Acute and chronic toxicity of ammonium nitrate fertilizer to amphibians from southern ontario

Abstract

Increasing nitrate levels in surface and ground waters are of global concern. Effects of nitrates on human health are well documented, but effects on amphibians have received little attention. I exposed Bufo americanus (American toad), Pseudacris triseriata (chorus frog), Rana pipiens (leopard frog), and Rana clamitans (green frog) tadpoles to ammonium nitrate fertilizer in water. In acute tests, mortality varied among species (96-h LC50; 13.6-39.3 mg/L NO3-N) and significant weight loss occurred. In chronic tests (100 d; 0, 2.5, 5, 10 mg/L NO3-N) chorus frog and leopard frog tadpoles had significantly lower survivorship in the 10-mg/L treatments, but green frog survivorship was not affected. Number of chorus frogs metamorphosing was significantly lower in the 10-mg/L treatment, but development time was not affected. In acute exposures, reduced activity, weight loss, and physical abnormalities were observed. Toxic effects of ammonium nitrate occurred in all four species at concentrations that are commonly exceeded in agricultural areas globally. Nitrate fertilizers may play a role in the apparent global amphibian decline.