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Sönmez B, Sağol Ö. Congenital malformation in green turtle embryos and hatchlings. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:925-936. [PMID: 38953157 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2851] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Successful embryonic development depends on the interaction between genetic factors and environmental variables. Congenital malformations in sea turtles can result from extreme conditions during the incubation period, reducing hatching success and potentially impeding population recovery. We aimed to characterize the congenital malformations found in green turtle nests, determine their prevalence and severity, and understand their drivers during the 2022 nesting season on Samandağ beach on northern Mediterranean nesting beaches. A total of 2986 examples of congenital malformations were observed in 362 out of 907 green turtle nests. The prevalence of congenital malformations per nest was 39%, and the severity (the number of malformed individuals per nest) was 3.8%. Nests with congenital malformations exhibited a lower mean distance from the sea, a shorter incubation duration (a proxy for incubation temperature), lower hatching success, a larger clutch size, and higher mortality at late embryonic and hatchling stages than nests without congenital malformations. There was no significant difference in total mortality between these two nest types. A total of 52 different congenital malformations were recorded, 2 of which were observed for the first time in sea turtles and 28 for the first time in green turtles. The results suggest that congenital malformations may be related to nest temperature and clutch size, while overall mortality may be independent of malformations. Pigmentation disorders and craniofacial malformations typically coexist in cases of multiple malformations. Long-term monitoring of congenital malformations is crucial, as it can provide clues about the health status of the nesting beach and nesting colony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bektaş Sönmez
- Suşehri Timur Karabal Vocational School, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Suşehri, Sivas, Türkiye
| | - Özlem Sağol
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Milas Veterinary Faculty, Undergraduate Student, Muğla, Türkiye
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Miguel C, Vianna MRM, de Deus Santos MR. Doce river mining tailings can be an influencing factor in loggerhead turtles reproductive success in Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115601. [PMID: 37783165 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115601] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
In November 2015, a tailings dam ruptured and affected the second largest nesting site of loggerhead sea turtles in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive success, and trace elements in female's plasma, freshly laid eggs, unhatched eggs, and dead hatchlings of loggerhead turtles that nest in the coastal area exposed to the mining waste (Povoação, Espírito Santo state) and compare them with animals from an area that was not affected by the tailings (Praia do Forte, Bahia state). Plasma concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Fe, and Zn were significantly higher in samples from Povoação in comparison to turtles from Praia do Forte. In Povoação, unhatched eggs and dead hatchlings had higher As, Cu, Hg, Mn, and Zn concentrations than freshly laid eggs, and trace elements correlated with the hatching and emergence success. Our findings suggest that the higher concentrations of some metals may influence the incubation period and reproductive success of loggerheads in the affected area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Miguel
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Avenida Ipiranga 6681 (Prédio 12, Bloco D, Sala 301), Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90619-900, Brazil; Projeto Chelonia mydas- Instituto Marcos Daniel, Av. Eugênio Pachêco de Queirós, s/n, Vitória, ES, CEP 29092-170, Brazil.
| | - Monica Ryff Moreira Vianna
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Avenida Ipiranga 6681 (Prédio 12, Bloco D, Sala 301), Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Renan de Deus Santos
- Projeto Chelonia mydas- Instituto Marcos Daniel, Av. Eugênio Pachêco de Queirós, s/n, Vitória, ES, CEP 29092-170, Brazil
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Rossi S, de Farias DSD, da Costa Bomfim A, Carreira RS, Grisi-Filho JHH, Massone CG, de Lima Silva FJ, Gavilan SA. Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liver samples of green turtles Chelonia mydas stranded in the Potiguar Basin, northeastern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115264. [PMID: 37423081 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are affected by pollutants worldwide, and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been detected in different types of samples and at high levels in some cases. The present study brings concentrations of 37 PAHs in liver samples of 17 green turtles Chelonia mydas stranded in northeastern Brazil [four with cutaneous tumors of fibropapillomatosis (FP), being classified as FP+]. Six PAHs were detected in 100% of the liver samples, and all alkylated PAHs were frequently quantified. High levels of phenanthrene (771.20 and 794.43 ng g-1 d.w.) and fluorene (1882.36 ng g-1 d.w.) were found in three females FP- (without FP cutaneous tumors). On the other hand, one green turtle FP+ had the higher level of naphthalene (531.70 ng g-1 d.w.), compound detected in 82.35 % of the samples. Our study brings additional baseline of organic pollutants in green turtles, improving knowledge on bioaccumulation of these compounds in sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silmara Rossi
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Solon Dias de Farias
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Aline da Costa Bomfim
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Renato S Carreira
- Laboratório de Estudos Marinhos e Ambientais (LabMAM), Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Henrique Hildebrand Grisi-Filho
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Biostatística (LEB), Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Massone
- Laboratório de Estudos Marinhos e Ambientais (LabMAM), Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flávio José de Lima Silva
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Departamento de Turismo, Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Simone Almeida Gavilan
- Projeto Cetáceos da Costa Branca - Universidade do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte (PCCB-UERN), Mossoró, RN, Brazil; Centro de Estudos e Monitoramento Ambiental (CEMAM), Areia Branca, RN, Brazil; Laboratório de Morfofisiologia de Vertebrados, Departamento de Morfologia, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
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Sosa-Cornejo I, Martín-Del-Campo R, González-Flores JA, González-Camacho ZB, Cabrera-Cuellar BA, Bielli A, Valdes-Flores JE, Olimón-Andalón V. Leucism: the prevalent congenital malformation in the olive ridley sea turtle of northwestern Mexico. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2022; 152:61-71. [PMID: 36394141 DOI: 10.3354/dao03705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite being the most abundant sea turtle in the world, the olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. There is evidence of congenital malformations in hatchlings, and the associated causes are multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental sources. Santuario Playa Ceuta (SPC) is a sanctuary for the olive ridley, located at the northernmost region of its nesting range in the Mexican Pacific. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the prevalence and severity of congenital malformations in olive ridley embryos/hatchlings in SPC during the 2017 nesting season. We collected 62907 eggs from 643 relocated nests that were moved to a hatchery, of which 4242 eggs with obvious development did not hatch and were analyzed for this study. Hatching success was 53.9%, with 22.5% of nests (n = 145) and 0.54% of eggs (n = 344) showing embryos or hatchlings with malformations. The nest severity index was 2.4 (range: 1-10) malformed embryos or hatchlings per nest, and the organism severity index was 1.4 (range: 1-7) malformations per malformed embryo or hatchling. Leucism was the most prevalent malformation (34.4%; 170/494 total observed), with the craniofacial region showing the greatest diversity of malformations (17/35 types). Given the geographical position of SPC, extreme environmental conditions (e.g. cold, heat, and dryness) could be one of the main causes of teratogenesis in this species. However, more studies are needed regarding the presence of contaminants, genetic factors, health assessments of nesting females, and malformation rates of nests that remain in situ versus those that are relocated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Sosa-Cornejo
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa 80040, Mexico
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Doering JA, Brinkmann M, Lucio M, Stoeck S, Vien A, Petersen S, Rhen T, Jones PD, Hecker M, Schroeder A. Sensitivity of a Model Reptile, the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), to In Ovo Exposure to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin and Other Dioxin-Like Chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:175-183. [PMID: 34888928 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Reptiles represent the least-studied group of vertebrates with regards to ecotoxicology and no empirical toxicity data existed for dioxin-like chemicals (DLCs). This lack of toxicity data represents a significant uncertainty in ecological risk assessments of this taxon. Therefore, the present study assessed early-life sensitivity to select DLCs and developed relative potencies in the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) as a model reptile. Specifically, survival to hatch and incidence of pathologies were assessed in common snapping turtle exposed in ovo to serial concentrations of the prototypical reference congener 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), and three other DLCs of environmental relevance, namely, 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126). In ovo exposure to TCDD, PeCDF, TCDF, and PCB 126 caused a dose-dependent increase in early-life mortality, with median lethal doses (LD50s) of 14.9, 11.8, 29.6, and 185.9 pg/g-egg, respectively. Except for abnormal vasculature development, few pathologies were observed. Based on the measured LD50, common snapping turtle is more sensitive to TCDD in ovo than other species of oviparous vertebrates investigated to date. The potencies of PeCDF, TCDF, and PCB 126 relative to TCDD were 1.3, 0.5, and 0.08, respectively. These relative potencies are within an order of magnitude of World Health Organization (WHO) TCDD-equivalency factors (TEFs) for both mammals and birds supporting these TEFs as relevant for assessing ecological risk to reptiles. The great sensitivity to toxicities of the common snapping turtle, and potentially other species of reptiles, suggests a clear need for further investigation into the ecotoxicology of this taxon. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:175-183. © 2021 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon A Doering
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - Markus Brinkmann
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Maria Lucio
- Math, Science, and Technology Department, University of Minnesota Crookston, Crookston, Minnesota, USA
| | - Serena Stoeck
- Math, Science, and Technology Department, University of Minnesota Crookston, Crookston, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alex Vien
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Stephanie Petersen
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Turk Rhen
- Department of Biology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Paul D Jones
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Markus Hecker
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Anthony Schroeder
- Math, Science, and Technology Department, University of Minnesota Crookston, Crookston, Minnesota, USA
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Sanger TJ. Integrative developmental biology in the age of anthropogenic change. Evol Dev 2021; 23:320-332. [PMID: 33848387 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Humans are changing and challenging nature in many ways. Conservation Biology seeks to limit human impacts on nature and preserve biological diversity. Traditionally, Developmental Biology and Conservation Biology have had nonoverlapping objectives, operating in distinct spheres of biological science. However, this chasm can and should be filled to help combat the emerging challenges of the 21st century. The means by which to accomplish this goal were already established within the conceptual framework of evo- and eco-devo and can be further expanded to address the ways that anthropogenic disturbance affect embryonic development. Herein, I describe ways that these approaches can be used to advance the study of reptilian embryos. More specifically, I explore the ways that a developmental perspective can advance ongoing studies of embryonic physiology in the context of global warming and chemical pollution, both of which are known stressors of reptilian embryos. I emphasize ways that these developmental perspectives can inform conservation biologists trying to develop management practices that will address the complexity of challenges facing reptilian embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Sanger
