Application of Surface-Water Microlayer Sampler in the Hydrologic Assessment of Frog Malformations in Minnesota

Since the summer of 1993, frog malformations have been reported throughout North America, including over 150 sites in 54 counties of Minnesota. Water-quality analyses of bulk water (grab) samples collected at more than 20 frog malformation sites have yet to indicate any direct relationships between water quality and frog malformation rates. However, many potential contaminants to frog egg masses, metamorphs, and adults are hydrophobic or have a strong association with floating particles that may accumulate in microlayers found on the surface of water bodies. To assess surface microlayer chemistry, a radio-controlled catamaran sampler was developed to collect hydrophobic microlayer samples using a rotating Teflon-coated drum. The drum was positioned to sit approximately 0.5 inch in the surface-water body. Samples were collected on the rotating drum, extracted off the rotating drum using a series of wiper-blades, and funneled into Teflon collection pans. A series of water samples were collected using three different techniques to determine if any relationships exist between the water quality of the surface microlayer and/or lower waters and frog malformation rates. Grab, upper-surface, and microlayer samples were collected during June, August and October 2001 at four surface-water bodies. Grab samples were collected through Teflon tubing held throughout the vertical water column, while upper-surface water samples were collected through Teflon tubing held at the water surface. Microlayer samples were collected using the designed sampler. Collected water samples were analyzed for major ions, trace elements, nutrients, total mercury, dissolved organic carbon, pesticides, hormones, isoflavones, and a series of waste-water constituents. In 2000, frog malformation rates were above 5% at two of the sites, and rates were less than 1% at the other two sites. Available results from water-quality analyses will be presented.