Molecular characterization and DNA methylation profile of from oil polluted soil.

Studies on earthworms using molecular markers are rare in Africa except a handful from South Africa. Reports on , an earthworm found in West Africa are available including their metal tolerance and bioaccumulation capacity but their molecular characterization and ecotoxicology studies are scarce. In this study, triplicate specimens were collected from four locations within a petroleum polluted site and one in a control site, ≃1Km away from point of spill. DNA was extracted and 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes were amplified and sequenced. DNA methylation of their 18S rRNA gene was determined using Methylation specific PCR (MSP) method. Phylogenetic trees generated for 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes grouped within the Eudrilidae family concurrent with its conventional grouping and MSP results indicate no methylation in population from this site.