Efeitos ecotoxicológicos da utilização do basalto andesito como remineralizador de solo

Abstract

The application of soil remineralizers has been growing as a sustainable alternative toconventional chemical fertilizers, but their effects on soil fauna are still poorly evaluated. Thisstudy assessed the ecotoxicological effects of the Andesite Basalt remineralizer on three soilbioindicator organisms: earthworms (Eisenia andrei), springtails (Folsomia candida), andenchytraeids (Enchytraeus crypticus). Chronic toxicity assays were conducted in thelaboratory using a Neossol under controlled temperature (20 ± 2 °C) and photoperiod (12 hlight/12 h dark) conditions. The ecotoxicological tests were based on ISO protocols foranalyzing the effects of potential chemical pollutants on non-target soil organisms. During theassays, doses of 1,25, 2,5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 t ha⁻¹, of the remineralizer were manuallyadded, and the earthworms, springtails, and enchytraeids were subsequently exposed for 56,28, and 21 days, respectively. For earthworms, reproduction, growth, and adult survivalparameters were evaluated, while for springtails and enchytraeids only reproductive effectswere assessed. The results indicated no significant toxic effects in any of the three speciestested, even at the highest doses applied. On the other hand, a significant increase inreproduction was observed for E. crypticus and F. candida at intermediate doses (2,5 and 5 tha⁻¹ for enchytraeids and 20 and 40 t ha⁻¹ for springtails). No harm to biomass or reproductionwas observed for E. andrei. These data suggest that the tested remineralizer does notcompromise the reproduction of soil organisms and is ecologically safe under the evaluatedconditions. The findings reinforce the importance of ecotoxicological assessment inestablishing more sustainable agricultural practices.