Ecological detoxification of methamidophos by earthworms in phaiozem co-contaminated with acetochlor and copper

In view of the ubiquitous co-existence of methamidophos, acetochlor and copper (Cu) in agricultural soils, ecological detoxification of methamidophos in phaiozem by earthworms was examined using the detoxic incubation experiments with illumination. It was validated that the earthworm Eisenia fetida is a useful soil animal in the process of methamidophos detoxification as the assistance of soil microbes and enzymes. Due to the action of earthworms, the half life of methamidophos with concentration of 15 mg/kg in phaiozem could decrease from 5.61 days to 5.08 days. Dynamics of methamidophos detoxification by earthworms could conform to the logistic model. Under the condition of multiple pollution combined with acetochlor (20 mg/kg) and Cu (300 mg/kg), ecological detoxification of methamidophos by earthworms became complicated. Acetochlor played a promoting role in the biodegradation of methamidophos to some extent, while it was basically inhibited by Cu. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.