Pollutant exposure in green and hawksbill marine turtles from the Caribbean region

Abstract

Despite their common occurrence in Guadeloupe, little is known about levels and effects of pollutants in free-ranging green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate levels of persistent organic pollutants and trace elements in Guadeloupian marine turtles, (2) to assess the risk for turtle embryo facing chemical exposure. Eggs and dermis were collected from 11 green and 4 hawksbill turtles and analysed for inorganic and organic pollutants. Chemical risks were evaluated for turtle embryos through a screening risk assessment (SRA). ∑PCBs and chlordecone were the main contaminant groups in green and hawksbill turtles. Contaminant levels were lower in the tissues of the Guadeloupean turtles compared to other geographic locations. p,p’-DDE, selenium, mercury and cadmium could affect the marine turtle embryos. This study is the first to provide levels of pollutants in marine turtles from Guadeloupe.