Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) as soil pesticide contamination mitigator

Bianca Nicole Maxino; Hazel Joy Rebucas; Ashlei Carpio; Sean Cagampang; Eunice Malinao

doi:10.55529/ijrise.51.47.62

Authors

Bianca Nicole Maxino Association of Science and Mathematics Coaches of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Teachers and Educational Leaders, Philippine Institute of 21st Century Educators Inc., Philippines.
Hazel Joy Rebucas Association of Science and Mathematics Coaches of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Teachers and Educational Leaders, Philippine Institute of 21st Century Educators Inc., Philippines.
Ashlei Carpio Association of Science and Mathematics Coaches of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Teachers and Educational Leaders, Philippine Institute of 21st Century Educators Inc., Philippines.
Sean Cagampang Association of Science and Mathematics Coaches of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Teachers and Educational Leaders, Philippine Institute of 21st Century Educators Inc., Philippines.
Eunice Malinao Association of Science and Mathematics Coaches of the Philippines, Philippine Association of Teachers and Educational Leaders, Philippine Institute of 21st Century Educators Inc., Philippines.

Keywords:

Pesticide Contamination, Soil Health, Earthworm Survival Rate, Chemical Toxicity

Abstract

This study examines the potential of earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) in reducing pesticide contamination in soil. A controlled experiment was conducted using Puradan (0.5%), Ammonium Sulfate 21-0-0 (0.5% and 0.25%), and 14-14-14 Complete Fertilizer (0.5% and 0.25%), with each treatment containing 55 earthworms. One-way ANOVA and t-tests were applied to analyze pesticide contamination levels and earthworm survival rates. Results showed that higher chemical concentrations significantly reduced earthworm populations, with complete mortality observed at 0.5% contamination levels. Findings suggest that Lumbricus terrestris can absorb contaminants but are highly sensitive to chemical toxicity. The 0.5% Ammonium Sulfate group saw a reduction from 55 to 19 earthworms in one week, while the 0.25% group experienced fewer deaths. Excessive chemical use threatens soil health and agricultural productivity. Future research should explore long-term effects in diverse soil conditions and strategies to enhance earthworm resilience in contaminated environments.

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