Earthworm survival in used engine oil contaminated soil spiked with manure

Abstract

Oil pollution is a worldwide prevalent threat to environmental sustainability and the remediation of oil contaminated soils, sediments, surface and underground water is a major challenge for environmental research. Earthworms are an important component of the soil biota and their response to oil pollution needs to be better understood when they are considered for use in bioremediation. Laboratory investigations were undertaken to monitor the survival rate of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris Lin.) in soils contaminated with used engine oil sourced from three different engines (Motorcycle, Motorcar and Truck engines). The aim was to investigate the effect of used engine oil concentration, in soil, on the survival of earthworms (L. terrestris). The ability of L. terrestris to survive in bioremediated used engine oil contaminated soil was evaluated and it was observed that 100% of earthworms survived in both motorcycle and truck engine used engine oil contaminated soil for concentration as high as 150 g used engine oil/kg soil for a period of 30 days. The highest tolerable concentration of the motorcar used engine oil contaminated soil by the worms was found to be 10 g used engine oil/kg soil.

Bioremediation of petroleum hydrocarbons from crude oil-contaminated soil with the earthworm: Hyperiodrilus africanus

“…They explained that loss in organic carbon was due to the use of organic carbon by earthworms and microorganisms as source of energy. Similar trend was also reported by Kennette et al (2002) with Lumbricus terrestris , Ceccanti et al (2006) with E. fetida and Ameh et al (2011) with L. terrestris , while Singer et al (2001), Schaefer et al (2005), Iordache and Borza (2012) and Ameh et al (2013) reported higher values.…”

“…Ameh et al (2011) reported 100 % survival of earthworms in 150 g of used engine oil. At the end of our study, earthworms re-introduced into non-polluted soil continue their normal activities.…”

Investigating the reduction of BTEX in automotive paint sludge combined with biological sludge by vermicomposting process using Eisenia fetida

“…This study showed that BTEX was significantly reduced during the mixed sludge vermicomposting process. Therefore, in general, the results of this study are consistent with the results of other similar studies (33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40). However, the results of this study have some differences with those of some previous studies according to the method of work, bed characteristics, sludge type, treatment method, test conditions, study time, number and characteristics of earthworms and bed microorganisms.…”

Soil Invertebrates As Bio-Monitors of Toxic Metals Pollution in Impacted Soils

“…Studies have also been conducted on cytotoxic effects of metals 24 ; the detoxification mechanism 25 ; trait-based approach to depict disturbance impact on soil invertebrate communities [26][27][28] and ecological remediation 18,[29][30][31] . The histological and histochemical analyses as well as ultrastructural analysis, revealed that chemical substances (both organic and inorganic) are equally toxic to soil invertebrates since the mineralized bodies varied in structural organization within the individual midgut and fat body cells 12,14,17 .…”