Effects of microscale particles in red mud amended artificial soils on bioaccumulation of elements in E. fetida.

Vinković, Andrija; Sudac, Davorin; Valković, Vladivoj; Vdović, Neda; Mišić-Radić, Tea; Marciuš, Marijan; Feigl, Victoria; Obhođaš, Jasmina (2021) Effects of microscale particles in red mud amended artificial soils on bioaccumulation of elements in E. fetida.. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 403 . pp. 1-9. ISSN 0304-3894

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Abstract

Red mud (RM) contains large quantities of microscale particles < 1 micrometer and high concentrations of potentially toxic elements. In this research, we have used two types of RM of similar chemical properties but containing different quantities of micro-particles, to test whether their size plays a role in the uptake of chemical elements by earthworm Eisenia fetida. Earthworms were exposed for seven days to artificial soils (prepared in the laboratory following a protocol) amended with increasing quantities of RM. Mortality of 86% occurred when earthworms were exposed to amended soil containing 46% of particles below 1 µm. Surprisingly, tissue analyses have shown decreased concentrations of metals instead of the expected toxic effect. SEM analysis revealed that micro-particles strongly adhere to the earthworm epidermis putting them under the large stress. Micro-particles in RM clog their minute dermal pores of 90 nm to 735 nm in diameter, which size depends on whether the earthworm’s body is contracted or stretched. Strong adhesion of micro-particles to earthworms’ epidermis and blockage of their microsize pores prevented normal dermal respiration and absorption of chemical elements through their epithelium resulting in a decrease of most measured metals, especially essential elements potassium, calcium and iron, followed by the lethal outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	red mud, microscale particles, Eisenia fetida, dorsal pores, dermal pores, elements uptake, potential deficiency of K, Ca and Fe, artificial soil test
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES NATURAL SCIENCES > Physics NATURAL SCIENCES > Physics > Biophysics and Medical Physics NATURAL SCIENCES > Biology NATURAL SCIENCES > Biology > Ecology
Divisions:	Division of Experimental Physics
Depositing User:	Jasmina Obhođaš
Date Deposited:	07 Dec 2022 14:32
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/7682
DOI:	10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123613

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