Species- and stage-specific differences in trace element tissue concentrations in amphibians: implications for the disposal of coal-combustion wastes
John H. Roe, William A. Hopkins*, Brian P. Jackson
University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer
E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
Received 28 May 2004; accepted 22 November 2004
Results suggest that metamorphosed amphibians can transport trace
elements from aquatic disposal basins to non-contaminated habitats.
Abstract
Information on species- and stage-specific patterns of contaminant accumulation
is generally lacking for amphibians, yet such infoTnlation could provide
valuable knowledge on how amphibians interact with contaminants. We assessed
concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn in whole bodies of
larval, recently metamorphosed, and adult life stages in Bufo terrestris
and Rana sphenocephala from a site that currently receives coal
combustion waste (CCW) discharge, a site where CCW was foTnlerly discharged
that has undergone natural attenuation for 30 years, and a nearby reference
site. For the majority of elements (As, Cd. Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn), concentrations
were highest in larvae, but Se and Sr concentrations remained elevated
in later life stages. likely because these elements are Sand Ca analogs,
respectively, and are thus retained throughout structural changes during
metamorphosis. Element concentrations were generally higher in B.
terrestris than in R. sphenocephala. Concentrations of As,
Se, and Sr were up to 11-35 times higher in metamorphs emigrating from
CCW-polluted wetlands compared to unpolluted wetlands, suggesting metamorphosed
amphibians can transport trace elements from aquatic disposal basins to
nearby uncontaminated terrestrial habitats. In addition, anurans utilizing
naturally revegetated sites up to 30 years after CCW disposal ceases are
exposed to trace elements, although to a lesser degree than sites where
CCW is currently discharged.
Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Keywords:
Amphibians; Bufo terrestris; Coal combustion wastes; Complex
life cycles; Metamorphosis; Natural attenuation; Rana sphenocephala;
Trace elements
SREL Reprint #2854
Roe, J. H., W. A. Hopkins and B. P. Jackson. 2005. Species- and stage-specific differences in trace element tissue concentrations in amphibians: implications for the disposal of coal-combustion wastes. Environmental Pollution 136:353-363.
