•  
  •  
 

Abstract

Earthworms are considered ecosystem engineers, playing an essential role in soil fertility. Heavy metals are supposed to remain linked to soil for a very long time and can bio-accumulate swiftly in soil microbes, posing a severe threat to the environment. The current study was designed to investigate the bio-accumulation of heavy metals in Lumbricus terrestris and the impact of soil pH and texture on earthworm morphology and densities near industrial areas of the district of Okara, Punjab, Pakistan. The samples were collected from the locations of different industries using the quadrate method and analyzed for heavy metal accumulation by using atomic absorption spectrometry. It was observed that the earthworm specimens collected from experimental sites have maximum zinc (in sites 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as 172.25±0.94, 162±0.71, 146.25±0.94, 137.83±1.03, and 151.08±0.74 respectively) and minimum lead (in site 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as 20.92±0.74, 23.25±0.94, 17.58±0.59, 16±0.71, and 14.33±1.08 respectively) accumulation and varies non-significantly with the control site. It was also observed that pH 8.1 (site 2, loamy soil) had the lowest earthworm density compared to the other sites (Clay soils). The observed weight and length of the Earthworm were as (max. 2.386 grams and min. 0.38 grams) and (max. 19 cm and min. 2.5 cm) respectively. It is concluded that soil biochemistry affects the morphology and distribution pattern of earthworms, whereas heavy metals cause severe environmental damage. The present study will provide baseline data for the conservation of soil biota and enhance crop yield for a tremendously increasing population.

Article History

Received: Sep 07, 2025; Accepted: Oct 23, 2025; Published: Dec 26, 2025

Download


Included in

Zoology Commons

Share

COinS