Artificial light at night (ALAN) causes variable dose-responses in a sandy beach isopod

Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is expanding worldwide, and the study of its influence remains limited mainly to documenting impacts, overlooking the variation in key characteristics of the artificial light such as its intensity. The potential dose–response of fitness-related traits to different light intensities has not been assessed in sandy beach organisms. Hence, this study explored dose-responses to ALAN by exposing the intertidal sandy beach isopod Tylos spinulosus to a range of light intensities at night: 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 lx. We quantified the response of this species at the molecular (RNA:DNA ratios), physiological (absorption efficiency) and organismal (growth rate) levels. Linear and non-linear regressions were used to explore the relationship between light intensity and the isopod response. The regressions showed that increasing light intensity caused an overall?~?threefold decline in RNA:DNA ratios and a?~?threefold increase in absorption efficiency, with strong dose-dependent effects. For both response variables, non-linear regressions also identified likely thresholds at 80 lx (RNA:DNA) and 40 lx (absorption efficiency). By contrast, isopod growth rates were unrelated (unaltered) by the increase in light intensity at night. We suggest that ALAN is detrimental for the condition of the isopods, likely by reducing the activity and feeding of these nocturnal organisms, and that the isopods compensate this by absorbing nutrients more efficiently in order to maintain growth levels.

     

Growth and development of smooth bromegrass and tall fescue in TNT-contaminated soil

Plants can be used for effective and economical remediation of soil provided they are tolerant or resistant to contaminants. This study was conducted to determine effects of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) on growth and development of smooth bromegrass and tall fescue. Seeds of both species were grown in contaminated and non-contaminated soil mixed at ratios to obtain a range of concentrations and also in non-contaminated soil underlain by contaminated and non-contaminated soil mix. Germination, shoot and root dry weight, root length and area were measured. Germination and height of both species decreased with increasing TNT concentration. Shoot dry weight from tall fescue was 50% greater than smooth bromegrass at a given TNT concentration. Root length, area and dry weight of both species decreased with increasing TNT concentration. Root area and dry weight were greater for smooth bromegrass compared to tall fescue. This research indicates tall fescue and smooth bromegrass can germinate and grow in soils with concentrations less than 31 and 24 mg TNT l(-1), respectively.     

Physiological and molecular responses of the earthworm <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eisenia fetida</Emphasis> to polychlorinated biphenyl contamination in soil

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of man-made organic compounds ubiquitously present in the biosphere. In this study, we evaluated the toxic effects of different concentrations of PCBs in two natural soils (i.e. red soil and fluvo-aquic soil) on the earthworm Eisenia fetida. The parameters investigated included anti-oxidative response, genotoxic potential, weight variation and biochemical responses of the earthworm exposed to two different types of soils spiked with PCBs after 7 or 14 days of exposure. Earthworms had significantly lower weights in both soils after PCB exposure. PCBs significantly increased catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) activity in earthworms exposed to either soil type for 7 or 14 days and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in earthworms exposed to red soil for 14 days. Of the enzymes examined, SOD activity was the most sensitive to PCB stress. In addition, PCB exposure triggered dose-dependent coelomocyte DNA damage, even at the lowest concentration tested. This response was relatively stable between different soils. Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the weight variation, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and MDA contents were significantly correlated with exposure concentration or exposure duration (P < 0.01). Furthermore, weight variation, CAT activity, and SOD activity were significantly affected by soil type (P < 0.01). Therefore, the soil type and exposure time influence the toxic effects of PCBs, and these factors should be considered when selecting responsive biomarkers.     

Variations in different sized water insoluble particulate matter in rain water

Temporal variations in different sized water insoluble particles in rain water during five rainfall events were investigated in a suburban area. The mass of particles ranged: 45–88 % (particle size > 8 μm), 12–43 % (1–8 μm) and 0–13 % (0.4–1 μm). A high concentration and following sharp decrease of the particles larger than 8 μm were observed at the initial stage of rainfall; the rate of the decrease was higher in the heavier rain. In many cases, the mass concentration of particles in rain water showed an inverse correlation with rainfall intensity. The variation of the smaller size particles was less significant compared to the larger ones.     

