Chlorpyrifos causes decreased organic matter decomposition by suppressing earthworm and termite communities in tropical soil

Effects of pesticides on structural and functional properties of ecosystems are rarely studied under tropical conditions. In this study litterbag and earthworm field tests were performed simultaneously at the same tropical field site sprayed with chlorpyrifos (CPF). The recommended dose of CPF (0.6 ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental pollution (1987) 2010-10, Vol.158 (10), p.3041-3047
Main Authors: De Silva, P. Mangala C.S., Pathiratne, Asoka, van Straalen, Nico M., van Gestel, Cornelis A.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Applied ecology
Biodiversity
Biological and medical sciences
Chlorpyrifos - toxicity
Decomposition
Earthworm field test
Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Insecticides - toxicity
Isoptera
Isoptera - drug effects
Isoptera - metabolism
Litterbag test
Oligochaeta - drug effects
Oligochaeta - metabolism
Perionyx excavatus
Rain
Soil Pollutants - toxicity
Sri Lanka
Termites
Terrestrial environment, soil, air
Tropical Climate
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Summary:Effects of pesticides on structural and functional properties of ecosystems are rarely studied under tropical conditions. In this study litterbag and earthworm field tests were performed simultaneously at the same tropical field site sprayed with chlorpyrifos (CPF). The recommended dose of CPF (0.6 kg a.i. ha −1) and two higher doses (4.4–8.8 kg a.i. ha −1) significantly decreased litter decomposition during the first 3 months after application, which could be explained from lower earthworm and termite abundances during this period. Species-specific effects of CPF on organism abundance and biomass were observed, with termites being mostly affected followed by the earthworm Perionyx excavatus; the earthworm Megascolex sp. was least affected. Recovery was completed within 6 months. Decomposition in the controls and lowest two treatments was completed within 4 months, which suggests the need for modification of standard test guidelines to comply with faster litter degradation under tropical conditions. Effects of chlorpyrifos on functional and structural endpoints in soil.
ISSN:0269-7491
1873-6424
DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2010.06.032