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Wang X, Chen Z, Wang C, Zhang L. One-Step Hydrothermal Preparation of a Corncob-Derived Porous Adsorbent with High Adsorption Capacity for Urea in Wastewater: Sorption Experiments and Kinetics Study. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:10420-10431. [PMID: 37481779 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
With rapid industrial development, the massive generation of nitrogenous wastewater poses a serious threat to both human beings and the ecosystem. Bio-based adsorbents are considered promising adsorption materials for many applications. However, their complex preparation procedures, large energy consumption, and difficulty of microstructure control hinder their practical applications. In this study, a new corncob-derived porous adsorbent (CPA) with excellent urea adsorption capacity in wastewater was prepared by the one-step hydrothermal process. The effects of the hydrothermal process conditions on the urea adsorption capacity of the CPA were evaluated and optimized using the response surface methodology, and a kinetic analysis of the CPA was also carried out. Our findings showed that the adsorption process of urea by the adsorbent followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The high adsorption capacity for urea was attributed to the abundant porous structure and the hydrogen bonds formed between the adsorbent and the amine group in urea, which made it more conducive to the adsorption of urea. Therefore, we believe that CPA could be a promising adsorbent for urea removal in wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory for the Complex Utilization of Petro-Resources and Biomass, School of Chemical Engineering, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Zhimin Chen
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory for the Complex Utilization of Petro-Resources and Biomass, School of Chemical Engineering, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
| | - Chengqian Wang
- Jilin Institute of Chemical Technology, Jilin, Jilin 132022, P.R. China
| | - Long Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Engineering Laboratory for the Complex Utilization of Petro-Resources and Biomass, School of Chemical Engineering, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun 130012, P.R. China
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2
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Supekar SC, Gramapurohit NP. Does atrazine induce changes in predator recognition, growth, morphology, and metamorphic traits of larval skipper frogs (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis)? JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 339:125-137. [PMID: 36245429 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Atrazine, an info disruptor, interferes with the olfaction of aquatic organisms by impairing the chemosensory system. Consequently, it affects behavior, physiology, and growth increases mortality and infections, and suppresses the immune system of aquatic animals. In this study, we wanted to determine the sensitivity of larval Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis to different concentrations of atrazine by assessing their antipredator behavior, growth, morphology, and metamorphic traits. The results indicate that exposure to atrazine did not affect the survival of tadpoles. However, it caused retarded growth at higher concentrations. Interestingly, the antipredator behavior of tadpoles toward conspecific alarm cues decreased in a dose-dependent manner with an increase in the concentration of atrazine. Tadpoles exposed to low concentrations of atrazine had deeper, wider bodies and tails while those exposed to higher concentrations had shallower and narrower bodies with shallower tail muscles. However, at low and moderate concentrations atrazine did not affect size at metamorphosis, it extended the larval duration at higher concentrations.
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Méndez‐Narváez J, Warkentin KM. Reproductive colonization of land by frogs: Embryos and larvae excrete urea to avoid ammonia toxicity. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8570. [PMID: 35222954 PMCID: PMC8843769 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate colonization of land has occurred multiple times, including over 50 origins of terrestrial eggs in frogs. Some environmental factors and phenotypic responses that facilitated these transitions are known, but responses to water constraints and risk of ammonia toxicity during early development are poorly understood. We tested if ammonia accumulation and dehydration risk induce a shift from ammonia to urea excretion during early stages of four anurans, from three origins of terrestrial development. We quantified ammonia and urea concentrations during early development on land, under well-hydrated and dry conditions. Where we found urea excretion, we tested for a plastic increase under dry conditions and with ammonia accumulation in developmental environments. We assessed the potential adaptive role of urea excretion by comparing ammonia tolerance measured in 96h-LC50 tests with ammonia levels in developmental environments. Ammonia accumulated in foam nests and perivitelline