Acid–base balance and metabolic response of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus to different seawater pH and temperatures

Purpose

In order to better understand if the metabolic responses of echinoids could be related to their acid?Cbase status in an ocean acidification context, we studied the response of an intertidal sea urchin species, Paracentrotus lividus, submitted to low pH at two different temperatures.

Methods

Individuals were submitted to control (8.0) and low pH (7.7 and 7.4) at 10°C and 16°C (19?days). The relation between the coelomic fluid acid?Cbase status, the RNA/DNA ratio of gonads and the individual oxygen uptake were studied.

Results

The coelomic fluid pH decreased with the aquarium seawater, independently of temperature, but this explained only 13% of the pH variation. The coelomic fluid showed though a partial buffer capacity that was not related to skeleton dissolution ([Mg²⁺] and [Ca²⁺] did not differ between pH treatments). There was an interaction between temperature and pH on the oxygen uptake (V _O2) which was increased at pH?7.7 and 7.4 at 10°C in comparison with controls, but not at 16°C, indicating an upregulation of the metabolism at low temperature and pH. However, gonad RNA/DNA ratios did not differ according to pH and temperature treatments, indicating that even if maintenance of physiological activities has an elevated metabolic cost when individuals are exposed to stress, they are not directly affected during short-term exposure. Long-term studies are needed in order to verify if gonad production/growth will be affected by low pH seawaters exposure.     

表面活性剂清洗处理重度石油污染土壤

为了优化表面活性剂清洗处理重度石油污染土壤的方法和具体洗脱条件参数,采集山东省东营市胜利油田污染土壤,研究了阴离子-非离子混合表面活性剂对该土壤中石油类污染物的去除效果。应用化学热洗原理,主要考查了表面活性剂配比、投加量、清洗温度及清洗助剂对去除效果的影响。实验得到的清洗处理最佳条件为：使用LAS与TX-100质量比为8∶2的组合表面活性剂,总表面活性剂浓度为3 g/L,助剂硅酸钠浓度为5 g/L,75℃条件下搅拌1 h。清洗后土壤含油量从20%下降到4.6%,去除率达到76.9%。废水回用实验表明,清洗处理的废水对土壤中石油烃类物质仍有一定的去除效果。废水回用比从30%到100%时,对土壤中石油烃的去除率都可达到55%以上。对废水进行二次回用时仍能去除18.8%的污染物。     

Impact of weathered multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the epithelial cells of the intestinal tract in the freshwater grazers Lymnaea stagnalis and Rhithrogena semicolorata

Freshwater grazers are suitable organisms to investigate the fate of environmental pollutants, such as weathered multi-walled carbon nanotubes (wMWCNTs). One key process is the uptake of ingested materials into digestive or absorptive cells. To address this, we investigated the localization of wMWCNTs in the intestinal tracts of the mud snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L. stagnalis) and the mayfly Rhithrogena semicolorata (R. semicolorata). In L. stagnalis, bundles of wMWCNTs could be detected in the midgut lumen, whereas only single wMWCNTs could be detected in the lumina of the digestive gland. Intracellular uptake of wMWCNTs was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) but was restricted to the cells of the digestive gland. In larvae of R. semicolorata, irritations of the microvilli and damages in the apical parts of the epithelial gut cells were detected after feeding with 1 to 10 mg/L wMWCNTs. In both models, we detected fibrillar structures in close association with the epithelial cells that formed peritrophic membranes (PMs). The PM may cause a reduced transmission of wMWCNT bundles into the epithelium by forming a filter barrier and potentially protecting the cells from the wMWCNTs. As a result, the uptake of wMWCNTs into cells is rare in mud snails and may not occur at all in mayfly larvae. In addition, we monitor physiological markers such as levels of glycogen or triglycerides and the RNA/DNA ratio. This ratio was significantly affected in L. stagnalis after 24 days with 10 mg/L wMWCNTs, but not in R. semicolorata after 28 days and 10 mg/L wMWCNTs. However, significant effects on the energy status of R. semicolorata were analysed after 28 days of exposure to 1 mg/L wMWCNTs. Furthermore, we observed a significant reduction of phagosomes per enterocyte cell in mayfly larvae at a concentration of 10 mg/L wMWCNTs (p?<?0.01).

