High incidence of deformity in aquatic turtles in the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge.
The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is subject to pollution from multiple sources. We studied development of snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) embryos from the refuge from 2000 through 2003. Mean annual deformity rate of pooled painted turtle clutches over four years ranged from 45 to 71%, while that of snapping turtle clutches ranged from 13 to 19%. Lethal deformities were more common than minor or moderate deformities in embryos of both species. Adult painted turtles had a higher deformity rate than adult snapping turtles. Snapping turtles at JHNWR had high levels of PAH contamination in their fat. This suggests that PAHs are involved in the high level of deformities. Other contaminants may also play a role. Although the refuge offers many advantages to resident turtle populations, pollution appears to place a developmental burden on the life history of these turtles.
Bell
Barbara
B
Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. bab22@drexel.edu
Spotila
James R
JR
Congdon
Justin
J
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000002:abnormalities; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities / Q000209:etiology; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009017:Morbidity; D015143:Philadelphia; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D014426:Turtles / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons