Earthworm and its Role in the Detoxification of Soil Pollutants: Impacts, Risks, and Remediation

Abstract

Soil pollution is a major global problem. Rapid industrialization has resulted in a major rise insoil contamination caused by organic pollutants and heavy metals, among others. The soil takes up a widerange of toxins that are discharged into the environment. Industrial emissions and wastes, fertilizers andcoal combustion residues, sewage and pesticides, and mine tailings are all potential sources of heavymetals in soil. Due to characteristics such as rapid production rates via human activities and difficulty tokeep heavy metals in a confined space, there is a larger risk of direct and unintentional exposure. Mostmetals are very stable and difficult for microorganisms and chemicals to degrade. Heavy metal pollutionlowers soil microbial activity and crop output, both of which are bad for human health.