Mutagenic effect of a commercial fungicide on Rana catesbeiana and Leptodactylus latrans tadpoles

Abstract

We have examined the mutagenic effects of the fungicide Elatus® on tadpoles of Rana catesbeiana and Leptodactylus latrans. Sixty-four tadpoles of each species have been exposed to three concentrations of Elatus® (10, 20, and 50 µg/L-1) during 96 hours. We’ve carried out the micronucleus test (MN) and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENAs) in 32 tadpoles of each species, the others 32 tadpoles of each species remained in a solution free of Elatus® during 96 hours, in order to assess the ability to recover from the damage caused by the fungicide. There was significant difference in MNs frequency between the treatment exposed to 50µg/L-1 and the control groups for R. catesbeiana, while for L. latrans, we’ve found difference between the treatment of 20 µg/L-1, followed by a period without exposure to the contaminant and the control group when all ENAs were analyzed. When we compared the two species, R. catesbeiana presented a higher frequency of MNs than L. latrans in the treatment exposed to 50 µg/L-1of the fungicide. Our findings highlight the need to monitor amphibians in places where this product is widely used.