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Congenital Malformations in Sea Turtles: Puzzling Interplay between Genes and Environment. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020444. [PMID: 33567785 PMCID: PMC7915190 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Congenital malformations can lead to embryonic mortality in many species, and sea turtles are no exception. Genetic and/or environmental alterations occur during early development in the embryo, and may produce aberrant phenotypes, many of which are incompatible with life. Causes of malformations are multifactorial; genetic factors may include mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and inbreeding effects, whereas non-genetic factors may include nutrition, hyperthermia, low moisture, radiation, and contamination. It is possible to monitor and control some of these factors (such as temperature and humidity) in nesting beaches, and toxic compounds in feeding areas, which can be transferred to the embryo through their lipophilic properties. In this review, we describe possible causes of different types of malformations observed in sea turtle embryos, as well as some actions that may help reduce embryonic mortality. Abstract The completion of embryonic development depends, in part, on the interplay between genetic factors and environmental conditions, and any alteration during development may affect embryonic genetic and epigenetic regulatory pathways leading to congenital malformations, which are mostly incompatible with life. Oviparous reptiles, such as sea turtles, that produce numerous eggs in a clutch that is buried on the beach provide an opportunity to study embryonic mortality associated with malformations that occur at different times during development, or that prevent the hatchling from emerging from the nest. In sea turtles, the presence of congenital malformations frequently leads to mortality. A few years ago, a detailed study was performed on external congenital malformations in three species of sea turtles from the Mexican Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata (n = 23,559 eggs), the green turtle, Chelonia mydas (n = 17,690 eggs), and the olive ridley, Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 20,257 eggs), finding 63 types of congenital malformations, of which 38 were new reports. Of the three species, the olive ridley showed a higher incidence of severe anomalies in the craniofacial region (49%), indicating alterations of early developmental pathways; however, several malformations were also observed in the body, including defects in the carapace (45%) and limbs (33%), as well as pigmentation disorders (20%), indicating that deviations occurred during the middle and later stages of development. Although intrinsic factors (i.e., genetic mutations or epigenetic modifications) are difficult to monitor in the field, some environmental factors (such as the incubation temperature, humidity, and probably the status of feeding areas) are, to some extent, less difficult to monitor and/or control. In this review, we describe the aetiology of different malformations observed in sea turtle embryos, and provide some actions that can reduce embryonic mortality.
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Colson TLL, de Solla SR, Langlois VS. Bioaccumulation and physiological responses of the turtle Chelydra serpentina exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls during early life stages. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128146. [PMID: 33297133 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128146] [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: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the North American production ban of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), PCBs are ubiquitous in the environment and in wildlife tissues. Chelydra serpentina serpentina (common snapping turtle) have been used as environmental indicators of PCB pollution upwards of 40 years given their high site fidelity and high trophic position. Despite their long use as indicators of PCB contamination, the effects of PCBs in reptiles remain largely unknown. In this study, we performed two experiments to assess i) bioaccumulation and ii) toxicity of PCBs to 1-month-old C. s. serpentina, to aid in interpretation of PCB burdens. Food pellets were spiked at an environmentally relevant concentration (0.45 μg/g) of the PCB mixture Aroclor 1254 to model hepatic bioaccumulation and depuration, through feeding, for 31 days and clean food for 50 days, respectively. No significant differences in PCB concentrations were observed in liver tissue over the course of the experiment, suggesting that juvenile turtles can likely metabolize low environmentally occurring concentrations of PCBs. Additionally, a dose-response experiment, performed to determine hepatic toxicity and bioaccumulation in juvenile C. s. serpentina, showed a 1.8-fold increase in hepatic expression of cyp1a when fed A1254-spiked pellets (12.7 μg/g; range 0-12.7 μg/g). This gene induction correlates with the significant increase of group 3 PCB congeners measured in the turtle liver, which are known to be metabolized by CYP1A. This study indicates that C. s. serpentina may be a good environmental indicator for PCBs, while more research is needed to assess the effects of body burdens in wild C. s. serpentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tash-Lynn L Colson
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Shane R de Solla
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada; Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec, QC, Canada.
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Smith GR, Rettig JE, Iverson JB. Frequency of and Temporal Trends in Shell Anomalies in a Turtle Community in a Northern Indiana Lake. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-1408.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey R. Smith
- Department of Biology, Denison University, Granville, Ohio 43023 USA [, ]
| | - Jessica E. Rettig
- Department of Biology, Denison University, Granville, Ohio 43023 USA [, ]
| | - John B. Iverson
- Department of Biology, Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana 47374 USA []
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Langer SV, Kapron CM, Davy CM. Abnormal persistence of the chorioallantoic membrane is associated with severe developmental abnormalities in freshwater turtles. CAN J ZOOL 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2019-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Development in oviparous reptiles requires the correct formation and function of extra-embryonic membranes in the egg. In 2017, we incubated 2583 eggs from five species of freshwater turtle during a long-term ecological study and opened eggs that failed to hatch. We described a previously unreported developmental anomaly: the retention of an extra-embryonic membrane around 7 turtles (1 Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera (Le Sueur, 1827)), 1 Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina (Linnaeus, 1758)), and 5 Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica (Le Sueur, 1817))) that were alive but unhatched >14 days after their clutch mates had emerged. We investigated the association between retention of this membrane and the exhibition of other developmental deformities of varying severity, and we tested whether this novel abnormality was associated with reduced fertility or hatching success in affected clutches. Consultation of ∼150 years of literature suggests that we observed persistence of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM; also called the chorioallantois). Our data suggest that clutches where at least one turtle exhibits a persistent CAM may also exhibit slightly reduced fertility or hatch success in the rest of the clutch compared with conspecific clutches that do not contain this anomaly. Future research should investigate the factors predicting CAM retention and other developmental abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah V. Langer
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - Carolyn M. Kapron
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
- Biology Department, Trent University, 2089 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 1Z8, Canada
| | - Christina M. Davy
- Wildlife Research and Monitoring Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Trent University, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
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Garcês A, Pires I, Rodrigues P. Teratological effects of pesticides in vertebrates: a review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2019; 55:75-89. [PMID: 31516070 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2019.1660562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, the use and misuse of pesticides in the agriculture have increased, having a severe impact on ecosystems and their fauna. Although the various effects of pesticides on biodiversity have been already documented in several studies, to our knowledge no consistent overview of the impact of pesticides in vertebrates, both terrestrial and aquatic, is available. In this review, we try to present a concise compilation of the teratogenic effects of pesticides on the different classes of vertebrates - mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Garcês
- CITAB - University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Isabel Pires
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- CECAV - University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Paula Rodrigues
- CECAV - University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
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Zhang W, Lu Y, Huang L, Cheng C, Di S, Chen L, Zhou Z, Diao J. Comparison of triadimefon and its metabolite on acute toxicity and chronic effects during the early development of Rana nigromaculata tadpoles. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 156:247-254. [PMID: 29554609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Pesticides are one of major causes for amphibian population declines and the behavior of pesticide metabolite products to amphibians has become a rising concern. In this study, the acute toxicity and the chronic effects of triadimefon and triadimenol (the metabolite of triadimefon) on Rana. nigromaculata were investigated. In the acute assay, significant differences were observed in antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde levels between the triadimefon and triadimenol. The 96 h-acute toxicity of triadimefon (25.97 mg/L) and triadimenol (34.55 mg/L) to tadpoles was low. In 28d-chronic exposure, we studied the relative expression of tadpoles genes related to thyroid hormone-dependent metamorphic development, histological examination of liver and some biological index, including wet weight, snout-to-vent length (SVL) and development stages. The results revealed that the effects of triadimefon and triadimenol on tadpole development are driven by a disruption of the hormonal pathways involved in metamorphosis. Interestingly, triadimefon was more harmful on R. nigromaculata than triadimenol at high dose, whereas the reverse result was observed at low doses. According to the relative expression of thyroid hormone-dependent genes, we also found that the two compounds may have different mechanisms of toxic action on R. nigromaculata. Our study developed a pragmatic approach for use in the risk assessment of pesticide and its metabolite,and increased the information and understanding of the impacts of fungicides and other potential endocrine disrupting environmental contaminants on amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China; Department of Applied Chemistry, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yuele Lu
- Institute of Fermentation Engineering, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Chaowang Road 18, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Ledan Huang
- Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, Yinghua Road 2, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Applied Chemistry, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shanshan Di
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China; Department of Applied Chemistry, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China; Department of Applied Chemistry, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China; Department of Applied Chemistry, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jinling Diao
- Department of Applied Chemistry, China Agricultural University, Yuanmingyuan West Road 2, Beijing 100193, China.
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13
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Vilca FZ, Rossi S, de Olinda RA, Sánchez-Sarmiento AM, Prioste FES, Matushima ER, Tornisielo VL. Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in liver samples of juvenile green sea turtles from Brazil: Can these compounds play a role in the development of fibropapillomatosis? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 130:215-222. [PMID: 29866550 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibropapillomatosis (FP) poses a significant threat to the conservation of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons-PAHs are considered mutagenic, carcinogenic and toxic, and can act as cofactor of this disease. In order to evaluate possible differences between green sea turtles with and without FP, we monitored 15 PAHs in liver samples of 44 specimens (24 with FP) captured in Brazil. We detected eight PAHs and quantified phenanthrene in all green sea turtles with FP. Specimens without FP presented lower values than the tumored ones (1.48 ng g-1 and 17.35 ng g-1, respectively; p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between tumored and non-tumored specimens, among studied areas, or Southwest Atlantic Fibropapillomatosis Score. Even though we found higher concentrations in the liver samples of green sea turtles with FP, further studies are necessary to confirm if these pollutants are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Zirena Vilca
- Escuela de Posgrado de la Universidad Nacional del Altiplano, Av Floral 1153, Puno, Peru; Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Center of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA), University of São Paulo, Av. Centenário 303, São Dimas, PO Box 96, CEP 13416-000 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
| | - Silmara Rossi
- Grupo de Pesquisa sobre Fibropapilomatose em Tartarugas Marinhas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Alves de Olinda
- Departamento de Estatística-CCT, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Bodocongó, 58101-001 Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
| | - Angélica Maria Sánchez-Sarmiento
- Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabíola Eloisa Setim Prioste
- Grupo de Pesquisa sobre Fibropapilomatose em Tartarugas Marinhas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Eliana Reiko Matushima
- Grupo de Pesquisa sobre Fibropapilomatose em Tartarugas Marinhas, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Valdemar Luiz Tornisielo
- Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Center of Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA), University of São Paulo, Av. Centenário 303, São Dimas, PO Box 96, CEP 13416-000 Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
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14
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Cortés-Gómez AA, Romero D, Girondot M. Carapace asymmetry: A possible biomarker for metal accumulation in adult olive Ridleys marine turtles? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 129:92-101. [PMID: 29680573 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The Olive Ridley marine turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is characterized by individual morphological variability in the number and shape of scutes. The influence of pollutants on developmental instability and one of its consequences, the asymmetry of individuals, has been demonstrated in several species, especially invertebrates and some birds. However, the use of this asymmetry as a biomarker of contamination in adult individuals has never been explored. We developed an index to quantify developmental instability (DIx) based on the number and relative size of costal carapace scutes. The link between DIx and inorganic elements concentrations was explored in various tissues of stranded turtles from the Southern Mexican Pacific. The relationships between adult contamination and DIx could directly or indirectly reflect (i) the disruption of metal elimination in the adult stage dependent on embryonic perturbation and thus determining DIx, (ii) the difference in metal absorption dependent on DIx status, or (iii) DIx linked to other unknown factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana A Cortés-Gómez
- Laboratoire Écologie, Systématique et Évolution, Université Paris-Sud, AgroParisTech, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; Área de toxicología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Diego Romero
- Área de toxicología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Marc Girondot
- Laboratoire Écologie, Systématique et Évolution, Université Paris-Sud, AgroParisTech, CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France.
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15
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MICROCOMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC, MORPHOMETRIC, AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF CONGENITAL BONE MALFORMATIONS IN TWO NEOTROPICAL VIPERIDS. J Wildl Dis 2017; 53:804-815. [DOI: 10.7589/2016-08-181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Burger J, Gochfeld M, Jeitner C, Zappalorti R, Pittfield T, DeVito E. Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury and Selenium Concentrations in Pine Snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) from the New Jersey Pine Barrens. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 72:586-595. [PMID: 28424837 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0398-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Top trophic level predators are at risk from bioaccumulation of heavy metals from their prey. Using nondestructively collected tissues as a method of assessing metal concentrations in snakes is useful for populations that are threatened or declining. This paper reports concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) in tissues of Northern pine snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) from the New Jersey Pine Barrens, a relatively pristine, undisturbed habitat. We also determined if skin is an appropriate indicator of internal concentrations and identified the factors (tissue, year of collection, length, sex) that might explain variations in metal concentrations. Because they can grow to 2-m long and live for 25 years, we suggest that these snakes might accumulate heavy metals. Multiple regression models were significant, explaining 16% (lead) to 61% (mercury) of variation by tissue type. For mercury and chromium, size also was significant. The highest concentrations were in liver and kidney for all metals, except chromium and lead. Mercury concentrations in tissues were within the range reported for other snakes and were below effects concentrations in reptiles. The concentrations in skin were correlated with all internal tissues for mercury and for all internal tissues except heart for cadmium. These data show that shed skin can be used as an indicator of metals in pine snakes and that, at present, concentrations of heavy metals in this population are within the range of those found in other snake species from uncontaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Michael Gochfeld
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Christian Jeitner
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Robert Zappalorti
- Herpetological Associates, Inc., 405 Magnolia Road, Pemberton, NJ, 08068, USA
| | - Taryn Pittfield
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, 604 Allison Rd., Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Emile DeVito
- New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Far Hills, NJ, 07931, USA
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17
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Rissman EF. The Endocrine Society Centennial: No Longer a Surprise: Estrogenic Chemicals in a Multitude of Places. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2969-71. [PMID: 27477860 PMCID: PMC4967119 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, we are bombarded with information on a large number of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. We hear and read about endocrine-disrupting chemicals on blogs, the web, news stories, television specials, advertisements, and of course scientific articles. Reports claim these ubiquitous compounds are responsible for increased rates of cancer, autism, obesity, hypospadias, and infertility, just to name a few. But it was not always this way. In fact, the scientific study of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is relatively new: a recent PubMed search found a total of 6184 hits for the term, 739 articles in 2015 as compared with 4, 20 years ago in 1995.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie F Rissman
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7614
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18
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Meyer E, Eskew EA, Chibwe L, Schrlau J, Massey Simonich SL, Todd BD. Organic contaminants in western pond turtles in remote habitat in California. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 154:326-334. [PMID: 27060641 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Remote aquatic ecosystems are exposed to an assortment of semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) originating from current and historic uses, of local and global origin. Here, a representative suite of 57 current- and historic-use pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were surveyed in the plasma of the western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) and their potential prey items and habitat. California study sites included Sequoia National Park, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and Six Rivers National Forest. Each was downstream of undeveloped watersheds and varied in distance from agricultural and urban pollution sources. SOCs were detected frequently in all sites with more found in turtle plasma and aquatic macroinvertebrates in the two sites closest to agricultural and urban sources. Summed PCBs were highest in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area turtle plasma (mean; 1.56 ng/g ww) compared to plasma from Sequoia National Park (0.16 ng/g ww; p = 0.002) and Six Rivers National Forest (0.07 ng/g ww; p = 0.001). While no current-use pesticides were detected in turtle plasma at any site, both current- and historic-use pesticides were found prominently in sediment and macroinvertebrates at the Sequoia National Park site, which is immediately downwind of Central Valley agriculture. SOC classes associated with urban and industrial pollution were found more often and at higher concentrations at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. These findings demonstrate a range of SOC exposure in a turtle species with current and proposed conservation status and shed additional light on the fate of environmental contaminants in remote watersheds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Meyer
- Division of Resources Management and Science, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Three Rivers, CA 93271, USA.
| | - Evan A Eskew
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Leah Chibwe
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology and Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Jill Schrlau
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology and Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Staci L Massey Simonich
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology and Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Brian D Todd
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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19
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Ming-Ch'eng Adams CI, Baker JE, Kjellerup BV. Toxicological effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on freshwater turtles in the United States. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 154:148-154. [PMID: 27043381 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.03.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of vertebrate health effects originating from persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has remained a challenge for decades thus making the identification of bioindicators difficult. POPs are predominantly present in soil and sediment, where they adhere to particles due to their hydrophobic characteristics. Animals inhabiting soil and sediment can be exposed to PCBs via dermal exposure while others may obtain PCBs through contaminated trophic interaction. Freshwater turtles can serve as bioindicators due to their strong site fidelity, longevity and varied diet. Previous research observed the health effects of PCBs on turtles such as decreased bone mass, changed sexual development and decreased immune responses through studying both contaminated sites along with laboratory experimentation. Higher deformity rates in juveniles, increased mortality and slower growth have also been observed. Toxicological effects of PCBs vary between species of freshwater turtles and depend on the concertation and configuration of PCB congeners. Evaluation of ecotoxicological effects of PCBs in non-endangered turtles could provide important knowledge about the health effects of endangered turtle species thus inform the design of remediation strategies. In this review, the PCB presence in freshwater turtle habitats and the ecotoxicological effects were investigated with the aim of utilizing the health status to identify areas of focus for freshwater turtle conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Isabel Ming-Ch'eng Adams
- Iowa State University, 353 Bessey Hall, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Ames, IA 50011-1020, USA
| | - Joel E Baker
- University of Washington Tacoma, The Center for Urban Waters, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402-3100, USA
| | - Birthe V Kjellerup
- University of Maryland at College Park, A. James Clark School of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 1147 Glenn L. Martin Hall, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
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20
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Mui A, Edge C, Paterson J, Caverhill B, Johnson B, Litzgus J, He Y. Nesting sites in agricultural landscapes may reduce the reproductive success of populations of Blanding’s Turtles ( Emydoidea blandingii). CAN J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2015-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Almost all turtle species nest in terrestrial environments and maternal site selection represents a critical component of nest success. Females use cues in the current environment to predict the future conditions for embryo development. However, in disturbed landscapes, current and future conditions may not be correlated. We compared selection of nest sites by Blanding’s Turtles (Emydoidea blandingii (Holbrook, 1838)) in a (relatively undisturbed) park and a (heavily disturbed) agricultural landscape in Ontario, Canada, using field measurements and satellite imagery. Environmental variables were compared using logistic regression and Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) based on data measured at nest (presence) and random (pseudoabsence) locations. Specific environmental variables associated with site selection differed between study areas. Most notably, NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index, a proxy for vegetation cover) increased significantly during the year at the agricultural locale, corresponding with the growth of planted fields. No parallel change was observed at the park locale where canopy cover remained more consistent. An increase in vegetation cover may alter nest temperatures and soil moisture. Combined with the unpredictability in timing of crop sowing and harvesting, findings suggest that nests in agricultural fields may act as ecological sinks and that other species nesting in similarly altered habitats may be subjected to the same threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.B. Mui
- Department of Geography, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - C.B. Edge
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - J.E. Paterson
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie-Curie Private, Ottawa, ON K1N 9B4, Canada
| | - B. Caverhill
- Wetland Conservation Program, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
| | - B. Johnson
- Wetland Conservation Program, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada
| | - J.D. Litzgus
- Department of Biology, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Y. He
- Department of Geography, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
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21
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Steen DA, Van Dyke JU, Jackson BP, Hopkins WA. Reproduction and hatchling performance in freshwater turtles associated with a remediated coal fly-ash spill. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:38-48. [PMID: 25682257 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.01.024] [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: 08/16/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In 2008 an impoundment retaining wall failed at the Tennessee Valley Authority's coal burning plant in Kingston, Tennessee, releasing large quantities of coal-fly ash into the Emory River. Following extensive remediation of the spill, we captured (in 2011 and 2012) gravid turtles of multiple species in three rivers (two impacted and one reference) within the vicinity of the spill to determine whether there was evidence of the spill influencing reproduction. There was little evidence that river of origin affected reproductive output, hatching success, hatchling size, or hatchling locomotor performance. Although hatching success and hatchling righting ability of pond sliders, Trachemys scripta, was higher in our reference river than in the Emory or Clinch River, respectively, these differences could not be attributed to differences in individual element concentrations in turtle tissues and effect sizes were relatively small. For example, hatching success was reduced by 11% in the spill zone compared to the reference river, an effect that is unlikely substantial enough to influence local population dynamics in light of turtle life history. Our results suggest that residual contamination that remains in the Emory-Clinch system after its remediation poses low risk of excessive element exposure and limited adverse reproductive effects to freshwater turtles. Future monitoring could reveal whether the observed reduction in hatching success gradually attenuates with time, or whether any long-term effects of chronic exposure to low-level contamination emerge over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Steen
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - James U Van Dyke
- School of Biological Sciences, A08 Heydon-Laurence Building, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - William A Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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22
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Bárcenas-Ibarra A, de la Cueva H, Rojas-Lleonart I, Abreu-Grobois FA, Lozano-Guzmán RI, Cuevas E, García-Gasca A. First approximation to congenital malformation rates in embryos and hatchlings of sea turtles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 103:203-24. [DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Horacio de la Cueva
- Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada; Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana 3918 Zona Playitas; Ensenada Baja California Mexico
| | | | - F. Alberto Abreu-Grobois
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán; Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mazatlán Sinaloa Mexico
| | | | - Eduardo Cuevas
- Pronatura Península de Yucatán; A.C.; Mérida Yucatán Mexico
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23
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Roosenburg WM, Spontak DM, Sullivan SP, Matthews EL, Heckman ML, Trimbath RJ, Dunn RP, Dustman EA, Smith L, Graham LJ. Nesting Habitat Creation Enhances Recruitment in a Predator-Free Environment:MalaclemysNesting at the Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project. Restor Ecol 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Willem M. Roosenburg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies; Ohio University; Athens OH 45701 U.S.A
| | - Dana M. Spontak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies; Ohio University; Athens OH 45701 U.S.A
| | - Sean P. Sullivan
- Alaskan Observers Inc.; 130 Nickerson Street Seattle WA 98109 U.S.A
| | - Eva L. Matthews
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies; Ohio University; Athens OH 45701 U.S.A
| | | | - Ryan J. Trimbath
- Department of Biology, Auburn Science and Engineering Center; University of Akron; Akron OH 44325 U.S.A
| | - Robert P. Dunn
- Department of Biology and Coastal & Marine Institute; San Diego State University; 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego CA 92182 U.S.A
| | - Emily A. Dustman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies; Ohio University; Athens OH 45701 U.S.A
| | - Lisa Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies; Ohio University; Athens OH 45701 U.S.A
| | - Leah J. Graham
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies; Ohio University; Athens OH 45701 U.S.A
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24
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Salice CJ, Rowe CL, Eisenreich KM. Integrative demographic modeling reveals population level impacts of PCB toxicity to juvenile snapping turtles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 184:154-160. [PMID: 24047552 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A significant challenge in ecotoxicology and risk assessment lies in placing observed contaminant effects in a meaningful ecological context. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been shown to affect juvenile snapping turtle survival and growth but the ecological significance of these effects is difficult to discern without a formal, population-level assessment. We used a demographic matrix model to explore the potential population-level effects of PCBs on turtles. Our model showed that effects of PCBs on juvenile survival, growth and size at hatching could translate to negative effects at the population level despite the fact that these life cycle components do not typically contribute strongly to population level processes. This research points to the utility of using integrative demographic modeling approaches to better understand contaminant effects in wildlife. The results indicate that population-level effects are only evident after several years, suggesting that for long-lived species, detecting adverse contaminant effects could prove challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Salice
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79410, USA.
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Perrault JR, Miller DL, Garner J, Wyneken J. Mercury and selenium concentrations in leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea): population comparisons, implications for reproductive success, hazard quotients and directions for future research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 463-464:61-71. [PMID: 23792248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.05.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are long-distance migrants that travel thousands of km from foraging grounds to breeding and nesting grounds. These extensive journeys are fueled by ingestion of an estimated 300-400 kg of prey/d and likely result in exposure to high concentrations of environmental toxicants (e.g., mercury compounds). Increased bodily concentrations of mercury and its compounds in nesting female turtles may have detrimental effects on reproductive success. Leatherbacks have relatively low reproductive success compared with other sea turtles (global average hatching success ~50-60%). To assess toxicants and necessary nutrients as factors affecting leatherback turtle reproductive success at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (SPNWR), St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, we collected blood from nesting female leatherbacks and tissues from their hatchlings (blood from live turtles, liver and yolk sac from dead turtles). We compared the concentrations in those tissues to hatching and emergence success. We found that on SPNWR, hatching and emergence success were more closely related to seasonal factors than to total mercury and selenium concentrations in both nesting females and hatchlings. Selenium concentrations of nesting females were positively correlated with those of their hatchlings. Mercury and selenium in the liver of hatchlings were positively correlated with one another. Turtles with greater remigration intervals tended to have higher blood selenium concentrations, suggesting that selenium accumulates in leatherbacks through time. Through hazard quotients, we found evidence that selenium may be at or above concentrations that may cause physiologic harm to hatchlings. We also found evidence that population level differences exist for these trace elements. The concentrations of mercury and selenium established in this manuscript form a baseline for future toxicant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Building 01, Sanson Science, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
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Ikonomopoulou MP, Hodge M, Whittier JM. An Investigation of Organochlorine and Polychlorobiphenyl Concentrations in the Blood and Eggs of the Carnivorous Flatback Turtle,Natator depressus, from Queensland, Australia. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-0981.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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27
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Bobyn ML, Brooks RJ. Interclutch and interpopulation variation in the effects of incubation conditions on sex, survival and growth of hatchling turtles (Chelydra serpentina). J Zool (1987) 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1994.tb08586.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bera M, Radcliffe DE, Cabrera ML, Vencill WK, Thompson A, Hassan S. 17β-estradiol and testosterone sorption in soil with and without poultry litter. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2011; 40:1983-1990. [PMID: 22031582 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2011.0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
17β-estradiol and testosterone are naturally occurring steroids that co-occur in poultry litter. The effects of litter on sorption of these hormones to soil are not known. Sorption isotherms were developed for C-labeled testosterone and H-labeled estradiol in a Cecil sandy clay loam with and without poultry litter addition. The effect of applying the hormones alone (single-sorbate) or together (multisorbate) was also investigated. C-testosterone sorption in soil increased from 2 to 48 h and remained relatively constant thereafter. H-estradiol sorption in soil was relatively constant from 2 to 24 h and then decreased to 72 h. These differences may reflect transformation of the parent hormones to products with different solid-phase affinity. The maximum sorption coefficient () in soil for C-testosterone (20.2 mL g) was similar to that for H-estradiol (19.6 mL g) in single-sorbate experiments. When hormones were applied together, sorption of both hormones in soil decreased, but the C-testosterone (12.5 mL g) was nearly twice as large as the H-estradiol (7.4 mL g). We propose this resulted from competition between the hormones and their transformation products for sorption sites, with C-testosterone and its expected transformation product (androstenedione) being better competitors than H-estradiol and its expected transformation product (estrone). When poultry litter was mixed with soil, sorption increased for H-estradiol but decreased for C-testosterone. This may have been because poultry litter slowed the transformation of parent hormones. Our results show that poultry litter could have important effects on the mobility of estradiol and testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bera
- University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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Mnif W, Hassine AIH, Bouaziz A, Bartegi A, Thomas O, Roig B. Effect of endocrine disruptor pesticides: a review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2011; 8:2265-303. [PMID: 21776230 PMCID: PMC3138025 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph8062265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 485] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) are compounds that alter the normal functioning of the endocrine system of both wildlife and humans. A huge number of chemicals have been identified as endocrine disruptors, among them several pesticides. Pesticides are used to kill unwanted organisms in crops, public areas, homes and gardens, and parasites in medicine. Human are exposed to pesticides due to their occupations or through dietary and environmental exposure (water, soil, air). For several years, there have been enquiries about the impact of environmental factors on the occurrence of human pathologies. This paper reviews the current knowledge of the potential impacts of endocrine disruptor pesticides on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissem Mnif
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Unité de Recherche 02/UR/09-01, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, de Monastir, BP 74, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia; E-Mails: (W.M.); (A.I.H.H); (A.B.)
- Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sidi Thabet, Pole Technologie Sidi Thabet, 2020 Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Aziza Ibn Hadj Hassine
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Unité de Recherche 02/UR/09-01, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, de Monastir, BP 74, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia; E-Mails: (W.M.); (A.I.H.H); (A.B.)
| | - Aicha Bouaziz
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, Unité de Recherche 02/UR/09-01, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, de Monastir, BP 74, 5019 Monastir, Tunisia; E-Mails: (W.M.); (A.I.H.H); (A.B.)
| | - Aghleb Bartegi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 1759, 31982, Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia; E-Mail:
| | - Olivier Thomas
- Environment and Health Research laboratory (LERES), Advanced School of Public Health (EHESP), Avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard - CS 74312, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France; E-Mail: (O.T.)
| | - Benoit Roig
- Environment and Health Research laboratory (LERES), Advanced School of Public Health (EHESP), Avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard - CS 74312, 35043 Rennes Cedex, France; E-Mail: (O.T.)
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Velo-Antón G, Becker CG, Cordero-Rivera A. Turtle carapace anomalies: the roles of genetic diversity and environment. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18714. [PMID: 21533278 PMCID: PMC3075271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenotypic anomalies are common in wild populations and multiple genetic, biotic and abiotic factors might contribute to their formation. Turtles are excellent models for the study of developmental instability because anomalies are easily detected in the form of malformations, additions, or reductions in the number of scutes or scales. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we integrated field observations, manipulative experiments, and climatic and genetic approaches to investigate the origin of carapace scute anomalies across Iberian populations of the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis. The proportion of anomalous individuals varied from 3% to 69% in local populations, with increasing frequency of anomalies in northern regions. We found no significant effect of climatic and soil moisture, or climatic temperature on the occurrence of anomalies. However, lower genetic diversity and inbreeding were good predictors of the prevalence of scute anomalies among populations. Both decreasing genetic diversity and increasing proportion of anomalous individuals in northern parts of the Iberian distribution may be linked to recolonization events from the Southern Pleistocene refugium. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Overall, our results suggest that developmental instability in turtle carapace formation might be caused, at least in part, by genetic factors, although the influence of environmental factors affecting the developmental stability of turtle carapace cannot be ruled out. Further studies of the effects of environmental factors, pollutants and heritability of anomalies would be useful to better understand the complex origin of anomalies in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Velo-Antón
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America.
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Lazar B, Maslov L, Romanić SH, Gračan R, Krauthacker B, Holcer D, Tvrtković N. Accumulation of organochlorine contaminants in loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta, from the eastern Adriatic Sea. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 82:121-129. [PMID: 20951403 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 09/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed 15 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and five organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in fat tissue of 27 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from eastern Adriatic Sea with the curved carapace length ranging from 25.0 to 84.5 cm. The PCB profile was dominated by hexa- and hepta-chlorinated congeners, with PCB-153 (median: 114.9 ng g⁻¹ wet mass), PCB-138 (80.0 ng g⁻¹ w.m.), and PCB-180 (26.7 ng g⁻¹ w.m.) detected with the highest levels. Toxic mono-ortho congeners PCB-118, PCB-105 and PCB-180 with dioxin-like toxicity were found in > 70% samples. 4,4'-DDE (81.0 ng g⁻¹ w.m.) prevailed the OCP signature, accounting for 80% of the total DDTs. A significant increasing trend in accumulation with size was found for PCB-52 (r(s) = 0.512, p < 0.01) and PCB-114 (r(s) = 0.421, p < 0.05). Comparison of our results with organochlorine contaminant (OC) pattern in some prey taxa suggest that contamination occurs primarily through the food web, with biomagnification factors of 0.14-6.99 which were positively correlated with the octanol-water partition coefficient (logK(ow); p < 0.05). This study, based upon a fairly large sample size collected mostly from incidentally captured animals over a short time period (June 2001-November 2002), present a temporal snapshot of OC contamination in wild, free-ranging loggerheads from Adriatic feeding grounds and provide a baseline for monitoring the regional OC trends in this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojan Lazar
- Department of Biology, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
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Guirlet E, Das K, Thomé JP, Girondot M. Maternal transfer of chlorinated contaminants in the leatherback turtles, Dermochelys coriacea, nesting in French Guiana. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 79:720-6. [PMID: 20362323 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Revised: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We examined the maternal transfer of organochlorine contaminants (OCs), pesticides (DDTS and HCHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and the temporal variation of blood and eggs concentrations from 38 leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) nesting in French Guiana. PCBs were found to be the dominant OCs with respective mean concentrations of 55.14 ng g(-1) lipid-mass for egg and 1.26 ng mL(-1) wet-mass for blood. OC concentrations were lower than concentrations measured in other marine turtles which might be due to the lower trophic position (diet based on gelatinous zooplankton) and to the location of their foraging and nesting grounds. All OCs detected in leatherback blood were detected in eggs, suggesting a maternal transfer of OCs. This transfer was shown to depend on female blood concentration for SigmaDDTs and for the most prevalent PCB congeners, since significant relationships were found between paired blood-egg concentrations. During the nesting season, OC concentrations in eggs and the percentage of lipid in eggs were found to decline in successive clutches, highlighting a process of offloading from females to their eggs and a decreasing investment of lipid from females into their clutches. OCs in eggs tended to be higher in females spending 3 years in the foraging grounds between two nesting seasons than in those spending 2 years, suggesting an impact of time spacing two breeding seasons, called remigration interval, and of location of the foraging grounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Guirlet
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution (UMR8079), Université Paris-Sud, Bâtiment 362, 91405 Orsay, France.
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Richardson KL, Lopez Castro M, Gardner SC, Schlenk D. Polychlorinated biphenyls and biotransformation enzymes in three species of sea turtles from the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2010; 58:183-93. [PMID: 19623473 PMCID: PMC2807021 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-009-9360-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as well as the expression patterns of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were measured in livers of loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), and olive ridley (Lepidocheyls olivacea) sea turtles from the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. The mean concentrations of total PCBs were 18.1, 10.5, and 15.2 ng/g wet weight (ww) respectively for the three species and PCB 153 was the dominant congener in all samples. Total PCB concentrations were dominated by penta- and hexa-chlorinated biphenyls. The mean estimated TEQs were 42.8, 22.9, and 10.4 pg/g (ww) for loggerhead, green, and olive ridley, respectively, and more than 70% was accounted for by non-ortho PCBs. Western blots revealed the presence of hepatic microsomal proteins that cross-reacted with anti-CYP2K1 and anti-CYP3A27 antibodies but not with anti-CYP1A antibody. There were no significant differences in GST activities between species. Grouping congeners based on structure-activity relationships for CYP isoenzymes suggested limited activity of CYP1A contribution to PCB biotransformation in sea turtles. These results suggest potential accumulation of PCBs that are CYP1A substrates and provide evidence for biotransformation capacity, which differs from known animal models, highlighting the need for further studies in reptiles, particularly those threatened with extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. L. Richardson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521 USA
| | - M. Lopez Castro
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas del Noroeste, S.C., Mar Bermejo #195, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita, AP 128, CP 23090 La Paz, BCS Mexico
| | - S. C. Gardner
- Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas del Noroeste, S.C., Mar Bermejo #195, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita, AP 128, CP 23090 La Paz, BCS Mexico
| | - D. Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521 USA
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Burger J, Jeitner C, Schneider L, Vogt R, Gochfeld M. Arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and selenium levels in blood of four species of turtles from the Amazon in Brazil. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2010; 73:33-40. [PMID: 19953418 PMCID: PMC4300119 DOI: 10.1080/15287390903248877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Using blood as a method of assessing metal levels in turtles may be useful for populations that are threatened or endangered or are decreasing. In this study the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se) in blood of four species of turtles from the tributaries of the Rio Negro in the Amazon of Brazil were examined. The turtles included the six-tubercled Amazon (river) turtle (Podocnemis sextuberculata), red-headed Amazon (river) turtle (Podocnemis erythrocephala), big-headed Amazon (river) turtle (Peltocephalus dumerilianus), and matamata turtle (Chelus fimbriatus). Blood samples were taken from the vein in the left hind leg of each turtle. There were significant interspecific differences in the sizes of the turtles from the Rio Negro, and in concentrations of Pb, Hg, and Se; the smallest species (red-headed turtles) had the highest levels of Pb in their blood, while Se levels were highest in big-headed turtles and lowest in red-headed turtles. Hg in blood was highest in matamata, intermediate in big-headed, and lowest in the other two turtles. Even though females were significantly larger than males, there were no significant differences in metal levels as a function of gender, and the only relationship of metals to size was for Cd. Variations in metal levels among species suggest that blood may be a useful bioindicator. Metal levels were not high enough to pose a health risk to the turtles or to consumers, such as humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Burger
- Division of Life Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
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Polo-Cavia N, Engstrom T, López P, Martín J. Body condition does not predict immunocompetence of western pond turtles in altered versus natural habitats. Anim Conserv 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1795.2009.00329.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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van de Merwe JP, Hodge M, Olszowy HA, Whittier JM, Ibrahim K, Lee SY. Chemical contamination of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) eggs in peninsular Malaysia: implications for conservation and public health. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2009; 117:1397-401. [PMID: 19750104 PMCID: PMC2737016 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0900813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/29/2009] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)-such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)-and heavy metals have been reported in sea turtles at various stages of their life cycle. These chemicals can disrupt development and function of wildlife. Furthermore, in areas such as Peninsular Malaysia, where the human consumption of sea turtle eggs is prevalent, egg contamination may also have public health implications. OBJECTIVE In the present study we investigated conservation and human health risks associated with the chemical contamination of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) eggs in Peninsular Malaysia. METHODS Fifty-five C. mydas eggs were collected from markets in Peninsular Malaysia and analyzed for POPs and heavy metals. We conducted screening risk assessments (SRAs) and calculated the percent of acceptable daily intake (ADI) for POPs and metals to assess conservation and human health risks associated with egg contamination. RESULTS C. mydas eggs were available in 9 of the 33 markets visited. These eggs came from seven nesting areas from as far away as Borneo Malaysia. SRAs indicated a significant risk to embryonic development associated with the observed arsenic concentrations. Furthermore, the concentrations of coplanar PCBs represented 3 300 times the ADI values set by the World Health Organization. CONCLUSIONS The concentrations of POPs and heavy metals reported in C. mydas eggs from markets in Peninsular Malaysia pose considerable risks to sea turtle conservation and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason P van de Merwe
- Griffith School of Environment and Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
