Murray State University
The Effects of Plastics on Sexual Development in Axolotl Salamanders (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Institution
Murray State University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Howard Whiteman
Abstract
Estrogen mimicking chemicals, known as xenoestrogens, are becoming more apparent as the science and health community earnestly searches for the effects they have on living organisms. The most common place to find xenoestrogens is in various types of plastics used on a daily basis. We tested for definite sex-altering effects that plastics containing xenoestrogens have on Axolotl salamanders (Ambystoma mexicanum) by hatching and raising experimental salamanders in three types of plastic containers used for food storage. Larva raised in glass fish tanks acted as controls. Research is ongoing, and will be completed in December 2006. The gender ratios at maturity will reveal the effects if any that the xenoestrogens that leeched into the water had on developing salamanders. These results could cause many people to reevaluate the use of plastic products in their daily life, especially those associated with fluids.
The Effects of Plastics on Sexual Development in Axolotl Salamanders (Ambystoma mexicanum)
Estrogen mimicking chemicals, known as xenoestrogens, are becoming more apparent as the science and health community earnestly searches for the effects they have on living organisms. The most common place to find xenoestrogens is in various types of plastics used on a daily basis. We tested for definite sex-altering effects that plastics containing xenoestrogens have on Axolotl salamanders (Ambystoma mexicanum) by hatching and raising experimental salamanders in three types of plastic containers used for food storage. Larva raised in glass fish tanks acted as controls. Research is ongoing, and will be completed in December 2006. The gender ratios at maturity will reveal the effects if any that the xenoestrogens that leeched into the water had on developing salamanders. These results could cause many people to reevaluate the use of plastic products in their daily life, especially those associated with fluids.