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1

Chemical Composition of Earthworm (Eisenia fetida Sav.) Biomass and Selected Determinants for its Production

Kostecka Joanna, Garczyńska Mariola, Pączka Grzegorz, Mazur-Pączka Anna

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2022

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Vol. 23, nr 7

169--179

EN

The study was designed to determine selected components of chemical composition in the body of earthworms cultivated on organic kitchen waste. It was shown that their biomass can be classified as protein-rich, succulent fodder. Notably, this work also specified the contents of 17 essential amino acids, as well as the profile of fatty acids. It also highlighted selected threats to the natural environment caused by food production and food wastage by man. Because of that, this paper also presents the determinants of earthworm biomass production. The possibilities of consuming alternative invertebrate protein were also discussed.

2

Procedure for detoxication of linuron contaminated soil based on ozonation and fluidization process

Józefczyk Radosław, Antos Piotr, Pieniążek Marcin, Balawejder Maciej

Archives of Environmental Protection

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2022

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Vol. 48, no. 3

48--56

EN

The linuron contaminated soil was subjected to remediation using ozone as an oxidant. The experiments were performed both in laboratory and pilot plant installations. Kinetics of linuron degradation was determined for both systems. Moreover, main linuron metabolites were identified, and possible degradation pathway was proposed. The soil remediation was found to be successful, which was verified by chemical and biological tests. The half-life time of linuron in the pilot scale installation was no more than 7.5 h. To verify the efficiency of soil detoxification, a toxicity test was performed, which utilized Eisenia foetida earthworm. The test organisms were exposed for 14 days to the linuron contaminated soil prior and after the remediation procedure. It was observed that in the control group and the group of organisms exposed to the ozonated soil, the survivability was 100%, whereas the earthworms exposed to the linuron contaminated soil that was not ozonated did not survive at all.

PL

Zanieczyszczoną linuronem glebę poddano remediacji z użyciem ozonu jako utleniacza. Eksperymenty przeprowadzono zarówno w instalacji laboratoryjnej, jak i instalacji pilotażowej. Dla obu systemów wyznaczono kinetykę degradacji linuronu. Ponadto zidentyfikowano główne produkty rozkładu linuronu i zaproponowano możliwy szlak degradacji. Remediacja gleby okazała się skuteczna, co zweryfikowano testami chemicznymi i biologicznymi. Okres półtrwania linuronu w instalacji w skali pilotażowej nie przekraczał 7,5 godziny. W celu sprawdzenia skuteczności detoksykacji gleby przeprowadzono test toksyczności, w którym wykorzystano dżdżownicę Eisenia foetida. Organizmy testowe były wystawione na działanie gleby skażonej linuronem przez 14 dni przed i po procedurze remediacji. Zaobserwowano, że w grupie kontrolnej i grupie organizmów narażonych na kontakt z glebą poddaną remediacji przeżywalność wyniosła 100%, natomiast dżdżownice narażone na kontakt z glebą skażoną linuronem nie przeżyły.

3

Change of physichochemical properties and heavy metals content in sewage sludge during vermicomposting with Eisenia fetida

Azgin Sukru Taner

Environment Protection Engineering

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2021

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Vol. 47, nr 1

17--27

EN

This study aimed to evaluate the vermicompost quality of sewage sludge (SS) mixed with sugar beet pulp (SBP) and cow dung (CD) wastes employing Eisenia fetida. The basic issue faced in the wastewater treatment plant is how to reduce the amount of sewage sludge? This paper discusses an in-situ vermicomposting approach for the reuse of sewage sludge. A total of 11 reactors containing various waste combinations were organized and changes in physicochemical parameters were evaluated during 90 days of the experiment. The results indicated that SS could be converted into a good quality product by vermicomposting if suitable mixing quantities are provided (50% SS, 25% SBP, 25% CD). Vermicomposting caused significant reductions in pH, TOC, the content of heavy metals, and C/N ratio, while electric conductivity and NPK content increased as compared to initial mixtures. The present study implied that the application of sewage sludge in the agricultural fields after vermicomposting could be a suitable and usable approach for sewage disposal.

4

Life Cycle of the Eisenia fetida and Dendrobaena veneta Earthworms (Oligohaeta, Lumbricidae)

Podolak Agnieszka, Kostecka Joanna, Mazur-Pączka Anna, Garczyńska Mariola, Pączka Grzegorz, Szura Renata

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2020

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Vol. 21, nr 1

40--45

EN

Earthworms can be used in the vermicomposting process. The success of the process depends on many factors, including the choice of the appropriate earthworm species. Eisenia fetida and Dendrobaena veneta are treated as "compost earthworms". They are characterized by a relatively short life cycle, relatively fast growth rate, efficient reproduction and a similar amount of organic matter processed, compared to species found in the natural environment. However, while analyzing their features in more detail, it can be seen that these two species differ. The aim of this study was to compare the selected features of the Eisenia fetida (Sav.) and Dendrobaena veneta (Rosa) earthworm populations in an annual cycle. The mature specimens of E. fetida or D. veneta were put in groups into plastic boxes with soil. Populations were checked regularly by manual sorting of the medium. The earthworms and cocoons were cleaned, counted and weighed individually. Afterwards, the mature individuals were placed in appropriate containers, while the cocoons were separated from the starting populations. The earthworms were fed ad libidum on kitchen wastes every four weeks. The experiment was carried out under constant laboratory conditions for 52 weeks. The analysis of the studied populations confirmed that the tested species of earthworms differ from each other. After 52 weeks of the experiment, the sum of earthworm biomass was higher for D. veneta compared to E. fetida species (18.568 ± 1.867 g and 7.263 ± 1.786 g; p <0.01, respectively). This relationship was confirmed for the average body weight of earthworms (D. veneta: 0.912 ± 0.046 g; E. fetida 0.480 ± 0.006 g; t = 15.95, p <0.01) and cocoons (D. veneta: 0.032 ± 0.003 g, E. fetida 0.014 ± 0.001 g; t = 9.15, p <0.01).

5

New Perspectives for the Use of Earthworms – Testing of Anesthetics

Podolak Agnieszka, Kostecka Joanna, Rożen Anna, Garczyńska Mariola, Pączka Grzegorz, Mazur-Pączka Anna, Szura Renata

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2019

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Vol. 20, nr 3

253--261

EN

Anesthetic drugs have been tested for years on rats, rabbits, dogs, cats and monkeys, which may raise ethical concerns. Researchers do not always pay attention to the possibility of using techniques of anesthesia, analgesia or euthanasia in relation to invertebrate animals. It has previously been shown that earthworms meet the requirements of laboratory animals, and being a good alternative to the studies on vertebrates, may also be used as the first stage of testing anesthetics. The lethal concentrations of procaine and lidocaine for E. fetida and D. veneta were established using modified filter paper contact test. Using a modified method developed for testing anesthetics, mature earthworms (clitellate) of both species were used to check the effectiveness of lidocaine and procaine in safe immobilizing of earthworms. The reactions of earthworms in contact with anesthetics were different. The possibility of using a higher concentration range of procaine and lidocaine for E. fetida than for D. veneta, as E. fetida demonstrated a greater resistance to the stress caused by the action of chemical substances. The response to this stress varied and depended on the concentration used; however, higher concentrations of anesthetics caused rapid body movements and discharge of the coelomic fluid as well as morphological changes observed after 48 hours. Procaine was not effective in immobilizing earthworms, but lidocaine proved effective in reversibly immobilizing both species. For E. fetida, lidocaine in the concentrations of 1.4 and 1.6 at 95 and 90 min, respectively, resulted in a full immobilization of animals, which then survived following 24h and 48h of recovery. For D. veneta, lidocaine in the concentrations 1.3 and 1.4 during 40 min proved effective and safe to use, as all individuals survived following 24h and 48h of recovery.

6

Vermicomposting of Post-harvest Maize Waste

Garczyńska M., Pączka G., Wirkus K., Podolak A., Mazur-Pączka A., Szura R., Bartkowska I., Kostecka J.

Rocznik Ochrona Środowiska

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2018

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Tom 20, cz. 1

358--374

EN

The article presents results of studies on using dense populations of Eisenia fetida (Sav. 1826) and Dendrobena veneta (Rosa 1893) earthworms for neutralization of post-harvest maize (Zea mays ssp. Indurata)) waste. The experiment was conducted in climatic chamber conditions in various variants (bedding I – maize stems, bedding II – maize stems with cellulose (2:1), bedding III – maize stems with horse manure (2:1)). In earthworm cultures on the above-mentioned beddings, changes in their populations were analysed, assessing biomass and the number of laid cocoons. The obtained organic fertilizers were subjected to chemical analysis. It has been demonstrated that waste was neutralized by both earthworm species and the obtained vermicomposts had beneficial properties as beddings for plant cultivation.

