The effects of two short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) on northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpole development

• DOI: 10.1007/s10646-024-02737-z
• Publication Date: 2024-02-05T05:02:50Z
• Authors: Jillian Rohonczy; Stacey A. Robinson; Mark R. Forbes; Amila O. De Silva; Cassandra Brinovcar; Adrienne J. Bartlett; Ève A. M. Gilroy
• Keywords: Leopard frog; Tadpole (physics); Leopard

Short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) have been detected in the environment globally. The presence and persistence of these compounds may lead to chronic wildlife exposure. We used northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles investigate toxicity bioconcentration two short-chain PFCAs, perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) perfluorohexanoic (PFHxA). exposed Gosner stage 25 PFBA PFHxA (as individual chemicals) at nominal concentrations 0.1, 1, 10, 100, 1000 µg/L for 43-46 days. Tadpoles 0.1 100 had significantly higher mean snout-to-vent lengths, masses, scaled mass indexes than control tadpoles. These results indicate that exposure PFCAs influences tadpole growth. Further investigation into mechanism(s) causing observed changes growth is warranted. a proportion males 1 treatment group, however further histological analyses are required confirm visual sex identification before making concrete conclusions on effects amphibian ratios. tissues were concentrations; pattern contrasts with previously published studies using fish, suggesting potential differences between taxa bioconcentration. Bioconcentration factors <10 L/kg wet weight, indicating low Our suggest environmentally-relevant (0.1-10 µg/L) can be deemed "safe" alternative their long-chain counterparts.