fluid, increasing over development and reaching higher concentrations under dry conditions. All four species showed high ammonia tolerance, compared to fishes and aquatic-breeding frogs. Both nest-dwelling larvae of Leptodactylus fragilis and late embryos of Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni excreted urea, showing a plastic increase under dry conditions. These two species can develop the longest on land and urea excretion appears adaptive, preventing their exposure to potentially lethal levels of ammonia. Neither late embryos of Agalychnis callidryas nor nest-dwelling larvae of Engystomops pustulosus experienced toxic ammonia levels under dry conditions, and neither excreted urea. Our results suggest that an early onset of urea excretion, its increase under dry conditions, and elevated ammonia tolerance can all help prevent ammonia toxicity during terrestrial development. High ammonia represents a general risk for development which may be exacerbated as climate change increases dehydration risk for terrestrial-breeding frogs. It may also be a cue that elicits adaptive physiological responses during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Méndez‐Narváez
- Department of BiologyBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
- CalimaFundación para la Investigación de la Biodiversidad y Conservación en el TrópicoCaliColombia
| | - Karen M. Warkentin
- Department of BiologyBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Smithsonian Tropical Research InstitutePanamaRepublic of Panama
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Zambrano-Fernández S, Zamora-Camacho FJ, Aragón P. Direct and indirect effects of chronic exposure to ammonium on anuran larvae survivorship, morphology, and swimming speed. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132349. [PMID: 34826957 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Several constituents of the current global change are usually deemed accountable for the worldwide declines of amphibian populations. Among these, water contamination poses a major threat, especially to larval stages, which are unable to escape a polluted water body. This problem is remarkable in agrosystems, one of the main sources of water pollution and whose area is forecasted to increase in the forthcoming decades. However, pollutants represent a selective pressure that may result in tolerance in affected areas. In this work, we tested whether chronic exposure to a sublethal concentration of ammonium (10 mg/L), one of the most frequent agrochemicals, affects differently hatching success, survivorship, morphology and swimming performance of Pelophylax perezi tadpoles from agrosystem and pine grove habitats. Ammonium diminished survivorship at the earliest stages after hatching. Thus, lower density was a by-product of exposure to ammonium. Higher density slowed down development, reduced snout-vent length, and had a sharper negative effect on body mass and tail length and depth of ammonium treated individuals with respect to the control. In turn, ammonium accelerated development and increased body mass, SVL, and tail length and depth. These effects did not depend on provenance habitat. However, only pine grove tadpoles' swimming speed was negatively affected by ammonium, which supports the hypothesis that agrosystem tadpoles are more tolerant to ammonium. Finally, corroborating previous findings, tadpoles with larger bodies and tails were faster swimmers, whereas proportionally more massive individuals were slower, and tail depth was unrelated to swimming speed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Javier Zamora-Camacho
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, (MNCN-CSIC), C/ José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 2804, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Pedro Aragón
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, (MNCN-CSIC), C/ José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006, Madrid, Spain; Universidad Complutense de Madrid, C/José Antonio Novais 2, 2804, Madrid, Spain
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5
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Acquaroni M, Svartz G, Pérez Coll C. Developmental Toxicity Assessment of a Chlorothalonil-Based Fungicide in a Native Amphibian Species. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 80:680-690. [PMID: 32313977 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-020-00734-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The toxicity of a commercial formulation of the fungicide chlorothalonil in sensitive stages of the native amphibian Rhinella arenarum (Ra) was assessed by means continuous treatments from embryo and larval development and 24-h pulse exposures evaluating acute and chronic lethal and sublethal effects and stage-dependent sensitivity. A risk assessment of chlorothalonil in Ra development also was performed. The results of continuous exposure in embryos showed a significant toxicity increase with exposure time, whereas sensitivity of larvae remained relatively constant through time (24 and 504-h LC50 = 0.86 and 0.04 mg L-1, and 0.37 and 0.34 mg L-1 for embryos and larvae respectively). Embryos exhibited several sublethal effects, such as delayed development, tail/axial flexures, edemas, and behavioral alterations. The 96-h NOEC values for lethal and sublethal effects were 0.025 and 0.01 mg L-1 respectively, so the 96-h Teratogenic Index was 2.5, which indicates the severe teratogenic potential of the fungicide. For 24-h pulse exposure experiments, S.21 and S.23 were the most sensitive stages for lethality (504-h NOEC = 0.05 mg L-1), whereas earlier stages exhibited severe morphological alterations. The results obtained in this study and the ecological risk evaluation highlight the severe toxicity of chlorothalonil threatening the continuity of Ra populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Acquaroni
- Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental, IIIA, UNSAM, CONICET, 3iA, Campus Miguelete, 25 de mayo y Francia, 1650, San Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Svartz
- Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental, IIIA, UNSAM, CONICET, 3iA, Campus Miguelete, 25 de mayo y Francia, 1650, San Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristina Pérez Coll
- Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental, IIIA, UNSAM, CONICET, 3iA, Campus Miguelete, 25 de mayo y Francia, 1650, San Martín, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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6
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Xie L, Zhang Y, Qu Y, Chai L, Li X, Wang H. Effects of nitrate on development and thyroid hormone signaling pathway during Bufo gargarizans embryogenesis. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 235:227-238. [PMID: 31260863 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Nitrate is known to disrupt the thyroid hormone, which is essential for the metamorphosis of amphibians. However, few studies are focused on the effects of nitrate on the maternal thyroid hormone in early amphibian embryos. We aimed to determine the impact of nitrate on maternal thyroid hormone signaling pathway in Bufo gargarizans embryos. B. gargarizans embryos were exposed to different concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) for 7 days. High concentration of NO3-N (50, 100, and 200 mg/L) could induce embryonic malformation and influence the development of embryos. In addition, maternal T4 and components of the thyroid hormone (TH) signaling pathway were detected by ELISA and RNA-seq, respectively. The expression levels of mRNA related to thyroid hormone and oxidative stress were affected in the early developing embryos in all NO3-N treatment groups. However, the T4 levels and the spatial expression patterns of type II iodothyronine deiodinase (D2), type III iodothyronine deiodinase (D3), thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα), and thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ) mRNA were not changed by nitrate. In conclusion, the results of our study highlight the crucial role of the maternal thyroid hormone signaling pathway in normal embryonic development, and the adverse effects of nitrate on the expression levels of mRNA related to thyroid hormone signaling pathway and oxidative stress in B. gargarizans embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xie
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China; College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Yuhui Zhang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Yanhua Qu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lihong Chai
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang'an University, Xi'an, 710054, China; Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effect in Arid Region of Ministry of Education, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Xinyi Li
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China
| | - Hongyuan Wang
- College of Life Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, 710119, China.
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7
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Ockleford C, Adriaanse P, Berny P, Brock T, Duquesne S, Grilli S, Hernandez-Jerez AF, Bennekou SH, Klein M, Kuhl T, Laskowski R, Machera K, Pelkonen O, Pieper S, Stemmer M, Sundh I, Teodorovic I, Tiktak A, Topping CJ, Wolterink G, Aldrich A, Berg C, Ortiz-Santaliestra M, Weir S, Streissl F, Smith RH. Scientific Opinion on the state of the science on pesticide risk assessment for amphibians and reptiles. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05125. [PMID: 32625798 PMCID: PMC7009658 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Following a request from EFSA, the Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues developed an opinion on the science to support the potential development of a risk assessment scheme of plant protection products for amphibians and reptiles. The coverage of the risk to amphibians and reptiles by current risk assessments for other vertebrate groups was investigated. Available test methods and exposure models were reviewed with regard to their applicability to amphibians and reptiles. Proposals were made for specific protection goals aiming to protect important ecosystem services and taking into consideration the regulatory framework and existing protection goals for other vertebrates. Uncertainties, knowledge gaps and research needs were highlighted.
