Ecotoxicological effects of fluensulfone on non-target soil organisms: Phenotypic and molecular toxicity responses in...

The increasing agricultural use of fluensulfone, an efficient nematicide, raises significant concerns about its potential environment risk. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of fluensulfone-induced soil ecotoxicity by integrating phenotypic and molecular responses in the earthworm Eisenia fetida, a key indicator of soil health. Significant adverse effects were revealed, including substantial biomass reduction (up to 22.49 % at 10 mg/kg) and dysregulation of genes associated with development and regeneration. RNA-seq profiling demonstrated 4963 differentially expressed genes, with significant enrichment in pathways related to cell cycle, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress. These findings were corroborated by qRT-PCR validation of antioxidant gene dysregulation, elevated levels of oxidative damage markers, and histopathological evidence. Notably, integrated biomarker response analysis identified glutathione S-transferase activity as a sensitive biomarker for fluensulfone exposure, further supported by molecular docking simulations. In summary, this study elucidates the multi-level toxicity of fluensulfone in earthworm and establishes a scientific basis for assessing its ecotoxicological effects on non-target organisms.