BEHAVIORAL ENDPOINTS OF ALLOLOBOPHORA CHLOROTICA EXPOSED TO POLYETHYLENE MICROPLASTICS: A FOUR- CHAMBER TEST

4th International Symposium On Biotechnology (2026),  [pp. 473-480]
 
 
AUTHOR(S) / AUTOR(I): Ana Lazić , Aleksandra Petrović , Ivana Ivanović , Aleksandra Popović , Jovana Šućur Elez , Antonije Žunić , Vojislava Bursić
 
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.46793/SBT26.473L

ABSTRACT / SAŽETAK:

This study evaluated the avoidance behavior and mortality of adult Allolobophora chlorotica (Annelida: Lumbricidae) exposed to soil contaminated with microplastics using a four-chamber avoidance test. Microplastic particles derived from agricultural mulch films were incorporated into soil at concentrations of 0.25%; 0.5%, and 0.75% (w/w). The highest avoidance response (96%) and mortality (12%) were recorded at 0.75% microplastic particles. ANOVA indicated a significant effect of microplastic presence as predictor (p < 0.01), whereas concentration and replicate had no significant values. The findings confirm that microplastics induce behavioral and survival responses in worms, emphasizing their ecological relevance as indicators of soil contamination and the potential risks of microplastic accumulation in agroecosystems.

KEYWORDS / KLJUČNE REČI:

Allolobophora chlorotica, behaviour, microplastic, worms

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / PROJEKAT:

This research was funded by the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research of AP Vojvodina Project No. 003877101 2025 09418 003 000 000 001 04 004 “Microplastics in Agroecosystems: Understanding Effects on Plants and Rhizosphere Organisms to Preserve the Functions of High-Quality Agricultural Soil – SafeNet” and Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation under Contract No. 451-03-34/2026-03/200117 and Contract No. 451-03-33/2026-03/200117, both dated 05 February 2026.

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