First insights into aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) eggs from Persian Gulf, Iran

Abstract

Petroleum pollution in marine ecosystems has raised great concern for both marine organisms and human health. The Persian Gulf, as a significant hotspot of petroleum pollution, is a crucial nesting area for hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) worldwide. In this work concentration level, source, and compositional profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and normal alkanes (n-alkanes) were analyzed in the yolk, albumen, and shell of hawksbill turtle eggs collected from 3 nests on the Persian Gulf coast of Iran. Twenty-eight PAHs and 19 n-alkanes were detected in samples. The highest levels of ƩPAHs and Ʃn-alkanes were found in yolk samples compared to the albumen and shell, possibly due to the high lipid content and lengthy duration of yolk formation. Comparable levels of pollutants were found in eggshells, indicating the potential for turtle eggshells to accumulate organic pollutants. The source of PAHs and n-alkanes in all samples primarily indicates petrogenic, suggesting extensive oil-producing activities and petroleum pollution in the Persian Gulf. Inter-nest variations in levels and profiles of PAHs and n-alkanes were observed in the eggs from the 3 nests, which might be related to the turtle's diets and migration patterns. Although this study provides the first monitoring data on organic pollutants for sea turtles in the Persian Gulf, more complementary researches are required in terms of monitoring petroleum biomarkers in foraging grounds, maternal blood, and their eggs in this region.