Pesticide soil contamination mainly affects earthworm male reproductive parameters
Author
dc.contributor.author
Bustos-Obregón, Eduardo
Author
dc.contributor.author
Goicochea, Roger Iziga
Admission date
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2019-01-29T17:51:45Z
Available date
dc.date.available
2019-01-29T17:51:45Z
Publication date
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2002
Cita de ítem
dc.identifier.citation
Asian Journal of Andrology, Volumen 4, Issue 3, 2018, Pages 195-199
Identifier
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1008682X
Identifier
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https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/163555
Abstract
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Aim: To explore the effect of exposure to commercial Parathion® (Pc) on the reproductive parameters (sperm and cocoon production and genotoxicity on male germ cells), the survival, the body weight and the gross anatomical changes in Eisenia foetida. Methods: Three doses of Pc (1478, 739 and 444 mg/kg of soil) and three time intervals of exposure (5, 15 and 30 days) were used. Results: All treated animals were affected. An acute genotoxic effect, revealed by DNA fragmentation (comet assay), was seen by 5 days. Alterations in reproductive parameters were conspicuous in regard to the number of sperm, cocoons and worms born, and the histological observation of the gonads and seminal receptacles. In addition, the body weight and survival rate were decreased. Neuromuscular function was also affected. Conclusion: Earthworms are suitable bioindicators of chemical contamination of the soil, their advantage being their easy and economical handling.