Naphthenic Acid Fraction Compounds Reduce the Reproductive Success of Wood Frogs (Rana Sylvatica)
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Authors
Robinson, Chloe
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Ecotoxicology , Reproduction , Development , Amphibian , Oil Sands Process-Affected Water , Naphthenic Acids
Alternative Title
Abstract
Understanding the toxicity of the organic compounds in oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) is necessary to inform the development of environmental guidelines related to wastewater management in Canada’s oil sands region. In the present study, we investigated the effects of naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs) on wood frog (Rana sylvatica) mating behaviour, fertility, and offspring viability. Wild adult wood frogs were exposed separately from the opposite sex to 0, 5, or 10 mg/L of OSPW-derived NAFCs for 24 h and then combined in outdoor lake water mesocosms containing the same NAFC concentrations (n= 2 males and 1 female per mesocosm, n = 3 mesocosms per treatment). Mating events were recorded for 48 h and egg masses were measured to determine adult fertility. NAFC exposure had no significant effect on mating behaviour (probability of amplexus and oviposition, amplexus and oviposition latency, total duration of amplexus and number of amplectic events) or fertility (fertilization success and clutch size). Tadpoles (50 individuals per mesocosm at hatching, and 15 individuals per mesocosm from 42 d post-hatch) were reared in the same mesocosms under chronic NAFC exposure until metamorphic climax (61-85 d after hatching). Offspring exposed to 10 mg/L NAFCs during development were less likely to survive and complete metamorphosis, grew at a reduced rate and displayed more frequent morphological abnormalities. These abnormalities included limb effects at metamorphosis, described for the first time after NAFC exposure. The results of this study suggest that NAFCs reduce wood frog reproductive success through declines in offspring viability and that exposure to NAFCs during reproduction and development may affect the recruitment of native amphibian populations in the oil sands region.
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution 3.0 United States