Interaction of Earthworms and Microorganisms in the Detoxification of Metal Contaminants | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

Only a few of the numerous factors that contribute to heavy metal pollution in soil include emissions and waste from various industries, fertilizers, coal combustion residues, sewage, pesticides, and mine tailings. Heavy metals are more susceptible to direct and accidental exposure due to their characteristics, such as their rapid creation rates from human-made activities and their inability to be held in a single location. The majority of metals have been shown to be durable and do not degrade as a result of microbial or chemical action. In addition to reducing soil microbial activity and agricultural output, high levels of heavy metals also put human health at risk through the food chain.The most common heavy metal contaminants found in soil are lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), and nickel (Ni). Three of the most prevalent soil pollutants are cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Consequently, the study's objective is to investigate how earthworms and microorganisms interact in the detoxification of heavy metal contaminants.