In recent years, various studies and development using nanoparticles (NPs) have been carried out in the most diverse areas of knowledge. Although nanomaterials are widely employed by many sectors and some may have a fertilizing potential, little is known about their effects on the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of applying, in tropical natural soil, different contents of nanoparticles of zinc oxide (NPs-ZnO) and non-nano zinc oxide (ZnO) on soil pH and on the survival and reproduction rates of earthworms (Eisenia andrei) and springtails (Folsomia candida) through standardized ecotoxicological tests. The tests used a tropical soil representative of Brazil, classified as Entisol (Neossolo Quartzarênico órtico típico) with no history of agricultural use, collected in the 0.00-0.20 m layer, previously sieved (2-mm mesh) and defaunated. The experimental design was completely randomized, and treatments consisted of two forms of zinc (Zn), NPs-ZnO and ZnO, at the following doses: 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 2,000, and 4,000 mg kg-1. Standardized ecotoxicological tests showed no toxicity of NPs-ZnO in terms of lethality of E. andrei and F. candida. In E. andrei reproduction tests, NPs-ZnO were toxic at doses higher than 400 mg kg-1 (EC 50 of 1,021 mg kg-1). Tests with F. candida demonstrated that its reproduction rate was significantly affected by NPs-ZnO at a rate of 4,000 mg kg-1 (EC 50 of 3,636 mg kg-1). When used in Entisol, the NPs-ZnO inhibit the reproduction of earthworms and springtails; earthworms are more sensitive to such an effect, it being demonstrate at lower contents than those found for springtails.
The forest biomass ash used in agriculture as fertilizer has characteristics that can negatively affect the terrestrial environment. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the application of eucalyptus forest biomass ash on springtails and earthworms in subtropical soils through ecotoxicological tests. The subtropical soils Oxisol and Entisol were used for the ecotoxicological tests of survival and reproduction of springtails (Folsomia candida) and earthworms (Eisenia andrei). The concentrations of forest biomass ash were 0, 5 10 and 20 t ha -1 , based on the recommendation of the application of plant ash as fertilizer. The ecotoxicological results obtained in Oxisol demonstrate that earthworms and springtails are not affected by the presence of ash. In Entisol, the results of sensitivity of the organisms were more evident, and effects were observed from the dose of 5 t ha -1 for springtails with estimated LC 50 of 15.68 t ha -1 (CI: not calculated) and EC 50 of 7.36 t ha -1 (CI: 7.11-7.62 t ha -1 ). Earthworms were affected from 10 t ha -1 , with an estimated EC 50 of 11.97 t ha -1 (CI: 9.49-14.46 t ha -1 ). Application of forest biomass ash in the soil negatively affects springtails and earthworms, but the magnitude of the effects is mainly related to characteristics of the soil, amount applied and sensitivity of the species; negative effects of ash application are directly related to the change in soil pH.
The demand for food has intensified production in agricultural areas and stimulated the use of nanotechnology to develop new inputs, especially nanoparticle materials. In this new context, predicting the impact of using nanoparticles on non‐target organisms becomes a necessary measure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecotoxicological potential of magnesium (Mg2+) added via magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO‐NPs), magnesium oxide (MgO), and magnesium nitrate hexahydrate (Mg [NO3]2·6H2O) incubated over time in tropical soil on earthworms (Eisenia andrei), springtails (Folsomia candida), and enchytraeids (Enchytraeus crypticus). Tests were conducted using a clay‐textured Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Oxisol), which received increasing doses of Mg2+ (0; 25; 50; 100; 200 and 400 mg kg−1 of soil) from the three sources tested added to the soil. Treated soil was incubated for 120 days in a room with controlled temperature and photoperiod, and the ecotoxicological tests were performed at 0, 60, and 120 days of incubation. Despite having caused reduction in the reproduction of F. candida at the incubation time 0, MgO‐NPs showed a low toxic potential against the other species studied, with toxicity only at a higher dose of 50 mg Mg kg−1 when compared to the other sources of Mg2+ applied to the soil (MgO and Mg [NO3]2·6H2O). Responses associated with incubation times showed that all magnesium sources tested have lower toxicity over incubation time.
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