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8
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Garriga N, Montori A, Llorente GA. Impact of ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate on tadpoles of Alytes obstetricans. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2017; 26:667-674. [PMID: 28409413 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-017-1799-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The presence of pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers negatively affect aquatic communities in general, and particularly amphibians in their larval phase, even though sensitivity to pollutants is highly variable among species. The Llobregat Delta (Barcelona, Spain) has experienced a decline of amphibian populations, possibly related to the reduction in water quality due to the high levels of farming activity, but also to habitat loss and alteration. We studied the effects of increasing ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate levels on the survival and growth rate of Alytes obstetricans tadpoles under experimental conditions. We exposed larvae to increasing concentrations of nitrate and ammonium for 14 days and then exposed them to water without pollutants for a further 14 days. Only the higher concentrations of ammonium (>33.75 mg/L) caused larval mortality. The growth rate of larvae was reduced at ≥22.5 mg/L NH4+, although individuals recovered and even increased their growth rate once exposure to the pollutant ended. The effect of nitrate on growth rate was detected at ≥80 mg/L concentrations, and the growth rate reduction in tadpoles was even observed during the post-exposure phase. The concentrations of ammonium with adverse effects on larvae are within the range levels found in the study area, while the nitrate concentrations with some adverse effect are close to the upper range limit of current concentrations in the study area. Therefore, only the presence of ammonium in the study area is likely to be considered of concern for the population of this species, even though the presence of nitrate could cause some sublethal effects. These negative effects could have an impact on population dynamics, which in this species is highly sensitive to larval mortality due to its small clutch size and prolonged larval period compared to other anuran amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Garriga
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Montori
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G A Llorente
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica. Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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9
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Ortiz‐Santaliestra ME, Maia JP, Egea‐Serrano A, Brühl CA, Lopes I. Biological relevance of the magnitude of effects (considering mortality, sub‐lethal and reproductive effects) observed in studies with amphibians and reptiles in view of population level impacts on amphibians and reptiles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.2903/sp.efsa.2017.en-1251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joao P. Maia
- Universidade de Aveiro. Campus de Santiago Portugal
| | - Andrés Egea‐Serrano
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) UCLM‐CSIC‐JCCM Spain
| | | | - Isabel Lopes
- Universidade de Aveiro. Campus de Santiago Portugal
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10
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Leaf extracts from an exotic tree affect responses to chemical cues in the palmate newt, Lissotriton helveticus. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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11
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Polo-Cavia N, Burraco P, Gomez-Mestre I. Low levels of chemical anthropogenic pollution may threaten amphibians by impairing predator recognition. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 172:30-35. [PMID: 26765086 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that direct mortality and physiological effects caused by pollutants are major contributing factors to global amphibian decline. However, even sublethal concentrations of pollutants could be harmful if they combined with other factors to cause high mortality in amphibians. Here we show that sublethal concentrations of pollutants can disrupt the ability of amphibian larvae to recognize predators, hence increasing their risk of predation. This effect is indeed much more important since very low amounts of pollutants are ubiquitous, and environmental efforts are mostly directed towards preventing lethal spills. We analyzed the effects of two common contaminants (humic acid and ammonium nitrate) on the ability of tadpoles of the western spadefoot toad (Pelobates cultripes) to recognize chemical cues from a common predator, nymphs of the dragonfly Anax imperator. We compared the swimming activity of tadpoles in the presence and absence of water-borne chemical cues from dragonflies at different concentrations of humic acid and ammonium nitrate. Tadpoles reduced swimming activity in response to predator cues in the absence of pollutants, whereas they remained unresponsive to these cues when either humic acid or ammonium nitrate was added to the water, even at low concentrations. Moreover, changes in tadpole activity associated with the pollutants themselves were non-significant, indicating no toxic effect. Alteration of the natural chemical environment of aquatic systems by pollutants may be an important contributing cause for declines in amphibian populations, even at sublethal concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Polo-Cavia
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Pablo Burraco
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, E-41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Ivan Gomez-Mestre
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, CSIC, E-41092 Seville, Spain.
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12
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Shinn C, Marco A, Serrano L. Influence of low levels of water salinity on toxicity of nitrite to anuran larvae. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 92:1154-1160. [PMID: 23466091 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.01.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Reactive nitrogen compounds such as nitrite (NO2(-)) are highly toxic to aquatic animals and are partly responsible for the global decline of amphibians. On some fish and Caudata amphibian species low levels of sodium chloride significantly reduce the toxicity of nitrite. However, the nitrite-salinity interaction has not been properly studied in anuran amphibians. To verify if chloride (Cl(-)) attenuates NO2(-) toxicity, eggs and larvae of three anuran species were subjected to a series of NO2(-) solutions combined with three salt concentrations (0, 0.4 and 2 or 0, 0.052 and 0.2gL(-1)NaCl). One of the species tested originated from two different populations inhabiting highly contrasted nutrient richness environments: lowland Doñana Natural Park and Sierra de Gredos Mountain. In general, the presence of Cl(-) increased survival and growth of lowland Pelophylax perezi and activity of mountain P. perezi larvae exposed to NO2(-), thus attenuating the toxicity of NO2(-) to developing amphibians. Mountain amphibian populations appeared to be much more sensitive to the concentrations of NO2(-) and Cl(-) used in this experiment than coastal conspecifics, suggesting possible adaptation of populations to local conditions. Nitrogen pollution in coastal wetlands poses a serious threat to aquatic organisms, causing direct toxicity or indirect effects via ecosystem eutrophication. The presence of low to medium levels of salinity that would be common in coastal wetlands may attenuate the direct effects of increasing concentrations of nitrogenous compounds in water bodies. Furthermore, treating cultures of endangered anurans with small amounts of NaCl may provide an additional protective measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Shinn
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, C/Americo Vespucio, s/n, 41092 Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain.
