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Zhang T, Jiang Y, Li D, Zhang C, Liu Y, Li Y, Yu Y, Wang J, Shi HT, Lin L. Accumulation rate and sources of plastic marine litter at nesting grounds of green turtles on the North Island of Qilianyu, Xisha Islands, South China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116485. [PMID: 38754319 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116485] [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: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the accumulation rate of plastic litter was investigated by sampling quadrats placed on the North Island of Qilianyu, and the composition was analyzed and identified to determine its source. The results showed that the annual average accumulation rate of plastic litter on North Island was 0.64 ± 0.32 pieces·m-2·month-1, with a mass accumulation rate of 11.30 ± 7.73 g·m-2·month-1. The accumulation rate of plastic litter was mainly influenced by wind speed and direction, with higher accumulation rates occurring during the southwest monsoon season and tropical cyclones. ATR-FTIR analysis indicated that polyethylene (44 %) and polypropylene (41 %) were the most abundant types of polymers. This study reveals the current status of plastic litter pollution in green turtle nesting grounds on North Island in Qilianyu, which can be used as a reference for management strategies that mitigate plastic litter pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China; Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha 573100, China
| | - Yongkang Jiang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China; Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha 573100, China
| | - Deqin Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Chenglong Zhang
- Marine Protected Area Administration of Sansha City, Sansha 573100, China
| | - Yunteng Liu
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha 573100, China; Marine Protected Area Administration of Sansha City, Sansha 573100, China
| | - Yupei Li
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha 573100, China; Marine Protected Area Administration of Sansha City, Sansha 573100, China
| | - Yangfei Yu
- Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha 573100, China; Marine Protected Area Administration of Sansha City, Sansha 573100, China
| | - Jichao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China; Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha 573100, China
| | - Hai-Tao Shi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China; Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha 573100, China
| | - Liu Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China; Hainan Sansha Provincial Observation and Research Station of Sea Turtle Ecology, Sansha 573100, China.
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de Luna Beraldo M, Lozano-Bilbao E, Hardisson A, Paz S, Weller DG, Rubio C, Gutiérrez ÁJ. Trace and macro elements concentrations in the blood and muscle of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Canary Islands, Spain. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 190:114793. [PMID: 36934490 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114793] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles can bioaccumulate heavy metals and trace elements over the years, therefore they can be used as bioindicators of pollution in the marine environment. The aim of this study was to analyze seventeen elements in blood and muscle of Caretta caretta from the Canary Islands and compare these concentrations in the two tissues. Thirteen blood samples and six muscle samples were collected from loggerhead turtles admitted to the Rescue Center of La Tahonilla. The samples were processed through microwave digestion and incineration. For the study of the data, a descriptive statistical analysis and a PERMANOVA were performed. All individuals in this study were juveniles (size <70 cm). The results of this study differ from previous studies on loggerhead sea turtles. All the elements analyzed were detected, with Na having the highest concentration in blood (75,379 ± 30,066 mg/kg) and muscle (222,626 ± 156,049 mg/kg). Statistically significant differences were found between the concentration of Al, B, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Na, Sr, V and Zn in each tissue analyzed. Compared to other studies, a higher Cu concentration was found both in blood (252.9 ± 114.4 mg/kg) and in muscle (416 ± 247.8 mg/kg). This study has provided new data on pollutants in loggerhead sea turtles and increased the information available for different geographic areas, although more studies are needed to understand the effects and impact of these pollutants on sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica de Luna Beraldo
- Grupo interuniversitario de Toxicología Alimentaria y Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, 38071 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Enrique Lozano-Bilbao
- Grupo interuniversitario de Toxicología Alimentaria y Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, 38071 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Ecología Marina Aplicada y Pesquerías, i-UNAT, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Campus Universitario de Tafira, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Arturo Hardisson
- Grupo interuniversitario de Toxicología Alimentaria y Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, 38071 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Soraya Paz
- Grupo interuniversitario de Toxicología Alimentaria y Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, 38071 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Dailos González Weller
- Grupo interuniversitario de Toxicología Alimentaria y Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, 38071 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Servicio Público Canario de Salud, Laboratorio Central, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carmen Rubio
- Grupo interuniversitario de Toxicología Alimentaria y Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, 38071 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ángel J Gutiérrez
