You have no items in your shopping cart.
Abstract
Herbicides are chemical substance or a mixture of substances that are intentionally released into the environment in order to avert, deter, control and/or kill and destroy populations of insects, weeds, rodents, fungi or other harmful pests. Microorganisms and earthworms plays crucial role in soil ecosystems, soil fertility, and nutrient cycling. This study was conducted to analyze the acute toxicity of Nicosulfuron (Herbicide) on microorganisms in association with earthworms in the soil. This study methodology involved isolation and characterization of microorganisms using microbiological techniques. Also, weight and length of associated earthworms was obtained and biomarkers present in the soil was analysed such as changes in Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), Catalase, and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The results indicated no significant change in the heterotrophic bacterial count irrespective of the concentration of herbicide(nicosulfuron). Organism isolated include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus. This however was the reverse for earthworms as significant negative impacts on earthworm populations with respect to the concentration of herbicide. Also, the volume of biomarkers varied with increase in catalase and gradual reduction in gluthathione peroxidase and gluthathione-S-transferase In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of preserving soil ecosystems, responsible herbicide management, and a commitment to sustainable agriculture.