     

Recolonization of acid-damaged lakes by the benthic invertebrates Stenacron interpunctatum,Stenonema femoratum and Hyalella azteca

The recolonization of acid-damaged lakes in Killarney Park, Canada is described for 3 species of benthic invertebrates; 2 mayflies (Stenonema femoratum, Stenacron interpunctatum) and an amphipod (Hyalella azteca). Synoptic surveys of 119 lakes for amphipods and 77 lakes for mayflies were conducted between 1995 and 1997 and defined pH thresholds of 5.6 for S. femoratum and H. azteca and pH 5.3 for S. interpunctatum. In an intensive study of 2 acid-damaged lakes and 2 reference lakes from 1997 to 2002, reestablishment of S. interpunctatum, S. femoratum and H. azteca occurred, when timing of the events could be estimated, less than 4-8 years after pH thresholds for specific taxa were reached. Dispersal of S. interpunctatum to all habitat patches within a lake was completed 3 years after recolonization was detected in the smallest lake (11 ha). It is anticipated that dispersal throughout the largest lake (189 ha) will take much longer. The time lag from estimated pH recovery to reestablishment and subsequent dispersal of mayflies to all suitable habitats within a lake was as much as 11 to 22+ years. The density of S. interpunctatum increased in the recovering lakes to levels higher than in reference lakes, but stable endpoints have not yet been reached during 6 years of monitoring.     

Development of molecular marker source profiles for emissions from on-road gasoline and diesel vehicle fleets

As part of the Gasoline/Diesel PM Split Study, relatively large fleets of gasoline vehicles and diesel vehicles were tested on a chassis dynamometer to develop chemical source profiles for source attribution of atmospheric particulate matter in California's South Coast Air Basin. Gasoline vehicles were tested in cold-start and warm-start conditions, and diesel vehicles were tested through several driving cycles. Tailpipe emissions of particulate matter were analyzed for organic tracer compounds, including hopanes, steranes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Large intervehicle variation was seen in emission rate and composition, and results were averaged to examine the impacts of vehicle ages, weight classes, and driving cycles on the variation. Average profiles, weighted by mass emission rate, had much lower uncertainty than that associated with intervehicle variation. Mass emission rates and elemental carbon/organic carbon (EC/OC) ratios for gasoline vehicle age classes were influenced most by use of cold-start or warm-start driving cycle (factor of 2-7). Individual smoker vehicles had a large range of mass and EC/OC (factors of 40 and 625, respectively). Gasoline vehicle age averages, data on vehicle ages and miles traveled in the area, and several assumptions about smoker contributions were used to create emissions profiles representative of on-road vehicle fleets in the Los Angeles area in 2001. In the representative gasoline fleet profiles, variation was further reduced, with cold-start or warm-start and the representation of smoker vehicles making a difference of approximately a factor of two in mass emission rate and EC/OC. Diesel vehicle profiles were created on the basis of vehicle age, weight class, and driving cycle. Mass emission rate and EC/OC for diesel averages were influenced by vehicle age (factor of 2-5), weight class (factor of 2-7), and driving cycle (factor of 10-20). Absolute and relative emissions of molecular marker compounds showed levels of variation similar to those of mass and EC/OC.     

接种比对碱超声波耦合溶胞污泥水解酸化的影响

以城市污水生物处理过程中的剩余污泥减量化为研究背景,通过实验研究了经碱超声波耦合溶胞后的剩余污泥在不同接种比下水解酸化的效果,分析了污泥上清液中pH、SCOD、VFAs、NH4+-N和PO34--P等参数随时间的变化趋势。结果表明,溶胞污泥经过72 h的水解酸化反应,20%接种比下的水解酸化COD溶出率和VFAs增长率最高,分别为75.5%和177%。蛋白质水解程度为16.9%,也高于50%和70%两组接种比。此外,COD、NH4+-N和PO34--P等主要溶出物均在12 h后达到基本稳定状态。     

Kinetics and mechanisms of radiation-induced degradation of acetochlor

The radiation-induced degradation of acetochlor was investigated in this work. In a mixed solvent composed of acetonitrile and water at a ratio of 20/80 in volume, the acetochlor degradation rate was proportional to the radiation dose rate and acetochlor concentration. The acetochlor degradation efficiency was higher under alkali conditions and lower under acidic conditions. The contribution to the acetochlor degradation by the radicals was in the order of: e(aq)->.OH>H.. The quantum efficiency ratios of .OH, e(aq)- and H. for the degradation of acetochlor were calculated as 1:3:1.     

