Toxic Effects of Common Inorganic Fertilizers on Mortality, Hemoglobin Levels, and Behavior in Lumbricus terrestris.

Abstract

The current research seeks to determine the impact of chemical fertilizers employed in Iraqi agriculture on soil-dwelling organisms.so Investigating the impact of fertilizers on organisms is essential for establishing lethal and sub-lethal tolerance limits and determining lethal concentrations. The research aims to identify the impact of chemical fertilizers utilized in Iraqi farms on soil-dwelling organisms, prompted by a deficiency of comprehensive studies in this area. Among the significant organisms with distinct roles in soil ecosystems, annelids (earthworms) were selected to assess these effects. They are crucial organisms due to their contributions to soil health and their sensitivity to toxic chemicals, serving as vital indicators for the presence of pollutants in the soil. Samples of adult earthworms exhibiting saddle structures were collected and placed in plastic containers filled with soil to a depth of 15 cm. Earthworms were subjected to three types of fertilizers (NPK) comprising phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen sourced from local markets, commonly utilized in gardens and farms, revealing a significant effect of fertilizers on earthworms. Mortality rates increased notably with higher fertilizer concentrations and longer treatment durations. Additionally, hemoglobin levels in earthworms rose, indicating environmental stress, prompting the worms to elevate their hemoglobin levels.