JOURNAL ARTICLE

Intraspecific Variation in Mercury Contamination of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Macrochelys temminckii).

  • Published In: Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry, 2024, v. 43, n. 8. P. 1903 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Rosenbaum, David; Montaña, Carmen G.; Zhang, Yanli; Chumchal, Matthew M.; Saenz, Daniel; Schalk, Christopher M. 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on assessing total mercury (THg) concentrations in tissues of Macrochelys temminckii (alligator snapping turtle), an aquatic species endemic to the southeastern United States, sampled from 14 waterbodies in eastern Texas. The study found that THg concentrations in nail (keratin) tissue were positively correlated with those in skeletal muscle, suggesting nails can serve as a less invasive indicator of internal mercury burdens. THg levels varied significantly by site and were influenced by ecological factors, with body size being a poor predictor of mercury concentration across locations. Importantly, muscle THg concentrations in some turtles exceeded US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) dietary guidelines, indicating potential health risks for humans consuming this species in the region.

Additional Information

  • Source:Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry. 2024/08, Vol. 43, Issue 8, p1903
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Geology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0730-7268
  • DOI:10.1002/etc.5888
  • Accession Number:178646654
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