A summary of eleven years progress in earthworm ecotoxicology

The inception, ring-testing and standardisation of the acute earthworm toxicity test (OECD 1984), has been at catalyst for the emergence of earthworms as one of the key organisms in (environmental) toxicology. In recognition of this role, there have now been three International Workshops on Earthworm Ecotoxicology (Sheffield in 1991, Amsterdam in 1997 and Aarhus, in 2001). At each workshop delegates met to outline recent work and identify future priorities. At the end of each workshop, recommendations were drawn up both to act as a summary of current knowledge and as initiators for future research. in this paper we briefly review progress in respect of these recommendations. Overall, advances have been made in many areas. Test procedures for laboratory and field toxicity tests have been improved and diversified, thus allowing specific studies not covered by the original OECD (1984) procedure. Further, there is now improved understanding of factors that can modify the effects of chemicals in dynamic ecosystems and also of the mechanistic basis of toxicosis (although many uncertainties still remain in these areas). One notable area where progress has been slower is development of a linked earthworm ecotoxicology community. In particular recommendations to develop comprehensive databases have yet to be implemented.