IRIS
Journal for Young Scientists
ISSN 2278-618X (Print)
ISSN 2278-6384 (Online)
© Patna Women’s College, Patna, India
Effect of Microplastic Exposure on Earthworms Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae
• Sister. M. Stuti A.C. • Lalitha. P • Shinimol MK • Trishala Singh
Received : January, 2024
Accepted : February, 2024
Corresponding Author : Sister. M. Stuti A.C.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to assess the effect of different concentrations of microplastics MPs-110μg, MPs-120μg, MPs-130μg, MPs-140μg on the earthworms, Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae for 30 days. It was observed that there was a significant decrease in the body weight of the earthworms when treated with different concentrations of microplastics. There was a significant decrease in the reproduction rate such as decrease in cocoon production as well as decrease in the number of juveniles. Morphological changes like coiling of the
body and tail were also observed. Furthermore, the histopathological changes observed were thinning in the muscular layer and epidermis layer. There was damage to the cuticle. In conclusion, the study suggests that microplastics may have a negative effect on the growth and reproductive abilities of earthworms and its survival itself.
Keywords: Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae, microplastics, morphological, histopathological change and reproduction rate.
Sister. M. Stuti A.C.
Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology,
Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Bailey Road, Patna–800 001, Bihar, India
E-mail : stuti.zoo@patnawomenscollege.in
Lalitha. P
M.Sc. II year, Zoology, Session : 2022-2024,
Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Shinimol MK
M.Sc. II year, Zoology, Session : 2022-2024,
Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
Trishala Singh
M.Sc. II year, Zoology, Session : 2022-2024,
Patna Women’s College (Autonomous),
Patna University, Patna, Bihar, India
