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Razali NSM, Ikhwanuddin M, Maulidiani M, Gooderham NJ, Alam M, Kadir NHA. Ecotoxicological impact of heavy metals on wild mud crabs (Scylla olivacea) in Malaysia: An integrative approach of omics, molecular docking and human risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174210. [PMID: 38914323 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174210] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Mud crab, one of the aquatic organisms found in estuary areas, has become a significant economic source of seafood for communities due to its delectable taste. However, they face the threat of heavy metal contamination, which may adversely affect their biological traits. This study explored the comparison of the mud crabs collected from Setiu Wetland as a reference site, while Kuala Sepetang is an area that contains a higher concentration of heavy metals than Setiu Wetlands. Heavy metal levels were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while proteomes were assessed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics, respectively. Heavy metal contamination affects the proteome, metabolome, and putative molecular targets in mud crabs (Scylla olivacea), leading to oxidative stress. Mud crabs collected from the metal-polluted area of Kuala Sepetang in Perak had considerably elevated concentrations of nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) in comparison to the reference site of Setiu Wetlands in Terengganu. The proteome analysis revealed an upregulation of the stress-response protein Hsp70, which triggered superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased arginine kinase expression (5.47 fold) in the muscle tissue, results in the alteration of metabolite regulation in the mud crab from Kuala Sepetang. Additionally, in the muscle tissues of mud crabs obtained from Kuala Sepetang, uncharacterized myosin-tail 1 domain proteins and sarcoplasmic calcium-binding proteins were downregulated. The metabolomic investigation identified changes in metabolites associated with energy metabolism and osmoregulation. Exploration of docking analysis suggests potential connections between methylarsonic acid and essential proteins in mud crabs. These findings suggest that the presence of heavy metals disrupts physiological processes and highlights potential molecular targets that warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Syafinaz Mohd Razali
- Faculty of Science and Environmental Marine, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mhd Ikhwanuddin
- Higher Institution Center of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - M Maulidiani
- Faculty of Science and Environmental Marine, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nigel J Gooderham
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion, Reproduction, Imperial College London, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Mahboob Alam
- Department of Safety Engineering, Dongguk University, 123 Dongdae-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk 780714, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nurul Huda Abd Kadir
- Faculty of Science and Environmental Marine, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia; RIG BIOSES, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
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Morão IFC, Simões T, Casado RB, Vieira S, Ferreira-Airaud B, Caliani I, Di Noi A, Casini S, Fossi MC, Lemos MFL, Novais SC. Metal accumulation in female green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Eastern Atlantic affects their egg quality with potential implications for embryonic development. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:172710. [PMID: 38670375 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172710] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Sea turtles, with their global distribution and complex life cycle, often accumulate pollutants such as metals and metalloids due to their extended lifespan and feeding habits. However, there are limited studies exploring the impact of metal pollution on the reproductive health of female sea turtles, specifically focusing on the quality of their eggs, which has significant implications for the future generations of these charismatic animals. São Tomé Island, a crucial nesting and feeding habitat for green sea turtles, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research in this ecologically significant area. This study aimed to investigate whether metals and metalloids in the blood of nesting female green sea turtles induce genotoxic effects in their erythrocytes and affect their egg morphometric characteristics and the composition of related compartments. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate whether the quality of energetic reserves for embryo development (fatty acids in yolk's polar and neutral lipids) is influenced by the contamination status of their predecessors. Results revealed correlations between Cu and Hg levels and increased "lobed" erythrocytes, while As and Cu negatively influenced shell thickness. In terms of energy reserves, both polar and neutral lipid fractions contained primarily saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, with prevalent 18:1n-9, 18:0, 16:0, 14:0, and 12:0 fatty acids in yolk samples. The yolk polar fraction was more susceptible to contaminant levels in female sea turtles, showing consistent negative correlations between pollution load index and essential n3 fatty acids, including linolenic, eicosatrienoic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids, crucial for embryonic development. These metals accumulation, coupled with the reduced availability of these key fatty acids, may disrupt the eicosanoid and other important pathways, affecting reproductive development. This study reveals a negative correlation between metal contamination in female sea turtles' blood and egg lipid reserves, raising concerns about embryonic development and the species' future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês F C Morão
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciências & CESAM, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Tiago Simões
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal
| | - Roger B Casado
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal
| | - Sara Vieira
- Associação Programa Tatô, São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe; Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Betânia Ferreira-Airaud
- Associação Programa Tatô, São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe; Centro de Ciências do Mar (CCMAR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal
| | - Ilaria Caliani
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Agata Di Noi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Casini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria C Fossi
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco F L Lemos
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal
| | - Sara C Novais
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre & ARNET - Aquatic Research Network, ESTM, Politécnico de Leiria, Portugal.
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Miguel C, Vianna MRM, de Deus Santos MR. Doce river mining tailings can be an influencing factor in loggerhead turtles reproductive success in Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115601. [PMID: 37783165 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
In November 2015, a tailings dam ruptured and affected the second largest nesting site of loggerhead sea turtles in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive success, and trace elements in female's plasma, freshly laid eggs, unhatched eggs, and dead hatchlings of loggerhead turtles that nest in the coastal area exposed to the mining waste (Povoação, Espírito Santo state) and compare them with animals from an area that was not affected by the tailings (Praia do Forte, Bahia state). Plasma concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Fe, and Zn were significantly higher in samples from Povoação in comparison to turtles from Praia do Forte. In Povoação, unhatched eggs and dead hatchlings had higher As, Cu, Hg, Mn, and Zn concentrations than freshly laid eggs, and trace elements correlated with the hatching and emergence success. Our findings suggest that the higher concentrations of some metals may influence the incubation period and reproductive success of loggerheads in the affected area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Miguel
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Avenida Ipiranga 6681 (Prédio 12, Bloco D, Sala 301), Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90619-900, Brazil; Projeto Chelonia mydas- Instituto Marcos Daniel, Av. Eugênio Pachêco de Queirós, s/n, Vitória, ES, CEP 29092-170, Brazil.
