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Chronic Effects of Fluoride Exposure on Growth, Metamorphosis, and Skeleton Development in Bufo gargarizans Larvae

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Abstract

Bufo gargarizans tadpoles were chronically exposed to waterborne fluoride at measured concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 61.2 mg F−/L for 70 days from Gosner stage 26 to completion of metamorphosis. The chronic exposure caused a concentration-dependent mortality in all tested fluoride concentrations. Total length, snout-to-vent length (SVL), body mass, and developmental stage of tadpoles were significantly inhibited at 42.6 mg F−/L. In addition, significant metamorphic delay and increase in size at completion of metamorphosis occurred after exposure to 19.8 mg F−/L. Moreover, 19.8 mg F−/L suppressed the bone mineralization of larvae at completion of metamorphosis. However, the bone mineralization could be enhanced by 4.1 mg F−/L. In conclusion, our results suggested that the presence of high concentrations of fluoride could increase mortality risk, delay metamorphosis, and suppress skeletal ossification in B. gargarizans larvae.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41401570; 31572222) and Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province, China (No. 2015JQ4098). We sincerely thank Dr. Gang Wang from University of Kentucky for his help in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710054, People’s Republic of China

    Lihong Chai & Suiming Dong

  2. Key Laboratory of Subsurface Hydrology and Ecological Effects in Arid Region, Ministry of Education, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710054, China

    Lihong Chai & Suiming Dong

  3. College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, 710062, China

    Hongyuan Wang & Hongfeng Zhao

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  1. Lihong Chai
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  2. Hongyuan Wang
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  3. Hongfeng Zhao
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  4. Suiming Dong
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Correspondence to Suiming Dong.

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Chai, L., Wang, H., Zhao, H. et al. Chronic Effects of Fluoride Exposure on Growth, Metamorphosis, and Skeleton Development in Bufo gargarizans Larvae. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 98, 496–501 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-017-2036-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-017-2036-3

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