Evaluation of arsenic biotransformation by Iberian green frog during metamorphosis

Abstract

This study examined the effects of arsenic exposure and the biotransformation capacity of developing Iberian green frogs (Rana perezi) with the main aim of finding valid biomarkers to monitor pollution and toxicological problems. Total arsenic concentration and arsenic species distribution were determined using liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS). The level of accumulation of arsenic and its species distribution differed depending on the metamorphosis stage and level of exposure. Tetramethylarsonium cation was the major compound detected and continuously increased in concentration during frog development. Results suggest that rather low As accumulation is obtained and that Rana perezi metabolised arsenic during embryonic and larval development.