How do different concentrations of aluminum and zinc affect the survival, body size, morphology and immune system of Physalaemus cuvieri (Fitzinger, 1826) tadpole?
The assessment of amphibian responses as bioindicators of exposure to chemical pollutants is an important tool for conservation of native species. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic aluminum (Al) and zinc (Zn) exposure on survival, body size, morphology (malformations), and immun...
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| Published in: | Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A Vol. 87; no. 8; pp. 342 - 356 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
England
Taylor & Francis
17-04-2024
Taylor & Francis Ltd |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | The assessment of amphibian responses as bioindicators of exposure to chemical pollutants is an important tool for conservation of native species. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic aluminum (Al) and zinc (Zn) exposure on survival, body size, morphology (malformations), and immune system (leukocyte profile) in P. cuvieri tadpoles. Ecotoxicological analyses were performed utilizing chronic toxicity tests in which 210 tadpoles at the 25
th
Gosner developmental stage were exposed to Al and Zn. Individuals of P. cuvieri were maintained in glass containers containing various concentrations of aluminum sulfate (0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 mg/L) and zinc sulfate (0.18, 0.27 or 0.35 mg/L), and tests were performed in triplicate. After 14 days, amphibians were weighed, measured and survival rate, malformations in the oral and intestine apparatus, leukocyte profile, and ratio between neutrophils and lymphocytes determined. The differing concentrations of Al and Zn did not produce lethality in P. cuvieri where 95% of the animals survived 326 hr following metal exposure. Individuals exposed to Zn achieved greater body growth and weight gain compared to controls. Aluminum increased weight gain compared controls. These metals also produced malformations of the oral and intestine apparatus and enhanced occurrence of hemorrhages, especially at the highest doses. Lymphocytes were the predominant cells among leukocytes, with lymphopenia and neutrophilia observed following Al and Zn treatment, as evidenced by elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, an important indicator of stress in animals. Data suggest that further studies need to be carried out, even with metal concentrations higher than those prescribed by CONAMA, to ensure the conservation of this species. |
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| Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23 |
| ISSN: | 1528-7394 1087-2620 2381-3504 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/15287394.2024.2311828 |