Biochemical Response of the Endogeic Earthworm (Balanteodrilus extremus) Exposed to Tropical Soils

This work evaluated the biochemical responses of the endogeic earthworm Balanteodrilus extremus exposed for 14 and 48 days (d) to soils collected from two tropical agricultural systems: maize-sorghum (MS) and soybean-sorghum (SS). A soil without agricultural management (WAM) and the use of pesticides was selected as a reference. The presence of organochlorine (OC) and organophosphate (OP) pesticide residues was quantified in MS and SS soils. Biomarkers of detoxification [glutathione S transferase (GST)], neurotoxicity [acetylcholinesterase (AChE)] and oxidative stress [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and lipoperoxidation (LPO)] were evaluated in B. extremus. The concentration of OP pesticide residues was higher in SS than in MS. Activity of AChE in B. extremus exposed to SS soil for 14 d was significantly more inhibited (78%) than in MS soil (68%). B. extremus has been shown to be a good bioindicator of contaminated soils in tropical regions.