The Determination of Earthworm Species Sensitivity Differences to Lead Using the Lipid Peroxidation and Total Antioxidant Capacity Levels

Earthworms widely used as biological indicators by many researchers to evaluate the risk of environmental pollutants. On the other hand, the existence of earthworm species in a region, as well as its sensitivity to a specific pollutant is different. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of lead on the morphology, biomass, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity as biomarkers in Aporrectodea rosea, Aporrectodea caliginosa, Dendrobaena hortensis and Eisenia fetida earthworm species in order to determine more Inherent sensitive species to lead. In this study, acute toxicity test carry out according to: organization for economic co-operation and development (OECD) guideline number 207. TAC and LPo levels were assayed by ferric reducing antioxidant power and thiobarbituric acid methods, respectively. The severity of morphological and physiological symptoms such as elongation of the body, body constriction and segmental bulging, cuticle rupture, vesicle seminal constriction, were A. rosea> A. caliginosa > D. hortensis> E. fetida, respectively. Also the species of A. rosea exposed to different concentrations of lead has was more sensitive in stand of biomass loss, MDA and TAC levels. Therefor it seems A. rosea earthworm can be used as suitable biomarkers against to soil lead pollution.