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Dias VHV, Mattos JJ, Serafini PP, Lüchmann KH, Bainy ACD. A systematic review of the impact of chemical pollution on sea turtles: Insights from biomarkers of aquatic contamination. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 480:135813. [PMID: 39298959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Chemical anthropogenic contaminants in the marine environment pose a substantial threat to sea turtles. The current systematic review quantified the published literature on biomarkers of aquatic contamination in sea turtles. It examined the exposure and potential impacts of pollution at biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels, as indicated by these biomarkers. Eighty-seven primary peer-reviewed papers were included, most of which were published from 2013 onwards. Most studies focused on the species Chelonia mydas (n = 43 papers) and Caretta caretta (n = 36) and used blood samples for biomarker (n = 54) and chemical (n = 38) analyses. Chemical analyses were assessed alongside biomarker analyses in most studies (n = 71). Some studies indicated possible damage to the DNA, cells, oxidative balance, and reproduction of sea turtles associated with chemical contaminants as metals, emerging, and mixtures of organic pollutants. Research gaps and recommendations for future studies were addressed to help understand the toxicity of chemical pollutants in sea turtles. The purpose of this review is to contribute for supporting actions to mitigate the threats posed by pollution to these protected species, as well as to plan new studies in this research field for both conservation and biomonitoring purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Helena Vidal Dias
- Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry (LABCAI), Federal University of Santa Catarina, CEP:88037000, Brazil
| | - Jacó Joaquim Mattos
- Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry (LABCAI), Federal University of Santa Catarina, CEP:88037000, Brazil
| | - Patricia Pereira Serafini
- Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry (LABCAI), Federal University of Santa Catarina, CEP:88037000, Brazil
| | - Karim Hahn Lüchmann
- Department of Scientific and Technological Education, Santa Catarina State University, CEP: 88035001, Brazil
| | - Afonso Celso Dias Bainy
- Laboratory of Biomarkers of Aquatic Contamination and Immunochemistry (LABCAI), Federal University of Santa Catarina, CEP:88037000, Brazil.
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2
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Shaw KR, Balazs GH, Jones TT, Lynch HW, Liu J, Cobb GP, Klein DM, Lynch JM. Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Accumulate Heavy Metals Near a Former Skeet Shooting Range in Kailua, O'ahu, Hawai'i. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:1109-1123. [PMID: 36866800 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5601] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The present study determined if green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Kailua Bay, Oahu, in the Hawaiian Islands have elevated blood and scute lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb) concentrations resulting from lead deposition at a historic skeet shooting range. Blood and scute samples were collected and analyzed for Pb, As, and Sb via inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Prey, water, and sediment samples were also analyzed. Turtle samples in Kailua Bay (45) have blood Pb concentrations (328 ± 195 ng/g) greater than a reference population (Howick Group of Islands, 29.2 ± 17.1 ng/g). Compared with other green turtle populations, only turtles in Oman, Brazil, and San Diego, CA have blood Pb concentrations greater than turtles in Kailua Bay. The estimated daily exposure of Pb from algae sources in Kailua Bay (0.12 mg/kg/day) was significantly lower than the no observed adverse effect level (100 mg/kg) of red-eared slider turtles. However, the chronic effects of Pb on sea turtles is poorly understood and continued monitoring of this population will increase our understanding of the Pb and As loads of sea turtles in Kailua Bay. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1109-1123. © 2023 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Shaw
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | | | - T Todd Jones
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | | | - Jing Liu
- Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - George P Cobb
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - David M Klein
- Department of Civil Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer M Lynch
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Waimānalo, Hawaii, USA
- Center for Marine Debris Research, Hawai'i Pacific University, Waimānalo, Hawaii, USA
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3
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Holladay SD. Environmental contaminants, endocrine disruption, and transgender: Can "born that way" in some cases be toxicologically real? Hum Exp Toxicol 2023; 42:9603271231203382. [PMID: 37751728 DOI: 10.1177/09603271231203382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Gender is viewed by many as strictly binary based on a collection of body traits typical of a female or male phenotype, presence of a genotype that includes at least one copy of a Y chromosome, or ability to produce either egg or sperm cells. A growing non-binary view is that these descriptors, while compelling, may nonetheless fail to accurately capture an individual's true gender. The position of the American Psychological Association (APA) agrees with this view and is that transgender people are a defendable and real part of the human population. The considerable diversity of transgender expression then argues against any unitary or simple explanations, however, prenatal hormone levels, genetic influences, and early and later life experiences have been suggested as playing roles in development of transgender identities. The present review considers existing and emerging toxicologic data that may also support an environmental chemical contribution to some transgender identities, and suggest the possibility of a growing nonbinary brain gender continuum in the human population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven David Holladay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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4
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Zavala-Félix KA, Reyes-López MA, Camacho-Sánchez FY, Acosta-Sánchez HH, Hart CE, Zavala-Norzagaray AA, Leal-Sepúlveda V, Leal-Moreno R, Espinoza-Romo BA, Aguirre AA, Ley-Quiñónez CP. Trace elements concentration in blood of nesting Kemp's Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) at Rancho Nuevo sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269346. [PMID: 36322564 PMCID: PMC9629633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The concentrations of trace elements including As, Zn, Cu, Se, Pb, Hg and Cd, were determined in the blood of nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) at Rancho Nuevo sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico during 2018–2020. The sequential concentrations analyzed were Zn> Se> Cu> As> Pb; while Cd and Hg concentrations were below the limits of detection (0.01 μg g-1). No significant differences were observed between the concentrations of trace elements (p> 0.05) by year, except Se levels, possibly resulting from recorded seasonal differences in turtle size. No relationships among turtle size vs elements concentration were observed. In conclusion, essential and toxic trace elements concentrations in the blood of nesting Kemp’s ridley turtles may be a reflex of the ecosystem in which the turtles develop, that is, with low bioavailability of elements observed in the trophic webs in the Gulf of Mexico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Alan Zavala-Félix
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Reyes-López
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica-Conservation Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Fátima Yedith Camacho-Sánchez
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica-Conservation Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Héctor Hugo Acosta-Sánchez
- Programa de Conservación de Tortugas Marinas en el Santuario Playa de Rancho Nuevo, Terra Asesoría Ambiental S.C., Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
| | - Catherine E. Hart
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientales y Sociales AC, Tepic, Nayarit, México
| | - Alan A. Zavala-Norzagaray
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Valeria Leal-Sepúlveda
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Renato Leal-Moreno
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Brenda Aracely Espinoza-Romo
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - A. Alonso Aguirre
- Warner College of Natural Resources, Michael Smith Natural Resources Building, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - César P. Ley-Quiñónez
- Laboratory Vida Silvestre, CIIDIR Sinaloa- Department Medio Ambiente, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
- * E-mail:
