Xenopus laevis embryos and tadpoles as models for testing for pollution by zinc, copper, lead and cadmium
Abstract
The toxicity of bio available Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd on the life stages of Xenopus laevis embryos and tadpoles was investigated. Cu and Cd were found to affect the hatching success of the embryos, with a strong negative relationship existing between the increase in Cu concentrations and the hatching of the embryos. Only concentrations above 0.6 ppm Cd affected the hatching of the embryos. All metals affected the survival of tadpoles over the seven days of exposure, with Zn and Cu showing a steady...