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Biochemical responses and DNA damage in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) induced by ionic liquid [omim]PF6

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Abstract

Ionic liquids that are not that “green” to many organisms have recently been identified. This study examined the subchronic toxicity of the ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([omim]PF6) to earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Earthworms were exposed for a 28-day period (sampled on days 7, 14, 21, and 28) at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (POD)), detoxifying enzyme (glutathione S-transferase (GST)), lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage were measured. ROS significantly accumulated in all the treatment groups; the maximum ROS content was 51.9 % higher than the control at 40 mg/kg [omim]PF6 on day 28. Increased SOD activities attenuated over the time of exposure, while the CAT activities of the treatment groups were similar to the controls, except on day 14. Furthermore, the activities of POD and GST were stimulated. Lipid peroxidation in earthworms was not apparent at 5 and 10 mg/kg [omim]PF6 but was quite obvious at 40 mg/kg [omim]PF6. In addition, DNA damage was dose- and time-dependent. In conclusion, [omim]PF6 caused oxidative stress and genotoxicity in earthworms.

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Acknowledgments

The present study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 21277083 and 21377075).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Agricultural Environment in Universities of Shandong, Taian, 271018, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaoyan Liu, Shumin Zhang, Jinhua Wang, Jun Wang, Yuting Shao & Lusheng Zhu

  2. College of Resources and Environment, Shandong Agricultural University, 61 Daizong Road, Taian, 271018, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaoyan Liu, Shumin Zhang, Jinhua Wang, Jun Wang, Yuting Shao & Lusheng Zhu

  3. National Engineering Laboratory for Efficient Utilization of Soil and Fertilizer Resources, Taian, 271018, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaoyan Liu, Shumin Zhang, Jinhua Wang, Jun Wang, Yuting Shao & Lusheng Zhu

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  1. Xiaoyan Liu
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  2. Shumin Zhang
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  3. Jinhua Wang
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  4. Jun Wang
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  5. Yuting Shao
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  6. Lusheng Zhu
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Correspondence to Jinhua Wang or Lusheng Zhu.

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Responsible editor: Cinta Porte

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Liu, X., Zhang, S., Wang, J. et al. Biochemical responses and DNA damage in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) induced by ionic liquid [omim]PF6 . Environ Sci Pollut Res 23, 6836–6844 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-5827-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-5827-2

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