Osteoporosis and Bone Deformaties in Free-Living Geoffroy’s Toadhead Turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) Rescued from Urban Areas in the Metropolitan Region of Recife (Pernambuco, Brazil)

Abstract

Organic pollutants have bioaccumulative effects and induce a high index of toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. The aim of our study was to report tomographic abnormalities found in free-living turtles (Geoffroy`s toadhead turtle, Phrynops geoffroanus) from an urban area near the Capibaribe and Beberibe river basins in Brazil, which are known to be contaminated by heavy metals as well solid waste. Clinical and tomographic evaluation of eight turtles was performed to assess their health status for subsequent release. Tomographic analysis revealed bone abnormalities including demineralization, coarse trabecular pattern, subperiosteal bone resorption, deformity of dorsal vertebrae and shell fracture. Considering that turtles are recognized as bioindicators of water quality, a high occurrence of bone abnormalities may suggest an association with environmental pollution in the studied area and signal that conservation initiatives are needed to safeguard the aquatic ecosystem of the metropolitan region of Recife.