- Grupo interuniversitario de Toxicología Alimentaria y Ambiental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), Campus de Ofra, 38071 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain; Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Área de Toxicología, Universidad de La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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Jian L, Zhang T, Lin L, Xiong J, Shi H, Wang J. Transfer and accumulation of trace elements in seawater, sediments, green turtle forage, and eggshells in the Xisha Islands, South China Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:50832-50844. [PMID: 35239116 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19354-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemical pollutants present a substantial threat to the survival of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas). In this study, the concentrations of 12 trace elements (TEs) in seawater, sediments, and green turtle forage and eggshells from the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea, along with their patterns of transfer and accumulation, were identified. The results revealed that the median TE concentrations in seawater and sediments were lower than the first-grade limit values of the national standard in China, indicating a low ecological risk. The concentrations (μg·g-1) of TEs in forage ranged from 0.05-0.69, 3.43-14.4, 157-2391, 27.9-124, 2.05-9.39, 0.30-9.78, 2.01-80.50, 0.18-5.76, 0.06-0.98, 2.00-18.4, 0.02-0.24, and 0.01-0.09 for Cr, Mn, Sr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Cd, As, Pb, and Hg, respectively. Seawater, sediments, turtle forage, and eggshells exhibited different TE profiles, which were driven by Hg, Sr, Cr, and Pb in seawater and sediments; Fe and Ni in sediments; Cd and As in forage; and Zn, Se, and Cu in eggshells. The contents of Cu, Zn, and Se increased slightly with trophic level, indicating that they were transferred through dietary pathways. Although Cd and As appeared to bioaccumulate in green turtle forage, it was not transferred to their eggshells, which may be related to the excretion and metabolism process in the mother's body. Thus, eggshells may be a poor bioindicator for the exposure of female green turtles to these toxic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jian
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Liu Lin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Jinfang Xiong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Haitao Shi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Jichao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Key Laboratory of Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology of Hainan Province, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
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Shaw KR, Lynch JM, Balazs GH, Jones TT, Pawloski J, Rice MR, French AD, Liu J, Cobb GP, Klein DM. Trace Element Concentrations in Blood and Scute Tissues from Wild and Captive Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:208-218. [PMID: 33103806 PMCID: PMC8452040 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are exposed to trace elements through water, sediment, and food. Exposure to these elements has been shown to decrease immune function, impair growth, and decrease reproductive output in wildlife. The present study compares trace element concentrations in green turtles in captivity at Sea Life Park Hawaii (n = 6) to wild green turtles in Kapoho Bay, Hawaii, USA (n = 5-7). Blood and scute samples were collected and analyzed for 11 elements via inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Selenium was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the blood of captive turtles compared with wild turtles, whereas V, Ni, and Pb were significantly greater in the blood of wild turtles. In scute, V, Cu, Se, and Cr were significantly greater in captive turtles, whereas As was significantly greater in wild turtles. Pelleted food fed to the captive turtles and representative samples of the wild turtle diet were analyzed via ICP-MS to calculate trophic transfer factors and daily intake values. Wild turtles had greater estimated daily intake than captive turtles for all elements except Cu and Se. Because captive turtles are fed a diet very different from that of their wild counterparts, captive turtles do not represent control or reference samples for chemical exposure studies in wild turtles. No toxic thresholds are known for sea turtles, but rehabilitation and managed care facilities should monitor sea turtle elemental concentrations to ensure the animals' health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:208-218. © 2020 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Shaw
- Texas Tech University, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA
- Address correspondence to
| | - Jennifer M. Lynch
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Waimanalo, HI 96744, USA
| | | | - T. Todd Jones
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
| | | | - Marc R. Rice
- Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Kamuela, HI 96743, USA
| | - Amanda D. French
- Texas Tech University, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Baylor University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - George P. Cobb
- Baylor University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - David M. Klein
- Texas Tech University, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA
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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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Esposito M, De Roma A, Sansone D, Capozzo D, Iaccarino D, di Nocera F, Gallo P. Non-essential toxic element (Cd, As, Hg and Pb) levels in muscle, liver and kidney of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along the southwestern coasts of Tyrrhenian sea. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 231:108725. [PMID: 32081760 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Non-essential toxic metals are environmental pollutants that contaminate the marine ecosystem due to their extensive use and long-range transport (by rivers and air). Their presence into the environment is often linked to the human activity, with an expected bioaccumulation in the food chain. Within the marine animals, sea turtles may be considered as potential sentinel species for environmental assessment because of their long lifetime, habitat use and migratory nature. In this study, non-essential toxic metals in the coastal of Tyrrhenian Sea were monitored, during the 2017-2018 period, using the Mediterranean loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) as indicator species. The levels of Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) and Lead, (Pb) were determined in 30 turtles stranded in different locations along the coasts of Campania region of Southern Italy. After morphometric analysis, the non- essential toxic metal accumulation in loggerhead sea turtle muscle and organs have been measured analysing the total concentrations of metals in samples of liver, kidney, and muscle by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) after microwave assisted digestion with nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The pattern of contaminants revealed a similar distribution for Pb and total mercury, that were not significantly high in all the analysed matrices. On the contrary, elevated concentrations of total As were found out in all matrices, mainly in muscle (25.7 mg/kg w.w.), and of Cd in liver (1.23 mg/kg w.w.) and kidney (6.82 mg/kg w.w.). These studies allow us to estimate the exposure degree to which these species are subjected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Esposito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Antonella De Roma
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy.
