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Environmental Science & ecology.

Article Excerpt
Effects of the Biological Pesticide, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, on Frog Larvae Development. Meredith Harleton and Janet L. Vigna, Grand Valley State University, Department of Biology

Chemical insecticides are pervasively applied to farm fields, gardens, ponds, golf courses, wetlands, streams and roadside ditches for the control of select insect populations. However, the killing mechanism of these chemicals, largely neurotoxins, is not selective, hut can adversely affect the physiology of any animal. As widespread use of chemical insecticides continues, and issues of pesticide runoff, bioaccumulation and ground water contamination are illuminated, there is mounting concern for the effects these chemicals have on humans and complex, natural communities. One alternative to traditional insecticide application is the commercial use of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Bti is a toxin-producing bacterium naturally found in soil. Upon ingestion, Bti toxin selectively kills specific orders of insects by causing a disruption in the ion balance in the membranes of midgut cells. While Bti has been deemed "nontoxic" for selected fish and mammalian wildlife, studies have not been performed on sensitive amphibian populations or any natural community. This paper presents data showing the direct effects of Bti on frog larvae development and the implications these effects may have on the balance of organisms in aquatic communities. In addition, designs for future mesocosm community studies will be discussed.

Prioritizing Public Open Space Purchases Using Environmental Benefit Scores and Acquisition Costs. Erik E. Nordman and John E. Wagner, Grand Valley State University, Biology Department

Rapid land cover change has prompted public agencies and...