| dc.description | Sea turtles tend to accumulate high metal levels in their tissues and are considered
excellent pollution bioindicators. Studies concerning metal contamination in hatchlings,
however, are non-existent for one of the most abundant species in Brazil, green sea
turtles, while several other metal assessments in juvenile muscles are still scarce.
In this context, this study aimed to analyze the concentrations of 12 elements
in kidney and muscle samples from green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas; n = 24)
found stranded in Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. Elemental concentrations were
determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The presence
of fibropapillomatosis, an increasingly common disease in sea turtles which has been
associated to metal contamination, was also evaluated. Most elements (Mn, Fe,
Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were significantly higher in liver, while Al and As
were significantly higher in muscle tissue, indicating bioaccumulation of the latter
two elements. No differences between juvenile male and female green turtles were
observed for either liver or kidney concerning the investigated elements. Literature
comparisons of studies conducted in other areas throughout the Brazilian coast
indicate higher concentrations of Cd, Mn, As, Hg, and Zn in kidneys, of probable
anthropogenic origin. Several statistically significant inter-elemental correlations were
observed between toxic elements, indicating similar sources for these environmental
contaminants. Significant correlations between Hg in muscle and kidney and As in the
same organs suggest bioaccumulation of both elements in muscle. Three individuals assessed herein exhibited fibropapillomatosis, and further assessments in this regard
and potential correlations to the detected metal concentrations are currently being
carried out. In addition, evaluations concerning other toxic compounds, as well as
deleterious cellular effects, are also underway, since total metal concentrations do not
reflect total elemental bioavailability. | |
