Trace elements in green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Rocas Atoll, NE Brazil: Baseline reference from a pristine nesting site

This study presents the first report on the concentration of trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) in the blood and egg fractions of green turtles from Rocas Atoll, a pristine nesting site in NE Brazil. The highest concentrations of all elements were in the blood or shell samples. In order, iron, Zn, Cu, Al and As presented the highest concentrations in all tissues. The nonessential trace elements were below the limit of detection for more than 50% of the yolk (Al, Cd and Pb) and albumen samples (Al, As, Ba, Cd and Pb). This study will serve as a baseline reference for future monitoring of the ecotoxicology of breeding green turtles in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. •Trace elements concentration in green turtles from a pristine nesting site is presented.•Highest concentrations of all elements were in blood or shell.•Fe, Zn, Cu, Al and As had the highest concentrations in all tissues.•Nonessential elements were below LOD for more than 50% yolk and albumen samples.