Locomotion (behavioural) test in the terrestrial oligochaetes Eisenia exposed to carbamate model substance

Abstract

This study examines earthworm behaviour by combining locomotion-based motility assessments with evaluations of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition. Motility analysis revealed significant differences in the two-dimensional movement patterns of earthworms exposed to carbamate pesticides compared to those in the control group, indicating altered trajectories. AChE assays demonstrated a pronounced inhibitory effect on enzyme activity in exposed earthworms relative to unexposed individuals. Both univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that the pesticide contaminant significantly affects AChE activity as well as the quantitative and directional characteristics of earthworm movement. These results suggest that behavioural testing in earthworms is a valuable tool for understanding the impact of pesticides on non-target organisms and the environment.