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13
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Smith GR, Dibble CJ, Terlecky AJ, Dayer CB, Burner AB, Ogle ME. Effects of Invasive Western Mosquitofish and Ammonium Nitrate on Green Frog Tadpoles. COPEIA 2013. [DOI: 10.1643/ce-12-072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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De Laender F, Janssen CR. Brief communication: the ecosystem perspective in ecotoxicology as a way forward for the ecological risk assessment of chemicals. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2013; 9:e34-e38. [PMID: 23610029 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
One of the objectives of the European Union (EU) ecological risk assessment of chemicals (ERA) is to derive maximum environmental concentrations that are not expected to cause adverse ecological effects. To this end, related EU directives list protection goals as well as guidelines that should be used to reach these goals. It is generally accepted that the individual-level endpoints on which these guidelines are based do not correspond to the listed population- and ecosystem-level protection goals. In this article, we identify 5 research topics that are key to bridging this gap: 1) the refinement of population-level effects and recovery rates by explicitly taking into account competition and 2) predation, 3) the assessment of chemical effects on biodiversity, 4) the assessment of chemical stress on ecosystem functions and services, and 5) the quantification of the effects of chemical mixtures. In addition, we illustrate why an ecosystem perspective is needed to address these topics and to inform the risk assessment process. We propose the use of existing ecotoxicological community, food web, and ecosystem models to tackle these issues and discuss why new models are needed to predict chemical effects on biodiversity.
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15
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Azpeitia E, Vanegas-Pérez C, Moreno-Sáenz E, Betancourt-Lozano M, Miranda-Anaya M. Effect of chronic ammonia exposure on locomotor activity in the fiddler crabUca princepsupon artificial tides and light cycles. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2011.652864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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16
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Effects of an Invasive Fish (Gambusia affinis) and Anthropogenic Nutrient Enrichment on American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) Tadpoles. J HERPETOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1670/11-223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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17
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Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Fernández-Benéitez MJ, Marco A. Density effects on ammonium nitrate toxicity on amphibians. Survival, growth and cannibalism. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2012; 110-111:170-176. [PMID: 22326654 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Temporary ponds where many amphibians breed experience a gradual desiccation that leads to growing larval densities, which can reduce tadpole survival rates and increase cannibalistic interactions among carnivorous salamander larvae. Concentrations of many agrochemicals, including nitrogenous fertilizers, can also increase as the water volume decreases. We analyzed the effects of ammonium nitrate fertilizer at two larval densities on growth and survival of Rana dalmatina tadpoles, and on cannibalistic behaviors of Salamandra salamandra larvae. We observed synergistic lethal effects until day 17 of exposure, when ammonium nitrate-related mortality of tadpoles was five times greater at high than at low density. The fertilizer impaired tadpole growth. This effect was stronger at low density than at high density. In the absence of ammonium nitrate, the incidence of cannibalism was higher at high than at low larval density. However, fertilizer exposure removed this density-dependent effect, which, under field conditions, would negate some potentially advantageous effects of cannibalism such as reduced intraspecific competition and the stimulation of defensive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Robles-Mendoza C, Zúñiga-Lagunes SR, Ponce de León-Hill CA, Hernández-Soto J, Vanegas-Pérez C. Esterases activity in the axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum exposed to chlorpyrifos and its implication to motor activity. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2011; 105:728-734. [PMID: 21996259 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum is a neotenic salamander considered a good biological model due to its ability to regenerate limbs, tail, brain and heart cells. Nevertheless, severe reduction of A. mexicanum wild populations in the lacustrine area of Xochimilco, the natural habitat of the axolotl, could be related to several environmental pressures as the presence of organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), intensively applied in agricultural activities in Xochimilco. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of environmentally realistic chlorpyrifos (CPF) concentrations, a OPP commonly used in this zone, on esterases activity (acetylcholinesterase and carboxylesterase) and bioconcentration of CPF and to relate them with the motor activity of A. mexicanum juveniles. Axolotls were exposed 48 h to 0.05 and 0.1mg CPF/L, and the responses were evaluated at the end of the CPF exposure. Results suggest that CPF is bioconcentrated into axolotls and that the CPF internal concentrations are related with the observed inhibition activity of AChE (>50%) and CbE (≈ 50%). CPF concentration responsible of the inhibition of the 50% of AChE activity (IC50) was estimated in 0.04 mg CPF/L; however IC50 for CbE activity was not possible to calculate since inhibition levels were lower than 50%, results that suggest a higher resistance of CbE enzymatic activity to CPF. However, motor activity was a more sensitive endpoint to CPF poisoning since time that axolotls spent active and walking, frequency and speed of swimming, frequency of prey attack were reduced >90% of control groups. The motor activity alterations in the axolotl could be related with the registered esterases inhibition. Thus important alterations on axolotls were identified even at short time and low concentrations of CPF exposure. Also, it was possible to link biochemical responses as esterases activity with higher levels of biological organization as behavior. This study provides tools for the regulation of the use of organophosphorus pesticides in the natural habitat of the axolotl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Robles-Mendoza
- Grupo de Ecotoxicología, Laboratorio de Ecofisiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510 Mexico D.F., Mexico.
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García-Muñoz E, Guerrero F, Parra G. Effects of previous sublethal pulse to ammonium nitrate on mortality and total length on Epidalea calamita larvae. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 84:671-675. [PMID: 21486677 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 03/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/19/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Ammonium nitrate is one of the most widespread contaminants related with the viability of natural amphibian populations. In this study we have evaluated in terms of mortality and total length the effects that a previous sublethal pulse to ammonium nitrate generates in Epidalea calamita. Experiments were divided in two phases. In the first one, tadpoles were exposed to two different treatments, with and without a low ammonium nitrate concentration (22 mg NH(4)NO(3) L(-1)). The second phase consisted in static toxicity experiments from both origin treatments with five different nominal concentrations (0, 22, 45, 90 and 180 mg NH(4)NO(3) L(-1)). Results showed that tadpoles that had experienced a previous sublethal exposure showed a negative effect on survival (57% of reduction in the LC(50) value) and total length, throughout an increase in their sensitivity. These results could help us to understand the situation of amphibian populations inhabiting aquatic ecosystems exposed to discontinuous and variable pulses of pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- E García-Muñoz
- Departamento de Biología Animal, Biología Vegetal y Ecología, Universidad de Jaén, Jaén, Spain.
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Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Fernández-Benéitez MJ, Lizana M, Marco A. Responses of toad tadpoles to ammonium nitrate fertilizer and predatory stress: differences between populations on a local scale. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2011; 30:1440-1446. [PMID: 21384420 DOI: 10.1002/etc.523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Agriculture-related pollution is among the major causes of global amphibian population declines. The multiple stressors to which amphibians are exposed in the field, such as predation pressure, can make agrochemicals far more deadly than when they act in isolation. Even within a small area, diffuse agricultural pollution does not affect all aquatic environments equally, which could account for local differences in amphibian sensitivity to agrochemicals. We examined the combined effects of ammonium nitrate fertilizer (0 to 45.2 mg N-NH 4(+)/L) and predator stress on larval Western spadefoot toad (Pelobates cultripes), using adult caged male marbled newts (Triturus marmoratus) as predators. We compared the interaction between both stressors in tadpoles from two ponds separated by 3 km. No significant mortality was observed (survival > 80% in all cases). Local differences were detected when analyzing larval growth, with a significant interaction between factors for one of the two populations tested (Fornillos de Fermoselle). Although tadpoles exposed to 45.2 mg N-NH 4(+)/L were 7% smaller than controls, the presence of predators from a foreign community resulted in animals 15% larger than those raised without predators after 15 d of experiment. Interestingly, predators from the same community as the tadpoles did not affect larval growth. The length of the tadpoles from a nearby location (Mámoles) was unaffected after exposure to ammonium nitrate and predatory stress.
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