Effects of nitrate and ammonium on larvae of Rana temporaria from the Pyrenees.

In order to investigate the effects of nitrate and ammonium on the amphibians in a pasture zone of the Catalonian Pyrenees, larvae of Rana temporaria from several ponds were exposed to different concentrations of nitrate (0-500 mg/L) and ammonium (0-1.2 mg/L). High concentrations of nitrate in the water caused mortality and reduced larval size of R. temporaria, whereas no effects on larvae were observed in ammonium conditions. The results suggest that, if the levels of nitrate reach about 100 mg/L, the possibility of survival of R. temporaria larvae may be reduced.