Organic contaminants and trace metals in the tissues of green turtles ( Chelonia mydas) afflicted with fibropapillomas in the Hawaiian islands

Abstract

Environmental contaminants have been listed as a possible cause of green turtle fibropapillomas (GTFP). Brain, fat, liver, and kidney tissues from 10 juvenile green turtles ( Chelonia mydas) afflicted with GTFP, were tested to determine exposure to selected environmental pollutants and any possible relation to GTFP. One juvenile green turtle free of the disease, one pelagic green turtle, and one pelagic loggerhead turtle ( Caretta caretta) served as controls. Egg shells and tissues from three green turtle hatchlings were also tested. The tissues and shells analysed in this study indicated that none contained any of the listed organochlorine, polychlorinated biphenyl, organophosphate, or carbamate insecticides in concentrations above the stated method of detection limits. Most of the concentrations of selenium and heavy metals were also considered to be below levels reported normal in other animal species. No correlation was found between the contaminants tested and GTFP because of the low levels detected. Trace metals and other pollutants tested in this study play a minor role in the aetiology of GTFP in a discrete green turtle population at Kaneohe Bay, Island of Oahu, Hawaii.