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Dias VHV, Mattos JJ, Serafini PP, Lüchmann KH, Bainy ACD. A systematic review of the impact of chemical pollution on sea turtles: Insights from biomarkers of aquatic contamination. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:135813. [PMID: 39298959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Chemical anthropogenic contaminants in the marine environment pose a substantial threat to sea turtles. The current systematic review quantified the published literature on biomarkers of aquatic contamination in sea turtles. It examined the exposure and potential impacts of pollution at biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels, as indicated by these biomarkers. Eighty-seven primary peer-reviewed papers were included, most of which were published from 2013 onwards. Most studies focused on the species Chelonia mydas (n = 43 papers) and Caretta caretta (n = 36) and used blood samples for biomarker (n = 54) and chemical (n = 38) analyses. Chemical analyses were assessed alongside biomarker analyses in most studies (n = 71). Some studies indicated possible damage to the DNA, cells, oxidative balance, and reproduction of sea turtles associated with chemical contaminants as metals, emerging, and mixtures of organic pollutants. Research gaps and recommendations for future studies were addressed to help understand the toxicity of chemical pollutants in sea turtles. The purpose of this review is to contribute for supporting actions to mitigate the threats posed by pollution to these protected species, as well as to plan new studies in this research field for both conservation and biomonitoring purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Helena Vidal Dias
- Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry (LABCAI), Federal University of Santa Catarina, CEP:88037000, Brazil
| | - Jacó Joaquim Mattos
- Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry (LABCAI), Federal University of Santa Catarina, CEP:88037000, Brazil
| | - Patricia Pereira Serafini
- Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry (LABCAI), Federal University of Santa Catarina, CEP:88037000, Brazil
| | - Karim Hahn Lüchmann
- Department of Scientific and Technological Education, Santa Catarina State University, CEP: 88035001, Brazil
| | - Afonso Celso Dias Bainy
- Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry (LABCAI), Federal University of Santa Catarina, CEP:88037000, Brazil.
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2
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Dias de Farias DS, Rossi S, da Costa Bomfim A, Lima Fragoso AB, Santos-Neto EB, José de Lima Silva F, Lailson-Brito J, Navoni JA, Gavilan SA, Souza do Amaral V. Bioaccumulation of total mercury, copper, cadmium, silver, and selenium in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) stranded along the Potiguar Basin, northeastern Brazil. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134331. [PMID: 35339524 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles face several threats and pollution has become a major concern for their conservation worldwide. We analyzed samples of the liver, muscles, and kidneys of 38 Chelonia mydas stranded along the Potiguar Basin, northeastern Brazil, between 2015 and 2018 to determine the total Hg concentration (THg), as well as the concentrations of Cu, Cd, Ag, and Se. The relation between turtle size and element concentrations revealed a negative correlation for THg and Se (liver, muscles, and kidneys), Cu and Cd (liver and kidneys) and a positive correlation for Ag in the three organs analyzed. Concentrations of THg, Cu, Ag, and Se were high in the liver, highlighting the Cu concentration (median = 25.1150 μg g-1 w.w.), while the kidneys had the highest Cd levels (median = 12.2200 μg g-1 w.w.). There was significant difference between element concentrations and the three organs analyzed, except for Ag and Se concentrations in the muscle and kidney samples. Our study showed that green turtles found in Potiguar Basin, northeastern Brasil, have bioaccumulated inorganic elements which indicate the need of further investigations on the environmental quality of the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Solon Dias de Farias
- Programa de Doutorado em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente - DDMA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Campus Central, CEP 59600-000, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), CEP 59655-000, Areia Branca/Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Silmara Rossi
- Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Aline da Costa Bomfim
- Programa de Doutorado em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente - DDMA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Campus Central, CEP 59600-000, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), CEP 59655-000, Areia Branca/Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Ana Bernadete Lima Fragoso
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Campus Central, CEP 59600-000, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), CEP 59655-000, Areia Branca/Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Elitieri Batista Santos-Neto
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flávio José de Lima Silva
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Campus Central, CEP 59600-000, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), CEP 59655-000, Areia Branca/Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Julio Alejandro Navoni
- Programa de Doutorado em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente - DDMA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Uso Sustentável de Recursos Naturais do Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Norte/ IFRN, Brazil
| | - Simone Almeida Gavilan
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Campus Central, CEP 59600-000, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), CEP 59655-000, Areia Branca/Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Viviane Souza do Amaral
- Programa de Doutorado em Desenvolvimento e Meio Ambiente - DDMA, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica. Departamento de Biologia e Genética, Avenida Senador Salgado Filho, 3000, Lagoa Nova, Natal, Campus Central, RN, Brazil.
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3
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Bianchi L, Casini S, Vantaggiato L, Di Noi A, Carleo A, Shaba E, Armini A, Bellucci F, Furii G, Bini L, Caliani I. A Novel Ex Vivo Approach Based on Proteomics and Biomarkers to Evaluate the Effects of Chrysene, MEHP, and PBDE-47 on Loggerhead Sea Turtles ( Caretta caretta). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074369. [PMID: 35410049 PMCID: PMC8998652 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The principal aim of the present study was to develop and apply novel ex vivo tests as an alternative to cell cultures able to evaluate the possible effects of emerging and legacy contaminants in Caretta caretta. To this end, we performed ex vivo experiments on non-invasively collected whole-blood and skin-biopsy slices treated with chrysene, MEHP, or PBDE-47. Blood samples were tested by oxidative stress (TAS), immune system (respiratory burst, lysozyme, and complement system), and genotoxicity (ENA assay) biomarkers, and genotoxic and immune system effects were observed. Skin slices were analyzed by applying a 2D-PAGE/MS proteomic approach, and specific contaminant signatures were delineated on the skin proteomic profile. These reflect biochemical effects induced by each treatment and allowed to identify glutathione S-transferase P, peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A, mimecan, and protein S100-A6 as potential biomarkers of the health-threatening impact the texted toxicants have on C. caretta. Obtained results confirm the suitability of the ex vivo system and indicate the potential risk the loggerhead sea turtle is undergoing in the natural environment. In conclusion, this work proved the relevance that the applied ex vivo models may have in testing the toxicity of other compounds and mixtures and in biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bianchi
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (E.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Silvia Casini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (E.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Agata Di Noi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via P. Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Alfonso Carleo
- Department of Pulmonology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Enxhi Shaba
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (E.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Alessandro Armini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Francesco Bellucci
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Giovanni Furii
- Centro Recupero Tartarughe Marine Legambiente, Molo di Ponente, 71043 Manfredonia, Italy;
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (L.B.); (L.V.); (E.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Ilaria Caliani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli, 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
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4
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Vandenberg LN, Turgeon JL. Endocrine disrupting chemicals: Understanding what matters. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 92:xiii-xxiv. [PMID: 34452698 DOI: 10.1016/s1054-3589(21)00051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Judith L Turgeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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5
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Barraza AD, Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. Systematic review of reptile reproductive toxicology to inform future research directions on endangered or threatened species, such as sea turtles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117470. [PMID: 34438481 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Threatened or endangered reptiles, such as sea turtles, are generally understudied within the field of wildlife toxicology, with even fewer studies on how contaminants affect threatened species reproduction. This paper aimed to better inform threatened species conservation by systematically and quantitatively reviewing available research on the reproductive toxicology of all reptiles, threatened and non-threatened. This review found 178 studies that matched our search criteria. These papers were categorized into location conducted, taxa studied, species studied, effects found, and chemicals investigated. The most studied taxa were turtles (n = 87 studies, 49%), alligators/crocodiles (n = 54, 30%), and lizards (n = 37, 21%). Maternal transfer, sex steroid alterations, sex reversal, altered sexual development, developmental abnormalities, and egg contamination were the most common effects found across all reptile taxa, providing guidance for avenues of research into threatened species. Maternal transfer of contaminants was found across all taxa, and taking into account the foraging behavior of sea turtles, could help elucidate differences in maternal transfer seen at nesting beaches. Sex steroid alterations were a common effect found with contaminant exposure, indicating the potential to use sex steroids as biomarkers along with traditional biomarkers such as vitellogenin. Sex reversal through chemical exposure was commonly found among species that exhibit temperature dependent sex determination, indicating the potential for both environmental pollution and climate change to disrupt population dynamics of many reptile species, including sea turtles. Few studies used in vitro, DNA, or molecular methodologies, indicating the need for more research using high-throughput, non-invasive, and cost-effective tools for threatened species research. The prevalence of developmental abnormalities and altered sexual development and function indicates the need to further study how anthropogenic pollutants affect reproductive output in threatened reptiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur D Barraza
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Qld, Australia.
