biological systems. Hence, this study mainly focuses on the determination of toxicity of gold nanoparticles. In this research, gold nanoparticles were synthesized using various concentration of chloroauric acid by citrate reduction method. The produced particles were characterized using UV-Vis, SEM and AFM analysis. The particles were checked for its toxicity against earthworm—Eudrilus eugeniae and histology was done, where it was found to destroy the epidermis of gut and clitellum of the earthworm depicting the toxicity of gold nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most look into the benefits of the nanoparticles, but keeping aside the benefits; this study focuses on the impacts of nanoparticles on living systems. Improper disposal of nanoparticles into the environment is a subject of pollution or nano-pollution which in turn affects the flora and fauna in the ecosystem, particularly soil ecosystem. Thus, this study was done to understand the impacts of chemically synthesized magnetite nanoparticles on earthworm--Eudrilus eugeniae, a soil-dependent organism which acquires food and nutrition from decaying matters. The chemically synthesized magnetite nanoparticles were characterized by UV--visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Earthworms were allowed to interact with different concentrations of synthesized nanoparticles and the effect of the nanoparticles was analysed by studying the phenotypic changes followed by histology and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms are segmented invertebrates that belong to the phylum Annelida. The segments can be divided into the anterior, clitellar and posterior parts. If the anterior part of the earthworm, which includes the brain, is amputated, the worm would essentially survive even in the absence of the brain. In these brain amputee-derived worms, the nerve cord serves as the primary control center for neurological function. In this current work, we studied changes in the expression levels of anti-acetylated tubulin and serotonin as the indicators of neuro-regenerative processes. The data reveal that the blastemal tissues express the acetylated tubulin and serotonin from day four and that the worm amputated at the 7th segment takes 30 days to complete the regeneration of brain. The ability of self-assemblage is one of the specific functions of the earthworm's brain. The brain amputee restored the ability of self-assemblage on the eighth day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to discover the potential cardioprotective function of earthworm powder (EWP) extracted from Eudrilus eugeniae on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into four groups, with six rats in each group. Certain rats were pretreated with EWP (200 mg/kg bwt) (Group III), and a myocardial infarction was then induced by subcutaneous injection of ISO (85 mg/kg bwt) (Group II). Oral pretreatment of 200 mg/kg bwt of EWP for 28 days significantly ( p > 0.05) improved the blood profile levels, including (a) the lipid profile of total cholesterol (TC), free fatty acids (FFA), and triglycerides (TG); (b) low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and protein; and (c) A/G ratio, glucose and uric acid levels. The electrophoretic pattern of elevated lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) levels was recovered by EWP treatment as evidenced by comparison with ISO-induced rats with cardiac damage. The above results indicate that EWP (200 mg/kg bwt) provides a cardioprotective effect by attenuating the blood profile, lipid profile, biochemical levels, and LDH patterns in rats that experienced an ISO-induced myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) act as essential nutrients; however, they can be toxic at higher concentrations. In this study, earthworm species Eudrilus eugeniae was studied for its sensitivity to sublethal doses of Cr (8 ppm) and Zn (350 ppm) in terms of alterations occurred in oxidative stress indices and reproductive parameters in the testis. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the rate of food intake was observed on 7, 14 and 21 days of Cr toxicity; while increased rate was evident upon 7 days of Zn exposure. Changes evident in the rate of cocoon production (−39.54 and +38.63 %), hatchability (−77.85 and +30.0 %) highlight higher toxic potential of Cr than Zn, respectively. Moderate to severe vacuolization in spermatic follicles and higher incidence of tailless (+52.6 % in Cr and 20.8 % in Zn), and head bent (+18.8 % in Cr and 0 % in Zn) sperms were evident in Cr(VI) exposed worms emphasizing the higher vulnerability of E. eugeniae to Cr toxicity. A significant (p < 0.05) increase observed in catalase activity (+13.29 % in Zn and +20.88 % in Cr) and glutathione (+52.09 % in Zn and −7.70 % in Cr) suggests a higher compensatory antioxidant response in Zn-exposed worms than Cr. Variations observed in the activities of superoxide dismutase (−9.40 % in Zn and +24.0 % in Cr) and glutathione-s-transferase (−39.39 % in Zn and +1.29 % in Cr) emphasize the metal specific antioxidant responses in testis. Therefore, it can be implied from results that excessive free radical production and inadequate antioxidant defenses have lead to morphological alterations