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Goodsell PJ, Underwood AJ, Chapman MG. Evidence necessary for taxa to be reliable indicators of environmental conditions or impacts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2009; 58:323-331. [PMID: 19058818 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2008] [Revised: 10/21/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Using taxa as indicators of environmental impacts is widespread. Indicators are chosen because they are considered to be easy to measure, sensitive to stresses and respond to stresses in predictable ways. Here, we review these criteria by addressing the nature of the relationships between some characteristic of taxa and the environmental variables they are supposed to indicate. It is crucial that variables measured as indicators be strongly and consistently correlated (through space and time) with levels of the environmental variables. Appropriate experiments must be done to establish that an observed correlation is causal, or the correlation cannot be considered sufficient to identify a useful indicator. Finally, it is necessary to establish that the taxa directly respond to changes in the environmental variables they are supposed to indicate. Appropriate methodologies to establish these criteria are considered and we evaluate studies in which these criteria have or have not been met.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Goodsell
- Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities, Marine Ecology Laboratories A11, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Eisenreich KM, Kelly SM, Rowe CL. Latent mortality of juvenile snapping turtles from the Upper Hudson River, New York, exposed maternally and via the diet to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:6052-6057. [PMID: 19731717 DOI: 10.1021/es9008344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a factorial experiment to compare sublethal and lethal responses of juvenile snapping turtles exposed maternally and/or through the diet to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) over 14 months posthatching. Maternal exposure did not affect embryonic development or hatching success. Thyrosomatic indices were not influenced by treatments, although hepatosomatic indices were lower in animals having been exposed to PCBs maternally relative to those having been exposed both maternally and via the diet. Dietary PCB exposure reduced metabolic rates of juveniles in two of three assays conducted. Approximately eight months after hatching, high rates of mortality began to emerge in individuals having been exposed maternally to PCBs, and mortality rate correlated with [PCB](total) in eggs. Prior to death, individuals that died experienced lower growth rates than those that survived, suggesting chronic effects prior to death. By 14 months posthatching, only 40% of juveniles derived from females in the contaminated area had survived, compared to 90% from the reference area. Such latent effects of maternally derived contaminants suggest that assessments of environmental impacts based upon shorter-term studies may provide very conservative estimates of the severity of effects, as they cannot capture responses that may emerge later in the life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Eisenreich
- University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, PO Box 38, Solomons, Maryland 20688, USA
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Bernanke J, Köhler HR. The impact of environmental chemicals on wildlife vertebrates. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2009; 198:1-47. [PMID: 19253040 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-09647-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A plethora of papers have been published that address the affects of chemicals on wildlife vertebrates. Collectively, they support a connection between environmental pollution and effects on wildlife vertebrate populations; however, causal relationships between exposure, and reproduction or population structure effects have been established for only a few species. In a vast number of fish species, particularly in teleosts, it is accepted that EDCs affect the endocrine system of individuals and may alter sexual development and fertility. However, only few studies have demonstrated population-level consequences as a result of exposure to EDCs. The same applies to fish populations exposed to contaminants or contaminant mixtures with non-endocrine modes of action; few studies link EDCs directly to population affects. Amphibian populations are declining in many parts of the world. Although environmental chemicals have been shown to affect reproduction and development in single organism tests, the degree to which chemicals contribute to the decline of amphibians, either alone, or in concert with other factors (habitat loss, climate change, introduction of neozoa, UV-B irradiation, and direct exploitation) is still uncertain. Because reptilian endocrinology is so variable among species, EDC effects reported for individual species cannot easily be extrapolated to others. Nevertheless, for some species and locations (e.g., the Lake Popka alligators), there is considerable evidence that population declines are caused or triggered by chemical pollution. In birds, there is ample evidence for EDC effects on the reproductive system. In some bird species, effects can be linked to population declines (e.g., based on egg-shell thinning induced by DDT/DDE). In contrast, other bird species were shown to be rather insensitive to endocrine disruption. Oil spills, which also may exert endocrine effects, are usually regarded to cause only transient bird population effects, although long-term data are largely missing. Mammal population declines have been correlated with organochlorine pollution. Moreover, numerous studies have attributed reproductive and non-reproductive dysfunctions in mammals to EDC exposure. However, in the majority of cases, it is uncertain if effects at the population level can be attributed to chemical-induced reproductive effects. Evidence shows that selected species from all vertebrate classes were negatively affected by certain anthropogenic chemicals. Affects on some species are well characterized at the organismal level. However, the proof of a direct link between chemical exposure and population decline was not given for the vast majority of studied species. This review clearly shows the gaps in knowledge that must be filled for the topic area addressed. We, herewith, make a plea for long-term studies to monitor effects of various environmental chemicals on wildlife vertebrate populations. Such studies may be augmented or combined with mechanistically-oriented histological, cytological and biochemical parallel investigations, to fill knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Bernanke
- Animal Physiological Ecology, University of Tübingen, D-72072 Tübingen, Germany
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Rowe CL. “The Calamity of So Long Life”: Life Histories, Contaminants, and Potential Emerging Threats to Long-lived Vertebrates. Bioscience 2008. [DOI: 10.1641/b580709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Tada N, Nakao A, Hoshi H, Saka M, Kamata Y. Vitellogenin, a biomarker for environmental estrogenic pollution, of Reeves' pond turtles: analysis of similarity for its amino acid sequence and cognate mRNA expression after exposure to estrogen. J Vet Med Sci 2008; 70:227-34. [PMID: 18388421 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.70.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenin (VTG), a biomarker for environmental estrogenic pollution, can be detected in the bloodstream of oviparous animals before morphological and functional abnormalities appear due to exposure to environmental estrogens. Reports observing VTG in turtles have been limited. We therefore cloned and sequenced a partial cDNA of VTG in Reeves' pond turtle, Chinemys reevesii. The cloned cDNA fragment possessed the start codon and 2,229 bp, encoding 743 amino acid residues. A sequence of deduced amino acid from the cDNA did not contain a high serine content, such as that which exists in phosvitin. Two N-glycosylation sites were found in the sequence. The sequence was compared to those of two birds (chicken and herring gull), one amphibian (Xenopus), and five fishes (carp, zebrafish, eel, haddock, and red seabream). The C. reevesii VTG was similar to that of herring gull (78%, value of positives), chicken (76%), Xenopus (69%), eel (63%), red seabream (62%), haddock (62%), carp (62%), and zebrafish (61%). The phylogenetic tree showed that C. reevesii VTG existed between the amphibian and birds, and it was present far from fish VTGs. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method was employed to detect the mRNA expression of the C. reevesii VTG through the use of primers designed from our sequence. The VTG mRNA expression (292 bp) was proven in the total RNA extraction from the liver of the juvenile turtles which were treated with estradiol-17beta. The information herein would be useful for ecotoxicological studies using freshwater turtles and these findings are expected to contribute positively towards wildlife conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Tada
- Kyoto Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environment, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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De Solla SR, Fernie KJ, Letcher RJ, Chu SG, Drouillard KG, Shahmiri S. Snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) as bioindicators in Canadian areas of concern in the Great Lakes Basin. 1. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorine pesticides in eggs. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2007; 41:7252-7259. [PMID: 18044496 DOI: 10.1021/es0710205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We examined the concentrations and spatial patterns of congeners of PBDEs, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides in snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) eggs from Areas of Concern (AOCs) on the Canadian shores of Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, and connecting channels. Eggs from Lyons Creek (Niagara River AOC) reflected a local PCB source over a range of 7.5 km (3.2-10.8) from the Welland Canal. PCB contamination in eggs declined with increasing distance from the Welland Canal, whereas the relative contribution of congeners associated with Aroclor 1248/1254 increased with sigma PCB concentrations. Compared to turtle eggs from other sites in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, eggs from Lyons Creek and Snye Marsh had PCB congener patterns that reflected a strong contribution from Aroclor 1254. PCBs in the eggs were associated with industrial sources and reflected the composition of different Aroclor technical mixtures. Organochlorine pesticides in eggs tended to be highest at Hamilton Harbour and Bay of Quinte AOCs, and were dominated by DDE, sigma chlordane, and mirex. In contrast, PBDE congener patterns in turtle eggs resembled PentaBDE technical formulations regardless of absolute concentrations or location, and were largely associated with urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R De Solla
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Box 5050, Burlington, ON, L7R 4A6, Canada.
