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Determination and Maternal Transfer of Heavy Metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb and Hg) in the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) from a Nesting Colony of Qeshm Island, Iran

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Abstract

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Young Researchers Club, Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas Branch, PO Box 79159-1311, Bandar Abbas, Iran

    Maryam Ehsanpour & Majid Afkhami

  2. Young Researchers Club, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran

    Reza Khoshnood

  3. Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA

    Kimberly J. Reich

Authors
  1. Maryam Ehsanpour
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  2. Majid Afkhami
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  3. Reza Khoshnood
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  4. Kimberly J. Reich
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Correspondence to Majid Afkhami.

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Ehsanpour, M., Afkhami, M., Khoshnood, R. et al. Determination and Maternal Transfer of Heavy Metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb and Hg) in the Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) from a Nesting Colony of Qeshm Island, Iran. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 92, 667–673 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-014-1244-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-014-1244-3

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