| | - Kimberly A Finlayson
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Qld, Australia
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Qld, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Qld, Australia
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6
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Barraza AD, Komoroske LM, Allen CD, Eguchi T, Gossett R, Holland E, Lawson DD, LeRoux RA, Lorenzi V, Seminoff JA, Lowe CG. Persistent organic pollutants in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) inhabiting two urbanized Southern California habitats. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 153:110979. [PMID: 32275536 PMCID: PMC7174570 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Within Southern California, east Pacific green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) forage year-round, taking advantage of diverse food resources, including seagrass, marine algae, and invertebrates. Assessing persistent organic pollutants (POP) in green turtle aggregations in the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge (SBNWR, n = 17) and San Diego Bay (SDB, n = 25) can help quantify contamination risks for these populations. Blood plasma was analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PCBs and body size explained much of the separation of turtles by foraging aggregation in a principal component analysis. Turtles from SDB had significantly (p < 0.001) higher total PCBs than SBNWR turtles. Most PCBs detected in turtles were non-dioxin-like PCB congeners (153, 138, 99) that are associated with neurotoxicity. Recaptured turtles' POP levels changed significantly over time indicating significant variation in POP levels through time and space, even among adjacent foraging locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur D Barraza
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA.
| | - Lisa M Komoroske
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Camryn D Allen
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA; The Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Protected Species Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Tomoharu Eguchi
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rich Gossett
- Institute for Integrated Research on Materials, Environment, and Society, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Erika Holland
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Daniel D Lawson
- Long Beach Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Robin A LeRoux
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Varenka Lorenzi
- Institute for Integrated Research on Materials, Environment, and Society, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Seminoff
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christopher G Lowe
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
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7
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da Silva-Júnior ES, de Farias DSD, da Costa Bomfim A, da Boaviagem Freire AC, Revorêdo RÂ, Rossi S, Matushima ER, Hildebrand Grisi-Filho JH, de Lima Silva FJ, Gavilan SA. Stranded Marine Turtles in Northeastern Brazil: Incidence and Spatial–Temporal Distribution of Fibropapillomatosis. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1359.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edson Soares da Silva-Júnior
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Morfologia, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Comparada, Brazil [; ; ; rafael.revoredo@hotma
| | - Daniel Solon Dias de Farias
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Morfologia, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Comparada, Brazil [; ; ; rafael.revoredo@hotma
| | - Aline da Costa Bomfim
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Morfologia, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Comparada, Brazil [; ; ; rafael.revoredo@hotma
| | - Augusto Carlos da Boaviagem Freire
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Laboratório de Monitoramento de Biota Marinha, Brazil [; ]
| | - Rafael Ângelo Revorêdo
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Morfologia, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Comparada, Brazil [; ; ; rafael.revoredo@hotma
| | - Silmara Rossi
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Morfologia, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Comparada, Brazil [; ; ; rafael.revoredo@hotma
| | - Eliana Reiko Matushima
- Grupo de Estudos sobre Fibropapilomatose em Tartarugas Marinhas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil []
| | - José Henrique Hildebrand Grisi-Filho
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Biostatística, Brazil []
| | - Flávio José de Lima Silva
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Laboratório de Monitoramento de Biota Marinha, Brazil [; ]
| | - Simone Almeida Gavilan
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Morfologia, Laboratório de Morfofisiologia Comparada, Brazil [; ; ; rafael.revoredo@hotma
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8