PL

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań nad wykorzystaniem zagęszczonych populacji dżdżownic z gatunku Eisenia fetida (Sav. 1826) i Dendrobena veneta (Rosa 1893), do unieszkodliwiania resztek pożniwnych kukurydzy zwyczajnej (Zea mays ssp. indurata). Doświadczenie prowadzono w warunkach komory klimatyzacyjnej w różnych wariantach (podłoże I – łodygi kukurydzy, podłoże II – łodygi kukurydzy z dodatkiem celulozy (2:1), podłoże III – łodygi kukurydzy z dodatkiem obornika końskiego (2:1)). W chowie dżdżownic na wskazanych podłożach analizowano zmiany w ich populacjach, określając biomasę oraz liczbę składanych kokonów. Otrzymane nawozy organiczne poddano analizie chemicznej. Wykazano, że odpady były utylizowane przez oba gatunki dżdżownic, a otrzymane wermikomposty posiadały korzystne właściwości jako podłoża do uprawy roślin.

7

Earthworms in Short-Term Contact with a Low Dose of Neonicotinoid Actara 25WG

Garczyńska M., Pączka G., Mazur-Pączka A., Kostecka J.

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2018

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Vol. 19, nr 3

93--101

EN

A laboratory experiment, carried out for five months, was designed to assess the effects produced by the neonicotinoid Actara 25 WG, used at a dose recommended by the manufacturer, in the dynamics of the populations of epigeic Eisenia fetida (Sav.) and Dendrobena veneta (Rosa)earthworms. The study was conducted in a climatic chamber and involved balanced biomass of mature specimens representing both species, in 3 replications of soil medium with the insecticide, in addition to controls. The growing populations were inspected five times, by means of manual segregation of the substrate. The insecticide led to an increase in both the number of specimens and the biomass of E. fetida population (overall, as well as mature and immature worms), yet it reduced their reproduction (decreased the number of cocoons) (p<0.05). In the case of D.veneta, the neonicotinoid insecticide produced positive effects only in the mature specimens (p<0.05).

8

Use of Various Baits for Extraction of Earthworms From Vermicompost

Kostecka J., Garg V. K.

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2015

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Vol. 16, nr 5

87--92

EN

During vermicomposting, earthworm grower has to overcome a lot of different problems. For instance, in case of a sudden requirement to sell earthworms it is useful to have the ability to collect them in one place. Fresh food extraction is an effective and neutral way to do it. The efficiency of gathering and extracting E. fetida from the vermicompost was studied, using a fresh bait method. Experiments were carried out in the laboratory (at the mean temperature of 20±0.5 °C) in pots filled with vermicompost. Generally, two hundreds of adult E. fetida were put in every pot and left there for 24 hours. After such acclimatization, various baits were inserted to every pot. Different experiments allowed to conclude that: 1) repeated bait exchange was more efficient in extracting worms from vermicompost than bait laid once for a longer time; 2) extracting worms from the bait in the morning was quicker than extracting them in the evening; 3) addition of valerian (Valeriana officinalis), nettle (Urtica dioica), and flaxseeds to cattle manure could resulted in better extraction than pure manure; 4) dry valerian was more effective than steamed one, but on other hand, steaming of nettle and flaxseeds was giving better results in collecting worms in the bait.

9

The influence of red worms (E. Foetida) on compost’s fertilizing properties

Rosik-Dulewska Cz., Ciesielczuk T., Karwaczyńska U., Gabriel H

Journal of Ecological Engineering

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2014

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Vol. 15, nr 2

67--72

EN

Composting is becoming a more and more common way of biodegradable waste disposal. Composts should be characterized by high content of nutrients and low amount of pollutants. Vermicompost is a compost produced by overpopulated culture of earthworm Eisenia foetida (Savigny 1826). World scientific literature states that vermicompost has a high fertilizing value which often exceeds such value of conventional composts. The results showed that vermicompost has a much higher fertilizing value than the compost produced by the traditional pile method. However, prism vermicompost created with the participation of a less concentrated population of earthworms has an intermediate value as a fertilizer (nitrogen and heavy metals), it could be assessed as a lower value product due to the lower content of potassium and phosphorus than the material obtained without earthworms.

