The exploitation of coal is an important resource to generate energy worldwide. However, during the processes of coal extraction, transport, and cargo, dust particles are released into the environment. The aim of this study was to determine the toxicological effects of bituminous coal dust (<38 µm), obtained from a sample collected in a coal mine in Colombia, on the annelid Eisenia fetida. The earthworm culture was standardized under laboratory conditions to evaluate mortality, as well as morphological, physiological and histological changes using concentrations varying from 1 to 4% w/w coal dust in artificial soil, after 7, 14, and 28 days of exposure. In addition, an avoidance assay was carried out after 48-h treatment. Histopathological analysis was performed at the end of the experiment. After the sub-chronic exposure, an increase in mortality was observed at the highest coal dust concentration compared to the untreated group. Alterations in morphology and physiology of the exposed annelids were mostly evidenced at the greatest tested concentrations (3–4%) and exposure times (≥14 days). Changes included loss of weight and color, abundant mucus production, constriction, peeling of the epidermis, clitellum involution, violent movements and lethargy. Avoidance of coal dust-polluted soil followed a concentration-response relationship. Histopathological findings revealed changes on the cuticle, as well as in the circular and longitudinal muscle layers in animals living in soils containing 3 and 4% coal particles. In short, E. fetida exposed to coal dust experienced several pathological changes, suggesting that this pollutant may induce population problems in macroinvertebrates present in coal mining areas.

煤炭开采是全世界产生能源的重要资源。但是，在采煤，运输和货运过程中，灰尘颗粒会释放到环境中。这项研究的目的是确定从哥伦比亚一个煤矿收集的样本中获得的烟煤粉尘（<38 µm）对无性繁殖的艾塞尼亚fetida的毒理作用。。在实验室条件下，将culture培养物标准化，以评估暴露后7天，14天和28天后使用1至4％w / w煤尘在人造土壤中的浓度来评估死亡率以及形态，生理和组织学变化。另外，在48小时治疗后进行回避测定。在实验结束时进行组织病理学分析。亚慢性暴露后，与未处理组相比，在最高煤尘浓度下观察到死亡率增加。在最大的测试浓度（3-4％）和暴露时间（≥14天）下，大多数情况下已证明暴露出的Annelles的形态和生理发生了变化。变化包括体重和颜色的损失，粘液的大量产生，收缩，表皮脱皮，阴蒂退化，暴力运动和嗜睡。避免煤粉污染的土壤遵循浓度-响应关系。组织病理学发现揭示了生活在含有3％和4％煤颗粒的土壤中的动物的角质层以及圆形和纵向肌肉层的变化。简而言之，暴露于煤尘的费氏大肠杆菌经历了几种病理变化，这表明该污染物可能在煤矿区的大型无脊椎动物中引起种群问题。