Accumulation Of Highly Toxic Microelements In Bone And Muscle Tissues Of Reptiles Due To Human Activity

The study aimed to analyze the accumulation of toxic microelements in the bone and muscle tissues of three reptile species from the Absheron Peninsula, which had been increasingly polluted due to human activities. The species studied were the Mediterranean tortoise, the Caspian thin-toed gecko, and the dice snake. Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, the researchers measured the levels of nickel, copper, lead, cadmium, and zinc. Results indicated that the Caspian thin-toed gecko had the highest concentrations of all five microelements, suggesting its resilience and adaptability to polluted environments. Despite the elevated levels of these toxic elements, they did not have lethal effects on the reptiles, possibly due to the active nature of their bone and muscle tissues.