Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Toxicity of coal-tar pavement sealants and ultraviolet radiation to Ambystoma Maculatum

  • Published:
Ecotoxicology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can affect amphibians in lethal and many sublethal ways. There are many natural and anthropogenic sources of PAHs in aquatic environments. One potentially significant source is run off from surfaces of parking lots and roads that are protected with coal tar sealants. Coal tar is 50% or more PAH by wet weight and is used in emulsions to treat these surfaces. Break down of sealants can result in contamination of nearby waters. The toxicity of PAHs can be greatly altered by simultaneous exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This study exposes larvae of the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) to determine if coal tar sealant can have negative effects on aquatic amphibians and if coal tar toxicity is influenced by ultraviolet radiation. Spotted salamanders were exposed to 0, 60, 280 and 1500 mg coal tar sealant/kg sediment for 28 days. Half of the animals were exposed to conventional fluorescent lighting only and half were exposed to fluorescent lighting plus ultraviolet radiation. No significant mortality occurred during the experiment. Exposure to sealants resulted in slower rates of growth, and diminished ability to swim in a dose-dependent fashion. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation affected the frequencies of leukocytes and increased the incidence of micronucleated erythrocytes. There was an interactive effect of sealant and radiation on swimming behavior. We conclude that coal-tar sealant and ultraviolet radiation increased sublethal effects in salamanders, and may be a risk to salamanders under field conditions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • [ASTM] American Society for Testing, Materials (1988) Standard practice for conducting acute toxicity tests with fishes, macroinvertebrates, and amphibians. ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA

    Google Scholar 

  • Albers PH (2003) Petroluem and individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In: Hoffman DJ, Rattner BA Jr, Burton GA, Cairns J Jr (eds) Handbook of ecotoxicology. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL, pp 341–371

    Google Scholar 

  • Arfsten DP, Schaeffer DJ, Mulveny DC (1996) The effects of near ultraviolet radiation on the toxic effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in animals and plants: a review. Ecotox Environ Safe 33:1–24

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Blaustein AR, Romansic JM, Kiesecker JM, Hatch AC (2003) Ultraviolet radiation, toxic chemicals and amphibian population declines. Divers Distrib 9:123–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bommarito T (2009) Toxicity of sediments containing coal-tar pavement sealants to Notophthalmus viridescens and Ambystoma maculatum, surrogate species for Eurycea sosorum. Master’s of Science Thesis, Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL

  • Boone MD, Semlitsch RD (2001) Interactions of an insecticide with larval density and predation in experimental amphibian communities. Conserv Biol 15:228–238

    Google Scholar 

  • Bryer PJ, Elliott JN, Willingham EJ (2006) The effects of coal-tar based pavement sealer on amphibian development and metamorphosis. Ecotoxicology 15:241–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chippindale PT, Price AH, Hills DM (1993) A new species of perennibranchiate salamander (Eurycea: Plethodontidae) from Austin, Texas. Herpetologica 49:248–259

    Google Scholar 

  • Crunkilton RL, DeVita WM (1997) Determination of aqueous concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an urban stream. Chemosphere 35:1447–1463

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Diamond SA, Mount DR, Burhkard LP, Ankley GT, Makynen EA, Leonard EN (2000) Effect of irradiance spectra on the photoinduced toxicity of three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Environ Toxicol Chem 19:1389–1396

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Eisler R (2000) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In: Eisler R (ed) Handbook of chemical risk assessment: health hazards to humans, plants and animals. Vol. 2. Organics. Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton, FL, pp 1343–1412

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez M, l’Haridan J (1992) Influence of lighting conditions on toxicity and genotoxicity of various PAH in the newt in vivo. Mutat Res 298:31–41

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez M, l’Haridan J (1994) Effects of light on the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of benzo[a]pyrene and oil refinery effluent in the newt. Environ Mol Mutagen 24:124–126

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flamarique IN, Ovaska K, Davis TM (2000) UV-B induced damage to the skin and ocular system of amphibians. Biol Bull 199:187–188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garrigues P, Djomo JE, Ferrier V, Dauta A, Mokiedje A, Movondo Ze A, Narbonne JF (2004) Toxicokinetics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated sediment by the amphibian larvae (Pleurodeles waltl). Polycycl Arom Comp 24:207–219

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gauthier L, Van Der Gaag MA, l’Haridan J, Ferrier V, Fernandez M (1993) In vivo detection of waste water and industrial effluent genotoxicity use of the newt micronucleus test (Jaylet Test). Sci Total Environ 138:249–269

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grinfield S, Jaylet A, Siboulet R, Deparis P, Chourounlinkov I (1986) Micronuclei in red blood cells of the newt, Pleuodeles waltl, after treatment with benzo[a]pyrene: dependence on dose, length of exposure, post-treatment time, and uptake of the drug. Environ Mut 8:41

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hatch AC, Burton GA (1998) Effects of photoinduced toxicity of fluoranthene on amphibian embryos and larvae. Environ Toxicol Chem 17:1777–1785

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hayward JMR, Ingersoll CG, Whites DW, Little EE (2002) Toxicity assessment of sediments from the Barton Springs watershed, Austin, Texas, USA. U.S. Geological Survey Report, Columbia, MO

  • Hedtke SF, Puglisi FA (1982) Short-term toxicity of five oils to four freshwater species. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 11:425–430

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jaylet A (1971) Creation d’une lignei homozygote pour une translocation reciproque chez l’amphibien Pleurodeles waltli. Chemosphere 34:383–423