| | - Monica Ryff Moreira Vianna
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Laboratório de Biologia e Desenvolvimento do Sistema Nervoso, Avenida Ipiranga 6681 (Prédio 12, Bloco D, Sala 301), Porto Alegre, RS CEP 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Renan de Deus Santos
- Projeto Chelonia mydas- Instituto Marcos Daniel, Av. Eugênio Pachêco de Queirós, s/n, Vitória, ES, CEP 29092-170, Brazil
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Chaousis S, Leusch FD, Limpus CJ, Nouwens A, Weijs LJ, Weltmeyer A, Covaci A, van de Merwe JP. Non-targeted proteomics reveals altered immune response in geographically distinct populations of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114352. [PMID: 36210607 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
All seven species of sea turtle are facing increasing pressures from human activities that are impacting their health. Changes in circulating blood proteins of an individual, or all members of a population, can provide an early indicator of adverse health outcomes. Non-targeted measurement of all detectable proteins in a blood sample can indicate physiological changes. In the context of wildlife toxicology, this technique can provide a powerful tool for discovering biomarkers of chemical exposure and effect. This study presents a non-targeted examination of the protein abundance in sea turtle plasma obtained from three geographically distinct foraging populations of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) on the Queensland coast. Relative changes in protein expression between sites were compared, and potential markers of contaminant exposure were investigated. Blood plasma protein profiles were distinct between populations, with 85 out of the 116 identified proteins differentially expressed (p < 0.001). The most strongly dysregulated proteins were predominantly acute phase proteins, suggestive of differing immune status between the populations. The highest upregulation of known markers of immunotoxicity, such as pentraxin fusion and complement factor h, was observed in the Moreton Bay turtles. Forty-five different organohalogens were also measured in green turtle plasma samples as exposure to some organohalogens (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls) has previously been identified as a cause for immune dysregulation in marine animals. The few detected organohalogens were at very low (pg/mL) concentrations in turtles from all sites, and are unlikely to be the cause of the proteome differences observed. However, the changes in protein expression may be indicative of exposure to other chemicals or environmental stressors. The results of this study provide important information about differences in protein expression between different populations of turtles, and guide future toxicological and health studies on east-Australian green sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chaousis
- Griffith School of Environment and Science and the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Frederic Dl Leusch
- Griffith School of Environment and Science and the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Colin J Limpus
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Amanda Nouwens
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Queensland, QLD, 4067, Australia
| | - Liesbeth J Weijs
- Griffith School of Environment and Science and the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | | | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Griffith School of Environment and Science and the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, 4222, Australia.
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Kim IH, Park IK, Han DJ, Kim MS, Park D, Moon DY, Cho IY, Im JE, Park J, An YR. Movement Patterns of Juvenile Loggerhead Turtles ( Caretta caretta L. 1758) and Green Turtles ( Chelonia mydas L. 1758) Hatched in Captivity and Released in the Korean Waters. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12162157. [PMID: 36009748 PMCID: PMC9405475 DOI: 10.3390/ani12162157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With most sea turtle populations declining, activities to conserve their habitat and nesting grounds and restore their populations are being implemented worldwide. To preserve the Northwestern Pacific populations, the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea has been releasing artificially propagated sea turtles, but whether these individuals join the wild population remains unknown. The present study aimed to determine the movement patterns of artificially propagated juvenile loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) turtles fitted with satellite transmitters on their carapaces and released in the waters of Jeju or Yeosu, Republic of Korea, between August 2018 and April 2022. Loggerheads traveled northward to the East Sea, whereas green turtles moved west or southwest. Two 36-month-old and two 48-month-old loggerheads moved toward their potential nursery grounds and toward their feeding grounds, respectively. Three green turtles with a curved carapace length (CCL) of <40 cm moved toward their nursery or feeding grounds, while three individuals (CCL > 45 cm) moved toward their inshore foraging areas. The travel paths were closely related to the direction of local sea currents. Our results implied that releasing artificially propagated sea turtles, considering their age and CCL, can positively contribute to the conservation of Northwestern Pacific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il-Hun Kim
- Department of Ecology and Conservation, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Korea
| | - Il-Kook Park
- Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Dong-Jin Han
- Aqua Team, Aqua Planet Yeosu, Yeosu 59744, Korea
| | - Min-Seop Kim
- National Marine Bio-Resources and Information Center, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Korea
| | - Daesik Park
- Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | | | - In-Young Cho
- Department of Ecology and Conservation, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Korea
| | - Ji-En Im
- Aqua Team, Aqua Planet Yeosu, Yeosu 59744, Korea
| | - Jaejin Park
- Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Yong-Rock An
- National Marine Bio-Resources and Information Center, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-41-950-0750
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Finlayson KA, Limpus CJ, van de Merwe JP. Temporal changes in chemical contamination of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) foraging in a heavily industrialised seaport. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 817:152848. [PMID: 35007578 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152848] [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: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Port Curtis, a major shipping port, has undergone significant expansion in the last decade, with plans for further development into the future. These activities may result in an increase of contaminant concentrations, threatening local wildlife including sea turtles. This study used a species-specific in vitro bioassay to examine spatial and temporal differences in exposure to, and effects of, organic contaminants in green sea turtles foraging in Port Curtis. Blood was collected from 134 green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) from five locations in the port over four years. Organic contaminants were extracted from blood, and the cytotoxicity of the extracts to primary green sea turtle cells was assessed. Results indicated spatially similar chemical contamination throughout Port Curtis, at levels significant to sea turtle health, and with signs that chemical contamination may be increasing over time. These results can provide valuable information on the health of green turtles as further development occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin J Limpus
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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Finlayson KA, van de Merwe JP. Differences in marine megafauna in vitro sensitivity highlights the need for species-specific chemical risk assessments. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 239:105939. [PMID: 34455206 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs can be exposed to large mixtures of contaminants due to the proximity of foraging locations to anthropogenic inputs. Differences in accumulation and effect result in differences of chemical risk to these species. However, little is known about the effect of contaminants in marine wildlife. Cell-based, or in vitro, exposure experiments offer an ethical alternative to investigate the effect of contaminants in wildlife. Data from in vitro studies can then be placed in an environmental context, by using screening risk assessments, comparing effect data with accumulation data from the literature, to identify risk to populations of marine wildlife. Cytotoxicity of Cr6+, Cd2+, Hg2+, 4,4'-DDE, and PFNA were investigated in primary skin fibroblasts of green turtles, loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, Burrunan dolphins, and common bottlenose dolphins. The general order of toxicity for all species was Hg2+> Cr6+ > Cd2+> 4,4'-DDE > PFNA, and significant differences in cytotoxicity were found between species for Cr6+, Cd2+ and PFNA. For Cd2+, in particular, cells from turtle species were less sensitive than mammalian species, and dugong cells were by far the most sensitive. The results from the cytotoxicity assay were then used in combination with published data on tissue contaminant concentrations to calculate risk quotients for identifying populations of each species most at risk from these chemicals. Cr, Cd and Hg were identified as posing risk in all six species. Dugongs were particularly at risk from Cd accumulation and dolphin species were particularly at risk from Hg accumulation. These results demonstrate the importance of using species-specific effect and accumulation data for developing chemical risk assessments and can be used to inform managers of priority contaminants, species, or populations. Development of additional in vitro endpoints, and improving links between in vitro and in vivo effects, would further improve this approach to understanding chemical risk in marine megafauna.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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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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Savoca D, Arculeo M, Vecchioni L, Cambera I, Visconti G, Melfi R, Arizza V, Palumbo Piccionello A, Buscemi S, Pace A. Can phthalates move into the eggs of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta? The case of the nests on the Linosa Island in the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112395. [PMID: 33991990 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During the monitoring of Caretta caretta nests on the island of Linosa, 30 unhatched eggs from four nests were collected to study the presence of phthalates in their three components (shell, yolk, and albumen). Four phthalates, namely diethyl (DEP), dibutyl (DBP), di-(2-ethylhexyl) (DEHP), and dioctyl (DOTP) phthalic acid esters (PAE), which are widely used as additives in plastics, were detected in all egg components. The most frequently found phthalate was DBP, followed by DEHP in eggshell and yolk. Dimethyl- (DMP) and butylbenzyl-phthalate (BBP) were below the limits of detection for all samples. The high total phthalate recorded in the yolk suggests that contamination could arise by vitellogenesis. PERMANOVA analysis (p = 0.01) confirmed significant differences in the PAEs contamination profiles in the eggs from the four nests. This study confirms the negative impact of plastic related compounds posing questions about the potential adverse effects on organisms and their conservation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Savoca
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Arculeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luca Vecchioni
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Irene Cambera
- Marine Protected Area 'Isole Pelagie', Via Cameroni, Lampedusa AG 92031, Italy
| | - Giulia Visconti
- Marine Protected Area 'Isole Pelagie', Via Cameroni, Lampedusa AG 92031, Italy
| | - Raffaella Melfi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Palumbo Piccionello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvestre Buscemi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Pace
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy.
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10
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Canzanella S, Danese A, Mandato M, Lucifora G, Riverso C, Federico G, Gallo P, Esposito M. Concentrations of trace elements in tissues of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian coastlines (Calabria, Italy). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:26545-26557. [PMID: 33484457 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12499-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxic trace elements from both, natural and anthropogenic origin, pose a threat to aquatic environments and marine wildlife due to their long-range transport, bioaccumulative nature, and biomagnification through the food chain. Being long-lived and migratory animals, sea turtles can be exposed to elevated levels of toxic elements, and are therefore considered sentinel species for chemical pollution. In this study, concentrations of trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury) were determined in tissues of 46 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts of Calabria, in Southern Italy, between 2014 and 2020. Curved carapace length (CCL), curved carapace width (CCW), body mass (BM), and sex were determined and the correlations of these parameters with toxic elements concentrations were investigated. During necropsy, kidney, liver, and muscle tissues were collected and the concentration and distribution of metals determined. Muscle tissues showed the lowest toxic element burdens, except for As that showed the highest mean concentrations in this tissue. The kidney was the main accumulation organ for Cd, while similar levels of Hg and Pb were measured in kidney, liver, and muscle tissues. The risk assessment performed for Cd, Hg, and Pb in sea turtles' liver highlighted possible negative effects on sea turtles' health and the need for marine turtle toxicology researches. This is the first study reporting levels and distribution of toxic elements in tissues of Caretta caretta turtles from the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts of Calabria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Canzanella
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy.
| | - Amalia Danese
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Maria Mandato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lucifora
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Caterina Riverso
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Giovanni Federico
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallo
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
| | - Mauro Esposito
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute, 2, Portici, Italy
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11
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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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12
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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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13
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Dennis MM, Poppenga R, Conan A, Hill K, Hargrave S, Maroun V, Stewart KM. Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) hatch success and essential and nonessential metals in eggs and embryos from nests in St. Kitts (2015). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 161:111726. [PMID: 33045529 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Northwest Atlantic leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are endangered and low hatch success limits potential for population recovery. We examined essential and nonessential metal concentrations in 43 eggs from nests on St. Kitts to determine if there was a relationship with hatch success. Whole homogenized embryos and undeveloped eggs contained detectable concentrations of arsenic, barium, copper, iron, selenium, vanadium, and zinc, but not beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, molybdenum, and thallium. Of detected metals, only vanadium concentrations negatively correlated with hatch success (P = 0.01). Manganese and vanadium were associated with pneumonia occurring in the nest, and arsenic with renal mineralization. This study adds to the knowledge regarding baseline values for environmental contaminants in sea turtles, supporting the trend that leatherback eggs have relatively low concentrations of toxic metals, lacking a strong relationship with hatch success, and normally contain the essential elements copper, iron, selenium, and zinc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M Dennis
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Camps, St. Kitts, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis; Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, Knoxville, TN, USA.
