Abstract: Earthworms have great potential for use as bioassay/biomonitor organisms in studies of contaminant uptake and possess many characteristics that make them ideally suited for this purpose (Ma 1982). Studies have demonstrated that native species of earthworms, collected at contaminated sites, can be used to Indicate biologically available levels of these contaminants (Helmke et al. 1979, Ireland 1983, Pietz et al. 1984). However, it Is the species Eisenia foetida (which does not naturally colonize these sites) which has been recommended for use In the laboratory for the ecotoxicological testing of agricultural and industrial chemicals (European Economic Community (EEC) 1984), proposed as a bioassay species for assessing contaminant availability In waste materials, and used to determine the bioavallability of contaminants In dredged material (Marquenie and Simmers 1984). Correlations between total and OTPA-extractable metal concentrations in contaminated substrates and the concentrations in the tissues of earthworms exposed to these substrates over a 28-day period may be used to establish their potential as biomonitor organisms. Due to differences in physiology and feeding behavior between earthworm species, the use of a surrogate species. pg2. JMD
| Limitations: |
 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE |
| Description: |
Technical notes |
| Pages: |
10 |
| Report Date: |
FEB 88 |
| Report Number: |
A436292 |
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