Source link : https://earth-news.info/general/antibiotic-pollution-could-accelerate-amphibian-decline-by-turning-a-potential-solution-into-a-threat-phys-org/
Antibiotic pollution, a growing concern in ecosystems worldwide, may inadvertently be hastening the decline of amphibian populations, according to new research highlighted by Phys.org. Once viewed as a potential tool to combat deadly amphibian diseases, antibiotics are now emerging as a double-edged sword-transforming from a hopeful solution into a hidden environmental threat. Scientists warn that the presence of these drugs in natural habitats could disrupt microbial communities crucial to amphibian health, ultimately exacerbating the crisis facing these vulnerable species.
Antibiotic Contamination Disrupts Amphibian Microbiomes Undermining Natural Disease Resistance
Emerging research highlights a critical environmental threat posed by antibiotic contamination in natural habitats, particularly aquatic ecosystems where amphibians thrive. These pollutants, often originating from agricultural runoff and improper pharmaceutical disposal, interfere with the delicate balance of amphibian skin microbiomes. This microbial community plays an essential role in protecting amphibians against deadly pathogens such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a fungus responsible for widespread declines. When antibiotics disrupt this microbial shield, amphibians become more vulnerable to infections, turning what once was a natural defense mechanism into a liability.
A closer look at the impact reveals alarming changes documented across affected amphibian populations:
- Reduced…
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Author : earthnews
Publish date : 2025-09-16 02:37:00
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