Effect of Insecticide Malathion on weight of Eisenia Foetida Earthworm | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

Earthworm are invertebrates and contribute to soil fertility improvement and plant growth. Malathion is widely used organophosphate insecticide in agriculture. Eisenia foetida has been suggested as a sensitive and standard species for Eco toxicological studies. Eisenia foetida were exposed to malathion via soil. Three series of different concentration 100,200 and 300 mg/kg soil were prepared. In control group soil was used with tap water. The aim of the present investigation was to assess the effect of insecticide malathion on weight of worm. Eisenia foetida are exposed to different concentration of malathion for definite period of time. It was observed that there is reduction in weight on exposure to 100mg/kg soil, but after exposure for 15 and 20 days to concentration of 300 mg/kg soil there was increase in weight. There was no loss of weight in worms of control group and they showed normal growth with increase in weight.