Stephanie Fraker The Effects of Exposure to Organic Wastewater Contaminants on African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis) and Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens) Tadpoles Division Sciences Department Biology Year 2003 Advisor Geoff Smith

Recent studies have detected organic wastewater contaminants (OWCs) in U.S. surface and groundwaters.  Despite the widespread presence of OWCs, little is known about their effects on aquatic organisms, especially at ecologically relevant levels.  In this study, African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) and northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) tadpoles were chronically exposed to three OWCs: acetaminophen, caffeine, and triclosan.  Effects on behavior, survivorship, and growth were determined.  Xenopus laevis showed decreased activity with acetaminophen exposure, and decreased activity and growth with triclosan exposure.  Rana pipiens showed decreased survivorship, growth, activity, and startle response to triclosan.  Rana pipiens also showed affected activity and growth with caffeine exposure, and affected startle response with acetaminophen exposure.  There were interactive effects of caffeine and acetaminophen and of triclosan and acetaminophen.  These results show that the levels of OWCs present in aquatic ecosystems could have a significant impact on the fitness of amphibians and other species.