Ecotoxicological Effect of Sludge from a Poultry Processing Center on the Earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and Corn (Zea mays) using Bioassays

Tafur T.; Gomero L.; Alvariño L.; Iannacone J. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.2115

Resumen

The objective of this research was to evaluate the ecotoxicological effect of dissolved air flotation (DAF) sludge from a poultry processing plant on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) and corn seeds (Zea mays) using bioassays. The physicochemical characterization of the DAF sludge and the soil used in the bioassays was performed. The LD50 (median lethal dose) for earthworms was 5.21%. Earthworm weight decreased after 14 days of exposure. Cocoon formation was observed at low sludge doses, and a correlation was found between earthworm mortality (%) and pH and electrical conductivity. The ID50 (median inhibitory dose) for corn seed germination was 11.1%. The percentage of necrosis showed effects starting at 15.63% sludge after 21 days of exposure. A decrease in height, wet weight, dry weight, and number of leaves of Z. mays increased with the sludge dose, and finally, an association was found between corn seed germination and pH, and no relationship with electrical conductivity. It is concluded that there are various ecotoxicological effects of DAF sludge from a poultry processing plant on earthworms after 14 days of exposure and on corn seeds after 21 days of exposure, as demonstrated by bioassays.

Instituciones: Universidad Científica del Sur; Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal