~ 241 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2014; 2 (5): 241-245 ISSN 2320-7078 JEZS 2014; 2 (5): 241-245 © 2014 JEZS Received: 19-07-2014 Accepted: 18-08-2014 Kalsoom Shaikhi Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080 Pakistan Institute of A dvanced Research in chemical sciences, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080 P akistan. Saima Qayoom Memon Institute of Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080 Pakistan. Gulam Serwar Gachal Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080 Pakistan. Rafi uz Zaman Brohi Institute of A dvanced Research in chemical sciences, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080 P akistan. Mohammad Yusuf Shaikh Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080 Pakistan. Correspondence: Kalsoom Shaikh Department of Zoology, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080 Pakistan Institute of Advanced Research in chemical sciences, University of Sindh, Jamshoro 76080 Pakistan. Assessment of Physico-chemical parameters in the amphibian environment in District Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan Kalsoom Shaikh, Saima Qayoom Memon, Gulam Serwar Gachal, Rafi uz Zaman Brohi, Mohammad Yusuf Shaikh Abstract Amphibians are integral part of global diversity since these wild animals play a significant role in maintaining ecosystem within balanced state and occupy a distinct position of economic importance. Therefore their decline is a main issue caused by many reasons including environmental contamination. In the perspective of non-optimal impact of contaminants on amphibians, present study proposed to evaluate Physico-chemical parameters in their environment for the period of one year (2013) in District Hyderabad. The parameters: pH, electric conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were analyzed by using pH meter and conductivity meter. The results indicated water contamination in all eight amphibian dwellings due to EC (3277.9±1301.2) and TDS (2071.7±562.7), while pH was within normal value. This unsuitable environmental condition may make amphibian survival difficult in the study area. Keywords: Amphibian environment, Physico-chemical parameters, District Hyderabad, Pakistan. 1. Introduction Suitable environmental conditions are necessary for the steady survival of all living organisms such as amphibians which cannot resist against unfavorable water quality. Water contamination has dreadful effects on their development and survival especially their eggs and larvae are more vulnerable [1] . The research on amphibian conservation has been conducted in several parts of the world from where 34 amphibian species are recorded as extinct since 1980 mainly because of water pollution [2, 3] . Therefore present study was planned to analyse some important parameters (pH, EC and TDS) to record the rate of chemical contamination in amphibian’s aquatic ambient. pH is one of the prominent chemical characteristics that have adverse effects on amphibians [4] . Extremely low pH may stop embryo development by preventing the enzymes that induce hatching [5] . In this condition jelly and membranes surrounding eggs become withered and tough due to acidic water which makes eggs unable to hatch [6] . Acidic water also interferes with normal metamorphosis of hatchlings and may lead them to mortality [7] . The variation in pH value is a result of various factors including limestone outcrops, low buffering capacity, decomposition of humic substances, photosynthesis, atmospheric deposition and acidic precipitation [6] . Electric conductivity (EC) is directly proportional to the amount of salts dissolved in water thus measurement of EC actually shows concentration of electrolytes that make water conduct heat. The EC volume is affected by inorganic dissolved salts which may be negatively or positively charged ions such as chloride, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate (negatively charged) and calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron (positively charged). Amplified level of EC is reportedly destructive for the amphibian [7] . Amphibian eggs as well as larvae are severely damaged by the excessive concentration of electrolytes which may have negative effect on availability of dissolved oxygen for aquatic animals [8] . The concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) indicates a broad collection of chemical contaminants or impurities due to excessive presence of inorganic and organic substances [9] . Eggs and juveniles are more sensitive to high TDS level. This parameter is considered and even proved to induce variety of physical and physiological abnormalities into amphibians and