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Microplastic exposure induces locomotory responses in wood frog (Rana sylvatica) tadpoles
Jess B Lecours1, Sam M Gene2, Diane M Orihel2,3
1Department of Biology, The University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9, Canada.
Ecotoxicology (London, England)
|June 22, 2026
Summary
Microplastic exposure altered wood frog tadpole behavior, reducing activity levels and potentially impacting survival. This study highlights ecological risks of microplastics for amphibians.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Amphibian Biology
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a growing concern in aquatic ecosystems.
- Effects on aquatic animal behavior are species-specific and require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic microplastic exposure on wood frog (Rana sylvatica) tadpole behavior.
- To test if microplastics alter behavior from embryonic development through Gosner Stages 30-36.
Main Methods:
- Wood frog embryos were exposed to a mixture of polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate microplastics at 1x (50,000 particles/L) and 10x (500,000 particles/L) concentrations for 49 days.
- Tadpole behavior was quantified using automated video tracking (Ethovision XT14) in 10-minute trials.
- Key behavioral metrics included activity bouts, swimming velocity, and distance traveled.
Main Results:
- Tadpoles exposed to 1x microplastics showed fewer moderate activity bouts.
- Tadpoles exposed to 10x microplastics exhibited less time in high activity states and fewer high activity bouts.
- Trends indicated negative effects on swimming velocity and distance traveled in microplastic-exposed tadpoles compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Chronic microplastic exposure can alter anuran behavior, potentially affecting crucial ecological functions.
- Behavioral changes in tadpoles may influence foraging, predator avoidance, and habitat use.
- Further research is needed to link these behavioral changes to physiological mechanisms and energetic status.
