Accumulation and localization of lead in Eisenia foetida (Oligochaeta) tissues

1. Accumulation and distribution of lead in tissues of Eisenia foetida (Oligochaeta) living in soils with different concentrations PbO2 was studied histochemically and with the use of the dithizione method. 2. The earthworms absorb lead from the soil through the alimentary canal as well as through the body wall. this leads to considerable accumulation of this metal in epithelial cells, especially in the epithelial gland cells of the body wall and of the alimentary tract. 3. High concentration of lead in the soil does not favour increased accumulation of lead in the earthworms' organisms. The histochemical data show that the most intense accumulation occurs when the concentration of PbO2 is 0-4 mg/1-00 g soil.