Occurrence of Organic Chemicals in Two Rivers Inhabited by Ozark Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Bishopi)

Abstract

Ozark Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi) populations are in decrease throughout their native range with rare recruitment of young. Increased estrogenic chemical levels and alterations of physicochemical properties in their habitat may play a significant role in this phenomenon. We report here the first systematic, comprehensive study of organic chemical concentrations and physical and nutrient parameters in two rivers containing Ozark hellbender populations. Water samples were collected monthly from August 2003 to November 2004. Concentrations of 21 organic chemicals were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Nine organic chemicals were detected. Benzyl butyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, bisphenol A, and β-sitosterol were all detected > 85% of the time, with median concentrations of 18 to 234 ng/L and maximum concentrations of 198 to 4141 ng/L. Individually, concentrations of nutrients and organic chemicals were much lower than those shown previously in laboratory and field experiments to have reproductive effects on amphibians. Nevertheless, hellbenders are exposed to a variety of chemicals with potential estrogenic effects. Our study establishes the basis to examine the specific effects of the detected concentrations, alone and in combination, on the Ozark hellbenders.

Department(s)

Chemistry

Second Department

Biological Sciences

Sponsor(s)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Missouri. Department of Conservation
St. Louis Zoological Park

Comments

Financial support was provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and the Saint Louis Zoo.

Keywords and Phrases

4,4' Isopropylidenediphenol; Organic Compound; Phthalic Acid Benzyl Butyl Ester; Phthalic Acid Dibutyl Ester; Sitosterol; amphibian; Concentration (Composition); Endocrine Disruptor; Estrogenic Compound; Organic Compound; Pollution Exposure; Population Decline; Reproduction; River Pollution; Amphibia; Article; Cryptobranchus Alleganiensis Bishopi; Estrogen Activity; Gas Chromatography; Mass Spectrometry; Nutrient; Physical Parameters; Priority Journal; Reproduction; River; Salamander; Water Sampling; Population Dynamics; Rivers; Urodela; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Cryptobranchidae

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0090-4341; 1432-0703

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2007 Springer Verlag, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Oct 2007

PubMed ID

17728992

Link to Full Text

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