Toxic effects of albendazole on adenosine triphosphatase activity and ultrastructure in Eisenia fetida

Veterinary drug may influence soil fauna through manure excretion and subsequent application to agricultural field. The aim of this study is to determine the toxicity of albendozale (ABZ) on the whole earthworm as well as its different regions. Earthworms of Eisenia fetida were exposed to ABZ at 0, 100, 200, 400, and 600 mg kg−1 concentrations; samples were taken at days 2, 7, and 14 exposure for determination of two adenosine triphosphatase (Na+–K+- and Mg2+-ATPase) activities and survival and growth rate. In addition, the ultrastructure of intestinal epithelium of the earthworms was examined after 14-day exposure. The survival and growth rate were reduced as compared to the control at the two highest concentrations (400 and 600 mg kg−1) after 7- and 14-day exposure. With increasing ABZ concentration, ATPase activities were inhibited significantly in the mid-part after 7 and 14 days and the posterior after 14 days. In particular, the inhibition effect was significant even at the lower treatment levels (100 and 200 mg kg−1) after 14 days. Both ATPase activities, however, were increased significantly in the anterior of earthworms at the highest concentration (600 mg kg−1) after 14 days. Ultrastructure observation in intestine epithelium in three concentrations (control, 100, 600 mg kg−1) revealed that mitochondria and smooth endoplasmic reticulum were damaged with increasing ABZ concentration. Some mitochondria was exhibited the damage of inner membrane at 100 mg kg−1 and vacuolization at 600 mg kg−1, which is consistent with ATPase activities inhibition. The investigation of enzymatic activities in different regions of earthworms and pathological alterations in the intestinal epithelium can provide important information in terms of toxic effects of soil contamination and be used as early warning systems.