Incidence and impact of axial malformations in larval bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) developing in sites polluted by a coal-burning power plant

Journal Article · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 2000 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1897/1551-5028(2000)019<0862:IAIOAM>2.3.CO;2· OSTI ID:20080474

Hopkins, W A; Congdon, J; Ray, J K

Amphibian malformations have recently received much attention from the scientific community, but few studies have provided evidence linking environmental pollution to larval amphibian malformations in the field. The authors document an increased incidence of axial malformations in bullfrog larvae (Rana catesbeiana) inhabiting two sites contaminated with coal combustion wastes. In the polluted sites, 18 and 37% of larvae exhibited lateral curvatures of the spine, whereas zero and 4% of larvae from two reference sites had similar malformations. Larvae from the most heavily polluted site had significantly higher tissue concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements, including As, Cd, Se, Cu, Cr, and V, compared with conspecifics from the reference sites. In addition, malformed larvae from the cost contaminated site had decreased swimming speeds compared with those of normal larvae from the same site. The authors hypothesize that the complex mixture of contaminants produced by coal combustion is responsible for the high incidence of malformations and associated effects on swimming performance.

• Research Organization: Savannah River Ecology Lab., Aiken, SC (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: US Department of Energy
• DOE Contract Number: FC09-96SR18546
• OSTI ID: 20080474
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 19; ISSN ETOCDK; ISSN 0730-7268
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
20 FOSSIL-FUELED POWER PLANTS
ARSENIC
CADMIUM
CHROMIUM
COAL
CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS
COPPER
DISEASE INCIDENCE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FOSSIL-FUEL POWER PLANTS
FROGS
LARVAE
SAFETY
SELENIUM
VANADIUM