A review on the impact of commonly used pesticides on the biology of earthworms

Abstract

Earthworms are considered important bio-indicators of chemical contamination in the soil ecosystem. Being an important biotic factor of soil ecosystem, earthworms play a vital role in the functioning of soil ecosystems and maintenance of soil fertility. The present review encompasses the diverse effects of chemical contaminants like pesticides on earthworm biology, considering both direct toxicity and indirect impacts on ecosystem functions. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, we assess the varying impacts of different classes of pesticides on earthworms. Several studies included in this review shed light on how pesticide exposure affects earthworm behaviour, reproduction, regenerative capacity, histology, gut microbial diversity, and nutrient transition, among other adverse effects, which consequently affect the soil ecosystem dynamics. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these findings for agricultural practices, soil health, and biodiversity conservation. This study discusses the impact of pesticides on different facets of earthworm biology and emphasizes the necessity of sustainable pest management strategies to maintain the productivity and adaptability of ecosystems by enhancing our understanding of the complex interactions that occur between soil organisms, like earthworms, and foreign chemicals, or xenobiotics, like pesticides