Earthworms have the ability to mix soil layers and to incorporate organic matter into the soil, therefore the organic matter can be released through the soil and its nutrients can become available to bacteria, fungi and plants increasing soil fertility.
Reproductive adult earthworms of Eisenia andrei, are exposed to the test substance incorporated into the artificial soil by an appropriate carrier or sprayed on the soil surface in order to evaluate the effects in terms of mortality and reduction in body weight over 14 days exposure period.

TEST SYSTEM
Eisenia andrei
A toxic reference substance is tested once a year to check the sensitivity of the organisms.

STUDY DESIGN
Range finding test includes 5 concentrations of the test substance and 1 untreated control (at least 2 replicates/treatment or control) with 10 adults/replicate
Limit test is carried out with 1 concentration of the test substance and 1 untreated control (4 replicates/treatment or control) with 10 adults/replicate
Rate-response test includes at least 5 concentrations of the test substance and 1 untreated control (4 replicates/treatment and for the control) with 10 adults/replicate

ENDPOINTS
Mortality: LC₅₀  at 7 days and at 14 days after treatment.
Reduction in body weight: EC₅₀ at 14 days after treatment.
Study includes GLP management and reporting.

REFERENCES AND GUIDELINES
OECD Guideline fo Testing of Chemicals, No. 207 (4^th April 1984) – Earthworm, acute toxicity test.