Evaluation of biomass and certain biochemical parameters of earthworm Drawida willsi in response to organic amendments of iron mine spoil

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the changes in the tissue protein, lipid peroxidation (LPX) levels, catalase (CAT) activity and biomass of earthworm, Drawida willsi in response to different organic amendments of iron mine spoil. Methodology: Farmyard manure, poultry manure, vermimanure and bio-fertilizer in various combinations were amended with the mine spoil prior to inoculation of the earthworm. Tissue protein, lipid peroxidation levels and catalase activity of the earthworm were measured over an incubation period of 42 days at an interval of 7 days. The percent change in biomass of the earthworm over the experimental period was assessed. Results: Significant variation in the biochemical parameters and biomass of the earthworm were observed in response to amendments. The highest tissue protein (151.6 mg g-1 tissue) was observed in spoil amended with VM and BF. The maximum lipid peroxidation level (0.11nmol mg-1 protein) and catalase activity (0.59 nkat mol-1 protein) were recorded in control. The highest (0.476 g) biomass was observed in spoil with vermimanure and biofertilizer. Interpretation: The results of this study proved that vermimanure with biofertilizer is the most suitable combination for amendment of iron mine spoil with least physiological stress on the earthworms. Key words: Biomass, Drawida willsi, Iron mine spoil, Organic amendments