Inorganic elements in blood, eggs, and embryos of olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Sanquianga Natural National Park, Colombia

The concentration of eight inorganic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Se and Zn) was analysed for the first time in the blood (adults), eggs, embryos, embryo carapaces, and sand from nests of olive ridley turtles ( Lepidochelys olivacea ) of the Sanquianga National Natural Park (Colombian Pacific coast). Zinc was the element that showed the highest concentration, followed by Cr and Se. Sand and embryo carapaces were the samples that showed the highest concentrations. Significant correlations were identified between the elements, being most of them reported by first time in this species. Molar ratio Se:Hg was greater than 1 in all the samples, indicating that there is sufficient Se to bind to Hg, and therefore, counteracting its potential toxicity to health. Likewise, five correlations were associated with the carapace of the embryos and none with sand, suggesting maternal transfer contamination. The results obtained provide novel information about exposure to inorganic elements in nesting sea turtles in the eastern tropical Pacific. • This is the first report of eight inorganic elements in sea turtles from Colombia. • The highest concentrations were found for Zn, Cr and Se. • Sand and embryo carapaces were the samples with the highest concentrations. • Hg concentrations were higher than in other studies from sea turtles. • More research is needed to assess the risk of these elements for this population.