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Immunity in Sea Turtles: Review of a Host-Pathogen Arms Race Millions of Years in the Running. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040556. [PMID: 36830343 PMCID: PMC9951749 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system of sea turtles is not completely understood. Sea turtles (as reptiles) bridge a unique evolutionary gap, being ectothermic vertebrates like fish and amphibians and amniotes like birds and mammals. Turtles are ectotherms; thus, their immune system is influenced by environmental conditions like temperature and season. We aim to review the turtle immune system and note what studies have investigated sea turtles and the effect of the environment on the immune response. Turtles rely heavily on the nonspecific innate response rather than the specific adaptive response. Turtles' innate immune effectors include antimicrobial peptides, complement, and nonspecific leukocytes. The antiviral defense is understudied in terms of the diversity of pathogen receptors and interferon function. Turtles also mount adaptive responses to pathogens. Lymphoid structures responsible for lymphocyte activation and maturation are either missing in reptiles or function is affected by season. Turtles are a marker of health for their marine environment, and their immune system is commonly dysregulated because of disease or contaminants. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumorous disease that afflicts sea turtles and is thought to be caused by a virus and an environmental factor. We aim, by exploring the current understanding of the immune system in turtles, to aid the investigation of environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease and provide options for immunotherapy.
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Renaguli A, Fernando S, Holsen TM, Hopke PK, Adams DH, Balazs GH, Jones TT, Work TM, Lynch JM, Crimmins BS. Characterization of Halogenated Organic Compounds in Pelagic Sharks and Sea Turtles Using a Nontargeted Approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:16390-16401. [PMID: 34846854 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) in marine species collected from the Atlantic Ocean [3 shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and 1 porbeagle (Lamna nasus)], and 12 sea turtles collected from the Pacific Ocean [3 loggerhead (Caretta caretta), 3 green (Chelonia mydas), 3 olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), and 3 hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata)] were analyzed with a nontargeted analytical method using two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Sharks and sea turtles had distinct HOC profiles. Halogenated methoxyphenols (halo-MeOPs) were the most abundant compound class identified in sea turtle livers, while polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the most abundant in shark livers. In addition to legacy contaminants and halo-MeOPs, a total of 110 nontargeted/novel HOCs (NHOCs) were observed in the shark livers. Shortfin mako collected from the northern Gulf of Mexico contained the largest number (89) and most diverse structural classes of NHOCs. Among all NHOCs, a group of compounds with the elemental composition C14H12-nCln (n = 5-8) exhibited the highest concentrations, followed by chlorocarbazoles and tris(chlorophenyl) methanes (TCPMs). Using nontargeted workflows, a variety of known and unknown HOCs were observed, which demonstrate the need to develop more complete chemical profiles in the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikebaier Renaguli
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699, United States
| | - Sujan Fernando
- Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699, United States
| | - Thomas M Holsen
- Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699, United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699, United States
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Center for Air and Aquatic Resources Engineering and Science, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699, United States
| | - Douglas H Adams
- Cape Canaveral Scientific Inc., 220 Surf Road, Melbourne Beach, Florida 32951, United States
| | - George H Balazs
- Golden Honu Services of Oceania, Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 United States
| | - T Todd Jones
- Golden Honu Services of Oceania, Honolulu, Hawaii 96825 United States
| | - Thierry M Work
- U.S. Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station, Honolulu, Hawaii 96818, United States
| | - Jennifer M Lynch
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, 41-202 Kalaniana'ole Highway Ste #9, Waima̅nalo, Hawai'i 96795, United States
- Center for Marine Debris Research, Hawai'i Pacific University, 41-202 Kalaniana'ole Highway Ste #9, Waima̅nalo, Hawai'i 96795, United States
| | - Bernard S Crimmins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, 8 Clarkson Avenue, Potsdam, New York 13699, United States
- AEACS, LLC, New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068, United States
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3
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Filippos LS, Taniguchi S, Baldassin P, Pires T, Montone RC. Persistent organic pollutants in plasma and stable isotopes in red blood cells of Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea sea turtles that nest in Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 167:112283. [PMID: 33799149 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Studies of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in sea turtles are reported, but there are still spatial data gaps worldwide. POP contamination of live female blood plasma from Caretta caretta (n = 28), Chelonia mydas (n = 31) and Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 19), which nest in Brazil and feed along the South Atlantic Ocean, was investigated. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes from red blood cells (RBC) were also evaluated to obtain information about trophic ecology. C. caretta had the highest POP concentrations, followed by L. olivacea and C. mydas. PCBs predominated in all species, and the major OCPs were the DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and derivatives) and Lindane. POPs and stable isotopes revealed intra- and interspecific variations, which reflect the high plasticity in the use of habitat and food resources, making individuals within the same population susceptible to different exposures to pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana S Filippos
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil.
| | - Satie Taniguchi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Paula Baldassin
- Instituto BW, Professora Suely Brasil Flores, 88, CEP 28.970-000, Praia Seca, Araruama, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thaís Pires
- Fundação Projeto Tamar, Rua Rubens Guelli 134/307, Itaigara, Salvador, CEP: 41815-135, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rosalinda C Montone
- Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Praça do Oceanográfico 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil
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Weltmeyer A, Dogruer G, Hollert H, Ouellet JD, Townsend K, Covaci A, Weijs L. Distribution and toxicity of persistent organic pollutants and methoxylated polybrominated diphenylethers in different tissues of the green turtle Chelonia mydas. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 277:116795. [PMID: 33640813 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Investigating environmental pollution is important to understand its impact on endangered species such as green turtles (Chelonia mydas). In this study, we investigated the accumulation and potential toxicity of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and naturally occurring MeO-PBDEs in liver, fat, kidney and muscle of turtles (n = 30) of different gender, size, year of death, location and health status. Overall, POP concentrations were low and accumulation was highest in liver and lowest in fat which is likely due to the poor health of several animals, causing a remobilization of lipids and associated compounds. PCBs and p,p'-DDE dominated the POP profiles, and relatively high MeO-PBDE concentrations (2'-MeO-BDE 68 up to 192 ng/g lw, 6-MeO-BDE 47 up to 79 ng/g lw) were detected in all tissues. Only few influences of factors such as age, gender and location were found. While concentrations were low compared to other marine wildlife, biological toxicity equivalences obtained by screening the tissue extracts using the micro-EROD assay ranged from 2.8 to 356 pg/g and the highest values were observed in muscle, followed by kidney and liver. This emphazises that pollutant mixtures found in the turtles have the potential to cause dioxin-like effects in these animals and that dioxin-like compounds should not be overlooked in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Weltmeyer
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, Aachen, Germany; School of Environment and Science, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Gülsah Dogruer
- School of Environment and Science, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University and Research, Ijmuiden, the Netherlands
| | - Henner Hollert
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, Aachen, Germany; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Jacob D Ouellet
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute for Environmental Research, Aachen, Germany; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Kathy Townsend
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Australia
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Weijs
- School of Environment and Science, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
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Nava Montes AD, Espinosa Reyes G, Flores Ramírez R, Ramírez Romero P. Persistent organic pollutants in Kemp's Ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys kempii in Playa Rancho Nuevo Sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:140176. [PMID: 32758958 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POP) are toxic substances for wildlife and people. The Kemp's Ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys kempii is an endangered species with limited distribution in the Gulf of Mexico (GM), a marine ecosystem that has been perturbed by a variety of anthropogenic activities. In this work, the concentrations of ten organochlorine pesticides (OP), eight polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and atrazine were determined in the plasma of Kemp's Ridley sea turtles that nest in Playa Rancho Nuevo Sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Seventy-nine blood samples were collected from female turtles during the 2015-2016 nesting season. Samples were extracted with a focalized ultrasonic sound technique and analyzed through Gas Chromatography coupled to a Mass Spectrometer. POP with the highest percentage of detection were atrazine > PCB 52 > PCB 153 > DDE > alpha endosulfan > DDD > alpha HCH > DDT. There is no linear correlation between the detected POP levels in the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle plasma and its curve carapace length (CCL). When comparing 2015 and 2016 POP concentrations, there were statistically significant differences in atrazine (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.069), PCB 52 (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0051) and ∑POP (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0001) and, no statistically significant differences in alpha endosulfan (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0294), DDE (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0315) and PCB 153 (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0036). The reported POP values of this work are one of the few registered for Kemp's Ridley sea turtle in the GM and the first for atrazine levels. These levels were higher than those reported for other sea turtle species from America, Africa, and Europe, which demonstrates a deteriorated health status of the GM marine ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Delia Nava Montes
- Environment and Energy Postgraduate Program, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Iztapalapa, Mexico City 09340, Mexico.
| | - Guillermo Espinosa Reyes
- Center for Applied Research in Environmental Health, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, Mexico
| | - Rogelio Flores Ramírez
- Center for Applied Research in Environmental Health, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, Mexico
| | - Patricia Ramírez Romero
- Hydrobiology Department, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Iztapalapa, Mexico City 09340, Mexico
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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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Salvarani PI, Morgado F, Vieira LR, Osten JRV. Organochlorines Contaminants in Eggs of Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Mexico coast. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:425-434. [PMID: 30600338 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-00589-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The investigation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) levels in sea turtles is an important issue in conservation research, due to the harmful effects of these chemicals. In the present study, OCPs concentrations were determined in the eggs of two sea turtle species (Eretmochelys imbricata and Chelonia mydas) collected from the Punta Xen and Isla Aguada (Mexican coast) in 2014 and 2015. Concentrations of 20 OCPs were analysed, including isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, aldrin, chlordanes, endosulfans, methoxychlor, DDTs, and heptachlor. From the group of contaminants considered (analysed as families), the results revealed higher concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDienes on both selected species. We analysed the relationship between turtle size and the OCPs concentrations; no correlation was found between the size of the female and concentrations in the eggs. In addition, principal component analysis indicated pattern differences between species and years, in good agreement with concentrations differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia I Salvarani
- Department of Biology and The Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Fernando Morgado
- Department of Biology and The Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luis R Vieira
