PM01 Amphibian Research and Monitoring
Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM - Monday, 10 November 2003
(PM026) The effect of municipal biosolid leachate on amphibian development.
Willingham, E1, Hughes-Severtson, M1, Krause, M2, 1 Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA2 Austin Analytical, Austin, TX, USA
ABSTRACT- Programs to recycle biosolids involve treating of solid waste for breakdown and removal of contaminants; however, some contaminants may escape this process. Recycled biosolid often finds its way onto the landscape as fertilizer/soil conditioner purchased and used by municipalities and consumers. In an effort to mimic what might occur in the case of biosolid runoff, we produced biosolid leachate by filtering water through varying amounts of biosolid. This study used Xenopus to assess effects, if any, of this leachate on a sensitive aquatic vertebrate during development. Metamorphic staging and whole body length were used as endpoints of effects. Water was filtered through 10, 50, or 100 g of "Dillo Dirt," a commercially available anaerobically treated biosolid produced by the City of Austin. Larvae were exposed for two months, from the day after fertilization until the day of assessment of stage and whole-body length. Results show a linear dose response of Xenopus metamorphic rate, as indicated by stage, and of Xenopus whole-body length. ANOVA analyses showed significant effects among populations for both parameters (P < 0.05), and further statistical investigation revealed a significant effect of the 100 g leachate on both parameters (P < 0.05). Analysis of 5:1 v:w of the leachate revealed levels of bisphenol A, a known estrogenic disruptor, in the 20 ppb range, while samples of the biosolid contained 0.7–1.2 mg/kg bisphenol A. The role of bisphenol A as a potential direct or indirect thyroid disruptor is discussed, as are follow-up studies in progress.
Key words: bisphenol A , biosolid, endocrine disruptor, amphibian