in sperms which sequentially reduced the reproductive rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recently developed concept of high rate vermicomposting was successfully used to enable direct vermicomoposting of neem leaves-without any pre-composting or cow dung supplementation as previously reported processes had necessitated. All the three epigeic species of earthworms that were explored, Eudrilus eugeniae, Eisenia fetida and Perionyx excavatus, provided efficient vermicast production with no mortality, persistent gain in body mass and good fecundity over the 16 months long period of reactor operation. In this period, all reactors were pulse-fed at the solid retention time of 20 days and were operated in the pseudo discretized continuous operation protocol developed earlier by the authors. With this, it was possible to almost completely dampen the influence of natural biodegradation of the feed or grazing by the earthworm born in the vermireactors. The findings, thus, conclusively prove that, all-through, the brisk vermicomposting was caused almost entirely by the action of the 'parent' earthworms on fresh feed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of Parthenium-mediated compost on Eudrilus eugeniae during the process of vermicomposting. Nine different concentrations of Parthenium hysterophorus and cow dung mixtures were used to assess toxicity. The earthworms' growth, fecundity and antioxidant enzyme levels were analysed every 15 days. The antioxidant activities of enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], considered as biomarkers, indicate the biochemical and oxidative stresses due to the toxin from Parthenium weeds. The earthworms' growth, biomass gain, cocoon production and antioxidant enzymes were in a low level in a high concentration of P. hysterophorus (without cow dung). The results clearly indicated that appropriate mixing of P. hysterophorus quantity is an essential factor for the survival of earthworms without causing any harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms have been successfully used in the vermicomposting of different organic residues to produce vermicompost. Therefore, three different earthworm species Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx excavates were utilized for the conversion of dewatered sludge (DS) of pulp and paper mill into stable compost. DS was mixed with saw dust (SD) in four different proportions such as (50:50, 60:40, 70:30 and 80:20). Stability analysis of compost was study by stability parameters i.e. C/N ratio, oxygen uptake rate, CO evolution and biodegradable organic matter. Compost stability studies revealed that the final compost became stable in all proportions with every earthworm species. However the substrate combination of DS and SD (70:30) proved to be the best mixture on an overall basis with earthworm species E. fetida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decade, rice ( Oryza sativa or Oryza glaberrima) cultivation has increased in many rice-growing countries due to the increasing export demand and population growth and led to a copious amount of rice residues, consisting mainly of rice straw (RS) and rice husk (RH), being generated during and after harvesting. In this study, Eudrilus eugeniae was used to decompose rice residues alone and rice residues amended with cow dung (CD) for bio-transformation of wastes into organic fertilizer. Generally, the final vermicomposts showed increases in macronutrients, namely, calcium (11.4-34.2 %), magnesium (1.3-40.8 %), phosphorus (1.2-57.3 %), and potassium (1.1-345.6 %) and a decrease in C/N ratio (26.8-80.0 %) as well as increases in heavy metal content for iron (17-108 %), copper (14-120 %), and manganese (6-60 %) after 60 days of vermicomposting. RS as a feedstock was observed to support healthier growth and reproduction of earthworms as compared to RH, with maximum adult worm biomass of 0.66 g/worm (RS) at 60 days, 31 cocoons (1RS:2CD), and 23 hatchlings (1RS:1CD). Vermicomposting of RS yielded better results than RH among all of the treatments investigated. RS that was mixed with two parts of CD (1RS:2CD) showed the best combination of nutrient results as well as the growth of E. eugeniae. In conclusion, vermicomposting could be used as a green technology to bio-convert rice residues into nutrient-rich organic fertilizers if the residues are mixed with CD in the appropriate ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal fleshing (ANFL) is the predominant proteinaceous solid waste generated during processing of leather and it is confronting disposal problems. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of epigeic earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae to utilize and transform the fermented ANFL in the solid state (SSF) and submerged state (SmF) into a value added product along a low residence period (25 days). A total of six treatment units containing different waste mixture compositions were established. Fifty healthy and non-clitellated earthworms were introduced in three different treatment containers: control, SSF, and SmF (+worm). Another set of treatment mixtures (control, SSF, SmF) was established without earthworms (−worm) to compare the results. The products were characterized for physico-chemical, enzymatic analysis and seedling growth parameters to compare the differences in the process with and without earthworms. The changes observed in the analytical parameters were in the following order: SSF > SmF > control mixtures ( p < 0.05). The vermicompost showed a significant reduction in heavy metals, total organic carbon and an increase in total Kjeldhal nitrogen as compared to the product untreated by earthworms. The maximum enzymatic activities were observed after 21 days of vermicomposting. The relative seed germination of vermicompost extracts were in the order of tomato ( Lycopersicon esculentum) > green gram ( Vigna radiata) > cucumber ( Cucumis sativus) > bottle gourd ( Lagenaria siceraria ( Mol.) Standl.) and showed no phytotoxicity effects. The results indicated that the combination of both ANFL hydrolysis through fermentation and vermicomposting is a good alternative to the management of this kind of waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee pulp is the main solid residue from the wet processing of coffee berries. Due to presence of anti-physiological and anti-nutritional factors, coffee pulp is not considered as adequate substrate for bioconversion process by coffee farmers. Recent stringent measures by Pollution Control authorities, made it mandatory to treat all the solid and liquid waste emanating from the coffee farms. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of an exotic ( Eudrilus eugeniae) and a native earthworm ( Perionyx ceylanesis) from coffee farm for decomposition of coffee pulp into valuable vermicompost. Exotic earthworms were found to degrade the coffee pulp faster (112 days) as compared to the native worms (165 days) and the vermicomposting efficiency (77.9%) and vermicompost yield (389 kg) were found to significantly higher with native worms. The multiplication rate of earthworms (280%) and worm yield (3.78 kg) recorded significantly higher with the exotic earthworms. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium in vermicompost was found to increase while C:N ratio, pH and total organic carbon declined as a function of the vermicomposting. The plant nutrients, nitrogen (80.6%), phosphorus (292%) and potassium (550%) content found to increase significantly in the vermicompost produced using native earthworms as compared to the initial values, while the calcium (85.7%) and magnesium (210%) content found to increase significantly in compost produced utilizing exotic worms. Vermicompost and vermicasts from native earthworms recorded significantly higher functional microbial group's population as compared to the exotic worms. The study reveals that coffee pulp can be very well used as substrate for vermicomposting using exotic ( Eudrilus eugeniae) and native earthworm ( Perionyx ceylanesis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulase, amylase, invertase, protease and phosphatase activities in pressmud (PM; filter cake) and PM vermicasts of fresh, 15- and 30-day-old casts of Lampito mauritii and Eudrilus eugeniae decreased considerably with cast age. Enhancement of the activities of these enzymes could be ascribed to the nutrient-rich substrate, active microbial populations and optimal moisture conditions. Aged casts showed reduced enzyme activities because of a decreased moisture content, lower nutrient concentrations and a decline in microbial activity. Earthworm-microbe symbiosis seems to operate in a stepwise fashion, controlling groups of enzymes during the metabolism of PM to keep the flux of nutrients in casts (soil) in balance in the biosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of sublethal concentrations of lead nitrate on the growth and reproduction of the African composting earthworm species, Eudrilus eugeniae, was studied by exposing worms in an organic substrate to lead-nitrate-contaminated food over a period of 76 days. The results revealed that growth was initially affected negatively by the presence of lead, while the maturation rate and cocoon production were not affected. In agreement with other studies on Eisenia fetida, cocoon viability was affected negatively by lead, making this a sensitive toxicity endpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growth rate change in earthworms is considered to be a suitable endpoint when determining sublethal effects. In this study we evaluated growth and maturation in the vermicomposting earthworm species Eudrilus eugeniae as marker of sublethal toxicity of copper and zinc. We also compared routes of uptake. Apart from exposing worms experimentally for 73 days to contaminated food, a series of contact filter paper tests was also performed to determine LD50 for copper and zinc. Both copper and zinc at sublethal concentrations affected growth and maturation in worms exposed to contaminated food. These worms had a copper content of 34.5 μg g−1 after 73 days and a zinc content of 184.9 μg g−1, showing a differential uptake. Copper was more toxic than zinc. Also in the contact test worms did take up more zinc than copper and the LD50 (48 h) for copper was 0.011 mg cm−2 and for zinc 0.066 mg cm−2, which translated to body burdens of 6 μg g−1 for copper and 131 μg g−1 for zinc. Indications were that