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PARTIAL LIFE-CYCLE TOXICITY AND BIOCONCENTRATION MODELLING OF PERFLUOROOCTANE SULFONATE (PFOS) IN THE NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG (RANA PIPIENS)
Citation:
Ankley, G T., D W. Kuehl, M D. Kahl, K M. Jensen, B C. Butterworth, AND J. W. Nichols. PARTIAL LIFE-CYCLE TOXICITY AND BIOCONCENTRATION MODELLING OF PERFLUOROOCTANE SULFONATE (PFOS) IN THE NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG (RANA PIPIENS). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. SETAC Press, Pensacola, FL, 23(11):2745-2755, (2003).
Impact/Purpose:
To evaluate the effects of PFOS on survival and develoment of the northern leopard frog
Description:
A number of recent monitoring studies have demonstrated elevated concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in humans and wildlife throughout the world. Although no longer manufactured in the U.S., the global distribution and relative persistence of PFOS indicates a need to understand the potential ecological effects. Presently, little is known concerning toxicity of PFOS in chronic exposures with aquatic species. We have, therefore, evaluated the effects of PFOS on survival and develoment of the northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) from fertilization through complete metamorphosis. Exposures were conducted via the water at measured PFOS concentrations ranging from 0.03 to 10 mg/L. Animals exposed to 10 mg/L began dying at a high rate within about 2 weeks to test initiation. Survival was not affected by PFOS at lower concentrations; however, time-to-metamorphosis was delayed and growth reduced, in the 3 mg/L treatment group. Tadpoles readily accumulated PFOS directly from water. Using a one-compartment bioaccumulation model, growth was shown to have a modest impact on steady-state PFOS concentrations. Variability in observed growth rates and the possible contribution of a size-dependent decrease in PFOS elimination rate contributed uncertainty to modeling efforts. Nevertheless, fitted uptake and elimination rate constants were comparable to those determined in earlier studies with juvenile rainbow trout.