Toxicity of ionic liquids on the growth, reproductive ability, and ATPase activity of earthworm

To evaluate the toxicity of the ionic liquid 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium bromide ([C(8)mim]Br) to Eisenia foetida, effects of [C(8)mim]Br on the growth, reproductive ability, and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity of earthworms were determined under laboratory conditions using artificial soil as substrate. The results showed that [C(8)mim]Br in high concentrations significantly inhibited the growth of the earthworms. These effects were enhanced with prolonged exposure to and increasing concentration of [C(8)mim]Br. E. foetida's reproductive ability was significantly inhibited after 42 d of subchronic exposure to [C(8)mim]Br at a concentration >= 5 mg kg(-1) artificial soil (dry weight). During acute exposure, a high concentration of [C(8)mim]Br >= 40 mg kg(-1) artificial soil (dry weight) inhibited the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase and Mg+-ATPase after 3 and 7 d of exposure. After 42 d of subchronic exposure, the activity of both ATPases was inhibited in groups exposed to >= 5 mg [C(8)mim]Br kg(-1) artificial soil (dry weight). These results indicate that treatment with the ionic liquid [C(8)mim]Br affects the growth, reproductive ability, and ATPase activity of earthworms E. foetida. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.