The role of earthworm defense mechanisms in ecotoxicity studies
Earthworms are important soil organisms that affect the soil structure by influencing organic and inorganic matter breakdown. Earthworms are in permanent contact with soil particles via their permeable skin and digestive tract and are thus strongly affected by pollutants present in the soil. Eart...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
2015-08-01
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| Series: | Invertebrate Survival Journal |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.isj.unimo.it/articoli/ISJ384.pdf |
| Summary: | Earthworms are important soil organisms that affect the soil structure by influencing organic and
inorganic matter breakdown. Earthworms are in permanent contact with soil particles via their
permeable skin and digestive tract and are thus strongly affected by pollutants present in the soil.
Earthworms often live in very hostile environments with an abundant microflora and therefore have
developed very potent defense mechanisms. These mechanisms have been described to be
influenced by various types of organic and inorganic pollutants and also by the nanoparticles that
reach the soil system. Reduced abilities of earthworms to protect themselves against pathogenic
microorganisms result in lower reproduction rates and increased mortality. In this review, a summary
of the up-to-date data describing the effects of contaminants on the natural defense barriers and
immune system of earthworms is presented. |
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| ISSN: | 1824-307X |