Low pH effects on swimming activity of Ambystoma salamander larvae

Journal Article · Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1994 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1897/1552-8618(1994)13[1821:LPEOSA]2.0.CO;2· OSTI ID:6950481

Kutka, F J ^[1]

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1. Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States). Dept. of Animal Ecology

Swimming activity of larval Ambystoma laterale increased linearly with pH between pH 4.0 and 6.5; near inactivity occurred at pH 4.0. Ambystoma maculatum exhibited a weaker relationship between activity and pH, and overall was less active than A. laterale. However, survival of larval A. maculatum declined linearly with pH in the presence of adult diving beetles (Dytiscus verticalis), with significantly lower survival below pH 4.8. These results suggest that, as with embryos, salamander larvae may suffer from pH levels below 5.0, even though these levels are not directly lethal. Because of their sensitivity, ease, and short duration, activity tests are recommended with amphibian larvae for use in other risk assessments.

• OSTI ID: 6950481
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; (United States), Vol. 13:11; ISSN 0730-7268
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ACID RAIN
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
LARVAE
SENSITIVITY
SALAMANDERS
BEHAVIOR
WATER POLLUTION
AMPHIBIANS
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
POLLUTION
RAIN
VERTEBRATES
540320* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)
560300 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology