Influence of size on total mercury (THg), methyl mercury (MeHg), and stable isotopes of N and C in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from NE Brazil

Rodriguez, César Augusto B.; Lacerda, Luiz Drude de; Bezerra, M.F.; Moura, Victor Lacerda; Rezende, Carlos Eduardo de; Bastos, Wanderley Rodrigues

doi:10.1007/s11356-020-08623-5

Cited by 13 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 48 publications

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“…As a result, Hg concentrations can be inversely related to size (Bezerra et al 2012). Although the green turtle is not the only sea turtle species that undergoes changes in diet during growth, it is the only one that shifts from omnivory during the juvenile stage to predominantly herbivory when adult, which explains the clearer relationship between diet and Hg concentrations (Sakai et al 2000, Kampalath et al 2006, Bezerra et al 2014, Rodriguez et al 2020.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pan-oceanic distribution of mercury (Hg) in sea turtles: a review

Rodriguez

Lacerda

Junior

2022

Endang. Species. Res.

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With no known biological function, mercury (Hg) is highly toxic, bio-accumulates, and biomagnifies up the food web. Long-living marine animals, such as sea turtles, can be exposed to Hg in the oceans. The wide distributions of these reptiles and lifespans compatible with Hg residence time in ocean surface waters (approximately 30 yr) makes them reliable biological monitors of the long-term changes in Hg concentrations in the oceans. Taking this into consideration, we conducted a thorough review of studies to compare the concentrations of Hg in the 7 species of sea turtles distributed in different regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. Hg concentrations in muscle and scutes of Chelonia mydas were highest in the South Atlantic, whereas the highest concentrations found in Caretta caretta occurred in the Mediterranean Sea. The differences could be associated with the feeding habits of each species and the characteristics of the environment, such as the oligotrophic nature of the water and the lower productivity in the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, few studies exist for the other 5 sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea, Eretmochelys imbricata, Lepidochelys olivacea, L. kempii, and Natator depressus), which hampers a more detailed regional or ecological comparison among species. The results found in this review reveal information gaps that should be filled through more numerous studies focused on different oceanic regions and species.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%