Scholarlink

<p>Soil contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic, poses significant ecological risks. Earthworms, the key bioindicator in terrestrial ecosystems, are critically exposed to these pollutants through multiple pathways. However, the dominant route of PAH uptake—whether dermal or oral—remains poorly quantified and visually validated, limiting accurate risk assessment and mechanistic understanding. The study identified dermal absorption as the predominant pathway for phenanthrene (a model PAH) uptake by earthworms (<i>Eisenia fetida</i>), accounting for 75–90% of total accumulation. Tissue-level residue quantification and sealed exposure experiments confirmed the dominance of epidermal uptake over intestinal ingestion. Furthermore, in-situ spatial visualization via two-photon laser scanning microscopy revealed distinct patterns of phenanthrene distribution—clustered spots and band-shaped structures—within the epidermis, correlating with lipid-rich microregions and anatomical features such as circular muscle bundles. Our results provide direct visual evidence and mechanistic insight into the dermal absorption process of PAHs.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Primary entry route of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons into earthworms in contaminated soil: oral ingestion or dermal absorption?

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月29日

查看全文
  • Xuke Wang,
  • Jiawei Wang,
  • Dongru Wang,
  • Fenglian Kou,
  • Xinhua Zhan

摘要

Soil contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, and toxic, poses significant ecological risks. Earthworms, the key bioindicator in terrestrial ecosystems, are critically exposed to these pollutants through multiple pathways. However, the dominant route of PAH uptake—whether dermal or oral—remains poorly quantified and visually validated, limiting accurate risk assessment and mechanistic understanding. The study identified dermal absorption as the predominant pathway for phenanthrene (a model PAH) uptake by earthworms (Eisenia fetida), accounting for 75–90% of total accumulation. Tissue-level residue quantification and sealed exposure experiments confirmed the dominance of epidermal uptake over intestinal ingestion. Furthermore, in-situ spatial visualization via two-photon laser scanning microscopy revealed distinct patterns of phenanthrene distribution—clustered spots and band-shaped structures—within the epidermis, correlating with lipid-rich microregions and anatomical features such as circular muscle bundles. Our results provide direct visual evidence and mechanistic insight into the dermal absorption process of PAHs.