Accumulation of metals in the egg yolk and liver of hatchling of green turtles Chelonia mydas at Ras Al Hadd, Sultante of Oman

Salim H. Al-Rawahy*, Abdulaziz Y. AlKindi, Abdulkadir Elshafie, Mahmoud Ibrahim, Saif N. Al Bahry, Sultan S. Al Siyabi, Mohamed H. Mansour, Ali A. Al Kiyumi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

An investigation of the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in green turtles at Ras Al Hadd turtle reserve (Oman) was undertaken. A total of 12 heavy metals in liver of hatchlings and egg yolk of eggs were determined by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) analytical methods. Random samples collected over 2 year period from different beaches at Ras Al Hadd reserve. The average metal contents varied from not detectable (Sn) to 8.58±1.03 (Zn) μg g-1 wet weight in egg yolk and 0.01±0.00 (Sn) to 23.16±1.84 (Zn) μg g-1 wet weight in liver of hatchlings. The concentration level of metals in egg yolk of freshly laid eggs occurred in the following order: Zn > Cu > Mn > Cd > V > Se > Hg > Cr > Pb > Ni > Co and in liver of untreated hatchlings occurred in the following order: Zn > Cu > Mn > V > Cr > Hg > Se > Cd > Pb > Co > Ni > Sn. Laboratory simulation with experimental metal contamination in sands and waters showed a significant accumulation of Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni and Se in egg yolk and Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se and V in liver compared with controls. Toxicological studies on the effect of heavy metals are urgently needed for the endangered population of green turtles.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)925-930
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Biological Sciences
Volume7
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 15 2007

Keywords

  • Chelonia mydas
  • Egg yolk
  • Heavy metals
  • Liver

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Cell Biology

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