Effect of titanium dioxide nano-particles on reproductive parameters of Eisenia fetida Savigny (1826)
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Date
2018
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Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana
Abstract
The advent of nanotechnology has led to entry of enormous amount of nanoparticles in the environment. Earthworms being major soil inhabitants are continuously exposed to these nanoparticles. Present laboratory study focuses primarily on the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on reproduction rate and vermicomposting efficacy of Eisenia fetida (Savigny, 1826). The worms were exposed to artificial soil spiked with titanium dioxide particles of micrometre (0.45 μm) and nanometre (50 nm and 250 nm) range at different concentrations (250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg of soil) to check mortality and growth. The most suitable concentrations (750 mg/kg for 0.4 μm; 500 mg/kg for 50nm and 750 mg/kg for 250 nm) were selected to check their effect on reproductive parameters. It was found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles significantly ameliorate the reproduction. Highest number of cocoons produced (100.66 ± 1.450), cocoon production rate (0.35± 0.005) and number of hatchlings produced per cocoon (2.66 ± 0.244) while the shortest life cycle (47.1 ± 0.244) was recorded for 50 nm sized titanium dioxide nanoparticles at concentration 500 mg/kg. To check the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on vermicomposting efficacy, the substrates (Paddy Straw and FYM and Sugarcane Bagasse: FYM in 1:1 ratio) were spiked with selected doses. The nutrient contents like nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, pH and organic carbon of all the three treatments was better than control. The most significant results were observed for 50 nm sized titanium dioxide nanoparticles at concentration 500 mg/kg. The nutrient analysis of the vermicomposts showed a general trend of increase in the levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and decrease in the levels of pH and organic carbon (%). Among the two substrates studied, the nutrient composition was better in sugarcane bagasse:FYM than paddy straw:FYM. From overall analysis, it was inferred that 50 nm sized titanium dioxide nanoparticles at concentration 500 mg/kg was the most effective treatment for enhancing reproduction and biotransformation efficiency of Eisenia fetida. It exhibited a better efficacy in sugarcane bagasse than paddy straw.
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