Evaluation of the cytome (micronuclei and nuclear anomalies) in Lithobates spectabilis from two ponds in La Caridad Cuaxonacayo, Ixtacuixtla
Authors: Martinez Pablo Martinez , Morales Nayelli Reyes , Aguilar Getsemaliel Cortés , Romano Esmeralda Sierra , Sanchez-Alarcón Juana , Valencia-Quintana Rafael 
Published: January 2025

The increase in industrial and agricultural activities in Mexico has led to higher environmental pollution, affecting surface water quality and, consequently, biodiversity. Jagüeyes, water bodies formed by runoff, are particularly vulnerable to pollutants, with their concentration depending on surrounding land uses such as agriculture and pesticide application. Pesticide pollution negatively impacts local biodiversity by harming aquatic organisms. Jagüeyes serve as refuges for various species, some of which can act as bioindicators of water quality. One example is Lithobates spectabilis, whose aquatic-terrestrial life cycle and permeable skin make it suitable for evaluating the effects of pollution. This study analyzed genotoxic damage in L. spectabilis using biomarkers such as micronuclei (MN) and erythrocytic abnormalities (EA) in two jagüeyes in Cuaxonacayo. Three adult specimens were collected, and their blood samples were analyzed for abnormalities. The results showed an MN frequency of 0 in the control group, 0.7% in zone A, and 0.33% in zone B. Although there were significant differences between the contaminated zones and the control (p<0.001), no differences were observed between zones A and B. The results indicate that the jagüeyes in Cuaxonacayo have pollution levels affecting the genetic integrity of L. spectabilis, which could impact local biodiversity in the long term. Further research on the xenobiotics present in the water is recommended.
The increase in industrial and agricultural activities in Mexico has led to higher environmental pollution, affecting surface water quality and, consequently, biodiversity. Jagüeyes, water bodies formed by runoff, are particularly vulnerable to pollutants, with their concentration depending on surrounding land uses such as agriculture and pesticide application. Pesticide pollution negatively impacts local biodiversity by harming aquatic organisms. Jagüeyes serve as refuges for various species, some of which can act as bioindicators of water quality. One example is Lithobates spectabilis, whose aquatic-terrestrial life cycle and permeable skin make it suitable for evaluating the effects of pollution. This study analyzed genotoxic damage in L. spectabilis using biomarkers such as micronuclei (MN) and erythrocytic abnormalities (EA) in two jagüeyes in Cuaxonacayo. Three adult specimens were collected, and their blood samples were analyzed for abnormalities. The results showed an MN frequency of 0 in the control group, 0.7% in zone A, and 0.33% in zone B. Although there were significant differences between the contaminated zones and the control (p<0.001), no differences were observed between zones A and B. The results indicate that the jagüeyes in Cuaxonacayo have pollution levels affecting the genetic integrity of L. spectabilis, which could impact local biodiversity in the long term. Further research on the xenobiotics present in the water is recommended.