Evaluation of anuran diversity and success in tertiary wastewater treatment wetlands

Abstract

Constructed wetlands (CWs) are a multifunctional environmental technology capable of supporting plant and wildlife communities and removing excess nutrients and other pollutants. Tertiary treatment wetlands have also been proposed as one solution to remove persistent pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) that remain after conventional wastewater treatment. Though aquatic wildlife is generally sensitive to environmental contaminants, it is unknown whether CWs can serve dual purposes supporting wildlife habitat and polishing wastewater. Our objective was to assess the capacity of a newly established CW for tertiary wastewater treatment to support amphibians. Specifically, we assessed adult anuran occupancy and tadpole and adult body size and condition relative to nearby unimpacted ponds. We found that a diverse community of adult anurans rapidly colonized the wetlands where successful reproduction was documented. Adult frogs and tadpoles were observed to have variable sizes among ponds with some life stages in better body condition at the tertiary treatment wetlands. Preliminary investigations suggest that tertiary treatment wetlands provide habitat for successful colonization and reproduction of anurans, but carryover effects need to be evaluated to determine if tertiary treatment wetlands serve as sinks or suitable habitat that supports stable populations.