Graduate Program
Natural Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2012
Thesis Director
Douglas G. Klarup
Thesis Committee Member
Andrew S. Methven
Abstract
There has been a need for the assessment of ground water contamination risk on terrestrial organisms. One terrestrial organism, Eisenia fetida, was chosen as a test species and exposed to three common pharmaceutical and/or pesticide related contaminants: acetaminophen (CAS#103-90-2), caffeine (CAS#58-08-2) and carbendazim (CAS#10605-21-7), respectively. Levels of contamination varied from grams per liter to micrograms per liter (ppb) using distilled water as the solvent. Eisenia fetida was examined through a 28 day range/index toxicity test. A Benchmark Dose (BMD) dichotomous probit analysis, using a 95% confidence interval, was calculated for all three contaminants. All three contaminants were found to have Benchmark Dose Lower 95 % Confidence Intervals (BMDL's) well below levels of full saturation (BMD/BMDL of Acetaminophen: 160ppm/100pm; Caffeine: 120ppm/50ppm; Carbendazim: 71ppb/41ppb), with hazard quotients of 3.8 x 10-e, 2.6 x 10-5 and 2.9 x 10-3, respectively. These three contaminants showed that despite low levels of ground water contamination found currently in the United States several terrestrial organisms and ecosystems could be severely impacted.
Recommended Citation
Bulman, Matthew M., "The Toxicity of Acetaminophen, Caffeine and Carbendazim in Earthworms (Eisenia fetida)" (2012). Masters Theses. 918.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/918
