Comparative toxicity in earthworms Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus terrestris exposed to cadmium nitrate using artificial soil and filter paper protocols

LC sub(50) and LD sub(50) values were used as toxic endpoints to compare the toxicity of cadmium nitrate to two earthworm species, Eisenia fetida and Lumbricus terrestris. Two test protocols were used: filter paper contact and artificial soil exposure. Results indicated that L. terrestris had higher LC sub(50) values and somewhat greater variability than E. fetida. Comparisons of LC sub(50) and dry mass-based LD sub(50) values determined from both protocols indicated that L. terrestris was more sensitive than E. fetida. Both exposure protocols produced the same toxic rankings of the two species for cadmium nitrate.