10

Effect of saponin extract on vermicomposting of selected organic waste

Mroczek J. R., Kostecka J.

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering. A

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2013

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Vol. 20, nr 11

1343--1350

EN

Vermicomposting of livestock manure and organic kitchen refuse is a possible way of utilizing this type of waste. The study was designed to assess the impact of saponin extract on the characteristics of the earthworm Eisenia fetida used for vermicomposting of swine manure with added organic kitchen refuse and cellulose, as well as its effect on the chemical composition of the produced vermicomposts. During the study, extract of Quillaja saponaria added to the waste did not affect the size and mass of the population or reproduction of the earthworms, yet it adversely modified the mass of adult specimens. The vermicomposts obtained had varied composition. Significant differences were shown in the contents of sodium, calcium, copper and zinc.

PL

Wermikompostowanie odchodów zwierzęcych i organicznych odpadów kuchennych stanowi jeden ze sposobów ich utylizacji. Celem badań było określenie wpływu ekstraktu saponinowego na cechy dżdżownic E. fetida użytych do wermikompostowania obornika od trzody chlewnej z dodatkiem organicznych odpadów kuchennych i celulozy oraz na skład chemiczny wyprodukowanych wermikompostów. W okresie prowadzonych badań, ekstrakt z Quillaja saponaria dodany do odpadów nie wpłynął na liczebność, masę populacji i rozmnażanie dżdżownic, ale modyfikował niekorzystnie masę osobników dojrzałych. Skład uzyskanych wermikompostów był zróżnicowany. Istotne różnice wykazano w zawartości sodu, wapnia, miedzi i cynku.

11

Influence of chosen insecticides on the characteristics of vermicompost produced from kitchen waste

Kostecka J., Garczyńska M.

Proceedings of ECOpole

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2012

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Vol. 6, No. 2

535--540

EN

The research concerned the possibility of vermicomposting organic wastes separated from kitchen residues. Vermicomposting was conducted with the presence of the earthworm Eisenia fetida (Sav.) in ecological boxes. The occurrence of a dipteran (Sciaridae) was reduced by the application of anti-dipteran preparations into the substrate (in environmentally safe doses recommended by the producers). The insecticides Nomolt 150S.C, Dimilin 25WP and Dar 2.5GR were used. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of these preparations on the rate of vermicomposting and on the characteristics of the vermicomposts produced by E. fetida. Over a period of 6 months, it was shown that a Dar 2.5GR preparation had the largest impact on the daily rate of vermicomposting. The vermicomposts produced with the addition of insecticides did not differ in content of nutritional elements for plants (nitrogen N-NO3, calcium, assimilable phosphorus, potassium and magnesium) in comparison with the control vermicomposts. The qualities of the produced vermicomposts were as follows: pH in H2O 5.9-6.2; salt concentration: min 4.7 - max 5.4 g NaCl dm–3, nitrogen N-NO3 min 808 - max 902; phosphorus P min 344 - max 372; potassium K min 1185 - max 1424; magnesium Mg min 279 - max 335 mg dm–3; calcium Ca min 1940 - max 2381 mg dm–3.

PL

Badania dotyczyły wermikompostowania segregowanych kuchennych odpadów organicznych w skrzynkach ekologicznych z zastosowaniem dżdżownic E. fetida (Sav.). Występowanie muchówek Sciaridae zredukowano w nich przez aplikację do podłoży preparatów antymuchówkowych (w dawce zalecanej przez producentów). Użyto insektycydów Nomolt 150SC, Dimilin 25WP i Dar 2.5GR. Celem badań było określenie wpływu tych preparatów na tempo wermikompostowania i na cechy wyprodukowanych przez E. fetida wermikompostów. Przez okres 6 miesięcy prowadzenia badań wykazano, że jedynie preparat Dar 2.5GR istotnie obniżył dzienne tempo wermikompostowania. Wyprodukowane wermikomposty z dodatkiem insektycydów nie różniły się zawartością składników pokarmowych roślin (azotu N-NO3, przyswajalnego fosforu, potasu i magnezu oraz wapnia) w porównaniu do wermikompostów z pojemników kontrolnych. Cechy wyprodukowanych wermikompostów kształtowały się następująco: pH w H2O 5,9÷6,2; stężenie soli min. 4,7, max 5,4 g NaCl dm–3, azot N-NO3 min. 808, max 902; fosfor P min. 344, max 372; potas K min. 1185, max 1424; magnez Mg min. 279, max 335 mg dm–3; wapń Ca min. 1940, max 2381 mg dm–3.

