Growth of the Amphibian Pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, in Response to Chemical Properties of the Aquatic Environment

Water samples from two of 17 field sites in Arizona (USA) inhibited growth of the amphibian pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Chemical analyses of samples revealed statistically significant facilitating or inhibitory activity of certain elements. Although low levels of copper were found in environmental samples demonstrating facilitated growth, growth was inhibited at concentrations of copper sulfate (CuSO4) at or greater than 100 ppm.