Concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liver samples of green turtles Chelonia mydas stranded in the Potiguar Basin, northeastern Brazil

Sea turtles are affected by pollutants worldwide, and the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been detected in different types of samples and at high levels in some cases. The present study brings concentrations of 37 PAHs in liver samples of 17 green turtles Chelonia mydas stranded in northeastern Brazil [four with cutaneous tumors of fibropapillomatosis (FP), being classified as FP+]. Six PAHs were detected in 100% of the liver samples, and all alkylated PAHs were frequently quantified. High levels of phenanthrene (771.20 and 794.43 ng g-1 d.w.) and fluorene (1882.36 ng g-1 d.w.) were found in three females FP- (without FP cutaneous tumors). On the other hand, one green turtle FP+ had the higher level of naphthalene (531.70 ng g-1 d.w.), compound detected in 82.35 % of the samples. Our study brings additional baseline of organic pollutants in green turtles, improving knowledge on bioaccumulation of these compounds in sea turtles.

Automated summary

Sea turtles in northeastern Brazil have been found to be affected by pollutants, specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The study detected high levels of PAHs, such as phenanthrene, fluorene, and naphthalene, in the liver samples of green turtles. This research contributes to our understanding of the bioaccumulation of organic pollutants in sea turtles.