Morphological Deformities of Green Toad (Bufo viridis) Tadpoles Caused by Petroleum Products

Abstract

Environmental pollution with oil and petroleum products leads to a decrease in animal
biodiversity and human diseases. Due to the intense pollution of Kazakhstan’s water bodies located
on the territory of oil producing regions, the purpose of this study was to study the effect of different
concentrations of water-soluble fraction of oil (WSFO) on the growth and development of green
toad (Bufo viridis). This species of anuran amphibians is widespread in Kazakhstan, which is
especially important given the aridity of the lands of the oil-producing regions. A subchronic and
chronic exposure to three concentrations of WSFO on the tadpoles of the green toad (Bufo viridis)
was carried out. The results of the study revealed suppression of growth (size and weight) and a
developmental delay in tadpoles from experimental groups by 1.6-1.8-fold. Moreover, developmental
malformations such as axial curvature, edema,tail malformation, head malformations, pigmentation
alteration were observed. Thus, exposure to WSFO suppresses the growth and development of the
green toad Bufo viridis).