Pollution from Hawaii Is Giving Sea Turtles Deadly Tumors
Fibropapillomatosis: A Deadly Threat to Green Sea Turtles
In the waters around Hawaii, endangered green sea turtles are facing a deadly threat: fibropapillomatosis, a disease that causes tumors to grow on their faces, flippers, and internal organs. This disease is a leading cause of death for turtles, and scientists have recently discovered that nitrogen runoff from cities and farms is triggering outbreaks of the disease.
Nitrogen Runoff and the Growth of Algae
Nitrogen runoff from human activities, such as fertilizer use and sewage discharge, enters the ocean and causes algae to grow rapidly. Turtles eat algae, and when they consume algae that has been exposed to high levels of nitrogen, they ingest large amounts of arginine, an amino acid that supports the growth of the virus that causes fibropapillomatosis.
The Role of Arginine in Fibropapillomatosis
Arginine is a key nutrient for the virus that causes fibropapillomatosis. The more arginine a turtle consumes, the more likely it is to develop the disease. Researchers have found that turtles with fibropapillomatosis have higher levels of arginine in their blood and tissues than healthy turtles.
Other Factors Contributing to Fibropapillomatosis
In addition to arginine, other factors may also contribute to the development of fibropapillomatosis in sea turtles. These factors include:
- Proline and glycine: These molecules, which are commonly found in human cancer tissue, have also been found in elevated levels in turtles with fibropapillomatosis.
- Immune system suppression: Pollution and other environmental stressors can weaken the immune system of turtles, making them more susceptible to fibropapillomatosis.
- Genetic factors: Some turtles may be more genetically predisposed to developing fibropapillomatosis than others.
The Impact of Nitrogen Runoff on Turtles
The link between nitrogen runoff and fibropapillomatosis in sea turtles is becoming increasingly clear. Studies have shown that turtles living in areas with higher concentrations of nitrogen in the water are more likely to develop the disease. This suggests that reducing nitrogen runoff could help to protect turtles from fibropapillomatosis.
Strategies for Reducing Nitrogen Runoff
There are a number of strategies that can be implemented to reduce nitrogen runoff and protect sea turtles from fibropapillomatosis. These strategies include:
- Improving wastewater treatment: Upgrading wastewater treatment plants to remove more nitrogen from sewage before it is discharged into the ocean.
- Reducing fertilizer use: Using fertilizers more efficiently and reducing the amount of fertilizer applied to crops.
- Restoring wetlands: Wetlands act as natural filters that remove nitrogen from water before it enters the ocean. Restoring wetlands can help to reduce nitrogen runoff.
- Educating the public: Raising awareness about the impact of nitrogen runoff on sea turtles and encouraging people to take steps to reduce their nitrogen footprint.
Conclusion
Fibropapillomatosis is a serious threat to green sea turtles in Hawaii. Nitrogen runoff from human activities is a major contributing factor to the disease. By reducing nitrogen runoff, we can help to protect sea turtles and ensure their survival in Hawaiian waters.