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Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. Primary green turtle (Chelonia mydas) skin fibroblasts as an in vitro model for assessing genotoxicity and oxidative stress. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 207:13-18. [PMID: 30502692 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the effects of contaminants that accumulate in sea turtles. When in vivo exposure studies have ethical and logistical barriers, as is the case with sea turtles, in vitro tools can provide important information on the effects of contaminants. Several in vitro studies have assessed cytotoxicity of contaminants to sea turtles cells, however to gain a more refined mechanistic understanding of the effects of contaminants, sub-lethal effects also require investigation. Considering the complex mixture of contaminants that sea turtles are potentially exposed to, high throughput testing methods are necessary so that a large number of contaminants (and mixtures) can be rapidly tested. This study examined oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species production) and genotoxicity (micronucleus formation) in primary green turtle skin fibroblasts in response to 16 organic and inorganic contaminants found in coastal environments. Significant induction of oxidative stress was found with Cu, Co, Cr, and Hg. Significant effects on genotoxicity were found with Cu, Co, Cr, Hg, Pb and metolachlor. Effect concentrations from the bioassays were used in a simple risk assessment of turtles worldwide using accumulation values from the literature to identify populations at risk. Cu, Co, Cr and Hg were identified as posing the biggest threat to sea turtles. This study demonstrated the validity of using primary turtle cell cultures in the assessment of risk associated with a large number of contaminants using a high-throughput toxicity testing format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Finlayson
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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9
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Nicolau L, Monteiro SS, Pereira AT, Marçalo A, Ferreira M, Torres J, Vingada J, Eira C. Trace elements in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded in mainland Portugal: Bioaccumulation and tissue distribution. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 179:120-126. [PMID: 28364647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.03.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pollution is among the most significant threats that endanger sea turtles worldwide. Waters off the Portuguese mainland are acknowledged as important feeding grounds for juvenile loggerheads. However, there is no data on trace element concentrations in marine turtles occurring in these waters. We present the first assessment of trace element concentrations in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) occurring off the coast of mainland Portugal. Also, we compare our results with those from other areas and discuss parameters that may affect element concentrations. Trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn) were determined in kidney, liver and muscle samples from 38 loggerheads stranded between 2011 and 2013. As was the only element with higher concentrations in muscle (14.78 μg g-1 ww) than in liver or kidney. Considering non-essential elements, Cd presented the highest concentrations in kidney (34.67 μg g-1) and liver (5.03 μg g-1). Only a weak positive link was found between renal Cd and turtle size. Inter-elemental correlations were observed in both liver and kidney tissues. Hepatic Hg values (0.30 ± 0.03 μg g-1) were higher than values reported in loggerheads in the Canary Islands but lower than in Mediterranean loggerheads. Cd concentrations in the present study were only exceeded by values found in turtles from the Pacific. Although many endogenous and exogenous parameters related with complex life cycle changes and wide geographic range may influence trace element accumulation, the concentrations of Cd are probably related to the importance of crustaceans in loggerhead diet in the Portuguese coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Nicolau
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Sílvia S Monteiro
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Andreia T Pereira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Marçalo
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jordi Torres
- Departament de Biología, Sanitat i Medi ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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10
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Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. The current state and future directions of marine turtle toxicology research. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 94:113-123. [PMID: 27236406 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemical contamination of marine turtles has been well documented in the literature, although information on the toxicological effects of these contaminants is poorly understood. This paper systematically and quantitatively presents the available marine turtle toxicological research (excluding oil chemicals and natural toxins) and the related fields of cell line establishment and biomarkers as indicators of exposure. Examination of the published literature identified a total of 49 papers on marine turtle toxicology, which were split into three categories: toxicity studies (n=33, 67%), cell line establishment (n=7, 14%), and publications using biomarkers (n=13, 27%). Toxicity studies were further broken down into four subcategories: those correlating contaminants with toxicological endpoints (n=16, 48%); in vitro exposure experiments (n=11, 33%); in vivo exposure experiments (n=5, 15%); and screening risk assessments using hazard quotients (n=3, 9%). In quantitatively assessing the literature, trends and gaps in this field of research were identified. This paper highlights the need for more marine turtle toxicology research on all species, particularly using high throughput and non-invasive in vitro assays developed for marine turtle cells, including investigations into further toxicological endpoints and mixture effects. This will provide more comprehensive species-specific assessment of the impacts of chemical contaminants on these threatened animals, and improve conservation and management strategies globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Finlayson
