Evaluation of biometry and blood concentration of heavy metals in free-living Chelonia mydas with and without fibropapillomatosis in southern Brazil.

The present study determined the presence of heavy metals in green sea turtles with and without fibropapillomatosis in Itapirubá and Cassino beaches, southern Brazil. The weight, curved length of the carapace and body index were determined and blood was collected to quantify the concentrations of cadmium, lead and mercury. A total of 51 blood samples were analyzed, being 46 positives for at least one of the metals.

Litter contamination at a salt marsh: An ecological niche for biofouling in South Brazil.

The presence of solid litter and its consequences for coastal ecosystems is now being investigated around the world. Different types of material can be discarded in areas such as salt marshes, and various fouling organisms can associate with such items forming the Plastisphere. This study investigated the distribution of solid litter along zones (dry, middle, flooded) of a salt marsh environment in the Patos Lagoon Estuary (South Brazil) and the association of biofouling organisms with these items.

Selection of biochemical and physiological parameters in the croaker Micropogonias furnieri as biomarkers of chemical contamination in estuaries using a generalized additive model (GAM).

Biochemical and physiological parameters in the croaker Micropogonias furnieri were evaluated as biomarkers of chemical contaminants in estuaries. Juvenile croakers (10-20 cm total body length) were collected in summer and winter (2011 and 2012), in two sites at the Lagoa dos Patos estuary (southern Brazil). Fish were also collected in summer (2011 and 2012) in one site at the Barra do Chui estuary (southern Brazil).

Ecological regime shift drives declining growth rates of sea turtles throughout the West Atlantic.

Somatic growth is an integrated, individual-based response to environmental conditions, especially in ectotherms. Growth dynamics of large, mobile animals are particularly useful as bio-indicators of environmental change at regional scales. We assembled growth rate data from throughout the West Atlantic for green turtles, Chelonia mydas, which are long-lived, highly migratory, primarily herbivorous mega-consumers that may migrate over hundreds to thousands of kilometers.