Effects of atrazine on egg masses of the yellow-spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and its endosymbiotic alga (Oophila amblystomatis). (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baxter, Leilan; Brain, Richard A.; Hosmer, Alan J.; Nema, Mohini; Müller, Kirsten M.; Solomon, Keith R.; Hanson, Mark L.
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 206(2015)
• Page Start: 324
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Ambystoma maculatum -- Endosymbiont -- Oophila -- Algae -- Atrazine -- Salamander -- Herbicide; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.07.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Embryonic growth of the yellow-spotted salamander ( Ambystoma maculatum ) is enhanced by the presence of the green alga Oophila amblystomatis, in the egg capsule. To further assess potential impacts of herbicides on this relationship, A. maculatum egg masses were exposed to atrazine (0–338 μg/L) until hatching (up to 66 days). Exposure to atrazine reduced PSII yield of the symbiotic algae in a concentration-dependent manner, but did not significantly affect visible algal growth or any metrics associated with salamander development. Algal cells were also cultured in the laboratory for toxicity testing. In the 96-h growth inhibition test (0–680 μg/L), ECx values were generally greater than those reported for standard algal test species. Complete recovery of growth rates occurred within 96-h of transferring cells to untreated media. Overall, development of A. maculatum embryos was not affected by exposure to atrazine at concentrations and durations exceeding those found in the environment. Highlights: The yellow-spotted salamander produces eggs that are colonized by a symbiotic green alga. We tested the sensitivity of this system to the herbicide atrazine. Embryo development was not significantly affected by exposure at up to 300 μg/L. The alga was isolated and 96-h growth tests were performed in the laboratory. EC50s for Oophila sp. were >100 μg/L. Abstract : Development of Ambystoma maculatum embryos in egg masses was not impacted by exposure to atrazine at concentrations and durations exceeding those commonly found in the environment.