Professional paper
The influence of environmental pollutants on the endocrine function of frogs
Doris Delač
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Lana Pađen
orcid.org/0000-0003-2841-7433
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Jasna Aladrović
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
There are about 85 species of amphibians in Europe, divided into two phylogenetic orders: Anura - frogs and toads; and Urodela, Caudata - salamanders and newts. Unfortunately, most amphibians are experiencing a decline in numbers. The main causes are habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, fungal and viral diseases, climate change and chemical pollution. Since the endocrine system of amphibians controls the very complex process of metamorphosis, chemical pollutants that cause endocrine disruption are particularly harmful to amphibians. Substances that cause endocrine disruption most often originate from agriculture, cosmetics, household cleaning products and numerous industrial byproducts. These include atrazine, bisphenol A, phthalates, which are now banned in the European Union, as well as numerous others, such as
glyphosate, the use of which can be decided by each EU member state individually. To better detect them, a bank of known endocrine disruptors has been developed, and wastewater treatment techniques such as ozonation, together with the application of activated carbon in filters, and the use of microorganisms. Despite this, endocrine disruptors continue to enter the environment due to the illegal trade in agricultural chemicals. To reduce environmental pollution, numerous laws and regulations have been passed in the last two decades, both in the European Union and worldwide, with the aim of limiting or prohibiting the use of chemical products that induce endocrine disruption in amphibians. The aim of the paper is to provide a brief insight into the state of European amphibian populations with an overview of the main threats to their health and survival, as well as to describe the endocrine system of amphibians, describe substances that cause endocrine disruption, and legal regulations related to chemicals that have a harmful effect on the endocrine system.
Keywords
endocrine system; amphibians; endocrine disruption; chemical pollutants
Hrčak ID:
329727
URI
Publication date:
1.4.2025.
Visits: 505 *