| | - Donato Sansone
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Daniela Capozzo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Doriana Iaccarino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Fabio di Nocera
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, 80055 Portici, Italy
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Camacho M, Herrera A, Gómez M, Acosta-Dacal A, Martínez I, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Luzardo OP. Organic pollutants in marine plastic debris from Canary Islands beaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 662:22-31. [PMID: 30684899 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Given their capacity to adsorb chemical pollutants, microplastics represent a growing environmental concern in the oceans. The levels of 81 chemical compounds in two types of beached microplastic (pellets and fragments) were monitored across the Canary Islands (Spain). The highest concentrations were found for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (52.1-17,023.6ng/g and 35.1-8725.8ng/g for pooled pellets and fragments, respectively). The polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were 0.9-2285.8 and 1.6-772.5ng/g for pooled pellets and fragments, respectively, whereas organochlorine pesticides (OCP) ranged from 0.4-13,488.7 and 0.4-3778.8ng/g, respectively. The sum of polychlorinated biphenyls and diphenyl-dichloro-ethane (DDT) metabolites was significantly higher in beaches on Gran Canaria, which is the most populated and industrialized island. The sum of ultraviolet filters (UV-filters) was higher in those beaches more frequented by tourists (Famara and Las Canteras), than in occasionally or very rarely visited beaches (Cuervitos and Lambra), with values ranging from 0 to 37,740.3ng/g and 3.7-2169.3ng/g for pellets and fragments, respectively. Furthermore, the sum of brominated diphenyl ethers (BDE) (0-180.58ng/g for pooled pellets and 0.06-3923.9ng/g for pooled fragments) and organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFR) (20.0-378.0ng/g for pooled pellets, and 22.6-7013.9ng/g for pooled fragments) was significantly higher in an urban beach (Las Canteras) than in the rest of the studied beaches. Finally, the concentrations of the pesticide chlorpyrifos were much higher on Gran Canaria beaches than in the rest. In this research we provide further evidence of the important role of plastic debris in the adsorption of a wide range of marine pollutants. The regional pattern of chemical contamination of plastics reveals that the sorption of many compounds probably occurs in coastal waters. Further investigation is necessary to understand the relationship between plastic types and adsorption of different pollutants, especially for emerging pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Alicia Herrera
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017, Spain
| | - May Gómez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017, Spain
| | - Andrea Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Ico Martínez
- Marine Ecophysiology Group (EOMAR), IU-ECOAQUA, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017, Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas, Spain.
