Amphibians and Wastewater

Question 1

Wastewater Treatment
Conventional

Answer 1

Release treated effluent to surface water
Can deplete groundwater, cause eutrophication

Question 2

THE “LIVING FILTER” PREMISE

Answer 2

Spray effluent onto soils
Soil and organisms remove N, P, other impurities
Replenishes groundwater supplies

Question 3

“Artificial Rain”
CAMPUS WASTEWATER PLANT

Answer 3

Treats campus water (in Penn State) only up to 4 million gallons/day sprayed

Question 4

TWE effluent Chemistry

Answer 4

High levels of N & P
High levels of Na, Ca, K, Mg

Question 5

Habitat alternations of irrigation

Answer 5

1. Wetland Formation
2. More Weedy Vegetation
3. Ice damage
4. Less leaf litter
5. Increase in pond plant life

Question 6

Effects on Animals
BIRDS & SMALL MAMMALS

Answer 6

Irrigated areas more diverse, less even shift toward
Not even/uneven: Not an equal amount

Question 7

The amphibian effect
BIOINDICATORS

Answer 7

• Complex life cycle
• Permeable eggs/ gills/ skim
• Ectothermy
• Rapid growth rates

Question 8

DEFORMITIES

Answer 8

Widespread, varying causes

Question 9

DECLINES

Answer 9

Some populations declining

Question 10

Vernal (temporary) Pond Amphibians
Wood Frog

Answer 10

Rana Sylvatica

Question 11

Vernal (temporary) Pond Amphibians
Jefferson Salamander

Answer 11

Ambystoma Jeffersonianism

Question 12

Vernal (temporary) Pond Amphibians
Spotted Salamander

Answer 12

Ambystoma Maculatum