Open literature Review Summary 

Chemical Name: Atrazine 

CAS No: 1912-24-9

ECOTOX Reference Number and Citation: 166446 

Dornelles M.F. and G.T. Oliveira. 2014. Effect of Atrazine, Glyphosate and Quinclorac on 

Biochemical Parameters, Lipid Peroxidation and Survival in Bullfrog Tadpoles (Lithobates 

catesbeianus). Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 66(3): 415-429. 

Purpose of Review: Registration Review

Date of Assessment: 10/23/2015 

Brief Summary of Study Findings: This study examined the effects of atrazine at 5, 10 and 20 

μg/L on bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus) on biochemical parameters, lipid 

peroxidation and survival. Biochemical parameters analyzed included glycogen, total lipids, 

triglycerides, cholesterol and total proteins in liver, gill and muscle. Atrazine exposure induced 

significant changes in all biochemical parameters analyzed and increased lipid peroxidation 

levels, with significant impacts to glycogen stores in all compartments. No significant changes in 

growth or survival in treatment groups as compared to controls were noted at the end of 14 

days. 

Methods: Live tadpoles were acquired from a commercial frog at 4 months of age and were in 

the larval Gosner stage 26 according to Gosner (1960). Animals were placed in 22 aquariums 

each containing 12 L of water (n = 12), with constant aeration, ĂǁĂƚĞƌƚĞŵƉĞƌĂƚƵƌĞŽĨϮϮцϮ͕

pH 6.2 ± 0.3, and a 12-h light-to-dark cycle. The tadpoles were fed (5 % of their biomass) once 

daily with the same fish feed used in the commercial frog farm. Animals were acclimated for 7 

days with exposure occurring on day 8. Experimental design consisted of two replicates for each 

exposure concentration of 5, 10 and 20 ug/L atrazine. Commercial formulation of atrazine was 

used (Primo ́leo, 400 g/L; Syngenta). The exposure period was 7 days with atrazine being applied 

only once in liquid formulation and dissolved in distilled water. Animals were sacrificed b the 

freezing method in treatment groups at day 14 and in control groups at days 7 and 14. Left and 

right gills, liver and muscle were removed and tissue specimens were then used for biochemical 

analysis of the levels of glycogen, total protein, lipids, cholesterol, and triglycerides as well as 

evaluation of lipid peroxidation levels for each treatment level and controls. 

Results: Significant differences (p<0.05) from controls were noted in the atrazine test 

concentrations below: 

Tissue 

tested 

Glycogen Total 

protein 

Lipids Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipid 

Peroxidation 

(ug/L) 

Gill 5, 10, 20 None 5, 10, 20 None 5, 10 5, 10, 20 

Liver 5, 10, 20 5, 10, 20 5, 10, 20 5, 10, 20 5, 10, 20 5, 10, 20 

Muscle 5, 10, 20 5, 10, 201 5, 10, 20 5, 10, 20 5, 10, 20 5, 10, 20 1

 Significant difference only noted when compared to control group sacrificed at 7 days. 
No significance differences were noted in weight or survival of atrazine treated animals as 

compared to controls. 

Description of Use in Document: Qualitative. This study is of sufficient quality for inclusion in 

risk assessment. 

Rationale for Use: The study provides information on sublethal effects of atrazine on 

biochemical parameters as well as growth and survival in bullfrog tadpoles. 

Limitations of the Study: Nominal concentrations are only reported; there is no inclusion of 

measured concentrations in control or treatment groups. 

Reported water quality parameters were dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature. No water 

renewal was noted during the 7 day treatment period. Constant aeration was reported. 

Reviewer: Colleen M. Rossmeisl, DVM; ERB3, Environmental Fate and Effects Division COLLEEN 

ROSSMEISL

Digitally signed by COLLEEN 

ROSSMEISL 

DN: c=US, o=U.S. Government, 

ou=USEPA, ou=Staff, cn=COLLEEN 

ROSSMEISL, dnQualifier=0000069649 

Date: 2016.04.07 17:56:35 -04'00'