ISO 11268-1: Effects of Pollutants on Earthworms (Acute Toxicity)

Summary

This method evaluates the acute toxicity of soil contaminants, chemicals, or degraded polymers to earthworms, offering insights into the ecological risks and habitat functions of soils. It is applicable to various soil types, including contaminated, amended, remediated, agricultural, and waste-impacted soils.

ISO 11268-1 Testing Method

Adult earthworms (Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei) are exposed to a series of concentrations of contaminated soil, or test substance mixed in soil, for 14 days. The mortality (survival rate) is measured twice throughout the test to determine the LC50, NOEC, and LOEC. Standard artificial soil is often used as the control and for dilution, but a reference, uncontaminated, soil can also be used.

Here are some additional details about the ISO 11268-1 test method:

• Test Species: Adult earthworms (Eisenia fetida or Esineia andrei), 3+ months old, with well-developed clitellum and within a specified weight range
• Duration: 14 days
• Temperature: 20C +/- 2C
• pH: 6.0 +/- 0.5 (pH measured for non-artificial soil as part of soil characterization)
• Reference: Boric acid
• Replicates: Typically 4 replicates with 10 earthworms each
• Measurements: Two measurements (Day 7 and Day 14)
• Artificial soil composition (dry mass):
  • 10% sphagnum pear (finely ground)
  • 20% kaolinite clay
  • 69% industrial quartz sand
  • 0.3%-1.0% CaCO3 for pH adjustment
  • Water content adjusted to 40-60% of maximum water holding capacity
• Sample Requirements: 
  • Not applicable for highly volatile substances
• Validity criteria:
  • Control mortality must not exceed 10%

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