Low intensity light effects on survivability, biomass, tissue protein and enzyme activities of the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg)

Abstract

The biological activities of invertebrates are influenced by environmental factors. Surface feeding soil animals such as epigeic earthworms are likely to be influenced by the type and intensity of light unlike deep dwelling species which live in dark. This study reports the effects of low intensity light exposures on the survivability, biomass, vermicomposting efficiency, tissue protein, lipid peroxidation and activities of three stress enzymes, acetylcholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase and catalase of the vermicomposting earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae. Consistent exposure of the animal to low intensity white, blue, green and red LED lights for 42 days in semi-decomposed organic substrate indicated decreased protein level, increased lipid peroxidation and enzyme activities in the animal with respect to those kept in dark. The study further indicated that darkness favours survivability, biomass gain and vermicomposting efficiency in this earthworm.