In vitro cultivation of primary intestinal cells from Eisenia fetida as basis for ecotoxicological studies

Abstract

The earthworm Eisenia fetida is a commonly used model organism for unspecific soil feeders in ecotoxicological studies. Its intestinal cells are the first to encounter possible pollutants co-ingested by the earthworm, which makes them prime candidates for studies of toxic effects of environmental pollutants on the cellular as compared to the organismic level. In this context, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the suitability of preparations of primary intestinal E. fetida cells for in vitro ecotoxicological studies. For this purpose, a suitable isolation and cultivation protocol was established. Cells were isolated directly from the intestine, maintaining >85% viability during subsequent cultivations (up to 144 h). Exposure to established pollutants and soil elutriates comprising silver nanoparticles and metal ions (Cu2+, Cd2+) induced a significant decrease in the metabolic activity of the cells. In case of microplastic particles (MP particles), namely 0.2, 0.5, 2.0, and 3.0 µm diameter polystyrene (PS) beads as well as 0.5 and 2.0 µm diameter polylactic acid (PLA) beads, no active uptake was observed. Slight positive as well as negative dose and size dependent effects on the metabolism were seen, which to some extent might correlate with effects on the organismic level.

Municipal biowaste treatment plants contribute to the contamination of the environment with residues of biodegradable plastics with putative higher persistence potential

“…In addition, the coverage with an ecocorona 30 , that will certainly take place during digestion/composting, facilitates the internalization into cells 31 and therefore increases the risk associated with the ingestion of microplastic, e.g. by soil macrofauna 32 . Finally, the higher crystallinity and therefore higher resistance to further biodegradation extends the period of bioavailability of BDP microparticles with all the above-mentioned consequences.…”

Detection and specific chemical identification of submillimeter plastic fragments in complex matrices such as compost

“…In recent years the entry of plastic 1 , 2 and microplastic 1 , 3 – 12 materials into terrestrial ecosystems has increasingly become a concern. Especially microplastic contamination can have significant negative effects on terrestrial micro- and macrofauna 5 , 6 , 13 and has also been shown to impede plant biomass production 14 . For convenience, microplastic is often divided into large microplastic (1–5 mm) and small microplastic (< 1 mm).…”

“…The produced MP and submicron particles may have an even more adverse effects, since the number of particles and also their surface area available for interaction with the environment will increase as larger particles break down. The likelihood for uptake by cells and tissues also increases as particles get smaller, thereby increasing the possibility of negativec effects 13 , 19 , 20 .…”