Ecotoxicological assessments of biochar additions to soil employing earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus terrestris

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
Tom Elliston, Ian W Oliver

Abstract

Biochar is the degradation-resistant product generated by the pyrolysis of organic materials and is produced for the intended use of land application in order to promote carbon sequestration and soil improvement. However, despite the many potential benefits biochar application offers, it is important to quantify any ecological impacts that may result from soil amendment in order to avoid potentially causing negative effects upon soil biota which are crucial in the many ecosystem services provided by soil. Any impacts on earthworms in particular are important to evaluate because of their pivotal role in organic matter breakdown, nutrient cycling and soil formation. In this study, we conducted a series of ecotoxicological assays to determine lethal and sublethal (avoidance, mass change and moisture content) effects of heavy biochar applications that reflect levels that may be used in soil restoration efforts. Two earthworm species, Eisenia fetida, an epigeic species, and Lumbricus terrestris, an anecic species, were utilised as test organisms. Two types of biochar, produced from wheat straw and rice husk feedstocks, respectively, were applied to OECD artificial soil and to a natural soil (Kettering loam) at rates of up to 20% w/w...Continue Reading

References

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Mar 20, 2018·Journal of Environmental Management·Peerapat KosolsaksakulMargaret C Graham

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Citations

Sep 6, 2020·Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·Ihuoma N AnyanwuChioma O Anorue
Jul 18, 2021·The Science of the Total Environment·Martin BrtnickyVaclav Pecina

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