IMPACT OF RADIATIONS ON EARTHWORMS

Radiations include electromagnetic radiation, including light and radio waves and high-energy ionizing radiation released by the decay of radioactive isotopes including X-rays, gamma, alpha and beta rays that can damage human and animal health by ionizing atoms and breaking chemical bonds, damaging DNA and also lead to cancer. Animal models of mice has been extensively studied in this context. However very few studies exist on effects of radiation on invertebrates. One such organism, of importance to human life are the earthworms that resides in the soil and are called as the natural tillers of the soil, contributing to the soil fertility, enhancing soil nutrient cycling, mixing of soil, production of mucus and organic matter and their excreta increases the soil nutrients. In the soil they are constantly exposed to harmful pollutants, radiations, radioactive chemicals and pathogens. Therefore, it is important to understand and study the effects of radiation on earthworms. However very few studies have been conducted in these lines and very few reports exist on the effect of radiation on earthworm health. In this article we discuss in depth recent findings across the globe on the effect of radioactive chemicals and radiations on diverse species of earthworm health and the applications of radioactive tracers in detecting effect of harmful pollutants on the earthworm health and bioaccumulation.