Biochemical and genetic toxicity of the ionic liquid 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride on earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

Abstract

Ionic liquids also known as "green solvents," are used in many fields. However, the dispersion of ionic liquids in soil systems is likely to cause damage to soil organisms. The objective of the present study was to investigate the toxicity of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C8 mim]Cl) on earthworms (Eisenia fetida). For this purpose, earthworms were exposed to different concentrations of [C8 mim]Cl (0 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg artificial soil) and sampled at 7 d, 14 d, 21 d, and 28 d. The results indicated that [C8 mim]Cl could cause an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in earthworms, even at the lowest concentration (5 mg/kg). Compared with the controls, during the [C8 mim]Cl exposure period, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) decreased and then increased, whereas the activities of peroxidase (POD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) increased. These changes in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and GST indicated that [C8 mim]Cl could induce oxidative damage in earthworms. The malondialdehyde content was increased by high levels of [C8 mim]Cl at 14 d and 28 d, indicating that [C8 mim]Cl could lead to lipid peroxidation in earthworms. In addition, the degree of DNA damage significantly increased with increasing [C8 mim]Cl concentrations and exposure time. The present study shows that [C8 mim]Cl caused biochemical and genetic toxicity in earthworms.

Toward the Proactive Design of Sustainable Chemicals: Ionic Liquids as a Prime Example

“…For other groups of organisms, the actual mode of action has received less attention and is accordingly less well understood. There is ample evidence that ILs induce oxidative stress in many different organisms including algae, mussels, earthworms, plants, and fish . DNA damage has also often been reported but is usually explained as a direct consequence of the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. , It should be noted that the direct interaction of ILs with DNA can also be very strong due to multiple interactions with both the phosphate backbone and the nucleobases .…”

Environmental Impact of Ionic Liquids: Recent Advances in (Eco)toxicology and (Bio)degradability

“…In addition, the degree of DNA damages ignificantly increases with an increasei nt he [omim]Clc oncentrationa nd exposure time. [172] Wu et al [173] have observed that the addition of DMSO,a saradical scavenger,r educes C. elegans lethality and decreasesR OS levels. The length of the alkyl sidec hain also substantially influencest he toxicity of ILs, with longera lkyl chains generating highert oxicity.…”

Genotoxic Evidences of Glyphosate and Chlorpyriphos on Eisenia fetida Coelomocytes

“…In particular, the SCGE when applied on earthworms has resulted as a high sensitivity bioassay for evaluating the genotoxic damage induced for wide group of pollutants. Among them, metals [22][23][24][25] polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [23] and other organic compounds [26], ionic [27] and, overall, several pesticides [28][29][30][31][32] ex vivo treatments, a non-invasive extrusion method was used for collecting earthworm coelomocytes according to Di Marzio, et al [23]. Earthworms were rinsed in tap water at RT and placed on a damp paper towel overnight to void gut contents during the extrusion procedure.…”