Alterations in the Fat Body Cells ofRhinocricus padbergi(Diplopoda) Resulting from Exposure to Substrate Containing Sewage Sludge

Abstract

Abstract:The final disposal of residues generated at sewage treatment plants~STPs! has become a major problem for cities, due to the increase in the amount of treated sewage. One of the alternatives for the residue, labeled "sewage sludge," is its reuse in agriculture and in degraded soil. However, not all pathogens and metals present in it are eliminated during treatment. Diplopods have been used as bioindicators in ecotoxicological tests as they are constantly in close contact with the soil. Owing to this fact, the purpose of this study was to expose specimens of the diplopod Rhinocricus padbergi to substrate containing sewage sludge collected at STPs to analyze morphological alterations in their parietal and perivisceral fat body, where substances are stored. The exposures were held for 7, 15, or 90 days at different concentrations of sewage sludge~control, 1%, 10%, and 50%!. The parietal fat body showed no alterations in any of the three exposure periods or concentrations. Alterations in the perivisceral fat body were observed for all exposure periods. According to the results, we suggest that the sludge used has toxic agents responsible for changing the animal's perivisceral fat body.

Histopathological changes in the perivisceral fat body of Rhinocricus padbergi (Diplopoda, Spirobolida) triggered by biosolids

“…These effects were also found by Souza and Fontanetti (2012) in the fat body of diplopods exposed to sewage sludge for three different exposure times. According to the authors and corroborating data from Grivicich et al (2007), these effects are related to cell death processes such as necrosis, which may occur as a result of stress factors.…”

Soil Contamination with Heavy Metals and Petroleum Derivates: Impact on Edaphic Fauna and Remediation Strategies

“…Diplopoda also make part of the edaphic fauna and are continuously exposed to the contaminants present in the soil. In these animals, histopathological markers have been applied [43][44][45][46][47].…”