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Group of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 2250-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Department of Populations Study, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jaime Rendón-von Osten
- Instituto Epomex, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Av. Augustin de Melgar y Juan de la Barrera s/n, 24039, Campeche, Mexico
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8
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Vijayasarathy S, Baduel C, Hof C, Bell I, Del Mar Gómez Ramos M, Ramos MJG, Kock M, Gaus C. Multi-residue screening of non-polar hazardous chemicals in green turtle blood from different foraging regions of the Great Barrier Reef. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 652:862-868. [PMID: 30380492 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Green turtles spend a large part of their lifecycle foraging in nearshore seagrass habitats, which are often in close proximity to sources of anthropogenic contaminants. As most biomonitoring studies focus on a limited number of targeted chemical groups, this study was designed to screen for a wider range of hazardous chemicals that may not have been considered in prior studies. Whole blood of sub-adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were sampled from three different locations, a remote, offshore 'control' site; and two coastal 'case' sites influenced by urban and agricultural activities on the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, Australia. In order to screen blood samples for chemicals across a wide range of KOW's, a modified QuEChER's extraction method was used. The samples were analysed using a multi-residue gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry system (GC-MS/MS method that allowed simultaneous quantification of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PBDES), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While PBDEs, PCBs and OCPS were below the limits of quantification, PAHs were detected in all turtle blood samples. However, PAH levels were relatively low (maximum ΣPAH = 13 ng/mL ww) and comparable to or less than those reported from other green turtles globally. The present study provides the first baseline PAH levels in blood samples from green turtles from nearshore and offshore locations in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumini Vijayasarathy
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Christine Baduel
- Université Grenoble Alpes, IRD, CNRS, Grenoble INP, IGE, Grenoble, France
| | - Christine Hof
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Species Conservation and Indigenous Partnerships Unit, World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Australia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ian Bell
- Aquatic Species Program, Department of Environment and Science, Townsville, Australia
| | - María Del Mar Gómez Ramos
- Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - María José Gómez Ramos
- Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Marjolijn Kock
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Caroline Gaus
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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The Risk of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Facilitating Tumors in Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles ( Chelonia mydas). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15061243. [PMID: 29895772 PMCID: PMC6025165 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Hawaiian green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is on the list of threatened species protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act in 1978 in large part due to a severe tumor-forming disease named fibropapillomatosis. Chemical pollution is a prime suspect threatening the survival of C. mydas. In this study, PCBs concentrations were determined in 43 C. mydas plasma samples archived on Tern Island. The total PCBs concentration in male C. mydas (mean 1.10 ng/mL) was two times more than that of females (mean 0.43 ng/mL). The relationship between straight carapace length and PCBs concentration in females has also been studied, which was negatively related. To figure out the possible existence of correlations between PCBs and tumor status, we measured the PCBs concentration in turtles with no tumor, moderate or severe tumor affliction. PCBs concentration of two afflicted groups was much higher than the healthy group, suggesting that PCBs may play a role in fibropapillomatosis in Hawaiian green turtle.
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Ng CKY, Lam JCW, Zhang XH, Gu HX, Li TH, Ye MB, Xia ZR, Zhang FY, Duan JX, Wang WX, Lam IKS, Balazs GH, Lam PKS, Murphy MB. Levels of trace elements, methylmercury and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in foraging green turtles in the South China region and their conservation implications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:735-742. [PMID: 29245147 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are globally endangered and face daily anthropogenic threats, including pollution. However, there is a lack of ecotoxicological information on sea turtles, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. This study aims to determine pollutant levels of foraging green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in South China, including Hong Kong, Guangdong and Taiwan, as a basis for their conservation. Scute, liver and muscle tissues of stranded green turtles were analysed for levels of 17 trace elements and methylmercury (MeHg) (n = 86 for scute and n = 14 for liver) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (n = 11 for muscle and n = 13 for liver). Ten-fold higher levels of Pb, Ba, V and Tl and 40-fold greater Cd levels were measured in green turtle livers in South China relative to other studies conducted over 10 years ago. Measured PBDE levels were also 27-fold and 50-fold greater than those reported in Australia and Japan. These results warrant further investigation of potential toxicological risks to green turtles in South China and their source rookeries in Malaysia, Micronesia, Indonesia, Marshall Islands, Japan and Taiwan. Research should target monitoring pollutant levels in sea turtles within the West Pacific/Southeast Asia regional management unit spanning East Asia to Southeast Asia to fill in knowledge gaps, in particular in areas such as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines where less or no data is available and where foraging grounds of sea turtles have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Ka Yan Ng
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.
| | - James Chung Wah Lam
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao Hua Zhang
- Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China; Department of Science and Environmental Studies, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - He Xiang Gu
- Guangdong Huidong Sea Turtle National Nature Reserve Bureau, China Sea Turtle Base, Sea Turtle Bay, Gangkou Town, Huidong County, Guangdong Province, 516359, People's Republic of China
| | - Tsung Hsien Li
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung, 94450, Taiwan
| | - Min Bin Ye
- Guangdong Huidong Sea Turtle National Nature Reserve Bureau, China Sea Turtle Base, Sea Turtle Bay, Gangkou Town, Huidong County, Guangdong Province, 516359, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Rong Xia
- Guangdong Huidong Sea Turtle National Nature Reserve Bureau, China Sea Turtle Base, Sea Turtle Bay, Gangkou Town, Huidong County, Guangdong Province, 516359, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Yan Zhang
- Guangdong Huidong Sea Turtle National Nature Reserve Bureau, China Sea Turtle Base, Sea Turtle Bay, Gangkou Town, Huidong County, Guangdong Province, 516359, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Xia Duan
- Guangdong Huidong Sea Turtle National Nature Reserve Bureau, China Sea Turtle Base, Sea Turtle Bay, Gangkou Town, Huidong County, Guangdong Province, 516359, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Xiong Wang
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Isaac Kam Sum Lam
- Division of Life Science, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - George H Balazs
- NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Honolulu, HI, 96818, USA
| | - Paul K S Lam
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Margaret B Murphy
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
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11
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Tremblay N, Ortíz Arana A, González Jáuregui M, Rendón-von Osten J. Relationship between organochlorine pesticides and stress indicators in hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) nesting at Punta Xen (Campeche), Southern Gulf of Mexico. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2017; 26:173-183. [PMID: 28025743 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-016-1752-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Data on the impact of environmental pollution on the homeostasis of sea turtles remains scarce, particularly in the Southern Gulf of Mexico. As many municipalities along the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula do not rely on a waste treatment plant, these organisms could be particularly vulnerable. We searched for relationships between the presence of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) and the level of several oxidative and pollutant stress indicators of the hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) during the 2010 nesting season at Punta Xen (Campeche, Mexico). Of the 30 sampled sea turtles, endosulfans, aldrin related (aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, endrin ketone, endrin aldehyde) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDT) families were detected in 17, 21 and 26, respectively. Significant correlation existed between the size of sea turtles with the concentration of methoxychlor, cholinesterase activity in plasma and heptachlors family, and catalase activity and hexachlorohexane family. Cholinesterase activity in washed erythrocytes and lipid peroxidation were positively correlated with glutathione reductase activity. Antioxidant enzyme actions seem adequate as no lipids damages were correlated with any OCPs. Future studies are necessary to evaluate the effect of OCPs on males of the area due to the significant detection of methoxychlor, which target endocrine functioning and increases its concentration with sea turtles size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Tremblay
- Instituto EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
| | | | - Mauricio González Jáuregui
- Instituto EPOMEX, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Campeche, Campeche, Mexico
- Biología y Conservación de Vertebrados, Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa, 91070, Veracruz, Mexico
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12
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Rees AF, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Barata PCR, Bjorndal KA, Bolten AB, Bourjea J, Broderick AC, Campbell LM, Cardona L, Carreras C, Casale P, Ceriani SA, Dutton PH, Eguchi T, Formia A, Fuentes MMPB, Fuller WJ, Girondot M, Godfrey MH, Hamann M, Hart KM, Hays GC, Hochscheid S, Kaska Y, Jensen MP, Mangel JC, Mortimer JA, Naro-Maciel E, Ng CKY, Nichols WJ, Phillott AD, Reina RD, Revuelta O, Schofield G, Seminoff JA, Shanker K, Tomás J, van de Merwe JP, Van Houtan KS, Vander Zanden HB, Wallace BP, Wedemeyer-Strombel KR, Work TM, Godley BJ. Are we working towards global research priorities for management and conservation of sea turtles? ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2016. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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13
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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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14
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da Silva CC, Klein RD, Barcarolli IF, Bianchini A. Metal contamination as a possible etiology of fibropapillomatosis in juvenile female green sea turtles Chelonia mydas from the southern Atlantic Ocean. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 170:42-51. [PMID: 26615366 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants have been suggested as a possible cause of fibropapillomatosis (FP) in green sea turtles. In turn, a reduced concentration of serum cholesterol has been indicated as a reliable biomarker of malignancy in vertebrates, including marine turtles. In the present study, metal (Ag, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) concentrations, oxidative stress parameters [antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), protein carbonyls (PC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), frequency of micronucleated cells (FMC)], water content, cholesterol concentration and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) activity were analyzed in the blood/serum of juvenile (29.3-59.5cm) female green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) with FP (n=14) and without FP (n=13) sampled at Ubatuba coast (São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil). Green sea turtles were grouped and analyzed according to the severity of tumors. Individuals heavily afflicted with FP showed significantly higher blood Cu, Pb and Fe concentrations, blood LPO levels, as well as significantly lower serum cholesterol concentrations and HMGR activity than turtles without FP. Significant and positive correlations were observed between HMGR activity and cholesterol concentrations, as well as LPO levels and Fe and Pb concentrations. In turn, Cu and Pb concentrations were significantly and negatively correlated with HMGR activity and cholesterol concentration. Furthermore, Cu, Fe and Pb were positively correlated with each other. Therefore, the reduced concentration of serum cholesterol observed in green sea turtles heavily afflicted with FP is related to a Cu- and Pb-induced inhibition of HMGR activity paralleled by a higher LPO rate induced by increased Fe and Pb concentrations. As oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of viral infections, our findings support the idea that metal contamination, especially by Cu, Fe and Pb, may be implicated in the etiology of FP in green sea turtles through oxidative stress generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia Carneiro da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96.203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Roberta Daniele Klein
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96.203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Indianara Fernanda Barcarolli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96.203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Adalto Bianchini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96.203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
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15
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Robinson GL, Mills GL, Lindell AH, Schweitzer SH, Hernandez SM. Exposure to mercury and Aroclor 1268 congeners in least terns (Sternula antillarum) in coastal Georgia, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2015; 17:1424-1432. [PMID: 26166752 DOI: 10.1039/c5em00183h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of total mercury and the rare PCB mixture Aroclor 1268 in least terns (Sternula antillarum), a colonially-nesting, piscivorous seabird, in the Turtle River estuary and other coastal sites in Georgia, USA, were investigated. The Turtle River estuary is the location of the Linden Chemical Plant (LCP) Superfund site, a site prioritized by USA law for immediate remediation, where industries released effluent containing these contaminants until 1994. Aroclor 1268 is a highly-chlorinated PCB mixture that was used and released exclusively at the LCP site and nowhere else in the south eastern USA. High concentrations of Aroclor 1268 congeners and mercury have been documented in biota local to LCP, but no studies report concentrations in high trophic level, piscivorous birds such as least terns. We collected feathers and feces from chicks, and eggs from adults, at nesting colonies along the Georgia coast to analyze contaminant loads (in dry weight ppb). Mean Aroclor 1268 mixture concentrations in eggs (≤16,329 ppb) were highest at colonies in and just outside LCP, and decreased with increasing distance (up to 110 km) from LCP, but the Aroclor 1268 signature congener mixture was present at all sites. Mercury concentrations in eggs (≤3370 ppb), feathers (≤5950 ppb), and feces (≤417 ppb), were present at all sites, but did not vary significantly among sites. This report confirms the extensive dispersal of Aroclor 1268 congeners (approximately 110 km north and 70 km south of its point source) via bioaccumulation and trophic transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle L Robinson
- Warnell School of Natural Resources, University of Georgia, 180 E. Green St., Athens, GA, USA
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16
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Eisenreich KM, Rowe CL. Dietary exposure of BDE-47 and BDE-99 and effects on behavior, bioenergetics, and thyroid function in juvenile red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2014; 33:2810-2817. [PMID: 25210006 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) were fed food dosed with brominated diphenyl ether-47 (BDE-47) or BDE-99 for 6 mo beginning approximately 9 mo posthatch. During the exposure period, measurements of growth, bioenergetics, and behavior were made; thyroid function and accumulation were quantified postexposure. Whole-body concentrations of both congeners were lower in red-eared sliders compared with snapping turtles after 6 mo of exposure. Snapping turtles receiving BDE-47 had significantly elevated standard metabolic rates after 3 mo and 4 mo of exposure (p = 0.014 and p = 0.019, respectively). When exposed to BDE-99, red-eared sliders were slower to right themselves after having been inverted (p < 0.0001). Total glandular thyroxine concentrations were significantly reduced in red-eared sliders exposed to BDE-47 (mean control, 8080 ng/g; mean BDE-47, 5126 ng/g; p = 0.034). These results demonstrate that dietary exposure to BDE-47 and BDE-99 can elicit a suite of responses in 2 species of turtles, but that the red-eared slider appears to be a more sensitive species to the measured end points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Eisenreich
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, Center for Environmental Science, University of Maryland, Solomons, Maryland, USA
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17
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Camacho M, Orós J, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Valerón PF, Boada LD, Zaccaroni A, Zumbado M, Luzardo OP. Influence of the rehabilitation of injured loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) on their blood levels of environmental organic pollutants and elements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 487:436-42. [PMID: 24802267 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Revised: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
We monitored the levels of 57 organic pollutants and 11 elements in the blood of 61 live stranded loggerhead sea turtles at the beginning and end of the rehabilitation period with the goal of evaluating whether recuperation of normal physiological conditions has an influence on the circulating levels of these pollutants from the blood. According to our results, several pollutants (OCPs, PCBs and toxic elements) are mobilized from storage tissues to the blood in sick turtles, and this is more evident in the subgroup of cachectic animals. We observed a significant decrease in the concentrations of some contaminants at the end of the rehabilitation period, probably due to redistribution processes. In contrast, an increase in the levels of the essential elements selenium and zinc was observed after a period of correct feeding and supplementation during hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Camacho
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain; Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge Orós
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pilar F Valerón
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Annalisa Zaccaroni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Research Group on Large Pelagic Vertebrates, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain; Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain; Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Plaza Dr. Pasteur s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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18
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Keller JM, Balazs GH, Nilsen F, Rice M, Work TM, Jensen BA. Investigating the potential role of persistent organic pollutants in Hawaiian green sea turtle fibropapillomatosis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:7807-16. [PMID: 24963745 DOI: 10.1021/es5014054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
It has been hypothesized for decades that environmental pollutants may contribute to green sea turtle fibropapillomatosis (FP), possibly through immunosuppression leading to greater susceptibility to the herpesvirus, the putative causative agent of this tumor-forming disease. To address this question, we measured concentrations of 164 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and halogenated phenols in 53 Hawaiian green turtle (Chelonia mydas) plasma samples archived by the Biological and Environmental Monitoring and Archival of Sea Turtle Tissues (BEMAST) project at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Marine Environmental Specimen Bank. Four groups of turtles were examined: free-ranging turtles from Kiholo Bay (0% FP, Hawaii), Kailua Bay (low FP, 8%, Oahu), and Kapoho Bay (moderate FP, 38%, Hawaii) and severely tumored stranded turtles that required euthanasia (high FP, 100%, Main Hawaiian Islands). Four classes of POPs and seven halogenated phenols were detected in at least one of the turtles, and concentrations were low (often <200 pg/g wet mass). The presence of halogenated phenols in sea turtles is a novel discovery; their concentrations were higher than most man-made POPs, suggesting that the source of most of these compounds was likely natural (produced by the algal turtle diet) rather than metabolites of man-made POPs. None of the compounds measured increased in concentration with increasing prevalence of FP across the four groups of turtles, suggesting that these 164 compounds are not likely primary triggers for the onset of FP. However, the stranded, severely tumored, emaciated turtle group (n=14) had the highest concentrations of POPs, which might suggest that mobilization of contaminants with lipids into the blood during late-stage weight loss could contribute to the progression of the disease. Taken together, these data suggest that POPs are not a major cofactor in causing the onset of FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Keller
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology , Charleston, South Carolina 29412, United States
