Biochemical and life cycle effects of triclosan chronic toxicity to earthworm Eisenia fetida

The study aimed at determining the response of adult Eisenia fetida earthworms to chronic exposure to triclosan (TCS) (10–750 mg kg−1) in soil. TCS life cycle toxicity was evaluated by the means of survival, growth rate, and reproduction assessment. Biochemical responses including changes in the activity of antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase) and concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Significant reduction in the earthworm survival was observed only if the exposure to TCS was longer than 4 weeks. TCS reduced the growth rate of E. fetida; the weight of the fastest growing control individuals exceeded that for the slowest growing by factor of 2.56. Reproduction was the most sensitive life cycle parameter and was affected at the very low levels of TCS in the soil. The results showed that chronic exposure to TCS levels in the soil induced a significant increase in the activity of antioxidative enzymes and MDA concentration. Present study revealed that an integrated approach combining biochemical and life cycle endpoints would provide a more comprehensive assessment of the ecological effects of chronic TCS exposure on earthworms.