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(W/MF142) Relation between neutral-red retention responses and ecologically relevant life-cycle parameters in earthworms. Reinecke, Sophia1, Reinecke, Adrian1, Helling, Beate1, 1 ABSTRACT- The neutral-red retention (NRR) assay has been used successfully as biomarker of copper contamination in earthworms in a number of laboratory and microcosm studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the assay in terms of its applicability as biomarker of population effects. Therefor, to determine whether significant relationships could be established between this biomarker and ecologically relevant life-cycle traits. Juvenile specimens of Eisenia fetida was exposed to different concentrations of the fungicide copper oxychloride for eight weeks in a cattle manure substrate in the laboratory. During the experimental period maturation and growth were determined weekly and after maturation of the worms the substrate was also searched for cocoons. Cocoons were weighed and incubated individually. The incubation time and number of hatchlings were determined by daily observation of the cocoons. After eight weeks the NRR times for all clitellate worms were determined. Sinificant positive correlations were found for all parameters measured. The most significant was for the number of cocoons produced (R2 = 0.911) and the lowest significance was for the cocoon mass (R2 = 0,640). Substrate and body Cu concentrations of the worms were also determined and significant negative correlations between NRR times and exposure as well as body Cu concentrations were found. Key words: Biomarker, Neutral-red, Copper, Earthworm |
