Morphological anomalies of tadpoles from a contaminated stream in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico

Abstract

The contamination of aquatic systems by anthropogenic activities may impact amphibian populations by causing malformation and death in tadpoles. However, there often needs to be more information regarding environmental pollutants' effects on amphibians, such as contaminated systems from the state of Tlaxcala in Mexico. This study reports on morphological abnormalities observed in Lithobates spectabilis tadpoles found in a stream of three sites monitored in Tlaxcala. The tadpoles presented swollen heads, edema, intestinal hemorrhage, anomalies in the mouth, a deviated tail, and underdeveloped tail fins. We hypothesise that these abnormalities have been caused by exposure to contamination from nearby communities, including garbage and sewage pumped directly into the stream. This research provides the first report on the potential adverse effects of contaminant exposure on tadpole development and morphology in this region. Identifying malformations in tadpoles could help detect contaminants in aquatic systems for further analysis. Keywords: Lithobates spectabilis, pollutants, anthropogenic, edema, abnormalities