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An immune response-based approach to evaluate physiological stress in rehabilitating loggerhead sea turtle. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2019; 207:18-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Monzón-Argüello C, Cardona L, Calabuig P, Camacho M, Crespo-Picazo JL, García-Párraga D, Mayans S, Luzardo OP, Orós J, Varo-Cruz N. Supplemental feeding and other anthropogenic threats to green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Canary Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 621:1000-1011. [PMID: 29066195 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Green turtles are found in the waters of the Canary Islands but little is known about the ecology and anthropogenic pressures that threaten them. Our results have revealed that juvenile green turtles, ranging in curve carapace length from 26.9-81.0cm, are regularly found in the archipelago and originate from rookeries in both the eastern and western Atlantic. Photo-identification and satellite tracking showed high levels of site fidelity to coastal foraging grounds associated with seagrass meadows, but stable isotope analysis indicated animal-based omnivorous diets after settlement on the continental shelf, with no increase in the consumption of macrophytes as the turtles grew. Most turtles exhibited high levels of some blood biochemical markers associated with a high consumption of proteins and fat. In addition, we determined levels of some organic and inorganic pollutants. Supplemental feeding may also contribute to explain the high prevalence of hooking and boat strikes in the green turtles brought to wildlife rescue centers as compared with loggerhead turtles. Regulatory measures and surveillance should be urgently implemented in order to improve the status of the species in the archipelago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Monzón-Argüello
- EcoAqua University Institute, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Ctra. de Taliarte, s/n, 35200 Telde, Las Palmas, Spain; Asociación para el Desarrollo Sostenible y Conservación de la Biodiversidad, C/Blas de Lezo 55, 1° G, 35118 Agüimes, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Luis Cardona
- IRBio and Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Avda. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pascual Calabuig
- Tafira Wildlife Rescue Center, Ctra. del Centro km 7, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - José Luis Crespo-Picazo
- Veterinary Services, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Ciudad de Las Artes y las Ciencias, C/ Eduardo primo Yúfera 1B, 46013, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel García-Párraga
- Veterinary Services, Fundación Oceanogràfic, Ciudad de Las Artes y las Ciencias, C/ Eduardo primo Yúfera 1B, 46013, Valencia, Spain
| | - Santiago Mayans
- La Tahonilla Wildlife Rescue Center, C/Las Macetas s/n, 38108 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Spain
| | - Jorge Orós
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Nuria Varo-Cruz
- Asociación para el Desarrollo Sostenible y Conservación de la Biodiversidad, C/Blas de Lezo 55, 1° G, 35118 Agüimes, Las Palmas, Spain
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10
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Cocci P, Mosconi G, Bracchetti L, Nalocca JM, Frapiccini E, Marini M, Caprioli G, Sagratini G, Palermo FA. Investigating the potential impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on gene biomarker expression and global DNA methylation in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Adriatic Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 619-620:49-57. [PMID: 29136534 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are priority contaminants that bioaccumulate through the food webs and affect the biology of a variety of resident and migratory species, including sea turtles. Few studies have evaluated toxicological biomarkers of exposure to PAHs and PCBs in these animals. The present paper reports the results of an initial field study to quantify the association between plasma concentrations of PAHs/PCBs and whole blood cell expression of gene biomarkers in juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) rescued along the Italian coasts of the northern and central areas of the Adriatic Sea. While detectable levels of PAHs were found in all plasma samples examined, only three PCB congeners (PCB52, PCB95, and PCB149) were noted, with detection percentages ranging between 48% and 57%. A significant correlation was found between 3 of the 6 gene biomarkers assessed (HSP60, CYP1A and ERα) and plasma levels of some PAH congeners. In contrast, no significant association between PCB burden and gene expression was observed. The global DNA methylation levels were significantly and positively correlated with the concentrations of most of the PAHs and only one of the PCB congeners (PCB52). The relation between PAH concentration and gene expression in whole blood cells suggests that these genes may respond to environmental contaminant exposure and are promising candidates for the development of biomarkers for monitoring sea turtle exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cocci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Gilberto Mosconi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Luca Bracchetti
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - John Mark Nalocca
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Emanuela Frapiccini
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CBR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, 60125 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Mauro Marini
- Institute of Marine Sciences (CBR-ISMAR), National Research Council, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, 60125 Ancona, AN, Italy
| | - Giovanni Caprioli
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Sant'Agostino 1, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Gianni Sagratini
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Sant'Agostino 1, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandro Palermo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, I-62032 Camerino, MC, Italy.
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11
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Yipel M, Tekeli İO, İşler CT, Altuğ ME. Heavy metal distribution in blood, liver and kidneys of Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles from the Northeast Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 125:487-491. [PMID: 28802660 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the concentrations of the most investigated environmentally relevant heavy metals in two highly endangered sea turtle species (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas) from the important nesting area on the Northeast Mediterranean Sea. The highest mean concentration was of Fe, while Hg and Pb were lowest. All tissue concentrations of Al, As, Fe and Mn were significantly different between the species. In particular, As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, Zn concentrations were lower in Caretta caretta and Cd, Hg, Mn, Zn concentrations were lower in Chelonia mydas than those reported in other parts of the world. Compared to studies conductud in other parts of the Mediterranean, Cd was lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Yipel
- Namık Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 59030 Tekirdağ, Turkey.
| | - İbrahim Ozan Tekeli
- Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 31060, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Cafer Tayer İşler
- Mustafa Kemal University, Sea Turtle First Aid, Treatment, Recovery, Application and Research Center, 31060, Hatay, Turkey; Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery, 31060, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Enes Altuğ
- Mustafa Kemal University, Sea Turtle First Aid, Treatment, Recovery, Application and Research Center, 31060, Hatay, Turkey; Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery, 31060, Hatay, Turkey
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12
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Cortés-Gómez AA, Romero D, Girondot M. The current situation of inorganic elements in marine turtles: A general review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 229:567-585. [PMID: 28688307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic elements (Pb, Cd, Hg, Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se and Zn) are present globally in aquatic systems and their potential transfer to marine turtles can be a serious threat to their health status. The environmental fate of these contaminants may be traced by the analysis of turtle tissues. Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are the most frequently investigated of all the sea turtle species with regards to inorganic elements, followed by Green turtles (Chelonia mydas); all the other species have considerably fewer studies. Literature shows that blood, liver, kidney and muscle are the tissues most frequently used for the quantification of inorganic elements, with Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn being the most studied elements. Chelonia mydas showed the highest concentrations of Cr in muscle (4.8 ± 0.12), Cu in liver (37 ± 7) and Mg in kidney (17 μg g-1 ww), Cr and Cu from the Gulf of Mexico and Mg from Japanese coasts; Lepidochelys olivacea presented the highest concentrations of Pb in blood (4.46 5) and Cd in kidney (150 ± 110 μg g-1 ww), both from the Mexican Pacific; Caretta caretta from the Mediterranean Egyptian coast had the highest report of Hg in blood (0.66 ± 0.13 μg g-1 ww); and Eretmochelys imbricata from Japan had the highest concentration of As in muscle (30 ± 13 13 μg g-1 ww). The meta-analysis allows us to examine some features that were not visible when data was analyzed alone. For instance, Leatherbacks show a unique pattern of concentration compared to other species. Additionally, contamination of different tissues shows some tendencies independent of the species with liver and kidney on one side and bone on the other being different from other tissues. This review provides a general perspective on the accumulation and distribution of these inorganic elements alongside existing information for the 7 sea turtle species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana A Cortés-Gómez
- Laboratoire Écologie, Systématique et Évolution, Université Paris-Sud, AgroParisTech, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum". Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Diego Romero
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum". Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Marc Girondot
- Laboratoire Écologie, Systématique et Évolution, Université Paris-Sud, AgroParisTech, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France.
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13
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Rousselet E, Levin M, Gebhard E, Higgins BM, DeGuise S, Godard-Codding CAJ. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) modulate both phagocytosis and NK cell activity in vitro in juvenile loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2017; 80:556-561. [PMID: 28841368 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1363102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Threatened loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) face numerous environmental challenges, including exposure to anthropogenic chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Despite being banned by the USA in the 1970s, PCBs persist in the environment and produce immunotoxic effects in a wide range of marine vertebrate species. This is of particular concern, as the modulation of the immune system may enhance the susceptibility to a variety of pathogens. Blood samples were collected from 19 immature, captive-reared loggerhead sea turtles. Functional immune assays phagocytosis and natural killer (NK) cell activity were used to quantify the direct effects of PCB congeners 105, 138, and 169 on innate immune functions upon in vitro exposure of sea turtle cells to increasing concentrations (control (0), 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, or 20 ppm) of each PCB. PCB 105 significantly elevated eosinophil phagocytosis at 10 and 15 ppm and PCB 138 at 15 ppm compared to unexposed (0 ppm). The effects of PCB 169 on phagocytosis were not evaluated. PCB 138 and 105 significantly decreased NK cell activity at 15 and 20 ppm, compared to unexposed (0 ppm) controls. PCB 169 did not markedly modulate NK activity. This constitutes the first study to investigate the in vitro effects of these three PCBs on sea turtle innate immune functions. These results add to our understanding of PCB-induced immunotoxicity in sea turtles and may provide a framework for establishing the relationships between chemical levels and turtle immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Rousselet
- a Department of Environmental Toxicology , The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University , Lubbock , TX , USA
- b Aquatic Animal Health Program, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences , University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine , Gainesville , FL , USA
| | - Milton Levin
- c Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science , University of Connecticut , Storrs , CT , USA
| | - Erika Gebhard
- c Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science , University of Connecticut , Storrs , CT , USA
| | - Benjamin M Higgins
- d National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center , Galveston , TX , USA
| | - Sylvain DeGuise
