Abstract
In the present study, the cadmium, lead, and zinc levels in the blood and shell of Caspian pond turtles (Mauremys caspica) were investigated at five stations in Zarivar International Wetland in Kurdistan Province. All specimens were released at their capture locations within 2h of capture. Water samples were collected at each station. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The mean cadmium, lead, and zinc concentrations were 0.04, 32.10, and 11.45mg/l in blood samples; 1.82, 16.91, and 89.22mg/l in shell samples; 0.005, 1.30, and 0.07mg/l in water samples, respectively. In this study, the highest metal adsorption was zinc and was observed in shell. According to the results of this study, the shell of the Caspian Pond Turtle can be used to estimate the concentration of heavy metals. Our results suggest that Caspian pond turtle can be used as a biological indicator to estimate heavy metals.
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