Synergistic toxicity of cadmium and triadimefon on the microbiota and health of Rana dybowskii tadpoles

The skin and gut microbiota are crucial to amphibians. Triadimefon (TF), a widely used triazole fungicide, controls crop diseases and regulates growth, with uncertain effects on amphibian microbiota. Contamination, typically involving mixed chemicals at low concentrations, including cadmium (Cd) and TF, may detrimentally affect amphibian growth, survival, and microbiota health in both the skin and gut, but few research has examined these consequences. This research examines the impact of Cd and TF on Rana dybowskii tadpoles, focusing on survival, body mass, and microbiome changes over 28 days across four groups: control, Cd, TF, and Cd + TF groups. Results showed significant reductions in survival and body mass in Cd and TF-treated groups, with the combination group being the most affected. Microbiota analysis revealed significant dysbiosis in both gut and skin microbiomes under pollutant stress, with a marked microbiota and a shift in dominant microbial communities. Function prediction analysis based on the microbiome composition highlighted significant differences across various biological pathways, including metabolism, immune system, environmental adaptation, and disease resistance. These alterations suggest that pollutant exposure compromises the tadpoles' ability to maintain homeostasis and resist pathogens. In conclusion, this study reveals the detrimental effects of Cd and TF on the survival, growth, and microbiomes of R. dybowskii tadpoles, indicating significant environmental and health risks.