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

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
File version

Version of Record (VoR)

Author(s)
Smith, Caitlin E
Finlayson, Kimberly
Barraza, Arthur
Young, Erina J
Gilby, Ben L
van de Merwe, Jason P
Townsend, Kathy A
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2025
Size
File type(s)
Location
Abstract

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.

Journal Title

Marine Pollution Bulletin

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

212

Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Biological oceanography

Oceanography

Persistent link to this record
Citation

Smith, CE; Finlayson, K; Barraza, A; Young, EJ; Gilby, BL; van de Merwe, JP; Townsend, KA, Distinct population-wide differences in contaminants and blood parameters in foraging green sea turtles, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2025, 212, pp. 117541

Collections