Biodegradation of mixed pesticides by mixed pesticide enriched cultures

This paper discusses the degradation kinetics of mixed (lindane, methyl parathion and carbofuran) pesticides by mixed pesticide enriched cultures (MEC) under various environmental conditions. The bacterial strains isolated from the mixed microbial consortium were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 9236), Bacillus sp. (MTCC 9235) and Chryseobacterium joostei (MTCC 9237). Batch studies were conducted to estimate the biokinetic parameters like the maximum specific growth rate (μ_max), Yield Coefficient (Y_T), half saturation concentration (K_s) and inhibition concentration (Ki) for individual and mixed pesticide enriched cultures. The cultures enriched in a particular pollutant always showed high growth rate and low inhibition in that particular pollutant compared to MEC. After seven weeks of incubation, mixed pesticide enriched cultures were able to degrade 72% lindane, 95% carbofuran and 100% of methyl parathion in facultative co-metabolic conditions. In aerobic systems, degradation efficiencies of lindane methyl parathion and carbofuran were increased by the addition of 2g L^{? 1} of dextrose. Though many metabolic compounds of mixed pesticides were observed at different time intervals, none of the metabolites were persistent. Based on the observed metabolites, a degradation pathway was postulated for different pesticides under various environmental conditions.     

Toxicity of the explosive metabolites hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX) and hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX) to the earthworm Eisenia fetida

Toxicity of hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX) to earthworm was evaluated. Both MNX and TNX had lethal and sublethal effects on earthworms. Exposure to MNX- or TNX-contaminated soil caused a significant concentration-dependent decrease in earthworm survival and growth. The lowest observed lethal concentration (LOLC) for both MNX and TNX was 100 and 200 mgkg(-1) soil dry weight in the sandy loam soil and in the silt loam soil, respectively. No earthworms survived for 14 days in MNX- or TNX-spiked soil at 500 mgkg(-1) soil dry weight. After 7 days exposure, the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) for earthworm growth was 50 mgkg(-1) soil dry weight for TNX and 100 mgkg(-1) soil dry weight for MNX in both soil types. The LC20 and LC50 for MNX in sandy loam soil were 114 and 262 mgkg(-1) and for TNX, they were 114 and 254 mgkg(-1) soil dry weight, respectively. The corresponding values for MNX and TNX in silt loam soil were 234 and 390 mgkg(-1) soil dry weight, respectively, and 200 and 362 mgkg(-1) soil dry weight, respectively. After 35 days exposure, earthworm growth was reduced 8-39% by TNX in sandy loam soil, whereas TNX only inhibited earthworm growth 5-18% at the same concentration range in silt loam soil. LC20 and LC50 for TNX were slightly lower than for MNX; this indicates that TNX was more toxic than MNX. No significant morphological or developmental abnormalities were observed in earthworms surviving exposure.     

Effects of rooting medium and fertilizer rate on response of white clover to tropospheric ozone

Two white clover (Trifolium repens L.) clones with varying sensitivity to O(3) are being developed as a system to indicate effects of ambient concentrations of tropospheric O(3) on plants. One clone (NC-S) is highly sensitive to O(3) and the other (NC-R) is highly resistant. The system relies on periodic measurement of foliar injury, foliar chlorophyll, and forage production of NC-S and NC-R grown in 15-liter pots throughout a summer season. Relative amounts of foliar injury and ratios (NC-S/NC-R) for chlorophyll and forage weight can be used to estimate biologically effective ambient O(3) concentrations. The effect of variation in rooting media formulation and fertilizer rate on response of NC-S and NC-R to ambient O(3) was determined in the present study. In the rooting medium experiment, clover was grown in three mixtures of sandy loam topsoil:course washed sand:Metro Mix 220 (ratios (by volume) of 2:1:1, 2:1:5, and 6:1:1). In the fertilizer experiment, clover was grown in the 2:1:1 medium at four fertilizer rates (soluble 5-11-26 (N-P-K) at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 g per pot). Ozone caused more foliar injury, more chlorosis, and a greater decrease in forage production of NC-S than of NC-R in all studies. Rooting media treatments affected both clones similarly and occasional clone x media interactions were judged to be random. Forage production by NC-S, relative to that of NC-R, was generally greater in the 0.0 fertilizer treatment, but the forage ratios were similar at all other fertilizer treatments. The relative response of NC-S and NC-R to O(3) is fairly stable under cultural conditions that support normal plant growth.     

