Levels of perfluorinated acids (PFCAs) in different tissues of Lepidochelys olivacea sea turtles from the Escobilla beach (Oaxaca, Mexico)

Abstract

Lepidochelys olivacea is the most abundant and globally distributed sea turtle species in the world and thus, monitoring this species for persistent organic pollutants, such as perfluorinated chemicals, is fundamental for their protection. This study was the first to evaluate the occurrence of five PFCAs (PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnA, PFDoA) in liver and blood samples of Olive Ridley turtle population from the Escobilla beach (Oaxaca, Mexico). PFDA and PFUnA were the predominant PFCs in blood samples (detected in 93% and 84% of samples, respectively) and were also present in the highest concentrations. Liver samples showed higher PFCA concentrations than whole blood samples, with PFNA and PFDA the most abundant PFCs congeners in liver samples, detected in 65% and 47% of the samples, respectively. The measured levels of contaminants in the blood samples of Lepidochelys olivacea sea turtles were compared to the levels reported in the literature for other turtle species.

While linear significant correlations between PFNA, PFDA and PFUnA concentrations in blood samples and curved carapace lengths were determined, no correlation was found for PFOA, supporting the hypothesis that sea turtles could have a higher ability to eliminate this perfluorinated chemical from their blood than other PFCAs. However, we do not know if the concentrations are species or sampling areas dependent.