The toxicity testing of double-walled nanotubes-contaminated food to Eisenia veneta earthworms

Nanotechnology is playing an increasing role in the society, but very little is known about the environmental toxicity of nanotechnological products. Few previous studies have been published with regard to the effect of nanoparticles on soil organisms. The present paper deals with the toxicity of carbon double-walled nanotubes (DWNT) and C60 fullerenes to the soil-dwelling earthworm Eisenia veneta, with the aim of evaluating the lethal and sub-lethal toxicity. Reproduction of E. veneta was affected by DWNT administered through food at concentrations above 37 mg DWNT/kg food. The most sensitive toxicological parameter was reproduction (cocoon production), with no effect on hatchability, survival or mortality at up to 495 mg DWNT/kg and 1000 mg C60/kg.