Alternative soilless media using olive-mill and paper waste for growing ornamental plants

Peat-based growing media are not ecologically sustainable and peat extraction threatens sensitive peatland ecosystem. In this study, olive-stone waste (OSW) and paper waste (PW) were used in different ratios—as growing media—for ornamental crop production, as peat (P) substitutes. Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), petunia (Petunia x hybrita L.) and matthiola (Matthiola incana L.) plants were grown in (1) P (100%), (2) P:OSW (90%:10%), (3) P:OSW (70%:30%), and (4) P:OSW:PW (60%:20%:20%). The physicochemical properties of these substrates and the effects on plant growth were determined. The addition of 10–30% OSW into the substrate increased marigold height compared to plants grown in 100% peat. No differences in plant size, plant biomass (leaves and flowers), and dry matter content were found. Adding PW, in combination with OSW, maintained marigold height and total number of flowers produced to similar levels as in plants grown in 100% peat. In matthiola, adding 30% OSW into the substrate reduced plant size and fresh weight, but not plant height. No differences were observed when plants grew in lower OSW (i.e., 10%) content. Petunia’s height, its total number of flowers and flower earliness (flower opening) were increased in the presence of OSW compared to the plants grown in 100% peat. The addition of OSW did not affect petunia’s size and fresh weight among treatments. The addition of PW suppressed several plant growth-related parameters for both matthiola and petunia. The insertion of OSW did not change leaf chlorophyll content whereas the presence of PW decreased chlorophylls for marigold, petunia, and matthiola. Both OSW and PW altered the content of total phenolics and antioxidant capacity of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) in leaves and flowers for marigold and petunia. Both 30% OSW and PW increased antioxidative enzyme metabolism due to the increased damage index and lipid peroxidation observed in plants. Leaf N and P content decreased in PW-based media, while matthiola displayed visual phytotoxicity symptoms when PW was added into the substrate. The present work indicates that up to 30% of OSW can replace peat for marigold and petunia growing and only up to 10% of OSW for matthiola, while the addition of PW on top of OSW is not recommended, so further research is needed.     

Solubilization and biodegradation of phenanthrene in mixed anionic-nonionic surfactant solutions

The effects of mixed anionic-nonionic surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) mixed with Tween80 (TW80), Triton X-100 (TX100) and Brij35 respectively on the solubility enhancement and biodegradation of phenanthrene in the aqueous phase were investigated. The efficiency of solubilization and biodegradation of phenanthrene in single-, and mixed-surfactant solutions were also compared. The critical micellar concentrations (CMCs) of mixed surfactants were sharply lower than that of sole SDS. The degree of solubility enhancements by the mixed surfactants followed the order of SDS-TW80>SDS-Brij35>SDS-TX100. Synergistic solubilization was observed in the mixed surfactant solutions, in which the molar ratios of SDS to nonionic surfactant were 1:0, 9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, 1:9 and 0:1 while the total concentration of surfactants was kept at 5.0 and 10.0 mM, respectively. SDS-Brij35 exhibited more significant degree of synergistic solubility enhancement for phenanthrene. The mixed surfactants exhibited no inhibitory effect on biodegradation of phenanthrene. Substantial amounts of the solubilized phenanthrene by mixed surfactants were completely degraded by phenanthrene-degrading microorganisms within 96 h. The results suggested that anionic-nonionic surfactants would improve the performance of remediation of PAH-contaminated soils.     

