Assessment of individual and population-level endpoints in red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta) from a metal-contaminated Superfund site

Scope and method of study. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of heavy metals on red-eared slider turtles from Tar Creek Superfund Site. Animals used in the study were collected from Tar Creek Superfund Site, and two reference sites, Lake Carl Blackwell and Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. Assessment included population, genetic, metal, and neurobehavioral studies.; Findings and conclusions. The population of red-eared slider turtles from Tar Creek Superfund Site shows decreased male recruitment into the adult population based on altered adult sex ratios, decreased incidence of melanism and increased percentage of juvenile males. Three-way ANOVA showed no significant difference in CV as measured by flow cytometry; however, increased presence of aneuploidy in turtles from the Superfund Site is indicative of genetic damage. Blood and shell lead levels were not significantly different between sites, but more lead was present in shells. Blood cadmium levels were significantly higher at Tar Creek Superfund Site. Righting time was used to assess neurobehavioral response and time-to-event analysis showed no significant difference in righting response between animals from Tar Creek Superfund Site and reference animals.