Mapping elements distribution in carapace of Caretta caretta: A strategy for biomonitoring contamination in sea turtles?

•We analyzed 11 elements in one carapace of Caretta caretta.•The distribution of the elements in carapace was studied.•Mapping elements as a strategy for biomonitoring contamination in sea turtles.•Some elements resulted representative for central and lateral areas of carapace.

This study analyzed the carapace distribution of Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sb, U, V and Zn by GF-AAS and ICP-AES in one specimen of Caretta caretta from Mediterranean Sea. Calcium, Mg, Mn, Pb, U, Zn were mainly distributed in the central area while Cd, Cr, Cu, Sb, V in lateral areas. Cadmium, Cr, Mg, Mn, Sb, U and V were different between lateral areas.The different distribution may be related to several exposures during lifetime and/or the shell ossification during growth. Carapace may be a suitable matrix for metal biomonitoring, however, further studies are required to confirm these findings.