Earthworms play an important role in the soil
biocenosis since they enhance soil characteristics
such as the soil function of litter breakdown, soil
fertility and soil microstructure. Therefore,
earthworms are used as a standard test species to
investigate the impact of a substance on the soil
compartment. Testing is always required when
substances are applied on soil or when a
contamination of soil is possible.
Usually, is in a first step the acute toxicity tested.
Persistent substances or substances with several
applications per season cause a longer exposure
for the earthworm community. In these cases the
performance of a study on sublethal effects is
required. Furthermore the results of the acute test
can trigger a sublethal study.
IBACON performs laboratory studies with
E. fetida under full GLP conditions. Since 1994
IBACON has performed several hundreds of each
study type and has gained vast experienced with
earthworm testing.