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VOL. 10, ISSUE 12 (2025)
Vermicomposting and biomagnification of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in Eudrilus eugeniae
Authors
J Mohamad Rafeek, M Meeramaideen*, P Rajasekar, Sanesh P K
Abstract
Earthworms play a critical
role in soil ecosystems and are widely used as bioindicators to assess
terrestrial pollution. With the increasing release of metallic nanoparticles
into the environment, their potential toxicity to soil organisms has become an
important ecological concern. The present study investigates the impact of
copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) at concentrations of 120 ppm, 150 ppm, and
180 ppm on the vermicomposting efficiency and biomagnification in Eudrilus
eugeniae. Physico-chemical parameters of the resulting vermicompost,
including pH, temperature, EC, TDS, organic carbon, macronutrients, and
micronutrients, were analyzed after 60 days. Results showed a significant
decrease in compost pH, nutrient content, and earthworm biomass in CuO
NP-treated groups compared with controls, indicating reduced bioconversion
ability. Micronutrients such as Ca, Mg, Mn, and Cu also declined significantly,
suggesting inhibited metabolic activity and nanoparticle bioaccumulation within
the earthworms. Overall, the study demonstrates that CuO nanoparticles
adversely affect vermicomposting performance and nutrient quality, highlighting
their ecological risks to soil health and organic waste management systems.
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Pages:121-125
How to cite this article:
J Mohamad Rafeek, M Meeramaideen*, P Rajasekar, Sanesh P K "Vermicomposting and biomagnification of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles in <i>Eudrilus eugeniae</i>". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 12, 2025, Pages 121-125
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