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Muñoz CC, Hendriks AJ, Ragas AMJ, Vermeiren P. Internal and Maternal Distribution of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Sea Turtle Tissues: A Meta-Analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:10012-10024. [PMID: 34218659 PMCID: PMC8382251 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c02845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to identify patterns in the internal distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and assess contributing factors using sea turtles and their offspring as a case study of a long-lived wildlife species. We systematically synthesized 40 years of data and developed a lipid database to test whether lipid-normalized POP concentrations are equal among tissues as expected under steady state for lipophilic compounds. Results supported equal partitioning among tissues with high blood flow or perfusion including the heart, kidney, muscle, and lung. Observed differences in the brain, fat, and blood plasma, however, suggest the physiological influence of the blood-brain barrier, limited perfusion, and protein content, respectively. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers partitioned comparably to legacy POPs. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, meanwhile, partitioned more into the lung, colon, and muscle compared to the liver under chronic and acute field exposure. Partitioning ratios of individual POPs among tissues were significantly related to the lipophilicity of compounds (as estimated by Kow) in half of the observed cases, and significant differences between juveniles and adults underscore physiological differences across life stages. The comprehensive tissue partitioning patterns presented here provide a quantitative basis to support comparative assessments of POP pollution derived from biomonitoring among multiple tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia C Muñoz
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Jan Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ad M J Ragas
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Vermeiren
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Olimón-Andalón V, Valdés-Flores J, Ley-Quiñonez CP, Zavala-Norzagaray AA, Aguirre AA, León-Sicairos N, Velázquez-Román J, Flores-Villaseñor H, Acosta-Smith E, Sosa-Cornejo I, Valdez-Flores M, Hart CE, Canizalez-Román A. Essential and trace metals in a post-nesting olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Ceuta beach, Sinaloa, Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:29998-30006. [PMID: 33576959 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12819-8] [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: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Trace metals have been found in sea turtle blood and tissues and may represent a threat to these endangered species. Essential trace metal (Cu, Zn Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) concentrations were determined in blood of adult female, post-nesting olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea (n = 35) on Ceuta beach, Sinaloa, Mexico. Essential metals (Zn and Cu) analyzed were found in higher concentrations than toxic metals (Cd and Pb), while As and Hg concentrations were below the limits of detection (0.01 μg g-1). Low Pb concentrations (0.09 μg g-1) were previously observed in sea turtles in the Gulf of California. There were no significant correlations found between curved carapace length (61.00-71.00 ± 2.29) vs metal concentrations (p > 0.05). Cd levels were relatively high when compared to other species and populations of sea turtles worldwide and Cd may represent the greatest risk for sea turtles in the Mexican Pacific. Such concentrations of Cd may pose a further risk to sea turtles through bioaccumulation from the nesting female to offspring which may affect embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Olimón-Andalón
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jorge Valdés-Flores
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Cesar Paul Ley-Quiñonez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR-SINALOA, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientales y Sociales A.C. (ICSAS), 63160, Tepic, Mexico
| | - Alan A Zavala-Norzagaray
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR-SINALOA, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientales y Sociales A.C. (ICSAS), 63160, Tepic, Mexico
| | - A Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Nidia León-Sicairos
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Jorge Velázquez-Román
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Hector Flores-Villaseñor
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Secretariat of Health, The Sinaloa State Public Health Laboratory, 80020, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Erika Acosta-Smith
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Igmar Sosa-Cornejo
- Programa Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Marco Valdez-Flores
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Catherine Edwina Hart
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientales y Sociales A.C. (ICSAS), 63160, Tepic, Mexico
| | - Adrian Canizalez-Román
- CIASaP, School of Medicine, Autonomous University of Sinaloa, 80246, Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico.
- Secretariat of Health, The Women's Hospital, 80127, Culiacan, Mexico.
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Shaw KR, Lynch JM, Balazs GH, Jones TT, Pawloski J, Rice MR, French AD, Liu J, Cobb GP, Klein DM. Trace Element Concentrations in Blood and Scute Tissues from Wild and Captive Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:208-218. [PMID: 33103806 PMCID: PMC8452040 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles are exposed to trace elements through water, sediment, and food. Exposure to these elements has been shown to decrease immune function, impair growth, and decrease reproductive output in wildlife. The present study compares trace element concentrations in green turtles in captivity at Sea Life Park Hawaii (n = 6) to wild green turtles in Kapoho Bay, Hawaii, USA (n = 5-7). Blood and scute samples were collected and analyzed for 11 elements via inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Selenium was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the blood of captive turtles compared with wild turtles, whereas V, Ni, and Pb were significantly greater in the blood of wild turtles. In scute, V, Cu, Se, and Cr were significantly greater in captive turtles, whereas As was significantly greater in wild turtles. Pelleted food fed to the captive turtles and representative samples of the wild turtle diet were analyzed via ICP-MS to calculate trophic transfer factors and daily intake values. Wild turtles had greater estimated daily intake than captive turtles for all elements except Cu and Se. Because captive turtles are fed a diet very different from that of their wild counterparts, captive turtles do not represent control or reference samples for chemical exposure studies in wild turtles. No toxic thresholds are known for sea turtles, but rehabilitation and managed care facilities should monitor sea turtle elemental concentrations to ensure the animals' health. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:208-218. © 2020 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Shaw
- Texas Tech University, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA
- Address correspondence to
| | - Jennifer M. Lynch
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Waimanalo, HI 96744, USA
| | | | - T. Todd Jones
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Honolulu, HI 96818, USA
| | | | - Marc R. Rice
- Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Kamuela, HI 96743, USA
| | - Amanda D. French
- Texas Tech University, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Baylor University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - George P. Cobb
- Baylor University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - David M. Klein
- Texas Tech University, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Lubbock, TX 79416, USA
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8
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Nava Montes AD, Espinosa Reyes G, Flores Ramírez R, Ramírez Romero P. Persistent organic pollutants in Kemp's Ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys kempii in Playa Rancho Nuevo Sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:140176. [PMID: 32758958 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POP) are toxic substances for wildlife and people. The Kemp's Ridley sea turtle Lepidochelys kempii is an endangered species with limited distribution in the Gulf of Mexico (GM), a marine ecosystem that has been perturbed by a variety of anthropogenic activities. In this work, the concentrations of ten organochlorine pesticides (OP), eight polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and atrazine were determined in the plasma of Kemp's Ridley sea turtles that nest in Playa Rancho Nuevo Sanctuary, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Seventy-nine blood samples were collected from female turtles during the 2015-2016 nesting season. Samples were extracted with a focalized ultrasonic sound technique and analyzed through Gas Chromatography coupled to a Mass Spectrometer. POP with the highest percentage of detection were atrazine > PCB 52 > PCB 153 > DDE > alpha endosulfan > DDD > alpha HCH > DDT. There is no linear correlation between the detected POP levels in the Kemp's Ridley sea turtle plasma and its curve carapace length (CCL). When comparing 2015 and 2016 POP concentrations, there were statistically significant differences in atrazine (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.069), PCB 52 (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0051) and ∑POP (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0001) and, no statistically significant differences in alpha endosulfan (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0294), DDE (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0315) and PCB 153 (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.0036). The reported POP values of this work are one of the few registered for Kemp's Ridley sea turtle in the GM and the first for atrazine levels. These levels were higher than those reported for other sea turtle species from America, Africa, and Europe, which demonstrates a deteriorated health status of the GM marine ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Delia Nava Montes
- Environment and Energy Postgraduate Program, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Iztapalapa, Mexico City 09340, Mexico.
| | - Guillermo Espinosa Reyes
- Center for Applied Research in Environmental Health, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, Mexico
| | - Rogelio Flores Ramírez
- Center for Applied Research in Environmental Health, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, Mexico
| | - Patricia Ramírez Romero
- Hydrobiology Department, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Iztapalapa, Mexico City 09340, Mexico
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Perrault JR, Arendt MD, Schwenter JA, Byrd JL, Harms CA, Cray C, Tuxbury KA, Wood LD, Stacy NI. Blood analytes of immature Kemp's ridley sea turtles ( Lepidochelys kempii) from Georgia, USA: reference intervals and body size correlations. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa091. [PMID: 33304585 PMCID: PMC7720087 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Health assessments of wildlife species are becoming increasingly important in an ever-changing environment. Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii; hereafter, Kemp's ridleys) are critically endangered and incur several on-going threats to their population recovery; therefore, it is imperative to advance the understanding of baseline blood analyte data as a diagnostic and monitoring tool. For in-water, trawl-captured, immature Kemp's ridleys (minimum N = 31) from Georgia, USA, the objectives of this study were to (1) establish reference intervals (RIs) for packed cell volume (PCV) and 27 plasma biochemistry analytes and (2) determine length-specific relationships in blood analytes. We observed significant positive correlations between minimum straight carapace length and PCV, amylase, calcium:phosphorus ratio, cholesterol, magnesium, triglycerides, total solids, total protein and all protein fractions (e.g. alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulins); aspartate aminotransferase and chloride showed significant negative relationships. These results suggest that certain blood analytes in Kemp's ridleys change as these animals grow, presumptively due to somatic growth and dietary shifts. The information presented herein, in due consideration of capture technique that may have impacted glucose and potassium concentrations, represents the first report of blood analyte RIs for Kemp's ridley sea turtles established by guidelines of the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology and will have direct applications for stranded individuals in rehabilitative care and for future investigations into the health status of wild individuals from this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida, 33408, USA
- Corresponding author: Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Juno Beach, Florida, 33408, USA. Tel: 561-627-8280.
| | - Michael D Arendt
- Marine Resources Division, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Schwenter
- Marine Resources Division, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, South Carolina, 29412, USA
| | - Julia L Byrd
- South Atlantic Fish Management Council, North Charleston, South Carolina, 29405, USA
| | - Craig A Harms
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Morehead City, North Carolina, 27606, USA
| | - Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, 33136, USA
| | - Kathryn A Tuxbury
- Animal Health Department, New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, USA
| | - Lawrence D Wood
- Florida Hawksbill Project at the National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33308, USA
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Aquatic, Amphibian, and Reptile Pathology Program, Department of Comparative, Diagnostic, and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, 32608, USA
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10
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Martín-Del-Campo R, Bárcenas-Ibarra A, Lund G, Rodríguez-Ríos D, Yong-Villalobos L, García-Hernández J, García-Gasca A. Mercury Concentration, DNA Methylation, and Mitochondrial DNA Damage in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Embryos With Schistosomus Reflexus Syndrome. Vet Pathol 2019; 56:940-949. [PMID: 31434549 DOI: 10.1177/0300985819868649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomus reflexus syndrome (SR) is a rare and lethal congenital malformation that has been reported in the olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) in Mexico. Although the etiology remains unclear, it is presumed to be genetic. Since embryonic development in sea turtles largely depends on environmental conditions, we investigated whether sea turtle total mercury content participates in the etiology of SR. Given that several toxins are known to affect both DNA methylation and/or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, we also probed for associations of these parameters to SR and mercury exposure. We measured the levels of each variable in malformed olive ridley sea turtle embryos (either with SR or other non-SR malformations) and embryos without malformations. Malformed embryos (with or without SR) showed higher mercury concentrations compared to normal embryos, while only embryos with SR showed higher levels of methylation compared to embryos without malformations and those with other malformations. Furthermore, we uncovered a positive correlation between mercury concentrations and DNA methylation in SR embryos. With respect to mtDNA copy number, no differences were detected across experimental groups. Because of sample size limitations, this study is an initial attempt to understand the association of environmental toxins (such as mercury) and epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation) in the etiology of SR in sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Martín-Del-Campo
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Annelisse Bárcenas-Ibarra
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Gertrud Lund
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, CINVESTAV (GL, DRR), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Dalia Rodríguez-Ríos
- Departamento de Ingeniería Genética, CINVESTAV (GL, DRR), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Lenin Yong-Villalobos
- Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio)/Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, CINVESTAV, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Jaqueline García-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Ciencias Ambientales, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico
| | - Alejandra García-Gasca
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico
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11
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Vijayasarathy S, Baduel C, Hof C, Bell I, Del Mar Gómez Ramos M, Ramos MJG, Kock M, Gaus C. Multi-residue screening of non-polar hazardous chemicals in green turtle blood from different foraging regions of the Great Barrier Reef. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 652:862-868. [PMID: 30380492 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Green turtles spend a large part of their lifecycle foraging in nearshore seagrass habitats, which are often in close proximity to sources of anthropogenic contaminants. As most biomonitoring studies focus on a limited number of targeted chemical groups, this study was designed to screen for a wider range of hazardous chemicals that may not have been considered in prior studies. Whole blood of sub-adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) were sampled from three different locations, a remote, offshore 'control' site; and two coastal 'case' sites influenced by urban and agricultural activities on the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, Australia. In order to screen blood samples for chemicals across a wide range of KOW's, a modified QuEChER's extraction method was used. The samples were analysed using a multi-residue gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry system (GC-MS/MS method that allowed simultaneous quantification of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PBDES), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While PBDEs, PCBs and OCPS were below the limits of quantification, PAHs were detected in all turtle blood samples. However, PAH levels were relatively low (maximum ΣPAH = 13 ng/mL ww) and comparable to or less than those reported from other green turtles globally. The present study provides the first baseline PAH levels in blood samples from green turtles from nearshore and offshore locations in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumini Vijayasarathy
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Christine Baduel
- Université Grenoble Alpes, IRD, CNRS, Grenoble INP, IGE, Grenoble, France
| | - Christine Hof
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Species Conservation and Indigenous Partnerships Unit, World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Australia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ian Bell
- Aquatic Species Program, Department of Environment and Science, Townsville, Australia
| | - María Del Mar Gómez Ramos
- Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - María José Gómez Ramos
- Chemistry and Physics Department, University of Almeria, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 04120 Almería, Spain
| | - Marjolijn Kock
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Caroline Gaus
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Villa CA, Bell I, Madden Hof C, Limpus CJ, Gaus C. Elucidating temporal trends in trace element exposure of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) using the toxicokinetic differences of blood and scute samples. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:2450-2459. [PMID: 30336435 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Blood is considered a suitable biomonitoring matrix for evaluating relatively recent exposure to environmental contaminants since abrupt changes in exposure regimes are rapidly reflected in blood. On the other hand, keratinized tissues, such as turtle scutes, are known to integrate trace element exposure over relatively long time periods. This study aimed to test the use of the differences in blood and scute to inform on the historical trace element exposure of green turtles. We propose a blood-scute kinetic model to predict how an increase in exposure would affect the concentrations in these two matrices over time. We then tested the relationship between blood and scute concentrations for 19 trace elements in two green turtle populations presumed to experience relatively constant exposure conditions. Significant log-log and linear correlations were observed between blood and scute concentrations for Co, As, Mo, Sb, and Cd. We then analysed blood-scute ratios in turtles from two coastal sites with known elevated exposure to various trace elements from previous studies. Deviations from the steady-state were clearly evident in these coastal turtles (for Co and Cd) and were consistent with the model prediction of changes in exposure. These field data provide evidence that blood-scute ratios can provide a valuable tool for examining the historical trace element exposure of turtles. We further present a method by which the general model may be refined and validated, by using data from individual turtles that had been recaptured across multiple years. Although the timeframe and number of recaptured samples available for this study were limited, the temporal changes in blood-scute ratios in these animals were generally consistent with those suggested by the model. Thus, the ratio between paired blood and scute trace element concentrations could be used to establish a temporal exposure index in turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Villa
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia.
| | - I Bell
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - C Madden Hof
- World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - C J Limpus
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - C Gaus
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
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13
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RODRIGUEZ CÉSARAUGUSTOB, BEZERRA MOISESF, REZENDE CARLOSEDUARDODE, BASTOS WANDERLEYR, LACERDA LUIZDDE. Mercury and methylmercury in carapace of the marine turtle Caretta caretta, in northeastern Brazil and its potential for environmental monitoring. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2019; 91:e20180672. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920180672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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14
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Teófilo Pignati M, Costa De Souza L, de Alcântara Mendes R, de Oliveira Lima M, Antonio Pignati W, Carlos Brito Pezzuti J. Levels of organochlorine pesticides in Amazon turtle (Podocnemis unifilis) in the Xingu River, Brazil. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2018; 53:810-816. [PMID: 30199320 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2018.1505077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to the toxicity and high environmental persistence of organochlorine pesticides in aquatic organisms, turtles have been studied as environment biomonitors. These animals are important sources of protein for the riverside and indigenous peoples of the Brazilian amazon. In the present study, organochlorine pesticide contamination was investigated in Podocnemis unifilis. Liver, muscle and fatty tissue samples were removed from 50 specimens collected from five sampling points located in the Xingu River basin. Fourteen organochlorine pesticides were analysed via gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (CG-ECD). Eight organochlorine pesticides were detected with average concentrations of ∑DDT, ∑Endossulfan and ∑HCH which were 26.17 ± 26.35, 14.38 ± 23.77 and 1.39 ± 8.46 ng g-1 in moisture content, respectively. DDT compounds were the most predominant, with a greater concentration of pp'-DDT in the liver and pp'-DDD in the muscle. Significant differences were noted between the types of tissues studied, and the concentration of OCPs varied between sampling sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Teófilo Pignati
- a Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia Universidade Federal do Pará e Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi/CZO , Belém , Brazil
| | - Larissa Costa De Souza
- b I nstituto Evandro Chagas, Seção de Meio Ambiente , Laboratório de Toxicologia , Ananindeua , Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo de Oliveira Lima
- b I nstituto Evandro Chagas, Seção de Meio Ambiente , Laboratório de Toxicologia , Ananindeua , Brazil
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15
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Perrault JR, Stacy NI, Lehner AF, Mott CR, Hirsch S, Gorham JC, Buchweitz JP, Bresette MJ, Walsh CJ. Potential effects of brevetoxins and toxic elements on various health variables in Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles after a red tide bloom event. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:967-979. [PMID: 28693110 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural biotoxins and anthropogenic toxicants pose a significant risk to sea turtle health. Documented effects of contaminants include potential disease progression and adverse impacts on development, immune function, and survival in these imperiled species. The shallow seagrass habitats of Florida's northwest coast (Big Bend) serve as an important developmental habitat for Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green (Chelonia mydas) sea turtles; however, few studies have been conducted in this area. Our objectives were (1) to evaluate plasma analytes (mass, minimum straight carapace length, body condition index [BCI], fibropapilloma tumor score, lysozyme, superoxide dismutase, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, plasma protein electrophoresis, cholesterol, and total solids) in Kemp's ridleys and green turtles and their correlation to brevetoxins that were released from a red tide bloom event from July-October 2014 in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida's Big Bend, and (2) to analyze red blood cells in Kemp's ridleys and green turtles for toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, thallium) with correlation to the measured plasma analytes. Positive correlations were observed between brevetoxins and α2-globulins in Kemp's ridleys and α2- and γ-globulins in green turtles, indicating potential immunostimulation. Arsenic, cadmium, and lead positively correlated with superoxide dismutase in Kemp's ridleys, suggesting oxidative stress. Lead and mercury in green turtles negatively correlated with BCI, while mercury positively correlated with total tumor score of green turtles afflicted with fibropapillomatosis, suggesting a possible association with mercury and increased tumor growth. The total tumor score of green turtles positively correlated with total protein, total globulins, α2-globulins, and γ-globulins, further suggesting inflammation and immunomodulation as a result of fibropapillomatosis. Lastly, brevetoxin concentrations were positively related to tumor score, indicating potential tumor promotion by brevetoxin. These results signify that brevetoxins and toxic elements elicit various negative effects on sea turtle health, including immune function, oxidative stress, and possibly disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 Southwest 16th Avenue, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Andreas F Lehner
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
| | - Cody R Mott
- Inwater Research Group, 4160 Northeast Hyline Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
| | - Sarah Hirsch
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center, 14200 U.S. Highway 1, Juno Beach, FL 33408, USA
| | - Jonathan C Gorham
- Inwater Research Group, 4160 Northeast Hyline Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
| | - John P Buchweitz
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA
| | - Michael J Bresette
- Inwater Research Group, 4160 Northeast Hyline Drive, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
| | - Catherine J Walsh
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
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16
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Perrault JR, Stacy NI, Lehner AF, Poor SK, Buchweitz JP, Walsh CJ. Toxic elements and associations with hematology, plasma biochemistry, and protein electrophoresis in nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from Casey Key, Florida. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 231:1398-1411. [PMID: 28939125 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, thallium) are a group of contaminants that are known to elicit developmental, reproductive, general health, and immune system effects in reptiles, even at low concentrations. Reptiles, including marine turtles, are susceptible to accumulation of toxic elements due to their long life span, low metabolic rate, and highly efficient conversion of prey into biomass. The objectives of this study were to (1) document concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, selenium, and thallium in whole blood and keratin from nesting loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from Casey Key, Florida and document correlations thereof and (2) correlate whole blood toxic element concentrations to various hematological and plasma biochemistry analytes. Baselines for various hematological and plasma analytes and toxic elements in whole blood and keratin (i.e., scute) in nesting loggerheads are documented. Various correlations between the toxic elements and hematological and plasma biochemistry analytes were identified; however, the most intriguing were negative correlations between arsenic, cadmium, lead, and selenium with and α- and γ-globulins. Although various extrinsic and intrinsic variables such as dietary and feeding changes in nesting loggerheads need to be considered, this finding may suggest a link to altered humoral immunity. This study documents a suite of health variables of nesting loggerheads in correlation to contaminants and identifies the potential of toxic elements to impact the overall health of nesting turtles, thus presenting important implications for the conservation and management of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
| | - Nicole I Stacy
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, 2015 Southwest 16th Avenue, PO Box 100136, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Andreas F Lehner
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA.
| | - Savannah K Poor
- University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - John P Buchweitz
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI 48910, USA.
| | - Catherine J Walsh
- Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
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17
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Adel M, Cortés-Gómez AA, Dadar M, Riyahi H, Girondot M. A comparative study of inorganic elements in the blood of male and female Caspian pond turtles (Mauremys caspica) from the southern basin of the Caspian Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:24965-24979. [PMID: 28918536 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0067-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Due to their bioaccumulation and biomagnification pathways, inorganic elements can accumulate in high-level aquatic organisms in the food web. Then, this species can be used to monitor the quality of the environment. Blood concentration of nine inorganic elements, including possible toxic metals (An, Cu, Mn, Se, As, Ni, Cd, Pb, and Hg), in 20 males and 20 females from eight different locations with high industry and agriculture activities in Iran were evaluated in this work. Additionally, size, sex, condition index, and locations were also included and analyzed. Among the essential elements, Zn and Se presented very high concentrations (56.14 ± 2.66 and 8.44 ± 0.77 μg/g ww, respectively) in all locations. Regarding possible toxic elements, Pb and Cd presented concerning concentrations as well (0.52 and 0.58 μg/g ww); this is especially true for Pb, an element found in very high concentrations in tissues of turtles from the same area in a previous study. The sex and the size of the individuals also had significant differences in concentration of Pb, Cd, As, and Hg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Adel
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health and Diseases, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute, Agriculture Research Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Adriana A Cortés-Gómez
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079, Université Paris Sud, CNRS et AgroParisTech, 91405, Orsay cedex, France
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hossein Riyahi
- DVM Graduated, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Marc Girondot
- Laboratoire Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079, Université Paris Sud, CNRS et AgroParisTech, 91405, Orsay cedex, France
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Cortés-Gómez AA, Romero D, Girondot M. The current situation of inorganic elements in marine turtles: A general review and meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 229:567-585. [PMID: 28688307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic elements (Pb, Cd, Hg, Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se and Zn) are present globally in aquatic systems and their potential transfer to marine turtles can be a serious threat to their health status. The environmental fate of these contaminants may be traced by the analysis of turtle tissues. Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) are the most frequently investigated of all the sea turtle species with regards to inorganic elements, followed by Green turtles (Chelonia mydas); all the other species have considerably fewer studies. Literature shows that blood, liver, kidney and muscle are the tissues most frequently used for the quantification of inorganic elements, with Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn being the most studied elements. Chelonia mydas showed the highest concentrations of Cr in muscle (4.8 ± 0.12), Cu in liver (37 ± 7) and Mg in kidney (17 μg g-1 ww), Cr and Cu from the Gulf of Mexico and Mg from Japanese coasts; Lepidochelys olivacea presented the highest concentrations of Pb in blood (4.46 5) and Cd in kidney (150 ± 110 μg g-1 ww), both from the Mexican Pacific; Caretta caretta from the Mediterranean Egyptian coast had the highest report of Hg in blood (0.66 ± 0.13 μg g-1 ww); and Eretmochelys imbricata from Japan had the highest concentration of As in muscle (30 ± 13 13 μg g-1 ww). The meta-analysis allows us to examine some features that were not visible when data was analyzed alone. For instance, Leatherbacks show a unique pattern of concentration compared to other species. Additionally, contamination of different tissues shows some tendencies independent of the species with liver and kidney on one side and bone on the other being different from other tissues. This review provides a general perspective on the accumulation and distribution of these inorganic elements alongside existing information for the 7 sea turtle species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana A Cortés-Gómez
- Laboratoire Écologie, Systématique et Évolution, Université Paris-Sud, AgroParisTech, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France; Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum". Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Diego Romero
- Área de Toxicología, Facultad de Veterinaria. Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum". Universidad de Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Marc Girondot
- Laboratoire Écologie, Systématique et Évolution, Université Paris-Sud, AgroParisTech, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France.
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Ley-Quiñónez CP, Rossi-Lafferriere NA, Espinoza-Carreon TL, Hart CE, Peckham SH, Aguirre AA, Zavala-Norzagaray AA. Associations between trace elements and clinical health parameters in the North Pacific loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) from Baja California Sur, Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:9530-9537. [PMID: 28238183 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated selected trace elements toxicity in sea turtles Caretta caretta population from Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico, by analyzing associations among Zn, Se, Cu, As, Cd, Ni, Mn, Pb, and Hg with various biochemical parameters (packed cell volume, leukocytes, and selected blood parameters), and whether their concentrations could have an impact on the health status of sea turtles. Blood samples from 22 loggerhead (C. caretta) sea turtles from BCS, Mexico, were collected for trace elements on biochemistry parameter analyses. Significant associations among trace element levels and the biochemistry parameters were found: Cd vs ALP (R 2 = 0.874, p ˂ 0.001), As vs ALP (R 2 = 0.656, p ˂ 0.001), Mn vs ALP (R 2 = 0.834, p ˂ 0.001), and Ni vs LDH (R 2 = 0.587, p ˂ 0.001). This study is the first report of the biochemical parameters of the North Pacific loggerhead sea turtle (C. caretta) from Baja California Sur, Mexico, and it is the first to observe several associations with toxic and essential trace elements. Our study reinforces the usefulness of blood for the monitoring of the levels of contaminating elements and the results suggest that, based on the associations with health clinical parameters, high levels of Cd and As could be representing a risk to the North Pacific loggerhead population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Paúl Ley-Quiñónez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR-SINALOA, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico.
- Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias A.C, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientas y Sociales A.C, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico.
| | | | | | - Catherine Edwina Hart
- Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias A.C, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientas y Sociales A.C, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
| | - Sherwood Hoyt Peckham
- SmartFish, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Center for Ocean Solutions, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
| | - Alfredo Alonso Aguirre
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Alan Alfredo Zavala-Norzagaray
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, CIIDIR-SINALOA, Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico
- Grupo Tortuguero de las Californias A.C, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Investigación, Capacitación y Soluciones Ambientas y Sociales A.C, Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico
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20
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Adel M, Saravi HN, Dadar M, Niyazi L, Ley-Quinonez CP. Mercury, lead, and cadmium in tissues of the Caspian Pond Turtle (Mauremys caspica) from the southern basin of Caspian Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:3244-3250. [PMID: 26686855 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5905-5] [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: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of cadmium, lead, and mercury were measured in different tissues (liver, muscle, and shell) of 60 Caspian Pond Turtles collected from Tajan and Shiroud Rivers, southern basin of the Caspian Sea. Based on the results, different tissues showed different capacities for accumulating trace elements. The general trend of metals accumulation was: liver > shell > muscle. Results also showed that accumulation of these elements was not significantly different between sex and river in turtles (p > 0.05). Based on the results, Hg and Pb concentrations recorded in the present study were higher than some of the maximum concentration permissible. To our knowledge, this is the first report into heavy metal accumulation in tissues and organs of Caspian Pond Turtle from the southern basin of Caspian Sea. Further studies are needed to measure different heavy metals and trace metals in this valuable species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Adel
- Department of Aquatic Animal Health and Diseases, Iranian Fisheries Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Maryam Dadar
- Center of Biotechnology and Biology Research, Shahid Chamran University, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Leila Niyazi
- Department of Marine Chemistry, Mazandaran University, Babolsar, Mazandaran, Iran
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21
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Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. The current state and future directions of marine turtle toxicology research. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 94:113-123. [PMID: 27236406 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/14/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemical contamination of marine turtles has been well documented in the literature, although information on the toxicological effects of these contaminants is poorly understood. This paper systematically and quantitatively presents the available marine turtle toxicological research (excluding oil chemicals and natural toxins) and the related fields of cell line establishment and biomarkers as indicators of exposure. Examination of the published literature identified a total of 49 papers on marine turtle toxicology, which were split into three categories: toxicity studies (n=33, 67%), cell line establishment (n=7, 14%), and publications using biomarkers (n=13, 27%). Toxicity studies were further broken down into four subcategories: those correlating contaminants with toxicological endpoints (n=16, 48%); in vitro exposure experiments (n=11, 33%); in vivo exposure experiments (n=5, 15%); and screening risk assessments using hazard quotients (n=3, 9%). In quantitatively assessing the literature, trends and gaps in this field of research were identified. This paper highlights the need for more marine turtle toxicology research on all species, particularly using high throughput and non-invasive in vitro assays developed for marine turtle cells, including investigations into further toxicological endpoints and mixture effects. This will provide more comprehensive species-specific assessment of the impacts of chemical contaminants on these threatened animals, and improve conservation and management strategies globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Finlayson
- Smart Water Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Smart Water Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Smart Water Research Centre, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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da Silva CC, Klein RD, Barcarolli IF, Bianchini A. Metal contamination as a possible etiology of fibropapillomatosis in juvenile female green sea turtles Chelonia mydas from the southern Atlantic Ocean. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 170:42-51. [PMID: 26615366 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants have been suggested as a possible cause of fibropapillomatosis (FP) in green sea turtles. In turn, a reduced concentration of serum cholesterol has been indicated as a reliable biomarker of malignancy in vertebrates, including marine turtles. In the present study, metal (Ag, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) concentrations, oxidative stress parameters [antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), protein carbonyls (PC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), frequency of micronucleated cells (FMC)], water content, cholesterol concentration and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) activity were analyzed in the blood/serum of juvenile (29.3-59.5cm) female green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) with FP (n=14) and without FP (n=13) sampled at Ubatuba coast (São Paulo State, southeastern Brazil). Green sea turtles were grouped and analyzed according to the severity of tumors. Individuals heavily afflicted with FP showed significantly higher blood Cu, Pb and Fe concentrations, blood LPO levels, as well as significantly lower serum cholesterol concentrations and HMGR activity than turtles without FP. Significant and positive correlations were observed between HMGR activity and cholesterol concentrations, as well as LPO levels and Fe and Pb concentrations. In turn, Cu and Pb concentrations were significantly and negatively correlated with HMGR activity and cholesterol concentration. Furthermore, Cu, Fe and Pb were positively correlated with each other. Therefore, the reduced concentration of serum cholesterol observed in green sea turtles heavily afflicted with FP is related to a Cu- and Pb-induced inhibition of HMGR activity paralleled by a higher LPO rate induced by increased Fe and Pb concentrations. As oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of viral infections, our findings support the idea that metal contamination, especially by Cu, Fe and Pb, may be implicated in the etiology of FP in green sea turtles through oxidative stress generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia Carneiro da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96.203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Roberta Daniele Klein
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96.203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Indianara Fernanda Barcarolli
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96.203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Adalto Bianchini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96.203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil.
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Faust DR, Hooper MJ, Cobb GP, Barnes M, Shaver D, Ertolacci S, Smith PN. Inorganic elements in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas): relationships among external and internal tissues. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2014; 33:2020-2027. [PMID: 24889685 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic elements from anthropogenic sources have entered marine environments worldwide and are detectable in marine organisms, including sea turtles. Threatened and endangered classifications of sea turtles have heretofore made assessments of contaminant concentrations difficult because of regulatory restrictions on obtaining samples using nonlethal techniques. In the present study, claw and skin biopsy samples were examined as potential indicators of internal tissue burdens in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). Significant relationships were observed between claw and liver, and claw and muscle concentrations of mercury, nickel, arsenic, and selenium (p < 0.05). Similarly, significant relationships were observed between skin biopsy concentrations and those in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues for mercury, arsenic, selenium, and vanadium (p < 0.05). Concentrations of arsenic, barium, chromium, nickel, strontium, vanadium, and zinc in claws and skin biopsies were substantially elevated when compared with all other tissues, indicating that these highly keratinized tissues may represent sequestration or excretion pathways. Correlations between standard carapace length and cobalt, lead, and manganese concentrations were observed (p < 0.05), indicating that tissue concentrations of these elements may be related to age and size. Results suggest that claws may indeed be useful indicators of mercury and nickel concentrations in liver and muscle tissues, whereas skin biopsy inorganic element concentrations may be better suited as indicators of mercury, selenium, and vanadium concentrations in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues of green sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek R Faust
- The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Department of Environmental Toxicology, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
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24
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AGUILAR-GONZÁLEZ ME, LUNA-GONZÁLEZ A, AGUIRRE A, ZAVALA-NORZAGARAY AA, MUNDO-OCAMPO M, GONZÁLEZ-OCAMPO HA. Perceptions of fishers to sea turtle bycatch, illegal capture and consumption in the San Ignacio-Navachiste-Macapule lagoon complex, Gulf of California, Mexico. Integr Zool 2014; 9:70-84. [DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Myrna E. AGUILAR-GONZÁLEZ
- National Polytechnic Institute (IPN); CIIDIR-IPN, UNIDAD SINALOA; Juan de Dios Batiz Paredes Guasave Sinaloa Mexico
| | - Antonio LUNA-GONZÁLEZ
- National Polytechnic Institute (IPN); CIIDIR-IPN, UNIDAD SINALOA; Juan de Dios Batiz Paredes Guasave Sinaloa Mexico
| | - Alonso AGUIRRE
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy; George Mason University; Front Royal VA USA
| | - Alan A. ZAVALA-NORZAGARAY
- National Polytechnic Institute (IPN); CIIDIR-IPN, UNIDAD SINALOA; Juan de Dios Batiz Paredes Guasave Sinaloa Mexico
| | - Manuel MUNDO-OCAMPO
- National Polytechnic Institute (IPN); CIIDIR-IPN, UNIDAD SINALOA; Juan de Dios Batiz Paredes Guasave Sinaloa Mexico
| | - Héctor A. GONZÁLEZ-OCAMPO
- National Polytechnic Institute (IPN); CIIDIR-IPN, UNIDAD SINALOA; Juan de Dios Batiz Paredes Guasave Sinaloa Mexico
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25
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da Silva CC, Varela AS, Barcarolli IF, Bianchini A. Concentrations and distributions of metals in tissues of stranded green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the southern Atlantic coast of Brazil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 466-467:109-118. [PMID: 23895781 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.06.094] [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: 02/11/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) concentrations were analyzed in tissues of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) found stranded along the southern Atlantic coast in Brazil. Green sea turtles were collected (n=29), measured (curved carapace length: CCL) and had their muscle, liver, and kidney dissected for metal concentration measurements. Sex was identified in 18 individuals (10 females and 8 males) through gonad histology. No gender differences in CCL and tissue metal concentrations were observed. In the muscle, there was a negative correlation between CCL and Cd and Cu concentrations. Metal concentrations were lower in the muscle than in the liver and kidney. Zn concentration in the muscle was the highest of all metals analyzed (16.6 mg/kg). The kidney showed the highest concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn (5.4, 28.3 and 54.3 mg/kg, respectively), while the liver had the highest values of Ag and Cu (0.8 and 100.9 mg/kg, respectively). Tissue Ag, Zn and Cd concentrations were similar to those found in green sea turtles from other regions while Cu and Pb values were elevated, likely due to the metal-rich water and sediment reported in the collection area. In the liver and kidney, concentrations of non-essential (Ag, Cd and Pb) and essential (Cu or Zn) metals were positively correlated, likely due to an induced metallothionein synthesis to protect tissue against the toxic effect of metals. This is the first study to report and correlate the concentrations of essential and non-essential metals in tissues of green sea turtles in the Brazilian southern Atlantic coast, an important feeding and developing area for this turtle species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthia Carneiro da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas - Fisiologia Animal Comparada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália km 8, 96203-900, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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26
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Bezerra MF, Lacerda LD, Lima EHSM, Melo MTD. Monitoring mercury in green sea turtles using keratinized carapace fragments (scutes). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 77:424-7. [PMID: 24095202 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The green sea turtles are facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild and the impacts of heavy metals contamination contributes with the decline of their populations. It is very important to assess noninvasive and nonlethal methods for monitoring Hg contamination in sea turtles. Thus, Hg concentrations were measured in keratinized fragments (scutes) and internal tissues of green sea turtles from the Ceará coast to test the usefulness of scutes as a monitoring subject for sea turtles. A significantly positive correlation was found between Hg concentrations in muscle and scutes, which demonstrate that scutes can be used as a predictive matrix of Hg concentration in muscle tissue of green sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Bezerra
- Laboratório de Biogeoquímica Costeira, Instituto de Ciências do Mar, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. Abolição 3207, Fortaleza, CE 60165-081, Brazil.
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Camacho M, Orós J, Boada LD, Zaccaroni A, Silvi M, Formigaro C, López P, Zumbado M, Luzardo OP. Potential adverse effects of inorganic pollutants on clinical parameters of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta): results from a nesting colony from Cape Verde, West Africa. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 92:15-22. [PMID: 23998796 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
A large number of nesting loggerhead sea turtles (n = 201) were sampled to establish the blood levels of 11 elements (Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, As, Al, Hg, and Se). Almost all of the samples showed detectable levels of these 11 elements, and Zn and Se exhibited the highest concentrations (median values as high as 6.05 and 2.28 μg/g, respectively). The median concentrations of the most toxic compounds, As, Cd, Pb, and Hg, were relatively low (0.38, 0.24, 0.06, and 0.03 μg/g, respectively). We also determined the haematological and biochemical parameters in a subsample of 50 turtles to evaluate the potential effects of these contaminants on clinical parameters and found several associations. Our study reinforces the usefulness of blood for the monitoring of the levels of contaminating elements and their adverse effects on blood parameters in sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Camacho
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
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28
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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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29
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Camacho M, Luzardo OP, Boada LD, López Jurado LF, Medina M, Zumbado M, Orós J. Potential adverse health effects of persistent organic pollutants on sea turtles: evidences from a cross-sectional study on Cape Verde loggerhead sea turtles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 458-460:283-289. [PMID: 23665416 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 04/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The Cape Verde nesting population of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) is the third largest population of this species in the world. For conservation purposes, it is essential to determine how these reptiles respond to different types of anthropogenic contaminants. We evaluated the presence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the plasma of adult nesting loggerheads from Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde, and studied the effects of the contaminants on the health status of the turtles using hematological and biochemical parameters. All turtles had detectable levels of non-dioxin like PCBs, whereas dioxin-like congeners (DL-PCBs) were detected in only 30% of the turtles. Packed cell volume decreased with higher concentrations of PCBs, which suggests that PCB exposure could result in anemia in sea turtles. In addition, a negative association between some OCPs and white blood cells (WBC) and thrombocyte estimate was noted. The DDT-metabolite, p,p'-DDE was negatively correlated with the Na/K ratio and, additionally, a number of correlations between certain PAHs and electrolyte balances were found, which suggest that exposure to these environmental contaminants could affect the kidneys and salt glands in sea turtles. Additionally, several correlations were observed between these environmental pollutants (OCPs and PAHs) and enzyme activity (GGT, ALT, ALP and amylase) and serum protein levels, pointing to the possibility that these contaminants could induce adverse metabolic effects in sea turtles. Our results indicate that anthropogenic pollutants are present in the Cape Verde loggerhead turtle nesting population and could exert negative effects on several health parameters. Because of the importance of this loggerhead nesting population, protective regulations at national and international levels as well as international action are necessary for assuring the conservation of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Camacho
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
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30
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Ikonomopoulou MP, Olszowy H, Francis R, Ibrahim K, Whittier J. Accumulation of trace metals in the embryos and hatchlings of Chelonia mydas from Peninsular Malaysia incubated at different temperatures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 450-451:301-306. [PMID: 23500829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A variety of trace metals were measured in the egg contents of three clutches of Chelonia mydas collected from Kuala Terengganu state in Peninsular Malaysia. We quantified Mn, Cu, Zn, Se (essential trace metals) and As (anthropogenic pollutant) at several developmental stages obtained by incubating eggs at two different temperatures (27 °C and 31 °C). The incubation temperatures were chosen because they produce predominantly male or predominantly female hatchlings, respectively. The eggs were removed from the sand and washed before being placed in incubators, to ensure that the only possible source of the detected metals was maternal transfer. Other metals: Mo, Co, Ni, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, Tl and Pb (all non-essential metals) were detected at concentrations below the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ). Trace metal concentrations, particularly [Zn], increased during development, other metals (Cu, As, Se and Cr) accumulated to a lesser degree than zinc but no significant differences were observed between the incubation temperatures at any stage of incubation. To date, only a few studies on trace metals in turtle embryos and hatchlings have been reported; this study will provide basic knowledge on the accumulation of trace metals during development at two different incubation temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Ikonomopoulou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Anatomy and Developmental Biology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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31
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Perrault JR. Assessment of Mercury and Selenium Concentrations in Tissues of Stranded Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.5818/1529-9651-22.3.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Perrault
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Building 01, Sanson Science, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-3586, USA
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32
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Perrault J, Wyneken J, Thompson LJ, Johnson C, Miller DL. Why are hatching and emergence success low? Mercury and selenium concentrations in nesting leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and their young in Florida. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:1671-1682. [PMID: 21722926 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) have low hatching and emergence success compared to other sea turtle species. Postmortem examinations of hatchlings showed degeneration of heart and skeletal muscle that was similar to that found in other neonates with selenium deficient mothers. Selenium deficiency can result from elevated concentrations of bodily mercury. Ingested mercury is detoxified by the liver through mercury-selenium compound formation. In animals persistently exposed to mercury, the liver's ability to detoxify this element may decrease, especially if dietary selenium is insufficient. We measured mercury and selenium concentrations in nesting female leatherbacks and their hatchlings from Florida and compared the levels to hatching and emergence success. Both liver selenium and the liver selenium-to-mercury ratio positively correlated with leatherback hatching and emergence success. This study provides the first evidence for the roles of mercury and selenium in explaining low reproductive success in a globally imperiled species, the leatherback sea turtle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Perrault
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Building 01, Sanson Science, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, United States.
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Páez-Osuna F, Calderón-Campuzano MF, Soto-Jiménez MF, Ruelas-Inzunza J. Mercury in blood and eggs of the sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea from a nesting colony in Oaxaca, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:1320-1323. [PMID: 21529853 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2010] [Revised: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Mercury concentrations were assessed in the sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea from a nesting colony of Oaxaca, Mexico; 25 female turtles were sampled, a total of 250 eggs were collected during the season 2005-2006. Higher concentrations were found in yolk fraction, while in blood and albumen mean levels were below of 0.0010μg g(-1) dry wt. On the basis of one nesting season, the maternal transfer of Hg via eggs-laying was estimated in 2.0±1.1%. According to international norms, the health of this population and its habitats is acceptable for Hg and corresponds to baseline levels of a nearly pristine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Páez-Osuna
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, P.O. Box 811, Mazatlán 82040, Sinaloa, Mexico.
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34
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Innis C, Merigo C, Dodge K, Tlusty M, Dodge M, Sharp B, Myers A, McIntosh A, Wunn D, Perkins C, Herdt TH, Norton T, Lutcavage M. Health Evaluation of Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) in the Northwestern Atlantic During Direct Capture and Fisheries Gear Disentanglement. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-0838.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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35
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Swarthout RF, Keller JM, Peden-Adams M, Landry AM, Fair PA, Kucklick JR. Organohalogen contaminants in blood of Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Gulf of Mexico. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 78:731-741. [PMID: 20004460 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2009] [Revised: 10/25/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The threat that exposure to organohalogen (OH) contaminants poses to endangered populations of Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) is not well understood, partly because few OH data are available. Blood samples from live juvenile and sub-adult L. kempii (n = 46) and C. mydas (n = 9) from the Gulf of Mexico and from L. kempii from the southeastern US coast (n = 3) were extracted using microwave-assisted extraction, and analyzed by large volume injection gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for 85 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 25 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 27 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Plasma chemistries, hematology and immune responses were also assessed. Concentrations of SigmaPCBs (geometric mean, range: 3190 pg g(-1), 227-21590 pg g(-1) blood), SigmaDDTs (geometric mean, range: 541 pg g(-1), 161-4310 pg g(-1) blood) and OCPs in L. kempii from the Gulf were comparable to those reported in L. kempii from the Atlantic. SigmaPBDEs were detected in all samples (geometric mean, range: 146 pg g(-1), 19.5-1450 pg g(-1) blood), with PBDE 47, 99, 100, 153 and 154 being the predominant congeners. SigmaPCBs, SigmaDDTs and Sigmachlordanes were one order of magnitude lower in green turtles, and SigmaPBDE concentrations were lower by half due to trophic level differences. L. kempii from the southeast USA had higher percentages of highly chlorinated PCBs indicating exposure to Aroclor 1268. Blood urea nitrogen was positively correlated to Sigmachlordanes, and SigmaPCBs were inversely correlated to creatine phosphokinase in L. kempii. These data help establish baseline contaminant concentrations in live L. kempii and C. mydas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Swarthout
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Analytical Chemistry Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
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