Influence of Sediment-Associated Phthalate Esters (DEHP and DIDP) on Hatching andSurvival of the Moorfrog, 'Rana arvalis'

摘要

Larrson and Thuren (1987), studied the influence of DEHP on hatching of themoorfrog (Rana arvalis). Eggs from the moorfrog were exposed to sediment contaminated with DEHP in a laboratory model systems. Hatching success was decreased when the eggs were exposed to DEHP contaminated sediments. Approximately 50% of the eggs hatched when exposed to sediments that contained 150 micrograms DEHP/g fresh weight. The sediment was fortified with DEHP dissolved in ethanol. Doubts have been raised as to whether this spiking method may have caused localized high concentrations of DEHP giving the possibility of physical effects. Furthermore, the presence of ethanol, or other organic solvents, may alter the bioavailability and hence the toxicity of the compound. Concerns have also been raised regarding the statistical validity of the work. The aims of the project were to (1) repeat the frog-study by Larsson and Thuren (1987), using a more appropriate method to fortify the sediments and possibilities to use improved statistical analysis of results and (2) investigate if the organic matter content of the sediment alters the toxicity of DEHP. This is important for translating the results from this study to other environments (or; in a hazard assessment).