Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am studying the effect of motor oil contaminated soil on earthworms. Can you provide guidance on the species of earthworm I should use? Thank You !

Hey there!

That seems like a very interesting topic! Here is an article I found that highlights some of the most common types of earthworms that are used and I think any of these would be fine for your experiment: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in047
Here is another article that features the different types and highlights their differences: http://www.ehow.com/about_5412955_types-earthworms.html
Based on your experiment I would recommend either field, red, or manure worms...whichever one you can get your hands on easiest...
All the best and post if you have any more questions!!

Sounds like a great project--but please make sure it's OK to use animals in your experiment. Some science fairs have regulations about that sort of thing.
Good luck!

Hi,

This sounds like an interesting project. To ensure a successful project, I recommend doing as much background reading as you can to learn what has been done on this topic in the past.

http://www.aseanenvironment.info/Abstract/41014572.pdf

Also, based on my personal experience with earthworm projects, I know that if you have to purchase your earthworms, you should get them from a good source that sells earthworms for composting, for example. Do not purchase worms from a bait shop, as they may not be healthy enough for a science project.

How were you planning to measure your results?

Donna Hardy