Growth and Reproduction of the Earthworm Eisenia fetida Exposed to Sublethal Concentrations of Organic Chemicals

摘要

The determination of a short-term LC50 toxicity value for a chemical is a useful indicator of the potential biological effect of the chemical if released into the environment. However, it is possible that adverse effects of the chemical may occur at sublethal concentrations far below LC50 values. Using the earthworm Eisenia fetida (Savigny) as an indicator organism for soil ecosystems, concentrations of 10 organic chemicals were evaluated for sublethal effects on earthworm growth and reproduction. (Copyright (c) 1990 Pergamon Press plc.)