- c Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science , University of Connecticut , Storrs , CT , USA
| | - Céline A J Godard-Codding
- a Department of Environmental Toxicology , The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University , Lubbock , TX , USA
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14
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Henríquez-Hernández LA, Carretón E, Camacho M, Montoya-Alonso JA, Boada LD, Bernal Martín V, Falcón Cordón Y, Falcón Cordón S, Zumbado M, Luzardo OP. Potential Role of Pet Cats As a Sentinel Species for Human Exposure to Flame Retardants. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:79. [PMID: 28620612 PMCID: PMC5449440 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Flame retardants are a wide group of chemicals used by the industry to avoid combustion of materials. These substances are commonly found in plastics, electronic equipment, fabrics, and in many other everyday articles. Subsequently, ubiquitous environmental contamination by these common chemical is frequently reported. In the present study, we have evaluated the level of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs), and organophosphorous flame retardants (OPFRs) in pet cats through the analysis of their serum. We also analyzed the level exposure to such chemicals in a series of 20 cat owners, trying to disclose the role of pet cats as sentinel species of human exposure to FRs. Our results showed that PCBs, banned 40 years ago, showed the lowest levels of exposure, followed by BDEs—banned recently. Congeners PCB-138 and PCB-180 were detected in ≥50% of the series, while BDE-47 was detected in near 90% of the pet cats. On the other hand, the highest levels were that of OPFRs, whose pattern of detection was similar to that observed in humans, thus suggesting a potential role of cats as a sentinel species for human exposure to these currently used FRs. Six out of 11 OPFRs determined [2-ethylhexyldiphenyl phosphate, tributylphosphate, triisobutylphosphate, triphenylphosphate, tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate, and tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate] were detected in 100% of the samples. It will be interesting to perform future studied aimed to elucidating the potential toxicological effects of these highly detected chemicals both, in cats and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Verónica Bernal Martín
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón Cordón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Soraya Falcón Cordón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Las Palmas, Spain
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15
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Zychowski GV, Godard-Codding CAJ. Reptilian exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and associated effects. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:25-35. [PMID: 27557365 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Reptiles are an underrepresented taxon in ecotoxicological literature, and the means by which toxicants play a role in population declines are only partially understood. Among the contaminants of interest for reptiles are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of organic compounds that is already a concern for numerous other taxa. The objectives of the present review are to summarize the existing literature on reptilian exposure to PAHs and synthesize general conclusions, to identify knowledge gaps within this niche of research, and to suggest future directions for research. Results confirm a relative scarcity of information on reptilian exposure to PAHs, although research continues to grow, particularly after significant contamination events. The orders Testudines and Squamata are better represented than the orders Crocodilia and Rhynchocephalia. For the taxonomic orders with relevant literature (all but Rhynchocephalia), some species are more frequently represented than others. Few studies establish solid cause-effect relationships after reptilian exposure to PAHs, and many more studies are suggestive of effect or increased risk of effect. Despite the scarcity of information in this area, researchers have already employed a wide variety of approaches to address PAH-related questions for reptiles, including molecular techniques, modeling, and field surveys. As more research is completed, a thoughtful interpretation of available and emerging data is necessary to make the most effective use of this information. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:25-35. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory V Zychowski
- The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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16
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Villa CA, Flint M, Bell I, Hof C, Limpus CJ, Gaus C. Trace element reference intervals in the blood of healthy green sea turtles to evaluate exposure of coastal populations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:1465-1476. [PMID: 27825845 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to essential and non-essential elements may be elevated for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) that forage close to shore. Biomonitoring of trace elements in turtle blood can identify temporal trends over repeated sampling events, but any interpretation of potential health risks due to an elevated exposure first requires a comparison against a baseline. This study aims to use clinical reference interval (RI) methods to produce exposure baseline limits for essential and non-essential elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, and Pb) using blood from healthy subadult turtles foraging in a remote and offshore part of the Great Barrier Reef. Subsequent blood biomonitoring of three additional coastal populations, which forage in areas dominated by agricultural, urban and military activities, showed clear habitat-specific differences in blood metal profiles relative to the those observed in the offshore population. Coastal turtles were most often found to have elevated concentrations of Co, Mo, Mn, Mg, Na, As, Sb, and Pb relative to the corresponding RIs. In particular, blood from turtles from the agricultural site had Co concentrations ranging from 160 to 840 μg/L (4-25 times above RI), which are within the order expected to elicit acute effects in many vertebrates. Additional clinical blood biochemistry and haematology results indicate signs of a systemic disease and the prevalence of an active inflammatory response in a high proportion (44%) of turtles from the agricultural site. Elevated Co, Sb, and Mn in the blood of these turtles significantly correlated with elevated markers of acute inflammation (total white cell counts) and liver dysfunction (alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin). The results of this study support the notion that elevated trace element exposures may be adversely affecting the health of nearshore green sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Villa
