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Physical damage to earthworms (Eisenia fetida, upper panel, and Lumbricus terrestris, lower panel) observed in some individuals in the high biochar application rate treatments
Source publication
Biochar is the degradation-resistant product generated by the pyrolysis of organic materials and is produced for the intended use of land application in order to promote carbon sequestration and soil improvement. However, despite the many potential benefits biochar application offers, it is important to quantify any ecological impacts that may resu...
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The aim of this work was to investigate whether the agronomic traits of vermicompost prepared from partially stabilised sewage sludge digestate after thermophilic composting were more favourable than those of conventional compost. The effects of various additives (green waste, spent mushroom compost, wheat straw, biochar) were also tested after 1.5...
Citations
... This may lessen the BCH's effectiveness as a modifier and make the problem of weeds or pathogens having a high level of tolerance to particular pesticides or herbicides worse (Liu et al., 2018a). Additionally, in (Elliston & Oliver, 2020). Human respiratory health risks may arise from BCH nanoparticles generated during the production and transportation processes. ...
Human activities in various fields of agriculture and industry cause an increasing amount of wastes. Proper and practical use of these wastes will reduce the pressure on the environment. Biochar (BCH) is a carbon substance generated by heating plant residue and trash in a condition with little or no oxygen. BCH’s unique qualities make it an appropriate soil amendment. BCH affects various physical properties, chemical properties, and soil biology and improves soil fertility. BCH increases the yield of plants by providing the needed elements. BCH is an increasing study field in agriculture and ecosystems, and as an energy source that is ecologically friendly and improves soil quality and health. It’s been extensively researched for its agriculture and ecological advantages, but there is little research on its structures and applications. This study attempts to present a summary of BCH’s effects on soil fertility.
... Penelitian dari Eliston & Oliver (2020), menunjukkan bahwa selain pengaruh makanan, tingginya produksi kotoran juga disebabkan oleh keanekaragaman dan perbedaan spesies cacing tanah. Produksi kotoran cacing tanah pada suatu kawasan dikaitkan dengan kondisi faktor fisika-kimia tanah, pola penggunaan lahan, kebiasaan makan, dan ketersediaan sumber makanan. ...
The presence of earthworms in an ecosystem can improve soil quality through physical, chemical and biological properties. The activity of earthworms in producing feces also has an important role in increasing soil fertility. This research aims to analyze the production of earthworm feces and its relationship with the abundance of earthworms in natural and artificial ecosystems. Determining location points uses the Cluster Sampling method, namely natural and artificial ecosystems. Sampling of earthworms and their feces used the line transect method with a length of 100 meters and plots were created along the transect lines to observe the population and production of earthworm feces with 20 replicate plots at each location. Data analysis includes average feces weight, number of earthworm feces, and correlation analysis. Morphological data on earthworm droppings were analyzed descriptively. The results of this research show that in natural ecosystems there are 2 forms of earthworm feces, namely granular and globular types, whereas in artificial ecosystems there is only 1 form of earthworm feces, namely globular. Earthworm feces production is higher in natural ecosystems than in artificial ecosystems. The relationship between dung production (number of deposits and weight of dung deposits) of earthworms with the number and biomass of earthworms shows a significant relationship with a moderate correlation category (<1), while the relationship between earthworm density and worm biomass correlates significantly with a strong correlation category (1).
... Earthworms play a vital function by enhancing plant growth through improvements in soil fertility (Elliston and Oliver 2020). Due to their ecological importance, earthworms are frequently employed as ecological indicators to evaluate the potential effects of chemicals on soil organisms (Yao et al. 2020). ...
Pesticide formulations are typically applied as mixtures, and their synergistic effects can increase toxicity to the organisms in the environment. Despite pesticide mixtures being the leading cause of pesticide exposure incidents, little attention has been given to assessing their combined toxicity and interactions. This survey purposed to reveal the cumulative toxic effects of deltamethrin (DEL) and cyazofamid (CYA) on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) by examining multiple endpoints. Our findings revealed that the LC50 values of DEL for E. fetida, following 7- and 14-day exposures, ranged from 887.7 (728–1095) to 1552 (1226–2298) mg kg⁻¹, while those of CYA ranged from 316.8 (246.2–489.4) to 483.2 (326.1–1202) mg kg⁻¹. The combinations of DEL and CYA induced synergistic influences on the organisms. The contents of Cu/Zn-SOD and CarE showed significant variations when exposed to DEL, CYA, and their combinations compared to the untreated group. Furthermore, the mixture administration resulted in more pronounced alterations in the expression of five genes (hsp70, tctp, gst, mt, and crt) associated with cellular stress, carcinogenesis, detoxification, and endoplasmic reticulum compared to single exposures. In conclusion, our comprehensive findings provided detailed insights into the cumulative toxic effects of chemical mixtures across miscellaneous endpoints and concentration ranges. These results underscored the importance of considering mixture administration during ecological risk evaluations of chemicals.
