ECOTOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF SPENT ENGINE OIL ON GAINT AFRICAN LAND SNAILS (ARCHACHATINA MARGINATA)

This study explores the ecotoxicological impact of used engine oil on the giant African land snail (Archachatina marginata), a key soil-dwelling organism often used as a bioindicator of environmental pollution. Improper disposal of spent engine oil, which contains harmful hydrocarbons and heavy metals, poses serious threats to terrestrial ecosystems. In this experiment, Archachatina marginata were exposed to soil treated with varying concentrations of used engine oil over a period of 7 to 28days. Behavioral changes, feeding activity, mucus secretion, shell integrity, and mortality rates were monitored. The results indicated a clear dose-dependent toxic effect, with higher concentrations of oil causing increased physiological stress, reduced mobility, and elevated mortality. This study highlights the vulnerability of land snails to petroleum-based pollutants and underscores the urgent need for sustainable waste oil management. The findings provide insight into the broader ecological consequences of oil contamination in terrestrial environments.