Effects of pyroligneous acid on acute, chronic, and cyto-genotoxicity to earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

Abstract

The pyroligneous acid (PA), or wood vinegar, is a byproduct of wood carbonization during the slow pyrolysis process. PA is recognized globally as a safe compound for agriculture due to its various beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and termiticidal properties. However, the impact of different PA concentrations on beneficial soil organisms, such as earthworms has not been investigated. The present study aims to understand the effects of different PA concentrations on earthworm Eisenia fetida. The earthworms were exposed to nine different concentrations of PA in soils, including their control. The acute toxicity assay was performed after 14 days of exposure, and the chronic toxicity assay was performed up to 8 weeks after exposure. The results from the acute toxicity assay demonstrated no significant effect on earthworm mortality. The chronic toxicity assay showed that lower PA concentrations (0.01–0.2% of weight/weight PA in soil) promoted cocoon and juvenile production in soils, whereas higher PA concentrations (0.5 and 1%) had a negative effect. These findings highlight the potential of PA to enhance soil fertility at lower concentrations, up to 0.2%, by stimulating worm activity and subsequent manure production. The outcomes of this study have significant implications for the careful management of PA concentrations within agricultural operations.

Keywords:

• Pyroligneous acid
• Eisenia fetida
• acute toxicity
• chronic toxicity
• comet assay

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the funding under Tech Voucher Program by the NSW Department of Industry in collaboration with Northside Industries Pty Ltd., and the Global Centre for Environmental Remediation, The University of Newcastle, for the laboratory facilities.