Similarly, Yuvaraj et al. (2018) have reported cell disintegration, irregular compartmentation of the cells and nucleus along with the irregularity of epidermal
surface when Perionyx excavatus was employed for the vermistabilization of
paper mill sludge-spiked cow dung in different ratios. However, the authors have
reported that 1:1 ratio could be used for the management of paper mill sludge due to
its compatibility. Kiliç (2011) and Lourenço et al. (2011) have confirmed the effect
of heavy metal contaminated soils on the histopathology of earthworms. Further,
Sharma and Satyanarayan (2011) reported the alteration in the histopathology and
cell damage of Eudrillus eugeniae due to higher heavy metal concentration.
16.4 Conclusion
The study makes us understand that the earthworm tissues are affected by the sludge
due to a wide range of concentrations. But the concentration of heavy metal ions
such as Cd, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn has decreased in the vermicompost, but has increased
in the tissues substantially. The content of metallothionein protein and
bioaccumulation factor content confirms the capacity of the animal to accumulate
the ions in their tissues and thereby reducing the metal content in the compost. But it
Fig. 16.4 Histological staining of earthworm tissues. CL chloragogen cells, COF coelomic fluid,
EP epithelium, BV blood vessel
276
S. Sugumar et al.
surface when Perionyx excavatus was employed for the vermistabilization of
paper mill sludge-spiked cow dung in different ratios. However, the authors have
reported that 1:1 ratio could be used for the management of paper mill sludge due to
its compatibility. Kiliç (2011) and Lourenço et al. (2011) have confirmed the effect
of heavy metal contaminated soils on the histopathology of earthworms. Further,
Sharma and Satyanarayan (2011) reported the alteration in the histopathology and
cell damage of Eudrillus eugeniae due to higher heavy metal concentration.
16.4 Conclusion
The study makes us understand that the earthworm tissues are affected by the sludge
due to a wide range of concentrations. But the concentration of heavy metal ions
such as Cd, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn has decreased in the vermicompost, but has increased
in the tissues substantially. The content of metallothionein protein and
bioaccumulation factor content confirms the capacity of the animal to accumulate
the ions in their tissues and thereby reducing the metal content in the compost. But it
Fig. 16.4 Histological staining of earthworm tissues. CL chloragogen cells, COF coelomic fluid,
EP epithelium, BV blood vessel
276
S. Sugumar et al.