Abstract:

Heavy metal (HM) contamination in soils poses significant environmental and health risks globally, necessitating effective and sustainable remediation techniques. This review critically examines the feasible of earthworms in bioremediation of HM-polluted soils, focusing on their role as ecosystem engineers and their interactions with soil microbiota. We analyze various remediation strategies, including physical, chemical, and biological methods, with particular emphasis on earthworm-mediated approaches. Key findings highlight that earthworms alter soil physicochemical properties and influence HM bioavailability through mechanisms such as bioaccumulation, biotransformation, and bio-stimulation. The synergistic interactions between earthworms and soil microorganisms significantly enhance overall remediation efficiency.

However, the effectiveness varies with earthworm species, metal type, and soil characteristics.

Integration of earthworm-mediated bioremediation with other green technologies, such as phytoremediation and biochar application, shows promising results. Notably, changes in earthworm gut microbiota in response to HM exposure show a vital part in the remediation process. Though earthworm-based approaches bid plentiful advantages, counting costeffectiveness and environmental sustainability, challenges such as depth limitations and potential ecological impacts require further investigation. Future research directions should focus on optimizing earthworm-microbe-soil interactions, developing standardized protocols, and assessing long-term ecological impacts. This review emphasizes the important efficacy of earthworm-mediated bioremediation in addressing HM contamination, potentially revolutionizing soil management practices. However, successful implementation will require addressing current limitations and conducting more extensive large-scale studies.