Journal
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
Volume 92, Issue 6, Pages 667-673Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s00128-014-1244-3
Keywords
Maternal transfer; Heavy metals; Eretmochelys imbricate; Iran
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This study was conducted to determine trace metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb and Hg) in blood and three egg fractions from Eretmochelys imbricata nesting on Qeshm Island in Iran. The results showed detectable levels of all analytes in all fractions. Pb and Hg were detectable in the blood and eggs, reflecting a maternal transfer. With the exception of Cu and Pb, analyzed elements in eggs were concentrated in yolk. Only Zn in blood had a significant correlation with the body size and weight (p < 0.01). It appears that Hawksbill sea turtles can regulate Zn concentrations through homeostatic processes to balance metabolic requirements. The relatively low concentrations of metals in blood support the knowledge that E. imbricata feed mainly on the low trophic levels. All essential and non-essential elements were detectable in blood and in eggs of the hawksbill, reflecting a maternal transfer. Consequently, movement patterns, home ranges of foraging grounds, and availability of food could explain variations in trace element concentrations among female turtles.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available