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Some Insights on the Effect of Pesticides on Earthworms

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Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, India
  • 2Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India

Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 5, Issue (4), Pages 61-66, April,22 (2016)

Abstract

Agricultural expansion has led to an accelerated use of pesticides. However, apart from target pests, non-target organisms are also exposed to such agrochemicals. Several such non-target organisms help in the proper functioning of the soil ecosystem. Among these, earthworms need a special mention on account of the important ecosystem functions which they provide. At the same time, as earthworms always remain in close contact with the soil, they are also highly exposed to the toxicities of applied chemicals. These chemicals have numerous biochemical, physiological and morphological consequences on these organisms. But during the application of pesticides, their effects on earthworms are completely overlooked. However, if an earthworm population breaks down in a particular soil ecosystem, it is difficult to develop it again. Through the present review the hazardous impact of some commonly used pesticides on earthworms have been study elucidated and documented. It was found that chemical pesticides have several harmful impacts on these organisms.

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