Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris)

scientific name: Lumbricus terrestris
Earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris) in a Petri dish
Photo: UPB-Projektgruppe Trier

As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).

Earthworms as organisms living in the soil, are involved in various ways in the complex processes of soil formation, and as saprophytes, they occupy the central position in decomposing organic material and the energy combined with (destruction).

Their intensive involvement in the nutrient cycles highly exposes the earthworms towards all substances existing in an ecosystem. As a consequence, if toxic substances are present, a large hazard potential exists for the food chains based on earthworms.

They also play a central role in the ecosystem food chain and energy cycle, causing an outstanding exposure to hazardous substances.

For more information about the specimen, the sampling and the processing of samples see the Guideline for Sampling and Sample Processing Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris, Aporrectodea longa).

Target organs/Matrices

Sampling area

Analytes

Sampling period

1993 - 2022

Extended information

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