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

Autori
Vinković, Andrija ; Sudac, Davorin ; Valković, Vladivoj ; Vdović, Neda ; Mišić Radić, Tea ; Marciuš, Marijan ; Feigl, Viktória ; Obhođaš, Jasmina

Izvornik
Journal of hazardous materials (0304-3894) 403 (2021); 123613, 9

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Red mud ; Microscale particles ; Eisenia fetida ; Dorsal pores ; Dermal pores ; Elements uptake ; Potential deficiency of K Ca and Fe ; Artificial soil test

Sažetak
Red mud (RM) contains large quantities of microscale particles < 1 μm 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–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.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Fizika, Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA