Evaluation of biometry and blood concentration of heavy metals in free-living Chelonia mydas with and without fibropapillomatosis in southern Brazil

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2023-05, Vol.190, p.114879-114879, Article 114879
• Main Authors: Pérez, Yohany Arnold Alfonso, Lima, Samara Rosolem, Souza, Gustavo Martinez, Gião, Thayana, Bispo, Felipe J.S., Reis, Ana Maria Ferreira, da Silva Leite, Juliana, da Silva, Kássia Valéria Gomes Coelho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biometry; Brazil; Cadmium; Chelonians; Lead; Mercury; Metals, Heavy; Southern Brazil; Turtles
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114879

The present study determined the presence of heavy metals in green sea turtles with and without fibropapillomatosis in Itapirubá and Cassino beaches, southern Brazil. The weight, curved length of the carapace and body index were determined and blood was collected to quantify the concentrations of cadmium, lead and mercury. A total of 51 blood samples were analyzed, being 46 positives for at least one of the metals. There was a greater number of juvenile turtles in Itapirubá, larger in size and weight than those in Cassino. No statistical differences were found between metal concentrations between regions or between turtles with and without fibropapillomatosis. There was no significant correlation between metal concentrations, biometric variables and the presence of fibropapilomatose. Metal concentrations were low in both regions, with the highest concentrations being Cd and the lowest Hg. •Southern Brazil is a region for developing of juvenile green sea turtles.•Green sea turtles from southern Brazil are exposed to pollutants in their environment.•Low prevalence of fibropapillomatosis may not be related to concentrations of heavy metals in blood, but to environmental quality.