Total mercury in liver of Trachemys callirostris (Gray, 1856) (Testudines: Emydidae) in three areas of la Mojana, Sucre-Colombia

Abstract

The Mojana region, belonging to the Momposina depression in northern Colombia, presents environmental problems associated with heavy metals for many years, mainly due to mercury, which is potentially affecting wildlife, especially Trachemys callirostris. This species categorized as vulnerable, is mainly threatened by overexploitation and alteration of its habitat. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of total mercury in the liver of the hicotea T. callirostris in three locations in the department of Sucre belonging to the Mojana region. Turtles were obtained directly from subsistence fishermen from towns San Marcos, Caimito and Guaranda. Liver samples were taken from 35 individuals of T. callirostris and total mercury concentrations were also quantified by the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method, using a mercury direct analyzer with previous sample treatments. The results showed significant differences between the sampled sites (p 0.05) in mercury concentrations. The mercury concentrations found in this study demonstrate the potential environmental risk for the species that share this habitat, especially those for human consumption.