Search Results (154)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent environmental contaminants of growing concern for soil ecosystems, yet their effects on the humoral arm of innate immunity in soil invertebrates remain poorly characterized. Here, we used the earthworm Eisenia fetida to screen 31 legacy and emerging PFAS congeners for their ability to modulate the hemolytic activity of cell-free coelomic fluid, a functional readout of soluble immune effectors including the pore-forming toxin lysenin. Earthworms were exposed under OECD 207 contact-filter conditions at two concentrations (0.6 and 229 µM) for 72 h, after which decellularized coelomic fluid was tested against sheep erythrocytes. To dissect direct biochemical interference from organism-mediated regulation, the same panel was also applied ex vivo (2.5 µM) to coelomic fluid from unexposed earthworms. In vivo, PFASs produced markedly heterogeneous, congener-specific responses: PFBS, PFBA and PFMOPrA suppressed hemolytic activity, whereas PMDA, PFHxA and HFPO-DA enhanced it. In contrast, ex vivo exposure produced a consistent, broad inhibition of hemolysis, indicating a direct interaction of PFASs with soluble immune proteins. Proteomic profiling of the lysenin family under PFOA and HFPO-DA suggested isoform-level reweighting rather than uniform abundance shifts, although effects did not survive multiple-testing correction. Together, these data show that PFASs act as congener-specific immunomodulators of extracellular humoral defense in E. fetida and identify candidate congeners for confirmatory mechanistic studies. Full article

Phytoremediation is a sustainable approach for the remediation of heavy metal–contaminated soils; however, the management of contaminated biomass generated during this process remains an insufficiently addressed challenge. Such biomass constitutes a secondary waste stream that may release mobile pollutants and pose environmental risks. In this study, an integrated ecotoxicological assessment framework was applied to evaluate phytoremediation-derived biomass and its transformation products obtained via pyrolysis. Two types of woody biomass with different heavy metal contents and their corresponding biochars produced at 700 °C were investigated. A multitrophic battery of bioassays combining direct exposure assays using terrestrial organisms (higher plants, Eisenia fetida, and soil microbial activity) with leachate-based assays using aquatic organisms (Lemna minor, Daphnia magna, and Aliivibrio fischeri) was applied. Untreated biomass exhibited high to extreme toxicity in aquatic systems (toxic units, TU >100) and significant phytotoxic effects. Pyrolysis substantially reduced contaminant mobility and ecotoxicity of leachates, resulting in lower toxicity (TU typically <15) and no significant effects on plant growth, earthworm survival, or soil microbial functional diversity. Residual toxicity was linked to elevated pH and trace amounts of thermally generated organic substances. These results demonstrate that pyrolysis effectively reduces the environmental risk of contaminated biomass and supports the use of multitrophic ecotoxicological testing for safe waste valorization within circular economy strategies. Full article

The valorization of agro-industrial residues and sewage sludge into value-added products through vermicomposting represents a promising strategy for nutrient recycling and waste reduction. This study evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts obtained from five vermicomposts (VC1-VC5) produced from different mixtures of vineyard and winery residues and sewage sludge on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings grown under in vitro conditions. The aqueous extracts (10%, w/v) were characterized in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, and total polyphenolic content, and applied to cucumber seedlings cultivated for 30 days under sterile and controlled in vitro conditions using commercially available peat pellets (Jiffy-7^®). Seedling development was monitored throughout the experiment, and morphological and biochemical parameters were assessed at the end of the 30-day assay. All extracts supported seedling development, with no evidence of phytotoxicity. The application of VC2 and VC4 extracts resulted in significant increases in fresh and dry weight, while VC2 led to higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Conversely, VC3 and VC5 extracts were associated with slight reductions in growth parameters and photosynthetic pigment content. Correlation analysis suggested positive associations between biomass accumulation and chlorophyll content, and negative association between total polyphenolic content and stem growth. Overall, the results indicate that aqueous vermicompost extracts were not phytotoxic under the tested conditions, although their effects appear to depend on extract composition, highlighting the importance of feedstock selection for sustainable horticultural applications. Full article