a regulatory mechanism existed for both metals. Both metals were taken up through the body wall at a relatively fast rate. This study indicated that the skin was the major route of metal uptake. This study also showed a poor relation between the two types of tests for purposes of evaluating lethality of zinc and copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworm surface casting activity was monitored in Leucaena leucoccephala alley cropping and a no-tree control system. Under L. leucocephala hedgerows, five times more casts (116.8 Mg ha year) were deposited than in the inter-row space (24.3 Mg ha year) and the no-tree control plots (27.8 Mg ha year). Hyperiodrilus africanus and Eudrilus eugeniae were the dominant species in alley and no-tree control plots, respectively. Amounts of nutrients returned to the soil surface by casting were lowest in the no-tree control due to low nutrient concentration in casts of Eudrilus sp. In alley cropping (weighted average of amounts under hedgerow and inter-row space), three times more N, K, Ca, and Mg were recycled to the surface than in the no-tree control plots. The relative contribution of casts to nutrient cycling in alley cropping (nutrients in L. leucocephala prunings plus casts = 100%) was 33% N, 16% P, 6% K, 16% Ca, and 34% Mg. Permanent shading of the vicinity of hedgerows was identified as the most important factor enhancing casting activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although various authors have contributed to our knowledge of the biology of Eudrilus eugeniae some basic facts about the life cycle and reproduction are still not fully documented. Quantitative observations were made of the cocoons at 25 °C in different substrates. The incubation period for 166 cocoons was 16.89 days, based on cocoons produced by worms between the ages of 70 and 100 days. These cocoons produced a mean 2.12 hatchlings per cocoon after incubation in cattle manure, moist filter paper and distilled water. A smaller batch of cocoons incubated in cattle manure produced a mean of 2.7 hatchlings per cocoon. The hatching success of the cocoons was 84% in cattle manure, 50% in distilled water, and 48% on moist filter paper. The reproductive capabilities of E. eugeniae and Eisenia fetida were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are toxic compounds which are major components of petroleum products. This study was aimed at identifying histopathological alterations and changes in antioxidants defense systems in Eudrilus eugeniae (earthworm) that can be used as good battery of biomarkers for early detection of pollution associated with hydrocarbons. The toxicological evaluations of benzene, toluene, xylene, and ethylbenzene (BTEX) were carried out against E. eugeniae. Earthworm samples were collected around oil impacted and control sites. The effect of BTEX was investigated on oxidative stress markers of E. eugeniae. Results: Results showed that xylene (1.2 mg/kg) was the most toxic compound, followed by toluene (1.3 mg/kg), ethylbenzene (1.4 mg/kg), and benzene (1.9 mg/kg). The biochemical responses revealed an increase in malondialdehyde level and decrease in the level of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and glutathione-S-transferase in E. eugeniae collected around the oil impacted area of Ijegun. The results from the laboratory studies were confirmed in the field studies. Significant histopathological alterations in the whole organisms were observed in both field and laboratory studies. The pathological findings include cellular and epidermal degeneration, and presence of pigment and inclusion bodies. Conclusion: The results reflect the biological effects of hydrocarbon pollution, thus confirming the relevance of histopathological and antioxidant enzymes as biomarkers for detection of hydrocarbon pollution during environmental monitoring programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gum arabic is multifunctional and used in food products, pharmaceutical, confectionery, cosmetic, printing and textile industry. Gum arabic has an excellent market and its production is being increased to meet the market demand. In the process, huge quantity of solid waste is generated during its refining process. An attempt has been made to vermicompost this organic waste using Eudrilus eugeniae. This research work is first of its kind. Literature on this substrate has not been reported anywhere else for vermicomposting. Results were excellent with volatile solid reduction of 51.34 %; C/N ratio reduced to 16.31 % indicating efficient loss of carbon as carbon dioxide during vermicomposting period. Manurial value, i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in the range, required for the plants also increased. Porosity of 67.74 % and water holding capacity of 65.75 % were observed. The maturity of the vermicompost was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy wherein the complete conversion of large raw material particles into finer particles forming a uniform matrix with more surface area was observed indicating its efficient conversion. Microbial quality of vermicompost was also studied. The final vermicompost is free of fungal cells and pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]