Toxic effects of tobacco on soil worms in densely populated cities

Abstract

Soil contamination by cigarette butts has become a serious problem in recent years. The culture of earthworms Eisenia foetida (Sav, 1826) has been used in this scientific work as an object for research. The toxic effects of tobacco were investigated during vermicomposting of cigarette butts. Analysis of changes in the age structure of the population showed that the most resistant to the action of toxic units are sexually mature individuals and juveniles. Larvae and juveniles are most sensitive to soil contamination by cigarette butts. The tested earthworm populations under the influence of experimental drawings lost the productivity of their cocoons. Thus, regular dropping of cigarette butts on the soil surface leads to gradual destruction of earthworms in urban soil.