Toxicity of an Anionic Detergent to the Spawn and Larvae of Anurans (Amphibia)

Several experiments were performed to test the toxicity of FIT, a washing-up and general cleaning liquid containing about 10 % sodiumalkanemonosulfonate (industrial name E 30) to spawn and larvae of anura. The LC₅₀ values for spawn were between 1.62 × 10⁻³ % (Rana dalmatina) and 4.97 × 10⁻³ % (Rana temporaria). The sensitivity of anuran larvae depends on the concentration and duration of exposure to the detergent as well as on the developmental and differentiation stage of the organisms. The toxicity of FIT is not due solely to the alkanesulfonate it contains, but results from the joint action of the surfactant, polyphosphates and solvents. The results indicate that detergents may be harmful to the amphibian fauna of Central Europe.