Exploring the Role of Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Reducing Oxidative Stress in the Earthworm Pheretima Posthuma Exposed to Heavy Metal Contaminated Soil

Jadhav S. S.

Abstract: The present study of 96hrs was carried out to analyze the toxic effects of heavy metal lead nitrate (1.69 and 1.27 ppm) on anti-oxidative enzymes viz. Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione-S-transferase in Pheretimaposthuma. The worms for this observation were exposed to different concentrations of heavy meals viz. The lower and higher concentration calculated 1.69 and 1.27 ppm dry soil forlead nitrate for 5 days of exposure. A dose and time dependent increase in activities of these enzymes was observed. Lead nitratewas found to be more toxic at itshighest concentration.

Keywords: Anti-oxidative enzymes, Super-oxide Dismutase, Catalase, Glutathione-S-transferase, Pheretimaposthuma