Fate of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene in Soil Aggregates Influenced by Earthworm Activity. (4282)
Authors:
G. Pillar* - Univ. of Georgia K. Xia - Univ. of Georgia P.F. Hendrix - Univ. of Georgia
Abstract:
Soil contaminated with explosive compounds such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) remain a significant environmental problem. Since a significant portion of the contamination occurs near the soil surface, there is concern about its possible toxicity to soil-dwelling organisms such as earthworms. Previous research has shown that TNT may be toxic to earthworms at concentrations ranging from 55 to 881 mg kg-1 soil. Earthworm exposure to TNT can result in a reduction in growth and a decrease in fecundity.
Earthworms are known to play a significant role in the cycling of nutrients, formation of soil
aggregates, and incorporation of organic materials, including organic pollutants, into soil aggregates.
However, little work has focused on the influence of earthworms on the transformation of TNT in soil and within soil aggregates. The objective of this study was to determine the influence earthworms have on the distribution and transformation of TNT in soil and within soil aggregates. A three week
incubation study using Aporrectodea caliginosa in a sandy loam soil spiked with 150 – 200 mg TNT kg-1 soil was conducted under laboratory conditions. The effect of TNT on the soil microbial
community structure, microbial biomass, and earthworms along with the resulting distribution of TNT within soil aggregates as a function of earthworm activity will be discussed.
Speaker Information: Greg Pillar, Univ. of Georgia, 3111 Miller Plant Sciences Bldg. Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, Athens, GA 30602; Phone: 706-542-0909; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Monday, November 1, 2004, 12:25 PM-5:45 PM Presentation Start: 3:15 PM
Keywords: 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene; soil aggregates; aggregation; Earthworms
