Behavioral and histopathological effects of fluoranthene on bullfrog larvae (Rana catesbeiana)

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1998 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1897/1551-5028(1998)017<0734:BAHEOF>2.3.CO;2· OSTI ID:675470

Walker, S E; Taylor, D H; Oris, J T ^[1]

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1. Miami Univ., Oxford, OH (United States)

Amphibians are potentially sensitive indicator organisms of environmental stress because of their permeable skins and biphasic life cycles. The goals of this study were to use behavioral and histopathological endpoints to examine the sublethal effects of fluoranthene exposure in conjunction with solar ultraviolet radiation on bullfrog larvae. Exposure to fluoranthene and simulated solar ultraviolet radiation for 48 h caused a significant effect on locomotor behavior at 60 {micro}g fluoranthene/L. At 96 h, however, hyperactivity was noted in the 40-{micro}g fluoranthene/L exposure. The skin of bullfrog larvae was sensitive to the phototoxic effects of fluoranthene. Following exposure to sublethal levels of fluoranthene there were signs of necrosis as well as structural alterations in the skin when examined using light microscopy. Based on these results, the photoinduced toxicity of fluoranthene, and hence other phototoxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pose a potential hazard to ranid larvae well within the water solubility limits of the compound.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 675470
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 17; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
BEHAVIOR
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
CONDENSED AROMATICS
FROGS
LAND POLLUTION
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
TOXICITY
WATER POLLUTION