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Jennifer M. Keller,^1,2 John R. Kucklick,² M. Andrew Stamper,^3,* Craig A. Harms,⁴ and Patricia D. McClellan-Green^1,5

¹Duke University, Integrated Toxicology Program and Nicholas School of the Environment Coastal Systems Science and Policy, Beaufort, North Carolina, USA; ²National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina, USA; ³New England Aquarium, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; ⁴North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, Morehead City, North Carolina, USA; ⁵North Carolina State University, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Abstract
Widespread and persistent organochlorine (OC) contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides, are known to have broad-ranging toxicities in wildlife. In this study we investigated, for the first time, their possible health effects on loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) . Nonlethal fat biopsies and blood samples were collected from live turtles for OC contaminant analysis, and concentrations were compared with clinical health assessment data, including hematology, plasma chemistry, and body condition. Concentrations of total PCBs (PCBs) , DDTs, chlordanes, dieldrin, and mirex were determined in 44 fat biopsies and 48 blood samples. Blood concentrations of chlordanes were negatively correlated with red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, indicative of anemia. Positive correlations were observed between most classes of OC contaminants and white blood cell counts and between mirex and TCDD-like PCB concentrations and the heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, suggesting modulation of the immune system. All classes of OCs in the blood except dieldrin were correlated positively with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, indicating possible hepatocellular damage. Mirex and TCDD-like PCB blood concentrations were negatively correlated with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Significant correlations to levels of certain OC contaminant classes also suggested possible alteration of protein ( blood urea nitrogen, albumin:globulin ratio) , carbohydrate ( glucose) , and ion ( sodium, magnesium) regulation. These correlations suggest that OC contaminants may be affecting the health of loggerhead sea turtles even though sea turtles accumulate lower concentrations of OCs compared with other wildlife. Key words: health assessment, hematology, organochlorine contaminants, PCBs, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, plasma chemistries, polychlorinated biphenyls, reptile, white blood cell counts, wildlife. Environ Health Perspect 112:1074-1079 (2004) . doi:10.1289/ehp.6923 available via http://dx.doi.org/ [Online 21 April 2004]

Address correspondence to J.M. Keller, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412 USA. Telephone: (843) 762-8863. Fax: (843) 762-8742. E-mail: jennifer.keller@noaa.gov

*Current address: Disney's Epcot The Living Seas, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA.

We thank S. Epperly, J. McNeill, L. Avens, C. Purnell, J. Beasley, A. Segars, B. Chittick, P. Govett, S. Willens, A. Acton, D. Deresienski, M. Schantz, P. Becker, K. Tuerk, S. Vander Pol, R. Pugh, D. Owens, M. Lee, and M. Peden-Adams for their generous help.

Funding was provided by the Morris Animal Foundation, the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund, the Oak Foundation, and the Duke University Marine Biomedical Center.

Certain commercial equipment or instruments are identified in the paper to specify adequately the experimental procedures. Such identification does not imply recommendations or endorsement by the NIST nor does it imply that the equipment or instruments are the best available for the purpose.

The authors declare they have no competing financial interests.

Received 19 December 2003 ; accepted 21 April 2004.