Biomarker responses in earthworms to soils contaminated with di-۲-ethylhexyl Phthalate

Soil contamination may harm organisms and eventually ecosystem structure and functioning. Di-۲-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is extensively used as a plasticizer in many products such as furniture materials and cosmetics. DEHP is non-covalently bound to plastics, and therefore, it will leach out of these products after repeated use, heating, and/or cleaning of the products. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ecotoxic effects of DEHP at doses ۰, ۰.۱, ۱, and ۱۰ mg kg-۱ dry soil and time points ۷ and ۱۴ days in theearthwormsLumbricus terrestris in a natural soil. We measured alterations in the oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers namely malondialdehyde (MDA) level and activity of catalase (CAT) in earthworm’s body extract, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) value in the earthworm’s coelomic fluid (ECF). Our results indicate induction of OS in theDEHP-treated earthworms. In all groups, OS biomarkers were elevated compared to controls. We concluded that DEHP as a toxicant could induce oxidative damages inearthworms as beneficial organisms in the terrestrial environment.

Keywords:

Phthalate , Ecotoxicology , Soil contamination , Earthworm , Oxidative stress