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Camacho M, Boada LD, Orós J, López P, Zumbado M, Almeida-González M, Luzardo OP. Monitoring organic and inorganic pollutants in juvenile live sea turtles: results from a study of Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata in Cape Verde. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 481:303-10. [PMID: 24602915 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the current environmental concern regarding the risk posed by contamination in marine ecosystems, the concentrations of pollutants in sea turtles have not been thoroughly elucidated. In the current study, we determined the concentrations of 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 11 inorganic elements (Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, As, Al, Hg and Se) for the first time in two sea turtle species (Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata). Only five of the 18 analyzed OCPs were detected in both species. The average total OCP concentration was higher in green turtles than in hawksbills (0.33 ng/ml versus 0.20 ng/ml). Higher concentrations of individual congeners and total PCBs were also detected in green turtles than in hawksbills (∑PCBs=0.73ng/ml versus 0.19 ng/ml), and different PCB contamination profiles were observed in these two species. Concerning PAHs, we also observed a different contamination profile and higher levels of contamination in green turtles (∑PAHs=12.06 ng/ml versus 2.95 ng/ml). Di- and tri-cyclic PAHs were predominant in both populations, suggesting a petrogenic origin, rather than urban sources of PAHs. Additionally, all of the samples exhibited detectable levels of the 11 inorganic elements. In this case, we also observed relevant differences between both species. Thus, Zn was the most abundant inorganic element in hawksbills (an essential inorganic element), whereas Ni, a well-known toxicant, was the most abundant inorganic element in green turtles. The presence of contaminants is greater in green turtles relative to hawksbill turtles, suggesting a greater exposure to hazardous chemical contaminants for green turtles. These results provide baseline data for these species that can serve for future monitoring purposes outlined in the EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Camacho
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain; Tafira Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Tafira Baja, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge Orós
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Pedro López
- Naturalia Cape Verde Ltd., P.O. Box 100, Sal Rei, Boa Vista, Cape Verde
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Maira Almeida-González
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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20
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Law RJ, Covaci A, Harrad S, Herzke D, Abdallah MAE, Fernie K, Toms LML, Takigami H. Levels and trends of PBDEs and HBCDs in the global environment: status at the end of 2012. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 65:147-58. [PMID: 24486972 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we have compiled and reviewed the most recent literature, published in print or online from January 2010 to December 2012, relating to the human exposure, environmental distribution, behaviour, fate and concentration time trends of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) flame retardants, in order to establish their current trends and priorities for future study. More data are now becoming available for remote areas not previously studied, Indian Ocean islands, for example. Decreasing time trends for penta-mix PBDE congeners were seen for soils in northern Europe, sewage sludge in Sweden and the USA, carp from a US river, trout from three of the Great Lakes and in Arctic and UK marine mammals and many birds, but increasing time trends continue in polar bears and some birds at high trophic levels in northern Europe. This may be partially a result of the time delay inherent in long-range atmospheric transport processes. In general, concentrations of BDE209 (the major component of the deca-mix PBDE product) are continuing to increase. Of major concern is the possible/likely debromination of the large reservoir of BDE209 in soils and sediments worldwide, to yield lower brominated congeners which are both more mobile and more toxic, and we have compiled the most recent evidence for the occurrence of this degradation process. Numerous studies reported here reinforce the importance of this future concern. Time trends for HBCDs are mixed, with both increases and decreases evident in different matrices and locations and, notably, with increasing occurrence in birds of prey. Temporal trends for both PBDEs and HBCD in Asia are unclear currently. A knowledge gap has been noted in relation to metabolism and/or debromination of BDE209 and HBCD in birds. Further monitoring of human exposure and environmental contamination in areas of e-waste recycling, particularly in Asia and Africa, is warranted. More data on temporal trends of BDE and HBCD concentrations in a variety of matrices and locations are needed before the current status of these compounds can be fully assessed, and the impact of regulation and changing usage patterns among different flame retardants determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Law
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, FRAM - High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, H. Johansens gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mohamed A-E Abdallah
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, 71526 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Kim Fernie
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7R 4A6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leisa-Maree L Toms
- School of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hidetaka Takigami
- Centre for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, 305-8506 Ibaraki, Japan
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Storelli MM, Zizzo N. Occurrence of organochlorine contaminants (PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs) and pathologic findings in loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, from the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 472:855-861. [PMID: 24342092 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.11.137] [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: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Livers of 12 loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea) were analyzed for the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Pathological and microbiological studies were also carried out in order to provide a contribution to the knowledge of causes of Mediterranean turtle death. Boat-strike injuries, entanglement in derelict fishing nets and ingestion of hooks and monofilament lines are the causes of death most frequently observed. PCBs (average: 1,399 ng g(-1) fat basis) were the dominant chemicals, followed by PCDFs (average: 61 pg g(-1) fat basic) and PCDDs (average: 16 pg g(-1) fat basis). Hexachlorobiphenyl 153 accounted for the greatest proportion of the total PCBs, followed in order by PCB 138 and PCB 180 (14.1%). Mid-chlorinated, penta-through hepta-PCBs were among the top contributors to the sum of total PCBs, while the homolog pattern of PCCD/Fs was dominated by the tetra- to hexa-substituted congeners. In general the contamination level observed here was comparable with that reported in literature for specimens from different marine areas. Average TEQPCDD/Fs+Dl-PCBs concentration was 27.02 pg g(-1) wet weight (305.1 pg g(-1) lipid weight), with dioxin like-PCBs (93.4%) contributing much more to the total than PCDFs (3.9%) and PCDDs (2.7%). The appreciable concentration of TEQ would at first suggest that there are signs of potential threats to the health of these marine reptiles. Apart from PCBs, this is the first study documenting concentrations of PCDD/Fs in marine turtles from the Mediterranean Sea. Further investigations are urgently needed to characterize their contamination level for a better future protection and conservation of this endangered animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Storelli
- Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutical Department, University of Bari, Strada Prov. le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy.
| | - Nicola Zizzo
- Medicine Veterinary Department, University of Bari, Strada Prov. le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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22
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Camacho M, Orós J, Boada LD, Zaccaroni A, Silvi M, Formigaro C, López P, Zumbado M, Luzardo OP. Potential adverse effects of inorganic pollutants on clinical parameters of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta): results from a nesting colony from Cape Verde, West Africa. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 92:15-22. [PMID: 23998796 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A large number of nesting loggerhead sea turtles (n = 201) were sampled to establish the blood levels of 11 elements (Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, As, Al, Hg, and Se). Almost all of the samples showed detectable levels of these 11 elements, and Zn and Se exhibited the highest concentrations (median values as high as 6.05 and 2.28 μg/g, respectively). The median concentrations of the most toxic compounds, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg, were relatively low (0.38, 0.24, 0.06, and 0.03 μg/g, respectively). We also determined the haematological and biochemical parameters in a subsample of 50 turtles to evaluate the potential effects of these contaminants on clinical parameters and found several associations. Our study reinforces the usefulness of blood for the monitoring of the levels of contaminating elements and their adverse effects on blood parameters in sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Camacho
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
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23
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Camacho M, Luzardo OP, Boada LD, López Jurado LF, Medina M, Zumbado M, Orós J. Potential adverse health effects of persistent organic pollutants on sea turtles: evidences from a cross-sectional study on Cape Verde loggerhead sea turtles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 458-460:283-289. [PMID: 23665416 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The Cape Verde nesting population of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) is the third largest population of this species in the world. For conservation purposes, it is essential to determine how these reptiles respond to different types of anthropogenic contaminants. We evaluated the presence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the plasma of adult nesting loggerheads from Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde, and studied the effects of the contaminants on the health status of the turtles using hematological and biochemical parameters. All turtles had detectable levels of non-dioxin like PCBs, whereas dioxin-like congeners (DL-PCBs) were detected in only 30% of the turtles. Packed cell volume decreased with higher concentrations of PCBs, which suggests that PCB exposure could result in anemia in sea turtles. In addition, a negative association between some OCPs and white blood cells (WBC) and thrombocyte estimate was noted. The DDT-metabolite, p,p'-DDE was negatively correlated with the Na/K ratio and, additionally, a number of correlations between certain PAHs and electrolyte balances were found, which suggest that exposure to these environmental contaminants could affect the kidneys and salt glands in sea turtles. Additionally, several correlations were observed between these environmental pollutants (OCPs and PAHs) and enzyme activity (GGT, ALT, ALP and amylase) and serum protein levels, pointing to the possibility that these contaminants could induce adverse metabolic effects in sea turtles. Our results indicate that anthropogenic pollutants are present in the Cape Verde loggerhead turtle nesting population and could exert negative effects on several health parameters. Because of the importance of this loggerhead nesting population, protective regulations at national and international levels as well as international action are necessary for assuring the conservation of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Camacho
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
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24
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Orós J, Monagas P, Calabuig P, Luzardo OP, Camacho M. Pansteatitis associated with high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in a wild loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2013; 102:237-242. [PMID: 23446973 DOI: 10.3354/dao02550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
We describe the morphologic and toxicological findings in a case of pansteatitis in a stranded loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta. At necropsy, a large amount of adipose tissue in the celomic cavity showing very firm, yellow to orange irregular formations was observed. Histological lesions ranged from the infiltration of necrotic fat by scarce multinucleated giant cells and numerous macrophages containing xylene-insoluble lipopigment inclusions to the presence of several granulomas characterized by an irregular central necrotic area consisting of lipopigment surrounded by numerous multinucleated giant cells. Microbiological cultures were negative. Celomic fat was analyzed for PCBs and DDTs, resulting in very high levels of PCB 138, 153, 180 209 (3170, 2830, 980 and 1190 ng g-1, respectively). Although a nutritional cause cannot be ruled out, the high levels of PCBs detected in the celomic fat could have induced lipid peroxidation in adipocytes, resulting in cell damage, deposition of ceroid pigment and inflammatory response. This is the first report of pansteatitis in a wild sea turtle.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Orós
- Department of Morphology, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
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25
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Fair PA, Stavros HC, Mollenhauer MAM, DeWitt JC, Henry N, Kannan K, Yun SH, Bossart GD, Keil DE, Peden-Adams MM. Immune function in female B(6)C(3)F(1) mice is modulated by DE-71, a commercial polybrominated diphenyl ether mixture. J Immunotoxicol 2012; 9:96-107. [PMID: 22214215 DOI: 10.3109/1547691x.2011.643418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are an important class of flame-retardants that are environmentally persistent and bioaccumulative. Toxicity of these compounds has become a concern because detectable levels of PBDEs are present in humans and wildlife and they are structurally similar to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This study examined the effects of the commercial penta-BDE mixture, DE-71, in adult female B(6)C(3)F(1) mice on hematology, serum clinical chemistry, thyroid hormones, tissue histology, and several immunotoxicity end-points (lymphocyte proliferation, NK cell activity, splenic immunophenotypes, and SRBC-specific-IgM production). Mice were exposed via oral gavage for 28 days to achieve total administered doses (TAD) of 0, 0.5, 5, 50, or 100 mg/kg. No changes in histology, clinical chemistry, body or organ weights were observed. Serum total T3 and T4 levels were not altered by any of the DE-71 treatments. Peripheral blood monocyte numbers were decreased by the 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg treatments, but not by the 100 mg/kg TAD concentration. Compared to controls, mitogen-stimulated T- and B-cell proliferation was increased by the 100 mg/kg TAD concentration (ED(50) = 60 mg/kg TAD [2.14 mg/kg/day] and 58 mg/kg TAD [2.57 mg/kg/day], respectively). NK cell activity was decreased compared to controls by the 100 mg/kg TAD concentration (ED(50) = 20 mg/kg TAD [0.7 mg/kg/day]). No alterations were noted in thymic T-cell populations or in SRBC-specific-IgM production. Numbers of CD19(+)CD21(-), CD19(+)CD21(+), CD4(+)CD8(-), CD4(-)CD8(+), CD4(-)CD8(-), and MHC-II(+) cells in the spleen were not affected. However, the numbers of splenic CD4(+)CD8(+) cells were decreased compared to the controls by 0.5, 5, and 100 mg/kg TAD. This study provides an assessment of the systemic toxicity and immunotoxicity of DE-71, and indicates that immune parameters are modulated at exposure concentrations lower than previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Fair
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Services, Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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26
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Stewart KR, Keller JM, Templeton R, Kucklick JR, Johnson C. Monitoring persistent organic pollutants in leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) confirms maternal transfer. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:1396-409. [PMID: 21612801 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
To assess threats to endangered species, it is critical to establish baselines for contaminant concentrations that may have detrimental consequences to individuals or populations. We measured contaminants in blubber and fat from dead leatherback turtles and established baselines in blood and eggs in nesting turtles. In fat, blubber, blood and eggs, the predominant PCBs were 153+132, 187+182, 138+163, 118, and 180+193. Total PCBs, 4,4'-DDE, total PBDEs and total chlordanes were significantly and positively correlated between blood and eggs, suggesting maternal transfer. Significant positive relationships also existed between fat and blubber in stranded leatherbacks. Less lipophilic PCBs appeared to more readily transfer from females to their eggs. PBDE profiles in the four tissues were similar to other wildlife populations but different from some turtle studies. Concentrations were lower than those shown to have acute toxic effects in other aquatic reptiles, but may have sub-lethal effects on hatchling body condition and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Stewart
- Duke University Center for Marine Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA.
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27
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Basile ER, Avery HW, Bien WF, Keller JM. Diamondback terrapins as indicator species of persistent organic pollutants: Using Barnegat Bay, New Jersey as a case study. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 82:137-144. [PMID: 20947126 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The diamondback terrapin's (Malaclemys terrapin) wide geographic distribution, long life span, occurrence in a variety of habitats within the saltmarsh ecosystem, predatory foraging behavior, and high site fidelity make it a useful indicator species for contaminant monitoring in estuarine ecosystems. In this study fat biopsies and plasma samples were collected from males and females from two sites within Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, as well as tissues from a gravid female and blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), which are terrapin prey. Samples were analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), chlorinated pesticides, and methyl-triclosan. Terrapins from the northern site, Spizzle Creek, closest to influences from industrial areas, had higher POP concentrations for both tissues than terrapins from the less impacted Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Sex differences were observed with males having higher contaminant concentrations in fat and females in plasma. PCB patterns in terrapin fat and plasma were comparable to other wildlife. An atypical PBDE pattern was observed, dominated by PBDEs 153 and 100 instead of PBDEs 47 and 99, which has been documented in only a few other turtle species. The typical PBDE patterns measured in mussels, terrapin prey, suggests that the terrapin may efficiently biotransform or eliminate PBDE 47 and possibly PBDE 99. Plasma contaminant concentrations significantly and positively correlated with those in fat. This study addresses several aspects of using the terrapin as an indicator species for POP monitoring: site and sex differences, tissue sampling choices, maternal transfer, and biomagnification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R Basile
- Drexel University, Department of Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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28
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Yordy JE, Mollenhauer MAM, Wilson RM, Wells RS, Hohn A, Sweeney J, Schwacke LH, Rowles TK, Kucklick JR, Peden-Adams MM. Complex contaminant exposure in cetaceans: a comparative E-Screen analysis of bottlenose dolphin blubber and mixtures of four persistent organic pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2010; 29:2143-2153. [PMID: 20872675 DOI: 10.1002/etc.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cetaceans are federally protected species that are prone to accumulate complex mixtures of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which individually may exert estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects. In the present study it was assessed whether contaminant mixtures harbored by cetaceans are estrogenic or antiestrogenic using a comparative approach. Interactions of antiestrogenic and estrogenic compounds were first investigated with the E-Screen assay using a mixture of four POPs (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [4,4'-DDE], trans-nonachlor, and polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs] 138 180) prevalent in cetacean blubber. Estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity was determined for the individual compounds and their binary, tertiary, and quaternary combinations. Significantly different responses were observed for the various POP mixtures, including enhanced estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects and antagonistic interactions. These results were then compared to the concentrations and estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity of contaminant mixtures isolated directly from the blubber of 15 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) collected from five U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico locations. The lowest observed effect concentrations (LOECs) determined for 4,4'-DDE (20 µmol/L), PCB 138 (20 µmol/L), PCB 180 (21 µmol/L), and trans-nonachlor (3 µmol/L) in the E-Screen were greater than estimated dolphin blood concentrations. Although estimated blood concentrations were below the LOECs, significant estrogenic activity was detected in diluted dolphin blubber from Cape May, NJ and Bermuda. Positive correlations between blubber estrogenicity and select POP concentrations (ΣDDTs, ΣPBDEs, ΣHCB, Σestrogenic PCBs, Σestrogenic POPs) were also observed. Collectively, these results suggest that select bottlenose dolphin populations may be exposed to contaminants that act in concert to exert estrogenic effects at biologically relevant concentrations. These observations do not necessarily provide direct evidence of endocrine disruption; however, they may indicate an environmental source of xenoestrogenic exposure warranting future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Yordy
- Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29412, USA
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29
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Domínguez AA, Law RJ, Herzke D, de Boer J. Bioaccumulation of Brominated Flame Retardants. BROMINATED FLAME RETARDANTS 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/698_2010_95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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