| | - Robert Poppenga
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Toxicology Laboratory, University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Anne Conan
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Camps, St. Kitts, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis; Center for One Health Research and Policy Advice, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR, PR China
| | - Kristine Hill
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Camps, St. Kitts, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis; St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, P.O. Box 2298, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Sabine Hargrave
- California Animal Health and Food Safety Toxicology Laboratory, University of California, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Victoria Maroun
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Camps, St. Kitts, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis; St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, P.O. Box 2298, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Kimberly M Stewart
- Center for Conservation Medicine and Ecosystem Health, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Camps, St. Kitts, West Indies, Saint Kitts and Nevis; St. Kitts Sea Turtle Monitoring Network, P.O. Box 2298, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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14
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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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15
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Amadi CN, Frazzoli C, Orisakwe OE. Sentinel species for biomonitoring and biosurveillance of environmental heavy metals in Nigeria. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2020; 38:21-60. [PMID: 32397948 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1714370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nigeria receives copious annual precipitation to nourish its forests and agriculture, it has an extensive river drainage system, and it possesses valuable mineral deposits that stimulate both commercial and artisan mining activities. The combination of these features complicates Nigeria's efforts to produce adequate amounts of healthy foods to support its population. Toxic heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and mercury, and toxic metalloids such as arsenic, are also present in its mineral deposits and they migrate gradually into the soil and water of Nigeria by natural means. However, mining activities can liberate higher levels of toxic metals, which adversely affect Nigerian ecosystems and its food chains. Thus, environmental pollution due to anthropogenic activities is a major public health concern in Nigeria. This review covers the importance of native Nigerian and African wild and cultivated plants along with livestock and wild animals as sentinel species to evaluate heavy metals as environmental stressors and the use of sentinel species for food safety monitoring and for predicting potential risks to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Nwadiuto Amadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Port-Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
| | - Chiara Frazzoli
- Department of Cardiovascular and Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases, and Ageing, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Italian National Institute of Health), Rome, Italy
| | - Orish Ebere Orisakwe
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Experimental Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Port-Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
- World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
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16
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Guzman HM, Kaiser S, van Hinsberg VJ. Accumulation of trace elements in leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) eggs from the south-western Caribbean indicates potential health risks to consumers. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 243:125424. [PMID: 31995877 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Trace metal and metalloid levels were measured in eggs of the NW Atlantic leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) from nesting grounds in the Bocas del Toro province, Panama, to infer exposure and associated risks to local communities. Samples were analyzed for a set of 26 essential and non-essential elements using inductively coupled plasma techniques. Median concentrations of Fe, Zn, As, Se and Sr in D. coriacea eggs were higher than previously reported for this species, which likely reflects differential contamination levels of specimens during foraging. The evaluation of non-carcinogenic human health risks from ingesting leatherback eggs has revealed potential deleterious effects due to high concentrations of As, Se and Sr for all examined age and gender groups, while Hg and Zn levels were above international standards for children. Hazard index (HI) values exceeded unity in all cases indicating serious health impacts related to possible additive effects of multiple metals co-occurring in the eggs. Our findings suggest that exposure to high (inorganic) As and Cr(VI) levels is associated with an increased carcinogenic risk, significantly exceeding the acceptable lifetime risk of 10-6 for both adults and children. Despite some limitations, such as unclear As and Cr speciation, our results demonstrated that the ingestion of D. coriacea eggs poses considerable health risks to local communities, and their consumption should not exceed 3.4 × 10-4 g (5.0 × 10-6 eggs) kg BW d-1. Resource managers and conservationists should focus their attention to human health effects as an alternative tool to address egg poaching and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector M Guzman
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, P O. Box 2072, Balboa, Panama
| | - Stefanie Kaiser
- Center of Natural History, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King Platz 3, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Vincent J van Hinsberg
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, McGill University, 3450 University St., Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0E8, Canada
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17
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Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. Cytotoxicity of organic and inorganic compounds to primary cell cultures established from internal tissues of Chelonia mydas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 664:958-967. [PMID: 30769319 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Chemical contaminants have been found in the tissues of sea turtles from all over the world; however, very little is known about the effects. Recently, in vitro alternatives to live animal testing have been applied to sea turtles due to their ethical and practical benefits. While primary skin fibroblasts have been established for several species of sea turtle, cells from internal organs are lacking, though they may be more relevant due to the well documented accumulation of contaminants within internal tissues. This study established primary cell cultures from the small intestine, heart, liver, ovary and skin of green turtles (Chelonia mydas). Cells were exposed to ten contaminants typically found in sea turtles to examine potential variations in sensitivity among cells established from different organs. Differences between cells established from different animals were also examined, including a comparison of cells established from a turtle with fibropapillomatosis (FP) and healthy turtles. Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) primary skin cells were also included for species comparisons. Significant differences were found between the organ types, with liver and heart being the least sensitive, and skin being the most sensitive. Overall, variation between the organ types was low. Primary skin fibroblasts may be a suitable and representative cell type for in vitro turtle toxicology research, as it is relatively easy to obtain from healthy live animals. Skin cultures provide a more sensitive indication of effect, and could be used as an early warning of the potential effects of chemical contamination. Some species differences were found but no differences were found between cell cultures from an FP turtle and healthy turtles. When EC50 values were compared to accumulation values from the literature, inorganic contaminants, such as Zn, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Cu were identified as posing a potential risk to sea turtle populations around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Finlayson
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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18
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Salvarani PI, Morgado F, Vieira LR, Osten JRV. Organochlorines Contaminants in Eggs of Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Mexico coast. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:425-434. [PMID: 30600338 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-00589-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The investigation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) levels in sea turtles is an important issue in conservation research, due to the harmful effects of these chemicals. In the present study, OCPs concentrations were determined in the eggs of two sea turtle species (Eretmochelys imbricata and Chelonia mydas) collected from the Punta Xen and Isla Aguada (Mexican coast) in 2014 and 2015. Concentrations of 20 OCPs were analysed, including isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, aldrin, chlordanes, endosulfans, methoxychlor, DDTs, and heptachlor. From the group of contaminants considered (analysed as families), the results revealed higher concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDienes on both selected species. We analysed the relationship between turtle size and the OCPs concentrations; no correlation was found between the size of the female and concentrations in the eggs. In addition, principal component analysis indicated pattern differences between species and years, in good agreement with concentrations differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia I Salvarani
- Department of Biology and The Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Fernando Morgado
- Department of Biology and The Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Luis R Vieira
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Research Group of Ecotoxicology, Stress Ecology and Environmental Health (ECOTOX), Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 2250-208, Matosinhos, Portugal
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Department of Populations Study, Laboratory of Ecotoxicology (ECOTOX), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jaime Rendón-von Osten
- Instituto Epomex, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Av. Augustin de Melgar y Juan de la Barrera s/n, 24039, Campeche, Mexico
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19
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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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20
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Finlayson KA, Leusch FDL, van de Merwe JP. Primary green turtle (Chelonia mydas) skin fibroblasts as an in vitro model for assessing genotoxicity and oxidative stress. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 207:13-18. [PMID: 30502692 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the effects of contaminants that accumulate in sea turtles. When in vivo exposure studies have ethical and logistical barriers, as is the case with sea turtles, in vitro tools can provide important information on the effects of contaminants. Several in vitro studies have assessed cytotoxicity of contaminants to sea turtles cells, however to gain a more refined mechanistic understanding of the effects of contaminants, sub-lethal effects also require investigation. Considering the complex mixture of contaminants that sea turtles are potentially exposed to, high throughput testing methods are necessary so that a large number of contaminants (and mixtures) can be rapidly tested. This study examined oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species production) and genotoxicity (micronucleus formation) in primary green turtle skin fibroblasts in response to 16 organic and inorganic contaminants found in coastal environments. Significant induction of oxidative stress was found with Cu, Co, Cr, and Hg. Significant effects on genotoxicity were found with Cu, Co, Cr, Hg, Pb and metolachlor. Effect concentrations from the bioassays were used in a simple risk assessment of turtles worldwide using accumulation values from the literature to identify populations at risk. Cu, Co, Cr and Hg were identified as posing the biggest threat to sea turtles. This study demonstrated the validity of using primary turtle cell cultures in the assessment of risk associated with a large number of contaminants using a high-throughput toxicity testing format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Finlayson
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Frederic D L Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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Perrault JR. Mercury and selenium concentrations in Scyphozoan jellyfishes and pyrosomes from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 138:7-10. [PMID: 30660315 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Gelatinous zooplankton including jellyfishes, pyrosomes, and salps serve as important prey items for a number of marine species; however, relatively few studies have examined contaminant concentrations in these animals. Scyphozoans (Aurelia sp., Chrysaora colorata, C. fuscescens, and Phacellophora camtschatica) and Thaliaceans (Pyrosoma sp.) were collected from 2009 to 2011 from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and analyzed for total mercury and selenium concentrations. In general, mercury (0.0001-0.0016 μg/g wet weight) and selenium (0.009-0.304 μg/g wet weight) concentrations of the sampled organisms were low; however, the two Pyrosoma sp. had total mercury and selenium concentrations that were one order of magnitude higher than the Scyphozoans. There was a significant positive relationship between mercury and selenium concentrations in jellyfishes and pyrosomes, suggesting a potential detoxification mechanism in these lower trophic level organisms. This study provides evidence that trophic transfer of mercury and selenium likely occurs through ingestion of gelatinous prey.