Glitter is a distinctive and largely overlooked form of primary microplastic. Unlike more commonly studied microplastics, glitter particles are typically flat, highly reflective, multi-layered, and are composed of polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride with metallic coatings and a wide range of additives. In response to regulatory restrictions on intentionally added microplastics and increasing consumer demand, “eco-friendly” alternatives based on modified regenerated cellulose, cellulose nanocrystals, or mica have been introduced, although their environmental safety remains insufficiently characterized. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the environmental occurrence and ecotoxicological effects of both conventional and biodegradable glitters. A systematic literature search in Scopus identified 15 peer-reviewed experimental studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Evidence spans a wide range of taxa, including bacteria (i.e., Aliivibrio fischeri), microalgae and cyanobacteria (i.e., Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Microcystis aeruginosa), aquatic plants (i.e., Lemna minor, Egeria densa), marine and freshwater invertebrates as crustaceans (i.e., Daphnia magna), bivalves (i.e., Mytilus galloprovincialis), sea urchins (i.e., Paracentrotus lividus), brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) and terrestrial soil fauna (Eisenia fetida, Folsomia candida). Results indicate that glitter cannot be treated as a uniform stressor: biological responses vary markedly with particle size, shape, colour, polymer type, additive composition, and weathering time, and leachates often exert stronger effects than intact particles. Reported impacts include impaired photosynthesis and growth, oxidative stress, developmental abnormalities, altered energy metabolism, and reduced reproduction. Substantial gaps remain regarding environmental concentrations, ageing processes, mixture effects, and long-term ecological consequences, particularly for biodegradable glitters. Addressing these gaps will require realistic exposure scenarios, mesocosm and field studies, and integrated chemical–biological approaches to support robust risk assessment and safer material design. Full article

Earthworm-derived bioactive compounds are emerging as promising pharmaceutical agents; however, the immunomodulatory effects of Eisenia fetida proteins at different developmental stages remain unclear. This study evaluated, for the first time, the stage-dependent immunomodulatory activity of E. fetida protein extracts in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Soluble proteins isolated from juvenile, mature, and senescent worms were lyophilized and tested for their effects on cell viability, phagocytic activity, nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory gene expression. Amino acid profiling and Western blot analysis were additionally performed to investigate biochemical composition and signaling mechanisms. Mature-stage extracts exhibited the highest protein yield, minimal cytotoxicity, enhanced macrophage phagocytosis, and significant suppression of LPS-induced NO, ROS, and proinflammatory cytokines. In contrast, juvenile-stage extracts showed moderate immunomodulatory activity, whereas senescent-stage extracts induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Western blot analysis demonstrated that mature-stage proteins strongly inhibited phosphorylation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling proteins, including p65, IκBα, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK, while senescent-stage extracts maintained elevated pathway activation. Amino acid analysis further revealed enriched immunologically relevant amino acids in mature-stage extracts. These findings demonstrate that developmental stage strongly influences the biological activity of E. fetida proteins and highlight mature-stage extracts as promising natural immunomodulatory agents. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in agricultural soils from prolonged phosphate fertilizer application threatens food safety in Southeast Asia, yet the combined performance of vermicompost (VC), biochar (BC), and Azolla microphylla for Cd immobilization remains poorly characterized. We evaluated their individual and combined effects in a Cd-spiked Korat soil (100 mg kg⁻¹ Cd as Cd(NO₃)₂) under controlled laboratory conditions. A completely randomized pot experiment with eight treatment combinations (four amendment regimes × two Azolla levels, n = 3) was incubated for five weeks; total and exchangeable Cd, selected soil properties, and Eisenia fetida growth were assessed before and after treatment. The combined of soil, cadmium vermicompost and biochar (SCVB) + Azolla treatment reduced total Cd by 41.13% and exchangeable Cd by 81.02%, significantly outperforming single amendments, while raising organic matter to 6.31% and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) availability. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained >98% of the variance and separated SCVB clearly from the unamended control along soil-quality and Cd axes. Strong negative correlations between Cd and fertility indicators (r = −0.86 to −0.96) indicated coupled immobilization and fertility recovery. A 5-day acute earthworm bioassay confirmed reduced soil toxicity under SCVB + Azolla, with growth inhibition reduced from 55.9% to 23.6%, mortality reduced from 26.7% to 10%, and tissue Cd accumulation reduced from 44.08 to 25.17 mg kg⁻¹ (42.9% reduction). The integrated VC + BC + Azolla system offers a cost-effective amendment-assisted Cd immobilization strategy for tropical soils, pending field validation. Full article