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - M Flint
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, The Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA; Vet-MARTI, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - I Bell
- Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - C Hof
- WWF-Australia, Level 1, 17 Burnett Lane, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - C J Limpus
- Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - C Gaus
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
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17
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Henríquez-Hernández LA, Carretón E, Camacho M, Montoya-Alonso JA, Boada LD, Valerón PF, Falcón-Cordón Y, Falcón-Cordón S, Almeida-González M, Zumbado M, Luzardo OP. The heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) seems to be able to metabolize organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls: A case-control study in dogs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 575:1445-1452. [PMID: 27751690 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.09.236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
It has been described that the co-existence of parasite infection and chemical exposure has various effects on the accumulation of persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) in the host. Certain parasites are not only able to accumulate POPs but also seem to have the ability to metabolize certain compounds. We have designed a case-control study aimed to disclose the role of Dirofilaria immitis in the bioavailability of POPs in dogs trying to know whether these parasites store or metabolize the POPs. A total of 40 common POPs (18 polychlorinated biphenyls congeners (PCBs) and 22 organochlorine pesticides were quantified in dog serum. The study included three groups of dogs prospectively recruited in the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain): a) control animals, non-parasitized (serologically tested negative, n=24); b) a group constituted by dogs tested positive for heartworm disease (D. immitis) and negative for other parasites (n=25); and c) the same group of parasitized dogs after the treatment against the parasite (n=25). The presence of D. immitis was strongly associated with lower serum levels of a wide range of pollutant in their hosts (PCB congeners 28, 105, 118, 123, 138, 153, 167 and 180; hexachlorobenzene, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, and methoxychlor). The serum levels of these substances remained at very low levels after the treatment against the parasite, suggesting that D. immitis do not simply store such compounds, but they probably have some ability to metabolize these pollutants. We encourage the use of the parasite infestation status as a cofactor that needs to be taken into account in studies aimed to evaluate the serum levels of POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pilar F Valerón
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Soraya Falcón-Cordón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Maira Almeida-González
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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18
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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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Henríquez-Hernández LA, Carretón E, Camacho M, Montoya-Alonso JA, Boada LD, Valerón PF, Cordón YF, Almeida-González M, Zumbado M, Luzardo OP. Influence of parasitism in dogs on their serum levels of persistent organochlorine compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 562:128-135. [PMID: 27096633 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals, which accumulate in humans and animals, as only few species have the capability of eliminating them. However, some authors have pointed to the possibility that certain species of invertebrates (i.e. nematodes) could metabolize this type of compounds. As certain species of nematodes act as parasites of vertebrates, this research was designed to explore the influence of some of the most common parasites of the dogs in their serum levels of 56 common POPs. The study included three groups of dogs (n=64), which were prospectively recruited in the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain): a) control animals, non-parasitized (serologically tested negative, n=24); b) dogs tested positive for intestinal parasites and negative for other parasites (n=24); and c) dogs tested positive for heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and negative for other parasites (n=16). The presence of Dirofilaria immitis was strongly associated with lower serum levels of a wide range of pollutant in their hosts (PCB congeners 28, 52, 118, 138, 153, and 180; hexachlorobenzene, lindane, aldrin, dieldrin, anthracene and pyrene). We also found an inverse association between the hosts' serum levels of PCBs and intestinal parasites. We did not find any association with DDT or its metabolites, but this might be explained by the recently suggested ability of dogs for the efficient metabolization of these compounds. According to the results of this study certain forms of parasitism would reduce the bioavailability of the major classes of POPs in dogs. However, further studies are needed to elucidate whether this phenomenon is due to a competence between parasites and hosts or could respond to a possible capability of parasitic nematodes for the metabolization of these POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pilar F Valerón
