Vol. 76 (2) 2024

ARTICLES

Use of X-ray Microtomography to Detect Lead-shot Microparticles in Earthworms Lumbricus terrestris Linnaeus, 1758 (Clitellata: Lumbricidae)

Petar Stamberov1,* & Dragomir Tatchev2

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*1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Forestry – Sofia, 10 Kliment Ohridski Blvd., 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria; E-mail: pstamberov@ltu.bg
2Institute of Physical Chemistry “Acad. Rostislaw Kaischew”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

https://doi.org/10.71424/azb76.2.002782

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Abstract
A pilot study using a non-destructive imaging technique to detect the presence of microparticles of lead shot in earthworms Lumbricus terrestris was carried out. Earthworms play a crucial role as inhabitants of soil communities, constituting a substantial portion of their biomass. They are regarded as valuable indicators providing insights into the functional status of soils and the deposition of heavy metals. The differentiation of lead-shot microparticles from other metallic or organic particles was achieved using high-resolution X-ray computed microtomography. Applying this method allowed the reconstruction of the internal structure of the samples without compromising their integrity.

Key words
earthworms, X-ray computed microtomography, shooting range, lead shots

How to Cite
Stamberov P. & Tatchev D. 2024. Use of X-ray Microtomography to Detect Lead-shot Microparticles in Earthworms Lumbricus terrestris Linnaeus, 1758 (Clitellata: Lumbricidae). Acta zoologica bulgarica 76 (2) 207-214.

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