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JustinF · 05-30-2009, 09:12 PM

If you like that, you are going to love this....

Document title:
Rainfall chemistry composition in two ecosystems in the northeastern Brazilian Amazon (Amapá State)

Abstract:
The rainfall chemical composition in two Amazonian ecosystems, a terra firme forest (dense tropical rain forest) and the cerrado (savanna) are presented. Both areas are located in the northeast Brazilian Amazon (Amapá State). This study evaluated the statistical differences in the rainfall chemistry, as well as the deposition through rainfall, for each ecosystem. The chemical species evaluated in the rainwater were Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NH4+, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, Fe3+, Al3+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ for both ecosystems. Factor analysis for the terra firme ecosystem indicated that there is a significant difference between the dry and wet periods in the rainfall chemical composition, indicating a biomass-burning signature (K+ in association with Zn2+). High deposition of solutes, except for Mn2+ and Cl-, was also observed during the dry period. Comparison between the terra firme and cerrado rainfall chemistry showed statistical differences in concentration for the marine species (Na+ and Cl-) and for the soil dust species (Al3+, Fe3+, and Mn2+). The sea-salt and biogenic sources of chemical species in terra firme forest rainwater are equally important. The site nearer to the sea (cerrado) has rainfall chemistry dominated by species having marine origins. The terra firme forest also has rainfall chemistry dominated by marine origin species, although the biogenic and soil dust origin species are highly significant at this site. Also in the terra firme a biomass-burning signature was observed. The amount of sea salt deposited was more than 50% larger in the cerrado owing to its proximity to the shore.

So what does this tell us?

Rainwater falling on the Rainforest contains both macro and trace elements, and I am pretty sure the same rain falling on the plants is falling on the frogs. This is relevant because of the permeable nature of the frogs skin. One can assume that the frogs are absorbing elements and compounds through their skin, so what is the rain, is in them. We know this is possible because of the success shown dosing frogs's backs with calcium gluconate.

No studies have been done that I am aware of that discuss this issue, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if the frogs acquire a certain amount of the minerals and vitamins they require from the rainfall through absorption. Add to that the fact they are known is soak themselves in water. What if they get more from soaking then just H2O?

In my opinion there is great potential to learn and possibly progress the state of the Dart Frog hobby if more open minded people would consider these fact and we had a whole lot less "You will kill your frogs with chemicals" regurgitation. I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if there was a correlation between water quality and SLS.

I would really love to get that full article.

Thoughts?

05-30-2009, 09:12 PM	#26 (permalink)
JustinF Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Port Moody BC, Canada Posts: 34 Real Name: Justin Fournier	If you like that, you are going to love this.... Document title: Rainfall chemistry composition in two ecosystems in the northeastern Brazilian Amazon (Amapá State) Abstract: The rainfall chemical composition in two Amazonian ecosystems, a terra firme forest (dense tropical rain forest) and the cerrado (savanna) are presented. Both areas are located in the northeast Brazilian Amazon (Amapá State). This study evaluated the statistical differences in the rainfall chemistry, as well as the deposition through rainfall, for each ecosystem. The chemical species evaluated in the rainwater were Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NH4+, Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, Fe3+, Al3+, Zn2+, and Mn2+ for both ecosystems. Factor analysis for the terra firme ecosystem indicated that there is a significant difference between the dry and wet periods in the rainfall chemical composition, indicating a biomass-burning signature (K+ in association with Zn2+). High deposition of solutes, except for Mn2+ and Cl-, was also observed during the dry period. Comparison between the terra firme and cerrado rainfall chemistry showed statistical differences in concentration for the marine species (Na+ and Cl-) and for the soil dust species (Al3+, Fe3+, and Mn2+). The sea-salt and biogenic sources of chemical species in terra firme forest rainwater are equally important. The site nearer to the sea (cerrado) has rainfall chemistry dominated by species having marine origins. The terra firme forest also has rainfall chemistry dominated by marine origin species, although the biogenic and soil dust origin species are highly significant at this site. Also in the terra firme a biomass-burning signature was observed. The amount of sea salt deposited was more than 50% larger in the cerrado owing to its proximity to the shore. So what does this tell us? Rainwater falling on the Rainforest contains both macro and trace elements, and I am pretty sure the same rain falling on the plants is falling on the frogs. This is relevant because of the permeable nature of the frogs skin. One can assume that the frogs are absorbing elements and compounds through their skin, so what is the rain, is in them. We know this is possible because of the success shown dosing frogs's backs with calcium gluconate. No studies have been done that I am aware of that discuss this issue, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if the frogs acquire a certain amount of the minerals and vitamins they require from the rainfall through absorption. Add to that the fact they are known is soak themselves in water. What if they get more from soaking then just H2O? In my opinion there is great potential to learn and possibly progress the state of the Dart Frog hobby if more open minded people would consider these fact and we had a whole lot less "You will kill your frogs with chemicals" regurgitation. I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if there was a correlation between water quality and SLS. I would really love to get that full article. Thoughts?