Xenopus laevis embryos and tadpoles as biological indicators of acidic waters

Abstract

Xenopus laevis embryos and tadpoles show graded responses in terms of their hatching success, growth rate and incidence of malformations when exposed to acidity. These responses mean that they are good bioindicators of acidic waters. Exposure to a pH less than 3 results in death of all embryos and tadpoles as a result of an accelerated decline in body sodium due to sodium efflux. pH 4 affects the hatching success, growth and the incidence of malformation among embryos and tadpoles. pH 5 and pH 6 do not appear to have any detrimental effects on embryos or tadpoles.