Trace elements influence the hatching success and emergence of Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas

Trace elements from industrial, domestic and agricultural activities can be transferred into marine environments, affecting the survival of sea species. Due to their global distribution, sea turtles are recognized as indicators of ocean pollution. The aim of this work was to quantify Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr and Zn using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in the eggs and offspring of Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas from two important nesting beaches, Guanabara Beach, Anchieta, and Trindade/Martim Vaz Island, Espírito Santo, Brazil. C. mydas pups and eggs collected on Trindade/Martim Vaz Island presented significant differences in Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn and Sr (p < 0.001). Higher concentrations of Ba, Pb, and Sr were detected in eggs of this species in comparison to those of C. caretta on Guanabara Beach, Anchieta. Ba and Cd presented higher concentrations in pups than in eggs of C. caretta, which could indicate nesting pollution. Positive correlations between trace element concentrations and hatching success in C. caretta nests from Guanabara Beach, Anchieta, could be identified for Cu and Zn (r² = 0.86, F2.7 = 21, p < 0.001). Emergence success was influenced by Cu and Cd (r² = 0.84, F2.7 = 18.9, p = 0.002). In addition, Ba and Cd also influenced the emergence sucess (r² = 0.56, F2, 10 = 6.29, p = 0.017). The hatching success of C. mydas was influenced by the concentration of Cu (r² = 0.53, F2.14 = 7.82, p = 0.005). Further studies including the analyzed areas and migratory routes should be performed to promote conservation management at these beaches.