Assessing the Impact of Chemical Algae Management Strategies on Anurans and Aquatic Communities.

This article examines the effects of two common pond management chemicals—Aquashade, a nontoxic pond dye, and copper sulfate, a toxic algaecide—on the metamorphosis of three amphibian species: American toad (Anaxyrus americanus), northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens), and Cope's gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis). Conducted through outdoor mesocosm experiments, the study found no significant impact of these chemicals at recommended or lower concentrations on amphibian survival, growth, or development. In contrast, the presence of tadpoles notably reduced algal abundance (phytoplankton and periphyton) more effectively than chemical treatments, suggesting that tadpole grazing may serve as a natural method for controlling algal overgrowth and maintaining water quality in residential ponds. The findings highlight the potential ecological benefits of fostering amphibian populations in managed ponds while indicating that commonly used chemical treatments may have minimal direct effects on these amphibians under the tested conditions.