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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, United States.
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Muñoz CC, Vermeiren P. Profiles of environmental contaminants in hawksbill turtle egg yolks reflect local to distant pollution sources among nesting beaches in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 135:43-54. [PMID: 29395262 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of spatial variation in pollutant profiles among sea turtle nesting locations is limited. This poses challenges in identifying processes shaping this variability and sets constraints to the conservation management of sea turtles and their use as biomonitoring tools for environmental pollutants. We aimed to increase understanding of the spatial variation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), organochlorine pesticide (OCP) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) compounds among nesting beaches. We link the spatial variation to turtle migration patterns and the persistence of these pollutants. Specifically, using gas chromatography, we confirmed maternal transfer of a large number of compounds (n = 68 out of 69) among 104 eggs collected from 21 nests across three nesting beaches within the Yucatán Peninsula, one of the world's most important rookeries for hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). High variation in PAH profiles was observed among beaches, using multivariate correspondence analysis and univariate Peto-Prentice tests, reflecting local acquisition during recent migration movements. Diagnostic PAH ratios reflected petrogenic origins in Celestún, the beach closest to petroleum industries in the Gulf of Mexico. By contrast, pollution profiles of OCPs and PCBs showed high similarity among beaches, reflecting the long-term accumulation of these pollutants at regional scales. Therefore, spatial planning of protected areas and the use of turtle eggs in biomonitoring needs to account for the spatial variation in pollution profiles among nesting beaches.
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du Preez M, Nel R, Bouwman H. First report of metallic elements in loggerhead and leatherback turtle eggs from the Indian Ocean. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 197:716-728. [PMID: 29407836 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bio-monitoring of pollutants in long-lived animals such as sea turtles is an important tool in ecotoxicology. We present the first report on metallic elements in sea turtle eggs from the Indian Ocean. Eggs of the leatherback and loggerhead turtle that breed on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa were analysed for 30 elements. The eggshells and egg contents of the loggerhead turtle, the smaller of the two species, had higher or significantly higher concentrations than leatherbacks, except for strontium - the reason is unknown. Elemental concentrations in eggshells and contents were the same or lower compared with other studies. The differences in concentrations in the egg contents and eggshells between the two species are likely due to different trophic levels, migration patterns, life histories, age, and growth, as well as differences in pollution sources and the uptake, retention and elimination characteristics of the different elements by the different species. We found no congruence between patterns in eggshells and corresponding egg contents, for both species. However, eggshells and egg contents showed congruence between species. The lack of congruence between eggshells and contents within each species precludes using eggshell concentrations as a proxy for egg content concentrations. Copper, strontium, and selenium occurred at concentrations higher than available toxic reverence values. Further research is warranted, including the analyses of POPs, as well as possible deme discrimination based on compositional pattern differences. Turtles serve as 'active samplers' returning to the same location to breed-something that is not practical with marine mammals or elasmobranchs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M du Preez
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - R Nel
- Department of Zoology and Institute for Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - H Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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24
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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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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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26
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Novillo O, Pertusa JF, Tomás J. Exploring the presence of pollutants at sea: Monitoring heavy metals and pesticides in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the western Mediterranean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 598:1130-1139. [PMID: 28482460 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Marine turtles are considered good sentinel species for environmental assessment because of their long lifespan, feeding ecology, habitat use and migratory nature. In the present study, we assessed presence of cadmium, lead and mercury, together with organic pollutants, both in fat and muscle tissue of 25 stranded loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded along the Valencian Community coast (East Spain) (43.7±13.5cm). Mean concentrations of Cd, Pb and Hg were 0.04μg/g w.w., 0.09μg/g w.w. and 0.03μg/g w.w. in fat and 0.05μg/g, 0.08μg/g and 0.04μg/g in muscle, respectively. These measures indicate a relatively low mean heavy metal concentration, which may be explained by juvenile size and developmental stage of the turtles analysed. A preliminary non-targeted analysis (using time-of-flight (TOF) technology), made for the first time in marine turtles, allowed to detect 39 different pesticides, most of them previously undetected in this species. Most of the organic substances detected are used in agricultural activities, and the use of 15 of them (38.5%) is not approved in the European Union. Our sample did not show any trend on pollutant contents in relation to turtle size or stranding location, probably because of the high diversity of pollutants found. However, the potential for a positive latitudinal gradient should be explored in future studies due to riverine inputs and high agricultural and industrial activities in the area. Despite the high diversity of pollutants found here, comparative studies of pollutants in other matrices at sea are needed to ascertain whether the loggerhead turtle is a good sentinel of chemical pollution in the western Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Novillo
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology (ICBiBE), University of Valencia, Catedrático José Beltrán Martínez St., 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| | - J F Pertusa
- Functional Biology and Physical Antropology Department, University of Valencia, Doctor Moliner St., 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - J Tomás
- Marine Zoology Unit, Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology (ICBiBE), University of Valencia, Catedrático José Beltrán Martínez St., 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
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Wee SY, Aris AZ. Endocrine disrupting compounds in drinking water supply system and human health risk implication. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 106:207-233. [PMID: 28552550 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 04/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
To date, experimental and epidemiological evidence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) adversely affecting human and animal populations has been widely debated. Notably, human health risk assessment is required for risk mitigation. The lack of human health risk assessment and management may thus unreliably regulate the quality of water resources and efficiency of treatment processes. Therefore, drinking water supply systems (DWSSs) may be still unwarranted in assuring safe access to potable drinking water. Drinking water supply, such as tap water, is an additional and crucial route of human exposure to the health risks associated with EDCs. A holistic system, incorporating continuous research in DWSS monitoring and management using multi-barrier approach, is proposed as a preventive measure to reduce human exposure to the risks associated with EDCs through drinking water consumption. The occurrence of EDCs in DWSSs and corresponding human health risk implications are analyzed using the Needs, Approaches, Benefits, and Challenges (NABC) method. Therefore, this review may act as a supportive tool in protecting human health and environmental quality from EDCs, which is essential for decision-making regarding environmental monitoring and management purposes. Subsequently, the public could have sustainable access to safer and more reliable drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Yee Wee