... Some studies have indicated, however, that excessive application of biochar to soil can have a detrimental effect on earthworms, potentially causing toxicity. Elliston and Oliver performed an earthworm avoidance experiment on Eisenia fetida using both natural soil and artificial soil [10], following a duration of more than two weeks. Eisenia fetida individuals were exposed to soil containing a 20% biochar amendment; as a result, alterations were observed in the structures of certain organisms, indicating a harmful impact of elevated biochar application rates on the test subjects. ...
Simple Summary
Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), also known as the red imported fire ant, is a social insect and a worldwide invasive pest. Biochar is a widely used soil amendment. In this work, we investigated the effects of varying soil biochar levels on irritability and contact toxicity as well as the behavioral and physiological changes in red fire ant behavior. High doses of biochar were toxic and repulsive to red fire ants, impairing their ability to walk, grasp, attack, and gather while also causing an increase in the activity of enzymes associated with oxidative stress. This study supports the prudent utilization of biochar as well as the prevention and management of red fire ants.
Abstract
Solenopsis invicta, often known as the red imported fire ants (RIFAs), is a well-known global invasive ant species that can be found in agricultural, urban, and natural environments worldwide. Simultaneously, it also inhabits the soil. Biochar is generated by the pyrolysis of organic matter under high-temperature anoxic environments and widely used in agricultural ecosystems and soil amendment. However, to date, it remains unknown as to whether soil application of biochar has a negative effect on RIFAs. In our study, we investigated the toxicity and irritability effects of different amounts of biochar (0%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, and 20%) introduced into the soil on red fire ants; upon comparison with the control soil (0% biochar), the application of 1%, 2%, and 5% biochar did not result in significantly different results. But the utilization of biochar at a concentration over 10% effectively repelled the RIFAs, resulting in their departure from the treated soils. High doses of biochar were able to cause death of red fire ants; the mortality rate of red fire ants reached 55.56% after 11 days of 20% biochar treatment. We also evaluated the effects of biochar on four behaviors of red fire ants, namely aggregation, walking, grasping, and attacking; 20% of the biochar treatment group reduced aggregation by 64.22% and this value was 55.22%, 68.44%, and 62.36% for walking, grasping, and attacking. Finally, we measured the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in red fire ants; the results showed that the activities of the three enzymes increased with the increase in biochar addition, which indicated that a high dose of biochar induced oxidative stress in red fire ants. Our results indicate that biochar has the potential to cause toxicity and repel red imported fire ants (RIFAs) in a manner that is dependent on the concentration. We propose that biochar could be utilized in the control and manufacturing of baits for red fire ant management. This work establishes a foundation for the prevention and management of red fire ants and the logical utilization of biochar.
... Wine tree cuttings biochar and low tar hardwood lump charcoal increased the accumulation of PAHs in earthworms (Malev et al. 2016), leading to an increase of MDA enzymes produced by the oxidative stress response (Godlewska et al. 2021). This further corroborated the internal or external abrasion of earthworms by wheat straw biochar particles, elevated soil pH, as well as increased PAHs concentrations in both the treated soils and earthworms residing in them (Elliston and Oliver 2020). Besides the biomass feed properties, preparation protocol, pyrolysis temperature, and time also play important roles in determining the obtained biochar properties (Ippolito et al. 2020). ...
Numerous studies have unequivocally demonstrated that biochar and, to a lesser degree, earthworms can independently improve soil fertility and crop productivity, although information about their co-application effects on soil characteristics is limited. In this review, (1) earthworm biomarkers and underlying influencing factors, as well as the changes in the amended soil quality in response to co-application of earthworms and biochar are presented, (2) the functional interactions between earthworms and biochar in soil are summarized; (3) the principles governing the synergetic effects of biochar and earthworms on soil quality enhancement are probed; and (4) alternative strategies to optimize the efficacy of earthworm and biochar amendments are provided. It is noteworthy that while low doses of biochar can have a positive effect on various earthworm biomarkers, including growth and reproduction, restoration of the intestinal environment, and the mitigation of cellular organelle toxicity and genetic damage, high biochar dosages can yield adverse effects. Conversely, earthworms play a crucial role in distributing biochar particles deeper into the soil matrix, bolstering carbon sequestration potential, and enhancing the persistence and efficiency of biochar utilization. Moreover, earthworms stimulate the production of soil extracellular enzymes by microorganisms, which are pivotal to the processing, stabilization, and decomposition of soil organic matter, as well as nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, they enhance the binding affinities of these enzymes to biochar. Significantly, changes in earthworm biomarkers in response to biochar integration are predominately governed by biochar properties and dosage, contact time, and soil type.
Graphical Abstract
... Species-Dependent Variations: Different earthworm species have distinct gut microbiomes and digestive processes, which can influence the elemental composition of the castings. For example, Lumbricus terrestris and Eisenia fetida, two commonly studied species, exhibit differences in nutrient cycling capabilities [67]. Dietary Influence: The elemental composition of castings is directly influenced by the earthworm's diet. ...
Earthworm castings, colloquially termed as nature's potent organic fertilizers, have emerged as a cornerstone in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture and holistic ecosystem health. This significance is particularly pronounced in the intricate tapestry of India's agricultural landscapes, marked by its rich biodiversity and varied terrains. Drawing from an exhaustive synthesis of research literature and traditional agricultural knowledge unique to India, our review sheds light on the multifaceted attributes of these castings. At the heart of these attributes is the elemental composition of the castings. Rich in both macro (like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) and crucial micronutrients (including Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur), these castings present a veritable solution to the challenges of soil fertility. They don't merely replenish the soil; they transform it. By making nutrients more bioavailable, they ensure plants not only grow but thrive, leading to a notable reduction in the need for synthetic fertilizers. This shift not only offers an economic respite to farmers but also mitigates the environmental challenges associated with chemical overloads in soils. Beyond the immediate agronomic advantages, the broader ecological implications of earthworm castings are equally compelling. Our review highlights the critical role these castings play in enhancing soil structure. A robust soil structure, in turn, is fundamental for healthy microbial communities, ensuring that the soil is teeming with beneficial organisms that further its fertility and resist pathogens. Moreover, the ability of earthworm-amended soils to retain more water emerges as a significant boon, especially in the face of erratic monsoons and increasing drought scenarios in parts of India. This water retention capability dovetails with the castings' ability to reduce soil erosion, a concern that has long plagued India's terrains, from its hilly regions to its coastal plains.
... However, when the BC content in soil and aquatic environment is too high, it will threaten terrestrial and aquatic biological populations. It was reported that the high application rate of wheat straw and rice husk BC in the soil would lead to the physical injury and death of some earthworms (Elliston and Oliver 2020). In addition, Shi et al. (2021) studied the effects of BC on earthworms and showed that BC could cause weight loss in earthworms and damage the stability of the lysosomal membrane in earthworm cells. ...
Black carbon (BC) is a carbonaceous residue produced via incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or biomass, including soot and biochar. BC is ubiquitous in the natural environment, negatively impacting human health and climate. Based on in-depth research, its positive role in removing pollutants has attracted extensive attention. First, this paper briefly summarizes the number and growth trend of BC publications from 1999 to 2022. Second, the source, migration and transformation, and detection methods of BC and its potential risks to the environment and health were introduced. Moreover, the mechanisms of BC influence on the fate and environmental effects of coexisting pollutants are summarized. This review provides a reference for understanding the sources, risks, and dynamic changes of BC and its impact on the behavior and environmental effects of coexisting pollutants. Considering the future application of BC in the environment and its important role in the carbon cycle, the following aspects require further study: (1) unifying the definition standard of BC; (2) developing more accurate and reliable methods for separating and quantifying BC than existing methods; (3) exploring methods to analyze the structural characteristics of BC, which is conducive to thoroughly studying the fate and impact on other pollutants; (4) assessing the ecological effects and mechanisms of BC of different properties (such as particle size, color, and hydrophobicity), especially long-term risk assessments, which are beneficial to the dose control and type selection of BC for environmental remediation; and (5) investigating physical and chemical properties of BC from different sources and production methods as well as the effects of environmental factors on the behavior and toxicity of coexisting pollutants, which will help regulate and improve the removal efficiency of BC for pollutants.
... Results are expressed on a v/v of fresh material basis. Two toxicity tests (Elliston and Oliver, 2019) were therefore conducted for the 0-10 mm BSRW fraction blended with either garden soil or peat. In the first test (toxicity test 1), soil (blended with 10% v/v horticultural sand) was used. ...
... The experiments were carried out in a room with controlled temperature (20-22°C). The worms were fed 2 g of cooked oats each week (Elliston and Oliver, 2019); the mortality of the earthworms was monitored for a period of 3 weeks. ...