- Smart Water Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Smart Water Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Smart Water Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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11
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Bhandari RK, Deem SL, Holliday DK, Jandegian CM, Kassotis CD, Nagel SC, Tillitt DE, Vom Saal FS, Rosenfeld CS. Effects of the environmental estrogenic contaminants bisphenol A and 17α-ethinyl estradiol on sexual development and adult behaviors in aquatic wildlife species. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 214:195-219. [PMID: 25277515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including the mass-produced component of plastics, bisphenol A (BPA) are widely prevalent in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Many aquatic species, such as fish, amphibians, aquatic reptiles and mammals, are exposed daily to high concentrations of BPA and ethinyl estradiol (EE2), estrogen in birth control pills. In this review, we will predominantly focus on BPA and EE2, well-described estrogenic EDCs. First, the evidence that BPA and EE2 are detectable in almost all bodies of water will be discussed. We will consider how BPA affects sexual and neural development in these species, as these effects have been the best characterized across taxa. For instance, such chemicals have been in many cases reported to cause sex-reversal of males to females. Even if these chemicals do not overtly alter the gonadal sex, there are indications that several EDCs might demasculinize male-specific behaviors that are essential for attracting a mate. In so doing, these chemicals may reduce the likelihood that these males reproduce. If exposed males do reproduce, the concern is that they will then be passing on compromised genetic fitness to their offspring and transmitting potential transgenerational effects through their sperm epigenome. We will thus consider how diverse epigenetic changes might be a unifying mechanism of how BPA and EE2 disrupt several processes across species. Such changes might also serve as universal species diagnostic biomarkers of BPA and other EDCs exposure. Lastly, the evidence that estrogenic EDCs-induced effects in aquatic species might translate to humans will be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramji K Bhandari
- Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Dawn K Holliday
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Westminster College, Fulton, MO 65251, USA; Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Caitlin M Jandegian
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA; Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA; Masters in Public Health Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | | | - Susan C Nagel
- Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- Columbia Environmental Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | | | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; Genetics Area Program Faculty Member, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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12
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McFadden KW, Gómez A, Sterling EJ, Naro-Maciel E. Potential impacts of historical disturbance on green turtle health in the unique & protected marine ecosystem of Palmyra Atoll (Central Pacific). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 89:160-167. [PMID: 25455822 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Palmyra Atoll, in the Central Pacific, is a unique marine ecosystem because of its remarkably intact food web and limited anthropogenic stressors. However during World War II the atoll was structurally reconfigured into a military installation and questions remain whether this may have impacted the health of the atoll's ecosystems and species. To address the issue we assessed green sea turtle (n=157) health and exposure to contaminants at this foraging ground from 2008 to 2012. Physical exams were performed and blood was sampled for testosterone analysis, plasma biochemistry analysis, hematology and heavy metal exposure. Hematological and plasma chemistries were consistent with concentrations reported for healthy green turtles. Heavy metal screenings revealed low concentrations of most metals, except for high concentrations of iron and aluminum. Body condition indices showed that <1% of turtles had poor body condition. In this study, we provide the first published blood values for a markedly healthy sea turtle population at a remote Central Pacific Atoll.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W McFadden
- US Geological Survey, South Carolina Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA; Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA.
| | | | - Eleanor J Sterling
- Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10024, USA.
