Accumulation of trace elements in leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) eggs from the south-western Caribbean indicates potential health risks to consumers

摘要: Abstract Trace metal and metalloid levels were measured in eggs of the NW Atlantic leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) from nesting grounds Bocas del Toro province, Panama, to infer exposure associated risks local communities. Samples analyzed for a set 26 essential non-essential elements using inductively coupled plasma techniques. Median concentrations Fe, Zn, As, Se Sr D. coriacea higher than previously reported this species, which likely reflects differential contamination specimens during foraging. The evaluation non-carcinogenic human health ingesting has revealed potential deleterious effects due high all examined age gender groups, while Hg Zn above international standards children. Hazard index (HI) values exceeded unity cases indicating serious impacts related possible additive multiple metals co-occurring eggs. Our findings suggest that (inorganic) As Cr(VI) is with an increased carcinogenic risk, significantly exceeding acceptable lifetime risk 10−6 both adults Despite some limitations, such as unclear Cr speciation, our results demonstrated ingestion poses considerable communities, their consumption should not exceed 3.4 × 10−4 g (5.0 × 10−6 eggs) kg BW d−1. Resource managers conservationists focus attention alternative tool address egg poaching consumption.