Sublethal effects of atrazine on embryo-larval development of Rhinella arenarum (Anura : Bufonidae)

Atrazine (ATR), one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, affects not only target organisms but also the biota in general. Here, the teratogenic and neurotoxic effects of ATR on Rhinella arenarum (South American toad) embryos, and larvae were evaluated by means of standardized bioassays d...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:Ecotoxicology (London, England). - 1992. - 21(2012), 4 vom: 14. Mai, Seite 1251-9
1. Verfasser: Svartz, Gabriela V (VerfasserIn)
Weitere Verfasser: Herkovits, Jorge, Pérez-Coll, Cristina S
Format: Online-Aufsatz
Sprache:English
Veröffentlicht: 2012
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:Ecotoxicology (London, England)
Schlagworte:Journal Article Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Herbicides Teratogens Atrazine QJA9M5H4IM
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:Atrazine (ATR), one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, affects not only target organisms but also the biota in general. Here, the teratogenic and neurotoxic effects of ATR on Rhinella arenarum (South American toad) embryos, and larvae were evaluated by means of standardized bioassays during acute and chronic exposures. The herbicide had a significant incidence of malformations, with a Teratogenic Index (TI) of 3.28. The main effects were delayed development, reduced body size, microcephaly, axial flexures, wavy tail and edema. In addition, delayed development, reduced development of forelimbs, and edema were recorded at metamorphosis stages. Scanning electron microscopy allowed observing different degrees of cellular dissociation and persistent cilliar cells in specific regions like the adhesive structure and tail fin. Results obtained by ATR 24 h pulse exposures at six developmental stages pointed out blastula as the most susceptible developmental stage both for immediate and delayed adverse effects. A noteworthy recovery capacity from acute toxic effects was recorded from the neural plate stage onwards. Regarding neurotoxic effects, abnormal, and erratic swimming and spasmodic contractions were recorded. Both the teratogenic and neurotoxic effects reported in this study demonstrate the importance of evaluating sublethal effects in non-target organisms as they could imply reduced fitness of individuals and eventually a population decline. The Hazard Quotients (HQ) for ATR ranged from 0.14 to 10.80, and the fact that some of these values are above USEPA's level of concern indicate that ATR is likely a risk to R. arenarum
Beschreibung:Date Completed 10.09.2012
Date Revised 21.10.2021
published: Print-Electronic
Citation Status MEDLINE
ISSN:1573-3017
DOI:10.1007/s10646-012-0880-9