Amphibians and agricultural chemicals: review of the risks in a complex environment

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Mann, Reinier M.; Hyne, Ross V.; Choung, Catherine B.; Wilson, Scott P.

Source:

Environmental Pollution, Elsevier Ltd., Volume 157, Issue 11, p.2903-2927 (2009)

Call Number:

A09MAN01IDUS

URL:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleListURL&_method=list&_ArticleListID=-645231017&_sort=r&_st=13&view=c&md5=a94f71717c79129565d1be26057759f0&searchtype=a

Keywords:

Ambystoma macrodactylum, Anaxyrus woodhousii, Bufo woodhousii, endocrine disruption, fertilizers, immuno-suppression, Lithobates pipiens, Long-toed Salamander, northern leopard frog, pesticides, population declines, Rana pipiens, Taricha granulosa, tiger salamander, Woodhouse's toad

Abstract:

Agricultural landscapes, although often highly altered in nature, provide habitat for many species of amphibian. However, the persistence and health of amphibian populations are likely to be compromised by the escalating use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. This review examines some of the issues relating to exposure of amphibian populations to these chemicals and places emphasis on mechanisms of toxicity. Several mechanisms are highlighted, including those that may disrupt thyroid activity, retinoid pathways, and sexual differentiation. Special emphasis is also placed on the various interactions that may occur between different agro-chemicals and between chemicals and other environmental factors. Also examined are the indirect effects on amphibian populations that occur when their surrounding pond communities are altered by chemicals.