Abstract

The German Biologische Bundesanstalt (BBA) and RIVM have developed test methods for determining sublethal effects of chemical substances on earthworms. The BBA-method is especially designed for testing pesticides while the RIVM-method is applicable on "all" types of chemicals. To assess the reproducibility of the BBA-method, a ring test was organized in which also RIVM participated. In order to compare both methods, the substances parathion and benomyl were also tested using the RIVM-method. In the BBA-method the test substances are sprayed over the soil surface, while they are mixed homogeniously through the soil in the RIVM-method. All studies described in this report were performed in artificial soil using the species Eisenia andrei. In order to enable comparison of the results of both test methods, dosages used in the BBA-method were recalculated to concentrations in soil using the equation: kg/ha * 8 = mg/kg dry soil. The final NOEC-values for the most sensitive parameter appeared to be almost similar in both test methods and for both chemicals. It can therefore be concluded that both test methods may give similar results. From the results of the entire ring test it can be concluded that a more precise description of the BBA-method is necessary to reduce variability in test results.