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Zaharin Aris
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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28
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Villa CA, Flint M, Bell I, Hof C, Limpus CJ, Gaus C. Trace element reference intervals in the blood of healthy green sea turtles to evaluate exposure of coastal populations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:1465-1476. [PMID: 27825845 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to essential and non-essential elements may be elevated for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) that forage close to shore. Biomonitoring of trace elements in turtle blood can identify temporal trends over repeated sampling events, but any interpretation of potential health risks due to an elevated exposure first requires a comparison against a baseline. This study aims to use clinical reference interval (RI) methods to produce exposure baseline limits for essential and non-essential elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, and Pb) using blood from healthy subadult turtles foraging in a remote and offshore part of the Great Barrier Reef. Subsequent blood biomonitoring of three additional coastal populations, which forage in areas dominated by agricultural, urban and military activities, showed clear habitat-specific differences in blood metal profiles relative to the those observed in the offshore population. Coastal turtles were most often found to have elevated concentrations of Co, Mo, Mn, Mg, Na, As, Sb, and Pb relative to the corresponding RIs. In particular, blood from turtles from the agricultural site had Co concentrations ranging from 160 to 840 μg/L (4-25 times above RI), which are within the order expected to elicit acute effects in many vertebrates. Additional clinical blood biochemistry and haematology results indicate signs of a systemic disease and the prevalence of an active inflammatory response in a high proportion (44%) of turtles from the agricultural site. Elevated Co, Sb, and Mn in the blood of these turtles significantly correlated with elevated markers of acute inflammation (total white cell counts) and liver dysfunction (alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin). The results of this study support the notion that elevated trace element exposures may be adversely affecting the health of nearshore green sea turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Villa
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - M Flint
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, The Florida Aquarium's Center for Conservation, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA; Vet-MARTI, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton Campus, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - I Bell
- Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Townsville, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - C Hof
- WWF-Australia, Level 1, 17 Burnett Lane, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - C J Limpus
- Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - C Gaus
- The University of Queensland, National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
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Rees AF, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Barata PCR, Bjorndal KA, Bolten AB, Bourjea J, Broderick AC, Campbell LM, Cardona L, Carreras C, Casale P, Ceriani SA, Dutton PH, Eguchi T, Formia A, Fuentes MMPB, Fuller WJ, Girondot M, Godfrey MH, Hamann M, Hart KM, Hays GC, Hochscheid S, Kaska Y, Jensen MP, Mangel JC, Mortimer JA, Naro-Maciel E, Ng CKY, Nichols WJ, Phillott AD, Reina RD, Revuelta O, Schofield G, Seminoff JA, Shanker K, Tomás J, van de Merwe JP, Van Houtan KS, Vander Zanden HB, Wallace BP, Wedemeyer-Strombel KR, Work TM, Godley BJ. Are we working towards global research priorities for management and conservation of sea turtles? ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2016. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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30
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Ross DA, Guzmán HM, Van Hinsberg VJ, Potvin C. Metal contents of marine turtle eggs (Chelonia mydas; Lepidochelys olivacea) from the tropical eastern pacific and the implications for human health. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2016; 51:675-687. [PMID: 27323656 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2016.1191888] [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] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of eight elements were measured in Chelonia mydas and Lepidochelys olivacea eggs collected along the Pacific coast of Panama. Manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) concentrations were similar to previous reports of these species from around the world, while lead (Pb) was lower than previous reports. Cd posed the highest health risk to people who regularly eat the eggs, with average consumption rates leading to target hazard quotients (THQ) of up to 0.35 ± 0.15. Our conclusions indicate that current turtle egg consumption in isolated, coastal Pacific communities may pose a health concern for young children, and that youth and young adults should limit their consumption of turtle eggs to reduce their total intake of nonessential metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Ross
- a Department of Biology , McGill University , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Héctor M Guzmán
- b Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute , Panama City , Panama
| | - Vincent J Van Hinsberg
- c Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences , McGill University , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Catherine Potvin
- a Department of Biology , McGill University , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
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31
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Sakai N, Dayana E, Abu Bakar A, Yoneda M, Nik Sulaiman NM, Ali Mohd M. Occurrence, distribution, and dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls and health risk assessment in Selangor River basin. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:592. [PMID: 27679511 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5595-6] [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: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored in surface water collected in the Selangor River basin, Malaysia, to identify the occurrence, distribution, and dechlorination process as well as to assess the potential adverse effects to the Malaysian population. Ten PCB homologs (i.e., mono-CBs to deca-CBs) were quantitated by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The total concentration of PCBs in the 10 sampling sites ranged from limit of detection to 7.67 ng L-1. The higher chlorinated biphenyls (tetra-CBs to deca-CBs) were almost not detected in most of the sampling sites, whereas lower chlorinated biphenyls (mono-CBs, di-CBs, and tri-CBs) dominated more than 90 % of the 10 homologs in all the sampling sites. Therefore, the PCB load was estimated to be negligible during the sampling period because PCBs have an extremely long half-life. The PCBs, particularly higher chlorinated biphenyls, could be thoroughly dechlorinated to mono-CBs to tri-CBs by microbial decomposition in sediment or could still be accumulated in the sediment. The lower chlorinated biphenyls, however, could be resuspended or desorbed from the sediment because they have faster desorption rates and higher solubility, compared to the higher chlorinated biphenyls. The health risk for the Malaysia population by PCB intake that was estimated from the local fish consumption (7.2 ng kg-1 bw day-1) and tap water consumption (1.5 × 10-3-3.1 × 10-3 ng kg-1 bw day-1) based on the detected PCB levels in the surface water was considered to be minimal. The hazard quotient based on the tolerable daily intake (20 ng kg-1 bw day-1) was estimated at 0.36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobumitsu Sakai
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6158540, Japan.