12

Effect of Active Compounds from Pesticides Applied to Soil on the California Earthworm Eisenia fetida

Jarmuł-Pietraszczyk J., Piasecka J.

Ecological Chemistry and Engineering. A

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2011

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Vol. 18, nr 5-6

703-707

EN

This study was aimed at estimating the effect of selected pesticides on the California earthworm E. fetida its survival and reproduction. Parameters that were taken into account included: 1) changes in the density, mortality, biomass and hampered life activity after application of pesticides as compared with the control, 2) the number of laid cocoons and hatching. Selected pesticides contained the following active chemical compounds: dichlobenyl (herbicide), diazinon (insecticide) and carbendazin and tiuram (fungicide). Earthworms responded to soil pesticides in different ways. Diazinon caused remarkable loss of body weight. Most toxic was fungicide which resulted in 100 % mortality of E. fetida after 48 h contact.

PL

Celem przeprowadzonych badań było określenie wpływu wybranych środków ochrony roślin doglebowych na dżdżownicę kalifornijską E. fetida na jej zdolność do przeżywania w środowisku oraz reprodukcję. Pod uwagę wzięto takie parametry jak: 1) zmiany w liczebności po zastosowaniu środka chemicznego w stosunku do kontroli (śmiertelność, wpływ na biomasę, ograniczenie aktywności życiowej), 2) liczbę składanych kokonów i wylęg. Jako materiał chemiczny wybrano związki ochrony roślin zawierające następujące substancje czynne: dichlobenyl (herbicyd), diazon (insektycyd) oraz karbendazyn i tiuram (fungicyd). Reakcja dżdżownic na zastosowane pestycydy doglebowe była różna. Zaobserwowano znaczne zmniejszenie masy ciała po wpływem diazynonu. Najbardziej toksyczny był fungicyd, który spowodował 100 % śmiertelność E. fetida po 48 godz. kontakcie.

13

Demographic parameters and heavy metals accumulation in tissues of earthworms Eisenia fetida (Sav.) bred in contaminated substrata with various pH and moisture

Łapiński S., Skalski T.

Chemia i Inżynieria Ekologiczna

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2005

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Vol. 12, nr 8

827-833

EN

Heavy metal contamination evidently reduces the fecundity and increases mortality in Eisenia fetida (Sav.), whereas the pH and moisture content of the substrate affect a number of these earthworms to a much lesser extent. The increased concentration of heavy metals in the substrate is reflected by the concentrations in the bodies of earthworms, which poses a potential danger to the transmission of these elements in the food web. Cadmium and mercury are concentrated in the tissues of E. fetida above the level prevailing in the substrate. Higher pH and moisture contents enhance the accumulation of heavy metals in earthworms.

PL

Skażenie metalami ciężkimi wyraźnie ogranicza rozrodczość i zwiększa śmiertelność Eisenia fetida (Sav.), natomiast pH i wilgotność podłoża w mniejszym stopniu mają wpływ na liczebność dżdżownic. Wzrost koncentracji metali ciężkich w podłożu jest odzwierciedlany w ciałach dżdżownic, co stanowi potencjalne zagrożenie transmisji tych pierwiastków w sieci troficznej. Kadm i rtęć występują w tkankach E.fetida powyżej poziomu ich stężenia w podłożu. Większe pH i wilgotność sprzyjają silniejszej kumulacji metali ciężkich w dżdżownicach.

14

Wpływ skażenia gleby przepracowanym olejem silnikowym na przeżywalność i aktywność dżdżownic Eisenia fetida

Małachowska-Jutsz A.