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yaiza Falcón Cordón
- Internal Medicine Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Maira Almeida-González
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERObn), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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García-Alvarez N, Fernández A, Boada LD, Zumbado M, Zaccaroni A, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Almunia J, Luzardo OP. Mercury and selenium status of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): A study in stranded animals on the Canary Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 536:489-498. [PMID: 26232758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The mercury (Hg) level in the marine environment has tripled in recent decades, becoming a great concern because of its high toxic potential. This study reports Hg and selenium (Se) status, and the first Se/Hg molar ratio assessment in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the waters of the Canary Islands. Total Hg and Se concentrations were determined in the blubber and liver collected from 30 specimens stranded along the coasts of the archipelago from 1997 to 2013. The median values for total Hg in the blubber and liver were 80.83 and 223.77 μg g(-1) dry weight (dw), and the median levels for Se in both tissues were 7.29 and 68.63 μg g(-1) dw, respectively. Hg concentrations in the liver were lower than 100 μg g(-1) wet weight (ww), comparable to those obtained in bottlenose dolphins from the North Sea, the Western Atlantic Ocean and several locations in the Pacific Ocean. The Mediterranean Sea and South of Australia are the most contaminated areas for both elements in this cetacean species. In addition, it must be stressed that the levels of Hg and Se in the liver showed an increasing trend with the age of the animals. As expected, a strong positive correlation between Hg and Se was observed (rs=0.960). Surprisingly, both younger and older specimens had a Se/Hg molar ratio different from 1, suggesting that these individuals may be at greater toxicological risk for high concentrations of both elements or a deficiency of Se without a protective action against Hg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia García-Alvarez
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 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 Arbelo
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Foundation, Camino Burgado, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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21
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Bucchia M, Camacho M, Santos MRD, Boada LD, Roncada P, Mateo R, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Rodríguez-Estival J, Zumbado M, Orós J, Henríquez-Hernández LA, García-Álvarez N, Luzardo OP. Plasma levels of pollutants are much higher in loggerhead turtle populations from the Adriatic Sea than in those from open waters (Eastern Atlantic Ocean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 523:161-169. [PMID: 25863507 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we determined the levels of 63 environmental contaminants, including organic (PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, and PAHs) and inorganic (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg and Zn) compounds in the blood of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from two comparable populations that inhabit distinct geographic areas: the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean basin) and the Canary Islands (Eastern Atlantic Ocean). All animals were sampled at the end of a period of rehabilitation in centers of wildlife recovery, before being released back into the wild, so they can be considered to be in good health condition. The dual purpose of this paper is to provide reliable data on the current levels of contamination of this species in these geographic areas, and secondly to compare the results of both populations, as it has been reported that marine biota inhabiting the Mediterranean basin is exposed to much higher pollution levels than that which inhabit in other areas of the planet. According to our results it is found that current levels of contamination by organic compounds are considerably higher in Adriatic turtles than in the Atlantic ones (∑PCBs, 28.45 vs. 1.12ng/ml; ∑OCPs, 1.63 vs. 0.19ng/ml; ∑PAHs, 13.39 vs. 4.91ng/ml; p<0.001 in all cases). This is the first time that levels of PAHs are reported in the Adriatic loggerheads. With respect to inorganic contaminants, although the differences were not as great, the Adriatic turtles appear to have higher levels of some of the most toxic elements such as mercury (5.74 vs. 7.59μg/ml, p<0.01). The results of this study confirm that the concentrations are larger in turtles from the Mediterranean, probably related to the high degree of anthropogenic pressure in this basin, and thus they are more likely to suffer adverse effects related to contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bucchia
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Foundation Cetacea, Riccione, Italy; Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine-Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - María Camacho
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Marcelo R D Santos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Vila Velha University, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Luis D Boada
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Paola Roncada
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine-Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Spanish Institute of Game and Wildlife Research (IREC), University of Castilla La Mancha, CSIC, Spain
| | | | - Jaime Rodríguez-Estival
- Spanish Institute of Game and Wildlife Research (IREC), University of Castilla La Mancha, CSIC, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 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
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Natalia García-Álvarez
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
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