Bioaccumulation and elimination of avermectin B1a in the earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

The acute toxicity, bioaccumulation, and elimination of avermectin B1a (AVM B1a) in earthworm (Eisenia fetida) were investigated in different exposure systems. The LC50 of AVM B1a on earthworms were 24.1 mg/kg and 17.1 mg/kg, respectively, for 7 and 14 days in artificial soil. The LC50 tested by the filter paper for 2 days was 4.63 μg/cm2. The earthworms were cultivated in artificial soil containing 0.6 mg/kg and 3.0 mg/kg AVM B1a, respectively for bioaccumulation experiments. The AVM B1a residues in earthworms were determined with HPLC-fluorescence method. The results showed that AVM B1a was taken up from the concentrated artificial soil by the earthworms and the steady-state levels were reached after 9–18 days of exposure. On the 18th day, the final concentrations of AVM B1a in the earthworms treated with two different dosages were 107 ng/g and 165 ng/g, respectively; there were not significantly accumulation. About 80.0% and 94.8% of the accumulated AVM B1a were eliminated respectively in two groups within 1 day after they were exposed to AVM B1a-free soil, but a trace amount of AVM B1a was found for a relative long time in earthworms.