Responses of juvenile sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, exposed to acute concentrations of crude oil, as assessed by molecular and physiological biomarkers

In the present study, juvenile sea bass were exposed for 48 and 96 h to an Arabian light crude oil and their responses were assessed at the molecular and physiological levels. The aim of the study was therefore to assess (i) the short term effects of crude oil exposure by the measurement of several molecular biomarkers, (ii) the consequences of this short term exposure on fish health by using growth and condition indices measured after a decontamination period of 28 and 26 d in seawater. Hydrocarbon petroleum concentrations was monitored during the 96 h experiments and an increase of PAH concentrations were found in fish following both exposure times. An 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) induction was observed after 48 h of exposure, while a significant decrease in the sea bass specific growth rate in length and for the RNA:DNA ratio was observed 28 d after that exposure ceased. The EROD induction doubled after the 96 h exposure, and a significant increase in GST activities was observed. A significant decrease in the specific growth rates, the otolith recent growth, the RNA:DNA ratio and the Fulton’s K condition index were then observed in sea bass 26 d after the 96 h exposure to mechanically dispersed crude oil compared to the control. The present study shows that growth and condition indices can prove useful in assessing fish health status following an oil spill. Their complementary analysis with sensitive molecular biomarkers as EROD could improve the determination of oil spill impact on fish populations.     

陕北黄土区土壤石油污染物对玉米生长影响研究

为研究陕北黄土区土壤石油污染物对玉米种子出苗率和幼苗生长的影响,采用盆栽试验的方法,设置土壤不同石油浓度处理组,培养玉米2个月,测定了各处理组玉米的出苗率、株高、茎宽、生物量和叶片叶绿素浓度.结果表明:(1)土壤石油质量浓度即使为30 g/kg时,各处理组出苗率最终均为100％;土壤石油质量浓度达到20 g/kg及以上时,在一定程度上会推迟玉米种子的出苗时间.(2)土壤石油质量浓度达到1 g/kg就会对玉米茎的生长产生抑制作用,可以显著降低玉米株高,但对玉米茎宽影响不显著.随着土壤石油浓度的升高,对玉米株高的抑制作用显著增加.玉米茎宽总体上是随着土壤石油浓度的升高而减小,但土壤石油质量浓度为0～1g/kg或20～30 g/kg时,玉米茎宽没有显著差异.(3)当土壤石油质量浓度达到5 g/kg以上时,植株干质量随石油浓度升高而减少.土壤石油质量浓度达到20 g/kg时,会显著降低玉米根的含水率;达到30 g/kg时,会显著降低茎和叶的含水率.(4)土壤石油质量浓度为1、5 g/kg时,叶绿素a和叶绿素b浓度与土壤石油质量浓度为0 g/kg时没有显著差异;土壤石油质量浓度为10、20、30 g/kg时,叶绿素a和叶绿素b浓度显著低于土壤石油质量浓度为0 g/kg时,并且随土壤石油浓度的升高呈降低趋势.     

Management of fresh water weeds (macrophytes) by vermicomposting using Eisenia fetida

In the present study, potential of Eisenia fetida to recycle the different types of fresh water weeds (macrophytes) used as substrate in different reactors (Azolla pinnata reactor, Trapa natans reactor, Ceratophyllum demersum reactor, free-floating macrophytes mixture reactor, and submerged macrophytes mixture reactor) during 2 months experiment is investigated. E. fetida showed significant variation in number and weight among the reactors and during the different fortnights (P <0.05) with maximum in A. pinnata reactor (number 343.3?±?10.23 %; weight 98.62?±?4.23 % ) and minimum in submerged macrophytes mixture reactor (number 105?±?5.77 %; weight 41.07?±?3.97 % ). ANOVA showed significant variation in cocoon production (F₄?=?15.67, P <0.05) and mean body weight (F₄?=?13.49, P <0.05) among different reactors whereas growth rate (F₃?=?23.62, P <0.05) and relative growth rate (F₃?=?4.91, P <0.05) exhibited significant variation during different fortnights. Reactors showed significant variation (P <0.05) in pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Organic carbon (OC), Organic nitrogen (ON), and C/N ratio during different fortnights with increase in pH, EC, N, and K whereas decrease in OC and C/N ratio. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped five substrates (weeds) into three clusters—poor vermicompost substrates, moderate vermicompost substrate, and excellent vermicompost substrate. Two principal components (PCs) have been identified by factor analysis with a cumulative variance of 90.43 %. PC1 accounts for 47.17 % of the total variance represents “reproduction factor” and PC2 explaining 43.26 % variance representing “growth factor.” Thus, the nature of macrophyte affects the growth and reproduction pattern of E. fetida among the different reactors, further the addition of A. pinnata in other macrophytes reactors can improve their recycling by E. fetida.