Inżynieria i Ochrona Środowiska

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2002

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T. 5, nr 1

37-44

PL

Celem badań było określenie wpływu obecności w glebie przepracowanego oleju silnikowego na warunki bytowe, przyrost biomasy i śmiertelność dżdżownic Eisenia fetida. Badania prowadzono w trzech równoległych powtórzeniach zgodnie z ISO 11268-1. Metoda ta służy do oznaczania toksyczności ostrej na dżdżownicach Eisenia fetida dla związków pobieranych przez skórę i przewód pokarmowy tych zwierząt. Polega na oznaczaniu śmiertelności i stopnia zahamowania przyrostu masy dorosłych dżdżownic po 7 i 14 dniach od umieszczenia ich w określonym podłożu, zawierającym różne stężenia badanej substancji zanieczyszczającej. Substancja badana dodawana jest jednorazowo na początku doświadczenia. Wyniki badań odnosi się do wyników badania kontrolnego przeprowadzanego na podłożu niezanieczyszczonym. Doświadczenie prowadzi się w szklanych pojemnikach w temperaturze 20 š2°C. Do testu użyto dorosłych dżdżownic z gatunku Eisenia fetida z dobrze wykształconym siodełkiem, których masa zawierała się w przedziale 300÷600 mg. Zwierzęta umyto w wodzie wodociągowej. Badania prowadzono na podłożu glebowym przygotowanym wg ISO 11268-1. Podłoże to zostało skażone zużytym olejem silnikowym (mineralnym) o gęstości 0,882 g/cm3 i całkowitej zawartości węglowodorów 1074 mg/kg w następujących ilościach: 1, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 g oleju silnikowego/kg podłoża glebowego. Do każdego pojemnika wprowadzano po 10 dżdżownic. Przeprowadzone doświadczenia wykazały, że gleba zanieczyszczona przepracowanym olejem silnikowym powodowała istotne pogorszenie warunków bytowych, wykorzystywanych w testach dżdżownic Eisenia fetida. Stężenia wyższe od 1 g/1000 g gleby uniemożliwiały prawidłowy przyrost biomasy dżdżownic, a stężenie 175 g/1000 g gleby i wyższe powodowało oprócz spadku ich masy także śmiertelność. Na podstawie przeprowadzonych badań wyznaczono stężenie oleju silnikowego, powodującego 50% zahamowanie przyrostu masy, które wynosiło około 140 g/1000 g gleby.

EN

Soil ecotoxicological tests record the effect of chemicals on soil. To evaluate exemplarily the toxic potential of petroleum contaminations for soil fauna, different earthworm toxicity tests were performed. Earthworms are often used as test organisms because of their important function e.g. as decomposer, their high biomass in soil 10÷200 g fresh weight m-2 and their sensitive reactions towards environmental influences. Dorn & Salanitro (2000) confirmed that earthworms are sensitive indicators for oily soil. The "OECD-Earthworm Toxicity Test" (ISO 11268-1) is a widely used terrestrial ecotoxicological test which is applied both in prospective as well as increasingly in retrospective ecotoxicological research. Test organism of this standardised test is the "compost worm" Eisenia fetida. Our intend was to evaluate the toxicity of crude oil concentration on the Eisenia fetida. The oil (density a 0.882 g/cm3 ) was characterized as middle range in saturates and high in aromatics. Test substrate was crude oil contaminated soil with total hydrocarbon concentration of 1074 mg/kg. Uncontaminated control substrate was the standard soil ISO 11268-1. Soil was sieved (2 mm) and spiked with crude oil. Deionized water was added to reach 40÷60% of the field moisture capacity. Ten concentrations of the spiked soil samples were prepared and 10 adult worms Eisenia fetida, weighing 3.500 g were introduced. Earthworms were obtained from in-house culture. Before their biomass was determined at test start and test end, they were washed with tap water and incubated on wet paper for 24 h to empty their guts. Water content was readjusted weekly. All test were performed in climate chambers at a temperature of 20°C. 1 l glass cylinders serving as test containers in the acute were covered with plastic foil to prevent worms from escaping. An integrated gauze (1 mm) ensured optimal ventilation. 10 adult worms were placed in each test container filled with test substrate. After 7 and 14 days of incubation surviving worms were sorted out by hand. Test endpoint was mortality. Results were shown, that earthworms were strongly affected by soil spiked with crude oil. Significant decrease of weight of earthworms was caused by concentrations higher than 1 g ź kg-1 . Lethal effects were observed for the concentration of 175 g ź kg-1 and higher. Based on the results the LC50 for crude oil was calculated as 141 g ź kg-1. Earthworms were most responsive to effects of oil as mitigated by time and oil doses. Earthworms are useful test organisms to assess the toxicity of oil contaminated soils, because of their sensitive reactions to pollution presence.