**Author details**

The greater attraction of organisms to soil with high organic matter content does not exclude toxicity likelihood, and this observation evidences the need of carrying out a test at chronic

Thus, it is essential knowing soil characteristics, since they can influence stress factors in

Recently, lethality and reproduction are not only analyzed through toxicity trials. Biochemical responses and DNA damage are complementary approaches to standard toxicity tests, since

Ref. [79] evaluated the activity of superoxide dismutase, acetylcholinesterase, cellulase, and DNA damages in *E. fetida* living in soil contaminated with heavy metals. Based on their results, there was lower sensitivity to superoxide dismutase enzyme activity, whereas dis-

Ref. [80] evaluated changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, cellulase, and malondialdehyde in *E. fetida* exposed to the insecticide imidacloprid, which is widely used in agriculture. Results showed that all evaluated enzymes recorded changes in their activity as

The biochemical and genetic toxicity of dinotefuran on *Eisenia fetida* were evaluated at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg in a study conducted by [81]. Dinotefuran induced excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation at 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg, and it resulted in significant changes in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and on the functional gene expression. Moreover, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids were oxidized and damaged by the excess of ROS induced by

Research such as those conducted by [79, 80] are promising, but further research is needed in order to explain certain mechanisms, given the complexity of some enzymes, as well as DNA

Natural soil resources must be interpreted and studied by taking into account all their com-

Contaminated soils have been largely monitored through physical-chemical analyses. However, soil quality assessments and synergistic effects caused by contaminants are not taken into account. Ecotoxicological tests are critical for the evaluation of potential environ-

It is important carrying out tests by using organisms that represent terrestrial ecosystems in toxicological evaluations. Toxicity tests are tools that help the management of contaminated areas. They indicate the viability of natural environmental recovery, since organisms in the

dinotefuran—this process results in serious destruction of cell structure and function.

organisms, other than the ones related to the contaminant that influence test results.

they provide more information about body responses to stress in mixtures [79].

mutase, acetylcholinesterase, and DNA damage were more sensitive.

the imidacloprid concentration increases (>0.66 mg/kg).

26 Soil Contamination and Alternatives for Sustainable Development

damage and its possible consequences on organisms.

partments, since they act together in different soil functions.

field degrade and mineralize substances in contaminated environments.

mental risks posed by these contaminants.

**5. Conclusions**

level.

Barbara Clasen<sup>1</sup> \* and Roberta de Moura Lisbôa<sup>2</sup>