| | - Eugenia Naro-Maciel
- Department of Biology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
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13
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Effect of atrazine and fenitrothion at no-observed-effect-levels (NOEL) on amphibian and mammalian corticosterone-binding-globulin (CBG). Toxicol Lett 2014; 230:408-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Moosa-Ali S, Barati F, Esmaeilzadeh S, Gharibi D, Khaksary Mahabady M. Testicular lesions and epididymal sperm parameters in the Iranian river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Andrologia 2014; 47:380-6. [PMID: 24661073 DOI: 10.1111/and.12271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the testicular lesions and their effects on the epididymal sperm parameters in the Iranian river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Total numbers of 117 scrota from the pubertal buffalo were provided from the local slaughterhouse. The samples were evaluated for morphological parameters and any macro- or microscopic lesions. The sterile swabs from the testis parenchyma were subjected to microbiology culture. The epididymal spermatozoon was analysed for concentration, progressive motility and abnormalities. The results showed 34.2% fibrotic adhesions between parietal and visceral layers of tunica vaginalis that was significantly different among seasons (P < 0.05). The cases of unilateral cryptorchidism and bilateral Sertoli cell tumour were detected, with no spermatozoa in the respected epididymides. Microscopic examination showed 13.25% (31/234) lesions including general (51.61%; 16/31) and multifocal (29.03%; 9/31) degenerations as well as interstitial orchitis (9.68%; 3/31) and the Sertoli cell tumour (6.45%; 2/31). No relationship between the lesions and the bacterial isolation (n = 6) was detected. The sperm parameters and morphological parameters of the testis were under influence of microscopic lesions (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the testicular macro- and microscopic lesions may have a noticeable contribution in the Iranian buffalo fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Moosa-Ali
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
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15
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Ikonomopoulou MP, Olszowy H, Francis R, Ibrahim K, Whittier J. Accumulation of trace metals in the embryos and hatchlings of Chelonia mydas from Peninsular Malaysia incubated at different temperatures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 450-451:301-306. [PMID: 23500829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A variety of trace metals were measured in the egg contents of three clutches of Chelonia mydas collected from Kuala Terengganu state in Peninsular Malaysia. We quantified Mn, Cu, Zn, Se (essential trace metals) and As (anthropogenic pollutant) at several developmental stages obtained by incubating eggs at two different temperatures (27 °C and 31 °C). The incubation temperatures were chosen because they produce predominantly male or predominantly female hatchlings, respectively. The eggs were removed from the sand and washed before being placed in incubators, to ensure that the only possible source of the detected metals was maternal transfer. Other metals: Mo, Co, Ni, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, Tl and Pb (all non-essential metals) were detected at concentrations below the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ). Trace metal concentrations, particularly [Zn], increased during development, other metals (Cu, As, Se and Cr) accumulated to a lesser degree than zinc but no significant differences were observed between the incubation temperatures at any stage of incubation. To date, only a few studies on trace metals in turtle embryos and hatchlings have been reported; this study will provide basic knowledge on the accumulation of trace metals during development at two different incubation temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Ikonomopoulou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Anatomy and Developmental Biology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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Ikonomopoulou MP, Hodge M, Whittier JM. An Investigation of Organochlorine and Polychlorobiphenyl Concentrations in the Blood and Eggs of the Carnivorous Flatback Turtle,Natator depressus, from Queensland, Australia. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-0981.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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17
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Komoroske LM, Lewison RL, Seminoff JA, Deheyn DD, Dutton PH. Pollutants and the health of green sea turtles resident to an urbanized estuary in San Diego, CA. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 84:544-52. [PMID: 21549409 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Rapid expansion of coastal anthropogenic development means that critical foraging and developmental habitats often occur near highly polluted and urbanized environments. Although coastal contamination is widespread, the impact this has on long-lived vertebrates like the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is unclear because traditional experimental methods cannot be applied. We coupled minimally invasive sampling techniques with health assessments to quantify contaminant patterns in a population of green turtles resident to San Diego Bay, CA, a highly urbanized and contaminated estuary. Several chemicals were correlated with turtle size, suggesting possible differences in physiological processes or habitat utilization between life stages. With the exception of mercury, higher concentrations of carapace metals as well as 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and γ chlordane in blood plasma relative to other sea turtle studies raises important questions about the chemical risks to turtles resident to San Diego Bay. Mercury concentrations exceeded immune function no-effects thresholds and increased carapace metal loads were correlated with higher levels of multiple health markers. These results indicate immunological and physiological effects studies are needed in this population. Our results give insight into the potential conservation risk contaminants pose to sea turtles inhabiting this contaminated coastal habitat, and highlight the need to better manage and mitigate contaminant exposure in San Diego Bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Komoroske
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, United States.
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