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Trace metals in eggs and tissues of hatchlings of the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Singapore and the Sarawak turtle islands, Malaysia
Author
Fatimah Abdul Khir
Supervisor
Teo, Khay Chuan
Diong, Cheong Hoong
Abstract
Concentrations of trace elements (As, Cd, CO, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn) in egg yolk and four tissues (liver, heart, muscle tissues and yolk) of embryos of the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) were analysed. Concentration of mercury were found to be highest in the liver of hawksbill embryos (0.40 + 0.02 ug/g dry weight) while the concentration of mercury was highest in the heart tissue of green turtle embryos ( 0.12 =t 0.03 ug/g dry weight). The concentration of arsenic in both species were below the detection limit. The concentrations of Pb, Cd and Ni in hawksbill embryos were found to he relatively much higher than those in the green turtle embryos. The concentration of Zn was found to be the highest in the heart for both species. Concentrations of Mn and Cr were relatively higher in hawksbill embryos than in green turtle embryos. The levels of heavy metal concentrations in the eggs and tissues of embryos of the two turtles could be influenced by the age of nesting females, the diets of the adult turtles as well as environmental factors. The value of heavy metal analysis in marine turtles, using eggs and tissues of embryos, for the conservation of this endangered taxon is discussed.
Date Issued
2005
Call Number
QL666.C5 Fat
Date Submitted
2005