- Shimadzu-UMMC Centre of Xenobiotic Studies, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Emmy Dayana
- Shimadzu-UMMC Centre of Xenobiotic Studies, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Azizi Abu Bakar
- University of Malaya-Kyoto University Secretariat, Research Management and Innovation Complex (RMIC), University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Minoru Yoneda
- Division of Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 6158540, Japan
| | - Nik Meriam Nik Sulaiman
- University of Malaya-Kyoto University Secretariat, Research Management and Innovation Complex (RMIC), University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mustafa Ali Mohd
- Shimadzu-UMMC Centre of Xenobiotic Studies, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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32
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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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33
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Dyc C, Far J, Gandar F, Poulipoulis A, Greco A, Eppe G, Das K. Toxicokinetics of selenium in the slider turtle, Trachemys scripta. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2016; 25:727-744. [PMID: 26939937 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-016-1632-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential element that can be harmful for wildlife. However, its toxicity in poikilothermic amniotes, including turtles, remains poorly investigated. The present study aims at identifying selenium toxicokinetics and toxicity in juvenile slider turtles (age: 7 months), Trachemys scripta, dietary exposed to selenium, as selenomethionine SeMet, for eight weeks. Non-destructive tissues (i.e. carapace, scutes, skin and blood) were further tested for their suitability to predict selenium levels in target tissues (i.e. kidney, liver and muscle) for conservation perspective. 130 juvenile yellow-bellied slider turtles were assigned in three groups of 42 individuals each (i.e. control, SeMet1 and SeMet2). These groups were subjected to a feeding trial including an eight-week supplementation period SP 8 and a following 4-week elimination period EP 4 . During the SP8, turtles fed on diet containing 1.1 ± 0.04, 22.1 ± 1.0 and 45.0 ± 2.0 µg g(-1) of selenium (control, SeMet1 and SeMet2, respectively). During the EP4, turtles fed on non-supplemented diet. At different time during the trial, six individuals per group were sacrificed and tissues collected (i.e. carapace, scutes, skin, blood, liver, kidney, muscle) for analyses. During the SP8 (Fig. 1), both SeMet1 and SeMet2 turtles efficiently accumulated selenium from a SeMet dietary source. The more selenium was concentrated in the food, the more it was in the turtle body but the less it was removed from their tissues. Moreover, SeMet was found to be the more abundant selenium species in turtles' tissues. Body condition (i.e. growth in mass and size, feeding behaviour and activity) and survival of the SeMet1 and SeMet2 turtles seemed to be unaffected by the selenium exposure. There were clear evidences that reptilian species are differently affected by and sensitive to selenium exposure but the lack of any adverse effects was quite unexpected. Fig. 1 Design of the feeding trial. T, Time of tissues collection in weeks. The feeding trial included a supplementation period of 8 weeks (i.e. SP8) followed by an elimination period of 4 weeks (i.e. EP4). Six turtles from each turtle group (i.e. control, SeMet1 and SeMet2) were sacrifice at each collection time, from T1 to T12. At T0, four turtles were sacrificed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Dyc
- Laboratory of Oceanology, MARE Center - B6c University of Liege, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Johann Far
- Inorganic Analytical Chemistry, Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry - B6c University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Gandar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Clinic for Birds, Rodents and Rabbits, University of Liege, Boulevard de Colonster 180, B42, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Anastassios Poulipoulis
- Protection and Health in the Workplace (SUPHT) - B12b University of Liege, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anais Greco
- Laboratory of Oceanology, MARE Center - B6c University of Liege, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gauthier Eppe
- Inorganic Analytical Chemistry, Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry - B6c University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Krishna Das
- Laboratory of Oceanology, MARE Center - B6c University of Liege, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
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Outerbridge ME, O'Riordan R, Fort DJ, Davenport J. Ecotoxicological assessment of diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) pond habitat, prey and eggs in Bermuda. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 102:36-43. [PMID: 26707979 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Total petroleum hydrocarbons, PAH and various trace metal residues were extracted and analyzed from fresh whole diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) eggs, whole brackish-water gastropods (terrapin prey) and benthic sediment from anchialine pond environments in Bermuda inhabited by terrapins. Gastropods and terrapin eggs showed higher concentrations of trace metals and organic contaminants than sediments. Conversely, PAHs were mostly found within the sediment and smaller amounts detected in gastropods and terrapin eggs. Results indicated that contaminants in prey were transferred to terrapin eggs, and that concentrations of several contaminants exceeded potentially toxic concentrations for aquatic vertebrates. Necropsy of unhatched eggs from nests that had yielded viable hatchlings showed significantly compromised embryonic development. Bermudian diamondback terrapins reside and feed in brackish wetland habitats characterized by widespread, multifactorial contamination. This study suggests that environmental contamination plays a role in the recorded low hatching success in terrapin eggs in Bermuda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Outerbridge
- Department of Conservation Services, Government of Bermuda, P.O. Box FL 145, FL BX, Bermuda.
| | - Ruth O'Riordan
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall Campus, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Douglas J Fort
- Fort Environmental Laboratories, 515 South Duncan, Stillwater, OK OK74074, USA.
| | - John Davenport
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Distillery Fields, North Mall Campus, Cork, Ireland.
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Farahani S, Eshghi N, Abbasi A, Karimi F, Shiri Malekabad E, Rezaei M. Determination of heavy metals in albumen of hen eggs from the Markazi Province (Iran) using ICP-OES technique. TOXIN REV 2015. [DOI: 10.3109/15569543.2015.1040166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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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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Perrault JR. Mercury and selenium ingestion rates of Atlantic leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea): a cause for concern in this species? MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 99:160-9. [PMID: 24853722 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Bodily accumulation of certain toxic elements can cause physiologic harm to marine organisms and be detrimental to their health and survival. The leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is a broadly distributed marine reptile capable of consuming hundreds of kilograms of gelatinous zooplankton each day. Little is known about toxicants present in these prey items. Specifically, mercury is a known neurotoxin with no known essential function, while selenium detoxifies bodily mercury, but can be toxic at elevated concentrations. I collected 121 leatherback prey items (i.e., gelatinous zooplankton) from known leatherback foraging grounds and sampled the esophagus and stomach contents of stranded turtles. All samples were analyzed for total mercury and selenium. Additionally, two prey items and three liver samples were analyzed for methylmercury, the most toxic form of the element. Total mercury concentrations in prey items ranged from 0.2 to 17 ppb, while selenium concentrations ranged from <10 to 616 ppb; methylmercury concentrations in liver ranged from 25 to 236 ppb. Prey items had methylmercury concentrations below the limits of detection (<0.4 ppb). Hazard quotients and exposure rates indicate that leatherbacks of all life stages may be at risk for selenium toxicity. For endangered species like the leatherback, continued anthropogenic deposition of mercury and selenium into the environment is concerning, especially since bodily mercury and selenium concentrations increase as organisms age. Because leatherbacks are long-lived and have large daily prey consumption rates, mercury and selenium loads may increase to physiologically harmful levels in this imperiled species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Building 01, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0991, United States.