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Tada N, Saka M, Shiraishi F, Kamata Y. A field study on serum vitellogenin levels in male Reeves' pond turtles (Chinemys reevesii) from estrogen-contaminated sites and a reference site. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2007; 384:205-13. [PMID: 17597185 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2007] [Revised: 05/21/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
To ascertain whether wild male turtles were influenced by environmental estrogens, we examined serum vitellogenin (VTG) levels of male Reeves' pond turtles (Chinemys reevesii) collected from four study sites (A-D) in Kyoto, Japan. Sites A-C, which were impacted by domestic or industrial wastewater and effluents from sewage treatment plants, were chosen as contaminated sites, and site D was intended as a reference site. This contaminated/reference site characterization was confirmed by measuring estrogenic activities of the water samples collected at each site for over a year. Serum VTG levels in the turtles were quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay established previously. Estrogenic activities of the water samples were measured using a previously validated yeast two-hybrid assay and expressed as the estradiol-17beta equivalent. Estrogenic activity was observed at high levels at sites A-C, but was almost undetected at site D throughout the sampling period: the mean and range were 0.74 (<0.07-2.1), 0.52 (0.17-1.6), 1.7 (<0.07-7.3), and 0.07 (<0.07-0.62) ng/l at sites A-D, respectively. Significant differences were found only in site D versus sites A, B, and C. Therefore, site D and sites A-C were confirmed to be a reference site and contaminated ones, respectively. Overall, 320 male turtles were captured and examined. The majority of the turtles showed normal VTG values (0.10-0.74 microg/ml). Although only five turtles from sites A-C showed unusually high VTG values (1.1-5.9 microg/ml, nearly one order of magnitude higher than normal values but much lower than values in adult females), there was no significant difference in the incidence of these high values between sites A-C and site D. Moreover, among the five turtles, one turtle was captured again 2 months later, but its VTG value dropped to the normal level. The unusually high VTG values may therefore be transient elevation caused by incidental and/or individually specific agents. Excluding the unusually high values, the mean serum VTG (accompanied with the range) was 0.22 (0.10-0.74), 0.27 (0.11-0.62), 0.27 (0.17-0.68), and 0.23 (0.10-0.57) microg/ml at sites A-D, respectively. There were no significant differences in the mean VTG values among sites A-D. Although it should be clarified how and why the unusually high VTG values occurred at sites A-C, our results suggested that wild male C. reevesii turtles would not be significantly affected by xenobiotic estrogens at environmentally relevant levels in terms of serum VTG elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Tada
- Kyoto Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environment, 395 Murakami-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-8369, Japan
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Mnif W, Pillon A, Balaguer P, Bartegi A. Les perturbateurs endocriniens xénooestrogéniques : mécanismes moléculaires et méthodes de détection. Therapie 2007; 62:369-86. [DOI: 10.2515/therapie:2007062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Bornman MS, Pretorius E, Marx J, Smit E, van der Merwe CF. Ultrastructural effects of DDT, DDD, and DDE on neural cells of the chicken embryo model. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2007; 22:328-36. [PMID: 17497638 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to environmental compounds with estrogenic activity and the potential effects on human health is the subject of ongoing scientific debates. Their potential effects raise concern regarding neurological development after prenatal exposure. Central to this debate is the pesticide 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT). Although it has apparent low acute toxicity in mammals, DDT has a long residual persistence and laboratory research has indicated that it acts on the CNS by interfering with Na(+)/K(+) pump mechanism of the neuronal membranes, causing disruption in Ca(2+) homeostasis. Potentially this may lead to both apoptosis and necrosis. The present study investigates the effects of DDT and two of its metabolites DDD and DDE on the ultramorphology of neural cells, using a previously published chicken embryo model. Results indicate cellular swelling, budding, and increased membrane permeability for all three chemicals, accompanied by karyolysis in the DDE group (typical features of oncosis). These results support the finding of other researchers as well as the concerns of the WHO that DDT and its metabolites may cause neurotoxicity after prenatal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Bornman
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Chalubinski M, Kowalski ML. Endocrine disrupters--potential modulators of the immune system and allergic response. Allergy 2006; 61:1326-35. [PMID: 17002710 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01135.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupters (EDs) are environmental pollutants of industrial or agricultural origin (e.g. herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, industrial chemicals) that may influence health of wildlife and human. Endocrine-disrupting effect is obtained by mimicking the action of the steroid hormones and has been associated with several reproductive disorders as well as cancerogenesis both in animals and humans. EDs can also influence synthesis of cytokines, immunoglobulins, and cell mediators as well as immune cell activation and survival. Modulation by EDs of interleukin-4 production, Th1/Th2 balance and IgE production suggest their potential effect on allergic immune responses. The aim of this review was to summarize data indicating a potential effect of EDs exposure on the immune system and allergic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chalubinski
- Department of Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergy, Chair of Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Bell B, Spotila JR, Congdon J. High incidence of deformity in aquatic turtles in the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2006; 142:457-65. [PMID: 16360253 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2005] [Accepted: 10/07/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is subject to pollution from multiple sources. We studied development of snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) embryos from the refuge from 2000 through 2003. Mean annual deformity rate of pooled painted turtle clutches over four years ranged from 45 to 71%, while that of snapping turtle clutches ranged from 13 to 19%. Lethal deformities were more common than minor or moderate deformities in embryos of both species. Adult painted turtles had a higher deformity rate than adult snapping turtles. Snapping turtles at JHNWR had high levels of PAH contamination in their fat. This suggests that PAHs are involved in the high level of deformities. Other contaminants may also play a role. Although the refuge offers many advantages to resident turtle populations, pollution appears to place a developmental burden on the life history of these turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bell
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Rie MT, Kitana N, Lendas KA, Won SJ, Callard IP. Reproductive endocrine disruption in a sentinel species (Chrysemys picta) on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2005; 48:217-224. [PMID: 15719200 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-003-0246-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2003] [Accepted: 07/21/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Freshwater turtles (Chrysemys picta) were collected from two sites on Cape Cod, MA. One site (Moody Pond), adjacent to the Massachusetts Military Reservation (MMR), was considered potentially impacted by toxic agents deriving from contaminant point sources on the MMR. The second (reference) site (Washburn Pond), to the east of the MMR, was considered not impacted by these pollutants and was chosen as a control site. Plasma estradiol 17 beta and vitellogenin were significantly lower in female turtles from Moody Pond. Ovarian follicular analysis indicated a significant decrease in the >16.00-mm follicular cohort in Moody Pond female turtles compared with Washburn Pond animals. Although testicular weight was lower at the Moody Pond site, histology, plasma testosterone, and sperm number were similar to these parameters in Washburn Pond animals. The data suggest that in Moody Pond, the reproductive capacity of turtles may be negatively affected by contaminants from the MMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Rie
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington St., Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Janzen FJ, Wilson ME, Tucker JK, Ford SP. Experimental manipulation of steroid concentrations in circulation and in egg yolks of turtles. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 2002; 293:58-66. [PMID: 12115919 DOI: 10.1002/jez.10092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones in egg yolks are increasingly recognized as an important component of maternal and offspring fitness in oviparous vertebrates. Yet, except for in birds, the mechanism by which females allocate these resources is poorly understood. We manipulated systemic levels of hormones in reproductively mature female red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) with silastic implants to test the hypothesis that hormones are allocated to developing follicles as a quantitative function of circulating levels in the females. Turtles exhibited similar amounts (<1 ng/ml) of circulating steroids (dihydrotestosterone, estradiol-17 beta, or testosterone) in early September immediately prior to experimental manipulation. After treatment with silastic implants, circulating levels of steroids increased markedly. By the following April after hibernation, circulating levels of dihydrotestosterone had returned to preimplantation levels, but circulating levels of estradiol-17 beta and testosterone in estradiol-17 beta- and testosterone-treated turtles, respectively, remained substantially elevated through April. Focusing on testosterone, we detected nearly six-fold higher concentrations in yolk from mature follicles from testosterone-treated turtles than in yolk from mature follicles from control turtles. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that concentrations of steroids in egg yolks of turtles reflect circulating concentrations of steroids during follicular development rather than the hypothesis that females selectively allocate specific amounts of steroid hormones to each egg separately. Our findings also highlight an unambiguous physiological mechanism by which nongenetic maternal effects in oviparous species can directly influence the nutritional milieu experienced by developing embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic J Janzen
- Department of Zoology and Genetics, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, USA.
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Cobb GP, Houlis PD, Bargar TA. Polychlorinated biphenyl occurrence in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) from Louisiana and South Carolina. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2002; 118:1-4. [PMID: 11996374 DOI: 10.1016/s0269-7491(01)00284-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have evaluated PCB concentrations in alligators. This is the first comparison of PCB concentrations in alligators eggs from the southeastern United States. Eggs were collected from Bear Island and Winyah Bay, South Carolina and from the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana. Mean PCB concentrations in eggs from Bear Island (333 ng/g) were the same (P > 0.45) as those found at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge (218 ng/g). However, eggs from Winyah Bay contained 3176 ng/g PCBs which is higher (P < 0.008) than concentrations from the other two sites. These data indicate the ubiquitous nature of PCBs and their bioaccumulation even in remote habitats.
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