Trans-cinnamaldehyde (CIN), the main component of cinnamon essential oil, is a promising sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides. Despite its use, ecotoxicological data on non-target species remain fragmented. This study systematically evaluates CIN’s acute toxicity across multiple trophic levels to characterize the biological sensitivity and environmental response of key organisms. Aquatic assays measured bioluminescence inhibition in Aliivibrio fischeri and immobilization in Daphnia magna. Terrestrial evaluations included lethality tests on Eisenia fetida and root elongation in Allium cepa. Additionally, the impact on soil and river microbial communities was analyzed via Biolog EcoPlates™. Significant dose–response relationships were observed across all bioindicators (p < 0.0001). A. fischeri was the most sensitive species (EC₅₀ = 1.428 mg·L⁻¹), followed by D. magna (EC₅₀ = 4.533 mg·L⁻¹). In terrestrial models, A. cepa (EC₅₀ = 11.644 mg·L⁻¹) exhibited higher sensitivity than E. fetida (LC₅₀ = 412.519 mg·kg⁻¹). Microbial metabolic activity showed dose-dependent inhibition, particularly affecting carbohydrate and polymer degradation at high concentrations. These findings define the first ecotoxicological benchmarks for CIN, establishing EC₁₀ and EC₅₀ values under standardized conditions. These data provide the necessary toxicological constraints to ensure environmental safety in future field-scale applications of this natural compound. Full article

Sewage sludge management poses major environmental challenges due to increasing production and concerns about contaminants and microbial risks. Vermicomposting offers a sustainable biological treatment, yet the extent to which different earthworm species shape microbial outcomes remains poorly understood. Here, we examined how gut transit by three epigeic (Eisenia andrei, E. fetida, and Dendrobaena hortensis) and two anecic (Lumbricus friendi and L. terrestris) earthworm species alters bacterial and fungal communities in fresh sewage sludge. Using 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing combined with multivariate, differential-abundance, and functional prediction analyses, we compared sludge and earthworm cast bacteriomes and mycobiomes. Earthworm gut transit caused pronounced species-specific restructuring of bacterial and fungal community composition, diversity, and functional profiles, with clear separation between sludge and cast communities. Functional analyses indicated coordinated shifts in bacterial metabolic potential and fungal trophic modes consistent with enhanced biosynthetic and decomposer functions. Pathogen profiles were reshaped in a host-dependent manner, with low overall abundances and selective changes rather than uniform suppression. These findings demonstrate that vermicomposting outcomes depend strongly on earthworm species and microbial kingdom, highlighting the importance of earthworm lifestyle diversity when evaluating the ecological safety and agronomic potential of sludge-derived amendments. Full article

Integrated waste management through vermicomposting combined with biochar amendments represents an innovative approach for sustainable resource recovery. This study evaluated the effects of sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB) at 0%, 5%, and 10% application rates on Eisenia fetida performance and vermicompost quality during preincubation-vermicomposting of sewage sludge and press-mud mixtures. The 10% SBB treatment significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced earthworm biomass (72.3% increase) and cocoon production (24.8 ± 1.8 per earthworm vs. 12.3 ± 1.2 in control). Lignocellulosic degradation improved substantially, achieving 22.6%, 10.7%, and 38.8% degradation for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, respectively. Macronutrient concentrations increased significantly: TN by 38.4%, TP by 15%, and TK by 21.4% compared to initial mixtures. Moreover, total heavy metal concentrations decreased significantly during vermicomposting, with reductions of 8.1–8.7% for Pb, 5.3–7.6% for Cd, and 3.0–4.8% for Cr, with reduced bioavailability factors indicating enhanced metal stabilization. The final vermicompost exhibited optimal maturity indices, including a C:N ratio of 15.4 ± 0.2 and improved electrical conductivity. Results demonstrate that 10% sugarcane bagasse biochar amendment facilitates efficient concurrent management of sewage sludge and sugarcane industrial wastes while producing high-quality organic fertilizer with enhanced nutrient content, reduced heavy metal bioavailability, and accelerated stabilization for sustainable agricultural/horticultural applications. Full article

