Impact Type: Deposition of pollutant
Key Concerns:
There is evidence from laboratory studies that low pH and high aluminium concentrations have a negative effect on fertilisation and embryonic survival (Beattie et al. 1992, Beattie & Tylerjones 1992). However, field studies have shown that low pH has no direct effect on fertilisation and embryonic survival, but factors which are highly correlated with pH, such as low temperature and high Al concentration, do reduce survival (Beattie et al. 1991). Adult frogs are highly tolerant of low pH and are an important vertebrate predator in bog ecosystems (Marnell 1998).
Additional Comments:
There is concern about the decline and loss of amphibian populations on a global scale (Alford & Richards 1999). Amphibian growth and development is also effected by temperature. The effect of acidification will potentially be greater in the north due to the lower ETS.
| Critical Load/ Level |
|---|
|
No estimate available |