Toxic effects of PCDD/Fs mixtures on Eisenia andrei earthworms

The earthworms Eisenia andrei were used to study the toxicity of PCDD/Fs mixtures to earthworms during 28 day of exposure. The experiments were performed on artificial soils contaminated with dioxins at levels of C1 (0.1 ng 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD/g soil), C2 (1 ng 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD/g soil) and C3 (1.5 ng 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD/g soil). Effects of PCDD/Fs on survival, growth rate and immune responses; phagocytosis and NK-like cell activity, were determined. No mortality was observed at the lowest concentration (C1), while mortalities of 10 and 100% were noted at the highest concentrations tested C2 and C3, respectively. A significant reduction in growth rate was obtained at C2 and no effects at C1. Additionally, an inhibition of phagocytic activity and efficiency was observed at higher concentrations. In contrast, an enhancement of NK-like cell activity was shown at lower concentrations. Based on our results, we hypothesize that the PCDD/Fs mixtures tested at levels equal or higher to C2 (1 ng 2378-TCDD/g soil), lead to adverse effects on biotic potential and immune functions in E. andrei earthworms.

► Effects of PCDD/Fs on survival, growth and immune system of E. andrei earthworms were studied.
► Experiments were performed on artificial soil spiked with mixtures containing 0.1, 1 and 1.5 ng 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD/g soil.
► Mortalities of 10 and 100% were noted at 1 and 1.5 ng, respectively.
► Significant reductions of growth rates and phagocytic activity were observed at 1 ng. An enhancement of NK-like cell activity was obtained at 0.1 ng.