Weight change and cocoon production of the earthworm Eisenia fetida as chronic measures of toxicity for municipal solid waste compost

Earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were exposed in vivo to concentrations of commercially available municipal solid waste compost (MSW) from Delaware, Florida and Minnesota sites. Compost was mixed with a reference substrate to obtain dilutions. A 14-day range finding test indicated mortality in high concentrations of compost. Twenty-one day tests employing cocoon production and weight gain as chronic endpoints indicated reduced reproduction and growth in higher test concentrations. Cocoon production and weight gain were moderate in mid-range concentrations of Florida and Minnesota composts. Negligible reproduction and extensive weight loss were characteristic of Delaware compost. Reference substrate lacked essential components necessary for cocoon production and growth.; Statistical analysis indicated a positive relationship between body burden of Cd and cocoon production in E. fetida. Positive relationships between Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn body burdens and worm weight change were also shown in E. fetida exposed to Florida compost. No similar relationships were indicated in Delaware samples.