Earthworm Acute Toxicity Test (OECD TG 207)
The Earthworm Acute Toxicity Test according to OECD TG 207 is designed to evaluate the short-term toxic effects of chemicals on soil-dwelling invertebrates, specifically earthworms, which are key indicators of soil health and ecosystem function.
In this study, adult earthworms (typically Eisenia fetida or Eisenia andrei) are exposed to a range of concentrations of the test substance incorporated into artificial or natural soil under controlled laboratory conditions for a period of 14 days. Observations are made regularly to monitor mortality and any behavioral or physiological abnormalities.
The primary endpoint is mortality, which is used to determine the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) of the substance. In addition, sublethal effects such as changes in behavior or weight loss may be recorded to provide supportive information on soil toxicity.
This test provides essential data on the acute hazard of chemicals to soil invertebrates and is a fundamental component of terrestrial ecotoxicological risk assessment.
