Date of Award
1-5-2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Biology, MA
First Advisor
Stan Trauth
Second Advisor
Jennifer Bouldin
Committee Members
Jennifer Bouldin; Paul Sikkel; Stan Trauth
Call Number
LD 251 .A566t 2014 D35
Abstract
As more and more stressors impact amphibians worldwide, studies investigating multiple stressors currently affecting amphibians have increased. Novel to herpetological research is investigating parasites and metals of concern in spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) in northern Arkansas during the spotted salamander's breeding season. This study was conducted in Greene County and Stone County, Arkansas, during the spotted salamander's 2014 breeding season. Sublethal and lethal effects on Ceriodaphnia dubia were not observed; however, decrease in Pimephales promelas growth and survival suggest that other environmental stressors are affecting the vertebrate test organism in water from these ponds. Metal analysis showed that with increased precipitation, increased metal exposure is likely in aqueous samples, while sediment samples are affected by more factors such as clay and organic matter content and pH, in addition to precipitation. Overall, metals appeared to be highest in the sediment at the breeding sites. Hepatic metal concentrations were similar in parasitized and non-parasitized individuals, and hydroperiod events do not seem to significantly influence the metal concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Ni in aqueous and sediment samples at these breeding sites.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
DeMali, Heather M., "The Effects of Parasites, Metals, and Environmental Conditions on Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma Maculatum) Populations Breeding in Northern Arkansas" (2015). Student Theses and Dissertations. 752.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/752
