Lumbricus rubellus transcriptional response to Fluoranthene and Chlorpyrifos
Earthworms exposed to Fluoranthene and Chlorpyrifos in Kettering loam soil (24% sand, 35% silt and 41% clay, a pH 7.1 and 5% organic matter content - Broughton Loam, Kettering, UK) amended with 3% dry weight composted bark (LBS Horticultural, Colne, UK). Soils were spiked with chemical in acetone, with the dissolved stock solution generated such that 5ml of carrier would result in the desired final concentration. The spiked soil was left to evaporate until soils were dry and odourless. Soils were mixed, water added to 50% water holding capacity, and left to stabilise for one day before adding earthworms. The exposure was carried out for 28 days at 13oC.