    Google Scholar 

  • Kagan J, Kagan PA, Buhse HE Jr (1984) Light-dependent toxicity of alpha-terthienyl and anthracene toward late embryonic stages of Rana pipiens. J Chem Ecol 10:1115–1122

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lefcort HK, Hancock A, Maur KM, Rostal DC (1997) The effects of used motor oil, silt, and water mold, Saprolegnia parasitica on the growth and survival of mole salamanders (Genus Ambystoma). Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 32:383–388

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • MacDonald DD, Ingersoll CG, Berger T (2000) Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 39:20–31

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mahler BJ, Van Metre PC, Wilson JT (2003) Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and major and trace elements in simulated rainfall from parking lots. U.S. Geological Survey, Austin, TX

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahler BJ, Van Metre PC, Bashara TJ, Wilson JT, Johns DA (2005) Parking lot sealcoat: an unrecognized source of urban polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Environ Sci Technol 39:5560–5566

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McGrath EA, Alexander MM (1979) Observations on the exposure of larval bullfrogs to fuel oil. Trans NE Sect Wildlife Soc 36:45–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Meintieres S, Biola A, Pallardy M, Marzin D (2001) Apoptosis can be a confusing factor in vitro clastogenic assays. Mutagenesis 16:243–250

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Monson PD, Call DJ, Cox DA, Liber K, Ankley GT (1999) Photoinduced toxicity of fluoranthene to northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens). Environ Toxicol Chem 18:308–312

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Noshiro M, Omura T (1984) Microsomal monoxygenase system in frog livers. Comp Biochem Physiol 77B:761–767

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Relyea RA (2004) Synergistic impacts of Malathion and predatory stress on six species of North American tadpoles. Environ Toxicol Chem 23:1080–1084

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Salo HM, Jokinen EL, Markkula SE, Aaltonen TM (2007) Ultraviolet B irradiation modulates the immune system of fish (Rutilus rutilus, Cyprinidae) II: blood. Photochem Photobiol 71:65–70

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanzo D, Hecnar SJ (2006) Effects of road de-icing salt (NaCl) on larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica). Environ Pollut 140:247–256

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schwen RJ, Mannering GJ (1982) Hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent monoxygenase systems of the trout, frog and snake. II. Monoxygenase activities. Comp Biochem Physiol 71B:437–443

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scoggins M, McClintock NL, Gosselink L (2007) Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons below coal-tar-sealed parking lots and effects on stream benthic macroinvertebrate communities. J N Am Benthol Soc 26:693–706

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sparling DW (2000) Ecotoxicology of organic contaminants to amphibians. In: Sparling DW, Linder G, Bishop CA (eds) Ecotoxicology of amphibians and reptiles. SETAC Press, Pensacola, FL, pp 461–494

    Google Scholar 

  • Tietge JE, Diamond SA, Ankley GT, Defoe DL, Holcombe GW, Jensen KM, Degitz SJ, Elonen GE, Hammer E (2001) Ambient solar UV radiation causes mortality in larvae of three species of Rana under controlled exposure conditions. Photochem Photobiol 74:261–268

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2002) Report on Carcinogens, 10th edn. National Toxicology Program, Public Health Service. Research Triangle Park, NC

  • [USEPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1986) Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/testmethods/sw846/pdfs/8100.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb 2010

  • [USEPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1994) Soxhlet extraction. http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/testmethods/sw846/pdfs/3541.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb 2010

  • [USEPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1996a) Separatory funnel liquid–liquid extraction. http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/testmethods/sw846/pdfs/3510c.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb 2010

  • [USEPA] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1996b) Silica gel cleanup. http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/testmethods/sw846/pdfs/3630c.pdf. Accessed 25 Feb 2010

  • [USFWS] U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1997) Endangered and threatened wildlife and plants; Final rule to list the Barton Springs Salamander as endangered. Fed Regist 62(83):23377–23392. 60 CFR Part 17, RIN1018-AC22. Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Metre PC, Mahler BJ, Furlong ET (2000) Urban sprawl leaves its PAH signature. Environ Sci Technol 34:4064–4070

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van Noort PCM (2009) Estimation of amorphous organic carbon/water partition coefficients, subcooled aqueous solubilities, and n-octanol/water distribution coefficients of alkylbenzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Chemosphere 74:1018–1023

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vojinovic-Miloradov M, Buzzrov D, Adamov J, Simic S, Popovic E (1996) Determination of polychlorinated biphenyls and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in frog liver. Water Sci Technol 34:152–156

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker SE, Taylor DH, Oris JT (1998) Behavioral and histopathological effects of fluoranthene on bullfrog larvae (Rana catesbeiana). Environ Toxicol Chem 17:734–739

    CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Barton Springs Conservation Fund. The City of Austin, particularly D. Chamberlain and L. Gosselink provided input about the natural environment of E. sosorum and dried sealants. E. Little advised us on lighting, S. Diamond provided the radiometer. Laboratory assistance was provided by M. Steffen and T. Trimble conducted the chemical analyses.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory, MS 6504, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA

    Thomas Bommarito, Donald W. Sparling & Richard S. Halbrook

Authors
  1. Thomas Bommarito
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Donald W. Sparling
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Richard S. Halbrook
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Donald W. Sparling.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bommarito, T., Sparling, D.W. & Halbrook, R.S. Toxicity of coal-tar pavement sealants and ultraviolet radiation to Ambystoma Maculatum . Ecotoxicology 19, 1147–1156 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-010-0498-8

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-010-0498-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation