Amphibians as a pesticide pollution indicator

Abstract

Today, the most productive farmland depends on pesticides. About 4 million tons of pesticides are used annually in the world. This number will only grow due to the increase in the total number of crops. Pesticides are one of the most important factors affecting the biodiversity of aquatic fauna, especially amphibians. It has been shown that some compounds such as Atrazine can affect the sexual structure of amphibian populations, increasing the proportion of females, and also reducing the fertility of males. In addition, the bioconcentration of pesticides in the tissues of hydrobionts and amphibians is a marker reflecting the total content of such compounds in water. Pesticides also affect the flora of aquatic systems. Interacting with increased content of phosphorus and nitrogenous compounds can cause blooming of reservoirs. The aim of this study is to screen the state of pollution of water reservoirs located near agricultural land. Amphibians, mostly green frogs Pelophylax lessonae and Pelophylax ridibundus species were collected from the swamps and ponds located on the territory of Lithuania and Latvia. The eyeball, pieces of muscle, liver and spleen were analysed by mass spectroscopy. A part of the samples is currently being processed. Based on the results of the research, a statistical model and maps of water pollution by pesticides will be developed. The relevance of the study is that fish and invertebrates are more often used as pollution bioindicators, in our research we study amphibians. Another aspect of the project is the development of an online service with presented interactive maps of pollution on the territory of the European Union. Python libraries will be used to develop the service. Also, partner researchers will have access to an admin panel with the ability to upload their data. After loading new data, the maps will be updated automatically. Based on the results of these maps, recommendations will be provided to the owners of agricultural land, as well as consultations with agricultural companies