Blood δ-ALAD, lead and cadmium concentrations in spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) from Southeastern Spain and Northern Africa

Martínez-López, Emma; Sousa, Antonio Ralph Medeiros de; María-Mójica, Pedro; Gómez‐Ramírez, Pilar; Guilhermino, Lúcia; García-Fernández, Antonio J.

doi:10.1007/s10646-009-0441-z

Cited by 13 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Several surveys have been performed in chelonians in various habitats that provide reference to the current study. Spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) in Europe and Africa (0.06-0.12 lg/g) had similar concentrations of Pb in whole blood compared to the plasma of box turtles in the current study (Martinez-Lopez et al 2010). But, box turtles in Missouri near a smelting operation had whole blood concentrations (0.11 lg/g) double the concentration of turtles in the Tennessee population of the current study (Beresford et al 1981).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 51%

“…These compounds persist in the environment and are potentially toxic to all organisms at various concentrations (Grillitsch and Schiesari 2010). Many of these elements are introduced into the environment by human action such as through pesticide and fertilizer use, waste streams, mining and smelting, fossil fuel combustion, and recreational shooting (Grillitsch and Schiesari 2010;Harmata and Restani 2013;Martinez-Lopez et al 2010). Contamination may be important threats to reptiles, but little information exists in the literature (Gibbons et al 2000;Grillitsch and Schiesari 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Select metal and metalloid surveillance of free-ranging Eastern box turtles from Illinois and Tennessee (Terrapene carolina carolina)

et al. 2015

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The Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a primarily terrestrial chelonian distributed across the eastern US. It has been proposed as a biomonitor due to its longevity, small home range, and reliance on the environment to meet its metabolic needs. Plasma samples from 273 free-ranging box turtles from populations in Tennessee and Illinois in 2011 and 2012 were evaluated for presence of heavy metals and to characterize hematologic variables. Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu) were detected, while cadmium (Cd) and silver (Ag) were not. There were no differences in any metal detected among age class or sex. However, Cr and Pb were higher in turtles from Tennessee, while As, Zn, Se, and Cu were higher in turtles from Illinois. Seasonal differences in metal concentrations were observed for Cr, Zn, and As. Health of turtles was assessed using hematologic variables. Packed cell volume was positively correlated with Cu, Se, and Pb in Tennessee. Total solids, a measure of plasma proteins, in Tennessee turtles were positively correlated with Cu and Zn. White blood cell count, a measure of inflammation, in Tennessee turtles was negatively correlated with Cu and As, and positively correlated with Pb. Metals are a threat to human health and the health of an ecosystem, and the Eastern Box Turtle can serve as a monitor of these contaminants. Differences established in this study can serve as baseline for future studies of these or related populations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 51%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Select metal and metalloid surveillance of free-ranging Eastern box turtles from Illinois and Tennessee (Terrapene carolina carolina)

et al. 2015

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“…Chelonians face serious threats due to destruction of their habitat, and overcollection for human consumption and the pet trade, which have led to the extinction of some species. In addition, tortoises and sea turtles are considered of increasing interest as potential biomonitors for environmental pollution . Testudo hermanni ssp.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reference values for hematology and plasma biochemistry variables, and protein electrophoresis of healthy Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermannissp.)

Andreani

Carpenè

Cannavacciuolo

et al. 2014

Veterinary Clinical Pathol

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Background: Hermann's tortoise, Testudo hermanni, is currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list of endangered species. Reptile medicine relies also on laboratory analyses to evaluate health status, but reference ranges for hematology and biochemistry variables and protein electrophoresis in plasma of healthy tortoises are not available. Objective: The purposes of this study were to establish reference ranges for select hematologic and biochemical variables in clinically healthy Hermann's tortoises, and evaluate the impact of sex and season. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 34 healthy tortoises at the end of September and beginning of July. Blood smears, HCT, concentrations of HGB and select plasma biochemical analytes, select enzyme activities, and plasma protein fractions were evaluated. Reference ranges were determined and checked for influence of sex and sampling time point. Results: Typical reptilian RBC and WBC were observed in blood smears. HCT and concentrations of HGB, uric acid and urea, and ALT and AST activities were significantly higher in males than in females. Concentrations of glucose, uric acid, and phosphate, and AST activity were significantly higher at the beginning of July, whereas concentrations of urea and Cl were higher at the end of September prior to hibernation. The electrophoretic protein fractions included albumin, and a, b, and c globulins. Conclusions: The reference ranges defined in the present study are useful for clinical tortoise medicine and conservation. Sex and seasonal sampling were identified as factors significantly affecting hematology and blood chemistry analytes; they should be taken into consideration when assessing tortoise health status.

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“…The enzyme δ‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ‐ALAD) is inhibited by Pb, causing a decrease in heme group synthesis, and has been used to diagnose Pb exposure and effects (Martinez‐Lopez et al, 2010). A significant negative correlation has been found between spur‐thighed tortoise ( Testudo graeca ) blood Pb concentrations and δ‐ALAD activity measured in whole blood (Martinez‐Lopez et al, 2010). Tortoises with blood Pb concentrations >15.1 ng/g had a δ‐ALAD activity level 30% below the mean value.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Accumulate Heavy Metals Near a Former Skeet Shooting Range in Kailua, O'ahu, Hawai'i

Shaw

Balazs²,

Jones

et al. 2023

Enviro Toxic and Chemistry

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The present study determined if green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Kailua Bay, Oahu, in the Hawaiian Islands have elevated blood and scute lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and antimony (Sb) concentrations resulting from lead deposition at a historic skeet shooting range. Blood and scute samples were collected and analyzed for Pb, As, and Sb via inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. Prey, water, and sediment samples were also analyzed. Turtle samples in Kailua Bay (45) have blood Pb concentrations (328 ± 195 ng/g) greater than a reference population (Howick Group of Islands, 29.2 ± 17.1 ng/g). Compared with other green turtle populations, only turtles in Oman, Brazil, and San Diego, CA have blood Pb concentrations greater than turtles in Kailua Bay. The estimated daily exposure of Pb from algae sources in Kailua Bay (0.12 mg/kg/day) was significantly lower than the no observed adverse effect level (100 mg/kg) of red‐eared slider turtles. However, the chronic effects of Pb on sea turtles is poorly understood and continued monitoring of this population will increase our understanding of the Pb and As loads of sea turtles in Kailua Bay. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1109–1123. © 2023 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

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Blood δ-ALAD, lead and cadmium concentrations in spur-thighed tortoises (Testudo graeca) from Southeastern Spain and Northern Africa

Cited by 13 publications

References 44 publications

Select metal and metalloid surveillance of free-ranging Eastern box turtles from Illinois and Tennessee (Terrapene carolina carolina)

Select metal and metalloid surveillance of free-ranging Eastern box turtles from Illinois and Tennessee (Terrapene carolina carolina)

Reference values for hematology and plasma biochemistry variables, and protein electrophoresis of healthy Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermannissp.)

Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) Accumulate Heavy Metals Near a Former Skeet Shooting Range in Kailua, O'ahu, Hawai'i

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