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Studies on the Effects of the Environment on Blackworms

Being a segmented worm that can regenerate both head and tail, blackworms, or lumbriculus variegatusorm, are well suited for a variety of studies and experiments regarding the environment. Many studies have already been conducted. Blackworms are readily available from natural and commercial sources and, as they reproduce asexually, easily cultured in the laboratory. The latter can be vital to determine an outcome consistent with the variables the worms are exposed to and not determined by differing genetic make up of the worms used as test subjects. Blackworms are such good subjects that they are often used to teach students how to perform tests.

Blackworms as Test Subjects
- Because blackworms are frequently used as subjects in environmental studies, there are certain reactions that researchers can anticipate as possible reactions to environmental variables. These include easily observed reactions such as: changes in color, posture, or spontaneous movements. Environmental variables can also change the worms' reactions to light, touch or being turned upside down. Under magnification the worms' heart or respiratory system can also be seen. Other tests might include how fast the worms can regenerate their heads and tails.
Environmental Toxicity Testing Already Conducted
- Blackworms have already been used in studies involving a number of chemicals that are potential environmental hazards including: boric acid, chlorinated water, CO2 dissolved in water and calcium magnesium acetate, or CMA, used for deicing highways. Other materials that have been used on blackworms for environmental toxicity testing include nicotine and an extract from chrysanthemum flowers called pyrethrum.
Environmental Toxicity Testing Using Food Products
- Blackworms have already been used in studies involving a number of foods that are potential environmental hazards including: caffeine, capsaicin, which is found in red peppers, ginseng and limonene from citrus fruits.
Proceedure for Testing Blackworms Reactions
- Blackworms react in various ways to the different stimulus elements that are introduced into their environment. All testing should begin by observing the worms' normal behavior prior to any testing and by establishing a control group. Then small amounts of the test material should be introduced. Some reactions that can be easily observed are: swelling, coiling, rigidity, convulsions, limpness, paralysis, hyperactivity, and constrictions. The worms may also show changes to body processes such as body fragmentation and regeneration of head and tail segments. The worms may also show changes in their behavior such as swimming crawling and body reversal. After exposure the worms should be returned to a neutral environment and observed to see how quickly and completely they recover.

Animals & Science