Monitoring the morphological integrity of neotropical anurans

Author(s)

Borges, Rinneu Elias ^[1] ; de Souza Santos, Lia Raquel ^[2] ; Assis, Rhayane Alves ^[2] ; Benvindo-Souza, Marcelino ^[2] ; Franco-Belussi, Lilian ^{[3, 4]} ; de Oliveira, Classius ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Rio Verde, Dept Biol, UniRV, BR-75901970 Rio Verde, Go - Brazil

^[2] Inst Fed Goiano, Lab Anim Biol, Campus Rio Verde, Rodovia Sul Goiana, Km 01, BR-75901970 Rio Verde, Go - Brazil

^[3] Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Biol, UNESP, Campus Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Mato Grosso do Sul, Inst Biosci, UFMS, BR-79002970 Campo Grande, MS - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Environmental Science and Pollution Research; v. 26, n. 3, p. 2623-2634, JAN 2019.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Amphibians are considered to be excellent bioindicators to their morphophysiological characteristics and life cycle. In this context, the present study investigated the morphological integrity of anuran larvae collected in preserved environments in the Emas National Park, in the municipality of Mineiros (Goias state, Brazil), and in environments representative of the agricultural matrix of the Rio Verde region, also in Goias, where there is a long history of the use of agricultural pesticides. Samples of water from temporary ponds, permanent dams, and veredas were analyzed for the presence of pesticides and, especially atrazine (5350g/L), found at significantly higher concentrations in the agricultural matrix. We observed a high percentage (approximately 10%) of morphological malformations including alterations of the fins in Boana albopunctatus and Scinax fuscovarius; alteration in oral structures in B. albopunctatus, Dematonotus muelleri, Physalaemus centralis, Physalaemus cuvieri, and Leptodactylus fuscus mainly in the tadpoles collected in the agricultural environment in comparison with those from the protected area (3.5%; P<0.0001, (2) 31.75). However, changes in the eyes, mouth, intestines, and nostrils, as well as amelia were observed only in the agricultural environment. The vast majority of the observed malformations were associated with the tail and oral disc, which suggests that these anatomical parameters may be used as sensitive morphological biomarkers. Given these findings, we reinforce that areas of agricultural land may have a deleterious effect on the morphological integrity of the tadpoles and consequently, on their development, and that these features may be used as indicators of environmental quality and health. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/02067-5 - Toxic effects of the herbicides Atrazine and Roundup in Eupemphix nattereri (Leiuperidae) and Rhinella schneideri (Bufonidae): morphological changes under different concentrations and abiotic conditions (pH, temperature and photoperiod)
• Grantee: Classius de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants