Triclosan-induced changes in earthworm Eisenia fetida life cycle under elevated temperature

Antimicrobials are important for preserving the quality of life and public health. Triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether, TCS) is one of the most used antimicrobials in both pharmaceuticals and personal care products and it is a frequently detected emerging organic contaminant (EOCs). Earthworms Eisenia fetida, with their thin epithelium and their feeding, are directly exposed to soil pollutants, making them highly important for the assessment of the toxicity of inorganic and organic contaminants to soil biota. With potentially far-reaching consequences for life on Earth, climate change is an increasingly urgent issue. There is a growing awareness of the importance of anticipating the interactions between natural and chemical stressors, and the way they affect organisms and their performance. The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of elevated temperatures on changes in the life cycle of earthworm E.fetida induced by triclosan. Triclosan-contaminated (10 - 750 mg TCS kg-1) soil studies with E.fetida were performed at different temperatures (20℃ and 25℃). Earthworm lifecycle parameters (mortality rate, weight growth, reproduction) were determined. Results of this study showed that elevated temperature enhanced the negative effect of triclosan on E.fetida mortality at ≥100 mg TCS kg-1 concentrations. Reproduction of E.Fetida was the most sensitive to TCS exposure and the lowest tested TCS concentration severely affected E.Fetida reproduction.