Distinct population-wide differences in contaminants and blood parameters in foraging green sea turtles

Caitlin E. Smith; Kimberly Finlayson; Arthur Barraza; Erina J. Young; Ben L. Gilby; Jason P. van de Merwe; Kathy A. Townsend

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117541

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Distinct population-wide differences in contaminants and blood parameters in foraging green sea turtles

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Distinct population-wide differences in contaminants and blood parameters in foraging green sea turtles

Caitlin E. Smith, Kimberly Finlayson, Arthur Barraza, Erina J. Young, Ben L. Gilby, Jason P. van de Merwe and Kathy A. Townsend

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol.212, pp.1-14

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117541

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Abstract

ecotoxicology

trace elements

contaminants

environmental proxies

flood impacts

ENSO

The rising diversity and concentration of contaminants have surpassed ecological thresholds, threatening marine ecosystems. The effects of pollutants on marine animals, particularly sea turtles, are receiving increased attention due to their role as indicators of human impacts. This study examined the health implications of contaminant exposure in three green turtle (Chelonia mydas) foraging sites in the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Assessments were performed on 45 immature turtles from offshore (Heron, Lady Elliot Island) and inshore (Hervey Bay) foraging sites, hypothesising greater anthropogenic exposure inshore. A cytotoxicity assay tested blood toxicity, while trace element concentrations were compared with baseline reference intervals. Interestingly, this analysis revealed elevated cobalt and manganese levels in Hervey Bay turtles, and offshore turtles showed higher cytotoxicity despite appearing healthier, contrasting with low cytotoxicity and low body condition in Hervey Bay. These findings highlight the complexities of ecotoxicology and the need for comprehensive data on contaminant impacts.

Details

Title: Distinct population-wide differences in contaminants and blood parameters in foraging green sea turtles
Authors: Caitlin E. Smith (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Kimberly Finlayson - Griffith University
Arthur Barraza - Griffith University
Erina J. Young - James Cook University
Ben L. Gilby - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Jason P. van de Merwe - Griffith University
Kathy A. Townsend - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Publication details: Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol.212, pp.1-14
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117541
ISSN: 1879-3363; 0025-326X
Data Availability: Data will be made available on request.
Grant note: This work was supported by the University of the Sunshine Coast research Support Grant, and the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment – Equity Trustees Charitable Foundation & the Ecological Society of Australia.
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991094097302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Sciences; Marine & Freshwater Biology

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