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Updated: May 24, 2026
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Interactive effects of maternal and environmental exposure to coal combustion wastes decrease survival of larval
Brian S Metts1, Kurt A Buhlmann, David E Scott
1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA. metts@srel.edu
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|February 28, 2012
Summary
Maternal and larval exposure to coal combustion wastes (CCW) significantly harms southern toad (Bufo terrestris) survival. Combined exposures created ecological traps, reducing metamorphosis survival by 85%.
Area of Science:
- Environmental toxicology
- Amphibian ecotoxicology
- Contaminant effects on wildlife
Background:
- Coal combustion wastes (CCW) contain trace elements harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
- Amphibian larvae are particularly vulnerable to sediment-bound contaminants.
- The impact of CCW on southern toads (Bufo terrestris) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the individual and interactive effects of maternal and larval exposure to trace element-laden sediments on southern toad survival and development.
- To determine if sediment age influences the toxicity of CCW to southern toad larvae.
- To evaluate the potential for CCW disposal sites to act as ecological traps for amphibians.
Main Methods:
- Mesocosm study design.
- Exposure of southern toad larvae to sediments from coal combustion wastes (CCW) with varying ages.
- Assessment of larval survival, growth, development period, and mass at metamorphosis.
- Analysis of trace element accumulation in larvae.
Main Results:
- Previous maternal exposure to CCW reduced larval survival by up to 57%.
- Larval exposure to CCW resulted in extended larval periods, reduced growth, and lower mass at metamorphosis.
- Sediment age influenced contaminant effects, with aged CCW showing reduced toxicity.
- Combined maternal and larval exposure to fresh CCW reduced metamorphosis survival by 85%.
Conclusions:
- Maternal and larval exposure to CCW poses significant risks to southern toad populations.
- CCW disposal in aquatic environments can create ecological traps, leading to amphibian population declines.
- Sediment aging may partially mitigate CCW toxicity, but combined exposures remain highly detrimental.
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