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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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Perrault JR, Miller DL, Garner J, Wyneken J. Mercury and selenium concentrations in leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea): population comparisons, implications for reproductive success, hazard quotients and directions for future research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 463-464:61-71. [PMID: 23792248 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.05.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are long-distance migrants that travel thousands of km from foraging grounds to breeding and nesting grounds. These extensive journeys are fueled by ingestion of an estimated 300-400 kg of prey/d and likely result in exposure to high concentrations of environmental toxicants (e.g., mercury compounds). Increased bodily concentrations of mercury and its compounds in nesting female turtles may have detrimental effects on reproductive success. Leatherbacks have relatively low reproductive success compared with other sea turtles (global average hatching success ~50-60%). To assess toxicants and necessary nutrients as factors affecting leatherback turtle reproductive success at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (SPNWR), St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, we collected blood from nesting female leatherbacks and tissues from their hatchlings (blood from live turtles, liver and yolk sac from dead turtles). We compared the concentrations in those tissues to hatching and emergence success. We found that on SPNWR, hatching and emergence success were more closely related to seasonal factors than to total mercury and selenium concentrations in both nesting females and hatchlings. Selenium concentrations of nesting females were positively correlated with those of their hatchlings. Mercury and selenium in the liver of hatchlings were positively correlated with one another. Turtles with greater remigration intervals tended to have higher blood selenium concentrations, suggesting that selenium accumulates in leatherbacks through time. Through hazard quotients, we found evidence that selenium may be at or above concentrations that may cause physiologic harm to hatchlings. We also found evidence that population level differences exist for these trace elements. The concentrations of mercury and selenium established in this manuscript form a baseline for future toxicant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Perrault
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Building 01, Sanson Science, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.
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Ikonomopoulou MP, 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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Engler RE. The complex interaction between marine debris and toxic chemicals in the ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:12302-15. [PMID: 23088563 DOI: 10.1021/es3027105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 403] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris, especially plastic debris, is widely recognized as a global environmental problem. There has been substantial research on the impacts of plastic marine debris, such as entanglement and ingestion. These impacts are largely due to the physical presence of plastic debris. In recent years there has been an increasing focus on the impacts of toxic chemicals as they relate to plastic debris. Some plastic debris acts as a source of toxic chemicals: substances that were added to the plastic during manufacturing leach from plastic debris. Plastic debris also acts as a sink for toxic chemicals. Plastic sorbs persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances (PBTs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins, from the water or sediment. These PBTs may desorb when the plastic is ingested by any of a variety of marine species. This broad look at the current research suggests that while there is significant uncertainty and complexity in the kinetics and thermodynamics of the interaction, plastic debris appears to act as a vector transferring PBTs from the water to the food web, increasing risk throughout the marine food web, including humans. Because of the extremely long lifetime of plastic and PBTs in the ocean, prevention strategies are vital to minimizing these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Engler
- Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460, USA.
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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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Komoroske LM, Lewison RL, Seminoff JA, Deheyn DD, Dutton PH. Pollutants and the health of green sea turtles resident to an urbanized estuary in San Diego, CA. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 84:544-52. [PMID: 21549409 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2010] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Rapid expansion of coastal anthropogenic development means that critical foraging and developmental habitats often occur near highly polluted and urbanized environments. Although coastal contamination is widespread, the impact this has on long-lived vertebrates like the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) is unclear because traditional experimental methods cannot be applied. We coupled minimally invasive sampling techniques with health assessments to quantify contaminant patterns in a population of green turtles resident to San Diego Bay, CA, a highly urbanized and contaminated estuary. Several chemicals were correlated with turtle size, suggesting possible differences in physiological processes or habitat utilization between life stages. With the exception of mercury, higher concentrations of carapace metals as well as 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and γ chlordane in blood plasma relative to other sea turtle studies raises important questions about the chemical risks to turtles resident to San Diego Bay. Mercury concentrations exceeded immune function no-effects thresholds and increased carapace metal loads were correlated with higher levels of multiple health markers. These results indicate immunological and physiological effects studies are needed in this population. Our results give insight into the potential conservation risk contaminants pose to sea turtles inhabiting this contaminated coastal habitat, and highlight the need to better manage and mitigate contaminant exposure in San Diego Bay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Komoroske
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4614, United States.
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Roe JH, Sill NS, Columbia MR, Paladino FV. Trace Metals in Eggs and Hatchlings of Pacific Leatherback Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) Nesting at Playa Grande, Costa Rica. CHELONIAN CONSERVATION AND BIOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.2744/ccb-0837.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Ikonomou MG, Teas HJ, Gerlach R, Higgs D, Addison RF. Residues of PBDEs in northeastern Pacific marine fish: evidence for spatial and temporal trends. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2011; 30:1261-1271. [PMID: 21360729 DOI: 10.1002/etc.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In the flesh (skinless fillet) of chinook, chum, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, O. keta, O. kisutch, O. gorbuscha, and O. nerka, respectively), sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) and walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) from several sites in the northeast Pacific sampled between 2002 and 2008, tetra- and pentabrominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) (BDE 47, 49, 99, and 100) dominated the congener distribution. Chinook and sablefish contained the highest concentrations, followed by sockeye, coho, and pink salmon, and pollock. In sockeye from the Bering Sea - Aleutians and from the Gulf of Alaska, total tri- to hepta-BDE concentrations fell significantly between 2002 and 2005; in sablefish from Gulf of Alaska, there was a steady but statistically nonsignificant decline in BDE concentrations between 2002 and 2008. Relative proportions of the main BDE congeners did not change appreciably over time, within species or location. All species except sockeye salmon showed a clear southeastward increase in BDE concentrations, implying an increasing gradient in general ecosystem contamination. In chinook, coho, and sablefish, especially, the southeastward trend in increasing total concentrations was associated with increasing proportions of BDEs 47 and 100. Chinook returning to western North American natal streams appeared to accumulate most of their PBDE burden towards the end of their migration. Fish from more northern sampling sites often had higher proportions of more highly brominated congeners than those from more southern sites, perhaps reflecting contamination from Asian sources where higher-brominated commercial PBDE formulations are used. In sablefish and pollock, the relative proportions of BDEs 99 and 47 varied inversely in almost a 1:1 ratio, implying debromination of BDE 99 to 47.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Ikonomou
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada.
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