Almond hulls and shells are abundant by-products of the almond industry that could be valorized as bio-based absorbent polymers (BAP), offering a promising alternative to synthetic materials to improve water management in the agricultural setting. In this study, almond hulls and shells were pelletized in different proportions to assess pelletization feasibility and physical properties, followed by industrial-scale production of an industrialized formulation (80% hulls, 20% shells). Ecotoxicological risk was assessed using direct bioassays with whole pellets (germination with Lactuca sativa and Zea mays; acute toxicity with Eisenia fetida) and indirect bioassays with pellet water extracts (germination with L. sativa, immobilization with Daphnia magna, and bioluminescence inhibition with Vibrio fischeri). Field trials were conducted in an irrigated almond orchard to evaluate soil moisture dynamics and plant water status under different BAP application rates and irrigation regimes. Pelletization increased the soil’s water-holding capacity in the laboratory test and soil moisture in the field, even under reduced irrigation. However, ecotoxicological assays revealed significant to high acute toxicity at higher concentrations, depending on the organism and exposure pathway. Almond hull and shell pellets show potential to improve soil water retention and reduce irrigation demand but require cautious application and further testing to mitigate ecotoxicological risks. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of fly ash (F) and effective microorganisms (EM) on nutrient dynamics and heavy metal transformations during vermicomposting of camel manure (CM). Four treatments (CM, CM + F, CM + EM, and CM + F + EM) were arranged in a completely randomized design and monitored over 12 weeks. Significant (p < 0.05) treatment and time interactions were observed for pH, NH₄-N, Mn, Pb, and Mo. The addition of EM resulted in a greater decline in pH compared to other treatments. After 12 weeks, Olsen P increased from 300.62 to 398.71 mg/kg in CM + EM, while NH₄-N increased markedly from 22.74 to 86.62 mg/kg. In contrast, NO₃/NO₂-N declined in EM-amended treatments but increased in the control and CM + F. Trace metal concentrations generally increased due to mass reduction during vermicomposting yet remained within internationally acceptable limits. Germination index (GI) values varied significantly among crops and treatments, ranging from phytotoxic to non-phytotoxic responses. Although CM + EM produced superior nutrient enrichment, several vegetables exhibited GI values below 50%, indicating potential phytotoxicity for sensitive crops. In case of established crops for which nutrient supply outweighs early phytotoxic concerns, CM + EM represents the most agronomically beneficial option. Future studies should explore blending CM + EM and CM + F with stabilizing amendments such as biochar to optimize nutrient availability while minimizing salinity and phytotoxic risks. Full article

Abamectin is a widely used insecticide for controlling various pests, including the codling moth (Cydia pomonella). However, with the increasing emphasis on green agriculture, its potential risks to beneficial insects such as honeybees have attracted growing concern. To tackle these challenges, we established a novel nanopesticide delivery system. Specifically, a nanopesticide (Abm@TPP/CMCS) based on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) cross-linked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) was constructed to improve insecticidal efficacy while lowering environmental risks. The prepared nanoparticles presented a spherical and monodisperse morphology with an average size of 85.12 nm (at 0.3 mg/mL) and an encapsulation efficiency of 23.1%. Laboratory bioassays indicated that the nanopesticide exhibited significantly higher toxicity against C. pomonella (LC₅₀ = 0.371 μg/mL) than technical-grade abamectin (LC₅₀ = 0.580 μg/mL), with a corresponding toxicity ratio of 1.563. Its excellent control effect was further confirmed in field trials, with a control efficacy of 85.71% at 10 days after application, which was markedly higher than that of conventional formulations. Notably, nanoencapsulation significantly reduced environmental toxicity: the LC₅₀ value for Apis cerana increased from 0.312 μg/mL (highly toxic) for technical abamectin to 4.162 μg/mL (moderately toxic), and from 684.28 μg/mL to 1484.30 μg/mL for Eisenia fetida. In addition, the nanopesticide showed favorable biosafety toward wheat, maize, and beans, and even promoted root growth in maize. In summary, Abm@TPP/CMCS enhances insecticidal activity against C. pomonella, reduces toxicity to non-target organisms, and enables controlled release, which provides a promising strategy for eco-friendly pest management. Full article

