English Abstract The German Biologische Bundesanstalt (BBA) and RIVM
have developed test methods for determining sublethal effects of chemical
substances on earthworms. The BBA-method is especially designed for testing
pesticides while the RIVM-method is applicable on "all" types of chemicals.
To assess the reproducibility of the BBA-method, a ring test was organized
in which also RIVM participated. In order to compare both methods, the
substances parathion and benomyl were also tested using the RIVM-method. In
the BBA-method the test substances are sprayed over the soil surface, while
they are mixed homogeniously through the soil in the RIVM-method. All
studies described in this report were performed in artificial soil using the
species Eisenia andrei. In order to enable comparison of the results of
both test methods, dosages used in the BBA-method were recalculated to
concentrations in soil using the equation: kg/ha * 8 = mg/kg dry soil. The
final NOEC-values for the most sensitive parameter appeared to be almost
similar in both test methods and for both chemicals. It can therefore be
concluded that both test methods may give similar results. From the results
of the entire ring test it can be concluded that a more precise description
of the BBA-method is necessary to reduce variability in test
results.