... Although it is necessary to verify the ecotoxicological repercussion of biochar on earthworms, few studies exist in the literature (Godlewska et al. 2017;Brtnicky et al. 2021;Xiang et al. 2021). Interestingly, some authors revealed that biochar causes weight loss, a decrease in cast production, DNA damage, oxidative stress, and reproduction disruption in earthworms (Marks et al. 2016;Koltowski et al. 2017;Anyanwu et al. 2018;Zhang et al. 2019;Elliston and Oliver 2020;Kamau et al. 2020;Shi et al. 2021). However, no negative impacts were revealed in the work of Ferreira et al. (2021), who reported that passage through earthworm guts promotes biochar functionalization and that this did not negatively affect Pontoscolex corethrurus even at the highest dose (10% w/w). ...
... However, no negative impacts were revealed in the work of Ferreira et al. (2021), who reported that passage through earthworm guts promotes biochar functionalization and that this did not negatively affect Pontoscolex corethrurus even at the highest dose (10% w/w). Consequently, the effect of biochar appears dependent on its type (Zhang et al. 2017;Pokharel et al. 2020) and doses (Elliston and Oliver 2020;Han et al. 2021). More investigations are necessary to better understand the interaction between earthworms and biochar. ...
Due to anthropogenic activities, various pollutants can be found in agricultural soil, such as cadmium (Cd) and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). They are highly toxic and can have a negative impact on soil fertility. For remediation strategies, biochar has acquired considerable attention due to its benefits for agriculture. However, we should recognize the ecological risk posed by biochar use. In addition, little is known about its non-desirable effects on soil organisms such as earthworms, especially in the case of soil remediation. In this study, earthworms (Eisenia andrei) were exposed to soil contaminated with Cd (0.7 mg/kg), (2,4-D) (7 mg/kg), and a mixture of the two in the presence and absence of biochar (2%). A 7- and 14-day incubation experiment was carried out for this purpose. Cd and 2,4-D uptakes in earthworms’ tissues, oxidative stress, cytotoxic response, DNA damage, histopathological changes, and gene expression level were assessed. Results suggested that biochar increased the bioavailability of Cd and 2,4-D and the frequency of micronuclei (MNi) and decreased the lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) in earthworms. Also, histopathological examination detected numerous alterations in animals exposed to the contaminants without any amelioration when biochar was added. The biochemical response of earthworms in terms of oxidative stress demonstrates that in the presence of biochar, animals tend to alleviate the toxicity of Cd and 2,4-D. This was also supported by transcriptomic analyses where expression gene levels related to oxidative stress were upregulated in earthworms exposed to Cd and 2,4-D + biochar. The present investigation brought new insights concerning the use of biochar in agriculture.
... These results highlight that the use of biochar for soil restoration may reduce the chance of PTEs entering the terrestrial food web through earthworms, if they are predated by higher animals (i.e. mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) (Elliston and Oliver, 2020). Only Sb-BAF increased for earthworms grown in the amended soils (i.e. ...
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of Eisenia fetida (Savigny), added to an acidic soil contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs; As, Sb, Cd, Pb, Zn) and amended with a softwood-derived biochar (2 and 5% w/w), on the mobility of PTEs and soil health (i.e. nutrient availability, enzyme activity and soil basal respiration). The PTEs bioaccumulation by E. fetida and the acute ecotoxicity effects of the amended soils were also evaluated. The interaction between earthworms and biochar led to a significant increase in soil pH, organic matter, dissolved organic carbon content, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable Ca compared to the untreated soil. Moreover, the water-soluble and readily exchangeable PTE fraction decreased (with the exception of Sb) between 1.2- and 3.0-fold in the presence of biochar and earthworms. Earthworms, biochar, and their combination, led to a reduction of phosphomonoesterase activity which in soils amended with biochar and earthworms decreased between 2.2- and 2.5-fold with respect to the untreated soil. On the other hand, biochar and earthworms also enhanced soil basal respiration and protease activity. Although the survival rate and the weight loss of E. fetida did not change significantly with the addition of 2% biochar, adding the highest biochar percentage (5%) resulted in a survival rate that was ~2-fold lower and a weight loss that was 2.5-fold higher than the other treatments. The PTE bioaccumulation factors for E. fetida, which were less than 1 for all elements (except Cd), followed the order Cd > As>Zn > Cu > Pb > Sb and were further decreased by biochar addition. Overall, these results highlight that E. fetida and biochar, especially at 2% rate, could be used for the restoration of soil functionality in PTE-polluted environments, reducing at the same time the environmental risks posed by PTEs, at least in the short time.
