Subacute toxicity of copper and glyphosate and their interaction to earthworm (Eisenia fetida)

Glyphosate (GPS) and copper (Cu) are common pollutants in soils, and commonly co-exist. Due to the chemical structure of GPS, it can form complexes of heavy metals and interface their bioavailability in soil environment. In order to explore the interactions between GPS and Cu, subacute toxicity tests of Cu and GPS on soil invertebrate earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were conducted. The relative weight loss and whole-worm metal burdens increased significantly with the increasing exposure concentration of Cu, while the toxicity of GPS was insignificant. The joint toxicity data showed that the relative weight loss and the uptake of Cu, as well as the superoxide dismutase, catalase and malondialdehyde activities, were significantly alleviated in the present of GPS, which indicated that GPS could reduce the toxicity and bioavailability of Cu in the soil because of its strong chelating effects. [Display omitted] •Cu markedly increased the weight loss ratio of earthworm.•Cu decreased the cocoon production of earthworm.•The toxicity of GPS on earthworm was insignificant.•The presence of GPS could reduce the toxicity of Cu on earthworm. The presence of glyphosate could reduce the toxicity and bioavailability of Cu in the soil because of its strong chelating effects.