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Abstract

The present study provides data on heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Co, Pb and Cr) accumulation in freshwater turtles species i.e. Kachuga smithi, K. tecta and Lissemys punctata collected from Balloki Headworks and Trimmu Barrage, Punjab, Pakistan. No previous record has been found regarding such studies on freshwater turtles in Pakistan. Blood Samples were taken from freshwater turtles and immediately placed in heparanized vials. Samples were digested by using acids and diluted upto 25 ml volume. Then heavy metals were detected in blood samples by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Aurora AAS, Al-1200, Canada). Data were statistically analyzed by applying Analysis of Variance Technique and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMR). Mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ni and Cd were highly significant (P<0.01) species-wise and non-significant locality-wise (P>0.05). Mean concentrations of Co, Pb and Cr were species-wise and locality-wise non-significant (P>0.05). Regardless of locality, mean concentrations of all heavy metals were found maximum in L. punctata except Pb (0.82±0.15 mg Kg-1) which was high in blood of K. smithi and Co (0.87±0.18 mg Kg-1) in K. tecta. Among seven heavy metals, Zinc concentrations were found maximum i-e- 8.47±0.64 mg Kg-1 and Cd concentration was found minimum 0.038±0.002 mg Kg-1 in blood of turtles species.
Keywords: Freshwater; Heavy metals; Blood; Turtles; Pollution
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2015.43001