SREL Reprint #3216

Effects of two stressors on amphibian larval development

Karolina Stark1,2, David E. Scott2, Olga Tsyusko2,3, Daniel P. Coughlin2, and Thomas G. Hinton2,4

1Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
3Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, 1100 S. Limestone St.,
Lexington, KY 40546, USA
4Department of Radioecology, Environmental Modeling and Ecotoxicology; Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety, Cadarache, 13115 France

Abstract: In parallel with a renewed interest in nuclear power and its possible environmental impacts, a new environmental radiation protection system calls for environmental indicators of radiological stress. However, because environmental stressors seldom occur alone, this study investigated the combined effects of an ecological stressor (larval density) and an anthropogenic stressor (ionizing radiation) on amphibians. Scaphiopus holbrookii tadpoles reared at different larval densities were exposed to four low irradiation dose rates (0.13, 2.4, 21, and 222 mGy d-1) from 137Cs during the sensitive period prior to and throughout metamorphosis. Body size at metamorphosis and development rate served as fitness correlates related to population dynamics. Results showed that increased larval density decreased body size but did not affect development rate. Low dose rate radiation had no impact on either endpoint.

Keywords: 137Cs exposure, Larval density, Scaphiopus holbrookii, Multiple stressors, Low dose rate, Radiation effects.

SREL Reprint #3216

Stark, K., D. E. Scott, O. V. Tsyusko, D. P. Coughlin, and T. G. Hinton. 2012. Effects of two stressors on amphibian larval development. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2012(79): 283-287.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).