Copper and manganese in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) tissues in the mediterranean

Abstract

This research concerns the determination of copper and manganese concentrations in tissues of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) found injured in various locations of Greek waters. The specimens were transported through the National Stranding Network run by ARCHELON to the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre, and were treated there. Measurement of copper and manganese form the beginning of a further research that includes measurement of Cd, Pb, Fe and Ni. Our intention was to obtain initial data values in several tissues of (Caretta caretta) in Greek waters and detect any bioaccumulation trend. In general the highest concentrations for both Cu and Mn were measured in the liver. The lowest concentrations for Cu were found in the muscle samples and for Mn in the lung samples. There was no indication of bioaccumulation for either of the two metals or the examined tissues. However, a negative trend was observed between curved carapace length (CCL) and (a) intestine copper concentration and (b) liver and lung manganese concentration. The comparison between specimens from various territories showed that the results were in agreement, taking into account the size of the specimens.