Nondestructive biomarkers in giant toad (Rhinella marina) to assess the effect of complex mixture of pollutants in Coatzacoalcos River, Mexico

In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of nondestructive biomarkers approach in giant toads (Rhinella marina). We obtained blood samples and the residual condition index of toads from rural and industrial zones from Coatzacoalcos River, Mexico (COA). In the blood samples, we determined the activity of enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and the presence of cell death (apoptosis). We found that the activity of the enzyme deltaaminolevulinic dehydratase was lower. Still, the glutathione s-transferase activity and the percentage of apoptosis in erythrocytes were higher in the toads of COA than laboratory toads. Meanwhile, some biomarkers in toads showed differences when compared between Industrial and Rural zones. These results and correlations between biomarkers showed how the response changed in the toads living near the industrial zones. We demonstrate that a nondestructive biomarkers approach can be useful in environmental studies with anuran amphibians.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the usefulness of nondestructive biomarkers in giant toads, finding differences in biomarkers and responses between toads living in different environments. These results demonstrate the utility of nondestructive biomarkers in environmental studies with anuran amphibians.