Eisenia fetida is one of the soil invertebrates most used in ecotoxicological and ecopathological studies. To date, the potential contribution of naturally occurring parasites to the variability of ecotoxicological endpoints has been poorly investigated. In this study, we provide a detailed histological description of the male reproductive system of E. fetida and report the occurrence and histological alterations associated with Monocystis sp. infection in laboratory-reared individuals. Uninfected individuals exhibited complete spermatogenesis, with all developmental stages from spermatogonia to mature spermatozoa and normal sperm storage within the spermathecae. Meanwhile, infected earthworms displayed marked reproductive alterations, including reduced sperm production and diminished sperm retention within spermathecae. Multilayered encapsulations, inflammatory nodules and melanization were detected within the seminal vesicles, in contrast with the immunological evasion observed in Lumbricus terrestris. These findings suggest species-specific differences in immune response and indicate that Monocystis sp. infection can induce reproductive impairment and activate energy-consuming immune responses. Because these parasite-induced changes closely resemble pollutant-driven ecotoxicological effects, Monocystis infections may act as a potential bias in ecotoxicological studies. We therefore recommend implementing parasitological screening of laboratory cultures to ensure the reliability of studies employing E. fetida as a bioindicator. Full article

Hydrothermal carbonised waste (hydrochar) is increasingly considered a sustainable soil amendment within circular economy frameworks; however, its toxicity to the environment limits its safe application. Ageing and pyrolysis may be prospective treatments to mitigate hydrochar toxicity on soil organisms and plants, but their effectiveness is unresolved since available studies did not investigate the predominantly toxic hydrochars, those produced at high reaction temperatures (>200 °C). In this study, toxic hydrochars produced at hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) temperature of 260 °C from biosolids, chicken manure and rice straw were post-treated by in situ ageing in soil for 30 days or by pyrolysis at 400 °C for 30 min, and their toxicity was assessed on wheat growth and earthworm (Eisenia fetida) avoidance. Untreated hydrochars did not affect wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germination, but reduced wheat growth by 23–33%, and caused 82–94% earthworm avoidance. The ageing of hydrochar reduced phytotoxicity in biosolids and chicken manure hydrochar treatments, as indicated by improved wheat biomass (25–71%; compared to untreated hydrochar). Ageing of hydrochar also mitigated toxicity to earthworms, as indicated by the reduced avoidance of 19–31% across all feedstocks. The persistent phytotoxicity with aged rice straw hydrochar was due to toxic organic compounds that could not be fully detoxified after 30 days of ageing. Pyrolysis of hydrochar mitigated phytotoxicity as indicated by increased wheat biomass (43–93%), and reduced toxicity to earthworms (39–51%) across all feedstocks. Findings indicate that while both ageing and pyrolysis are appropriate hydrochar post-production treatments, ageing of hydrochar for only 30 days in soil may not fully alleviate the phytotoxic effect of all hydrochars. Full article

Background: The coexistence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and heavy metals in livestock manure poses critical challenges to vermicomposting technology. Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the zinc (Zn)-driven ARG dynamics over 60-day vermicomposting for livestock manure and provide a reference for taking appropriate measures to reduce the spread of ARGs in the environment. Methods: In a vermicomposting system using Eisenia fetida and treated with varying concentrations of Zn, high-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze microbial succession, while quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was performed to track the fluctuation patterns of ARG (tet-, erm-, qnr-, str-, chl-, bla-, mcr-ARGs) and mobile genetic element (MGE, intI1 and intI2) abundances over the 60-day treatment period. Results: Generally, sul- (10⁻³–10⁻¹ copies/16S rRNA), tet- (10⁻³–10⁻² copies/16S rRNA), and str-ARGs (10⁻³–10⁻² copies/16S rRNA) are dominant in dairy manure. Vermicomposting significantly reduced total ARGs (88.62% removal), but Zn stress triggered concentration-dependent shifts. Low Zn (100–250 mg/kg) elevated tet-, erm-, and chl-ARGs via co-selective pressure and disrupted bacterial succession, while high Zn (500–1000 mg/kg) suppressed qnr- and mcr-ARGs but intensified horizontal transfer via cross-resistance. Conclusions: Vermicomposting maintained a greater ARG removal capacity across the Zn gradient (100–1000 mg/kg) than natural composting, proving an effective approach for reducing the threat of antibiotic resistance in bacteria even under high Zn stress. The link between Zn residues and the increased ARG dissemination risks underscores the challenge of co-contaminants, providing essential insights for developing vermicomposting strategies to mitigate ARG risks and ensure sustainable manure management. Full article