[MARMAM] New publication on Effect of tissue decomposition on stable isotope signatures

[ana payo]

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to announce that the following paper on Effect of tissue decomposition on stable isotope signatures of striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta is now available here.
Payo-Payo A, Ruiz B, Cardona L, Borrell A
 (2013) Effect of tissue decomposition on stable isotope signatures of striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba and loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta. Aquat Biol 18:141-147




ABSTRACT: Marine mammals and turtles are often
 studied using the carcasses of stranded dead individuals. Since 
decomposition processes might modify the stable isotope ratios of 
tissues, the present study tested the effects of decomposition on carbon
 (Δsup>13C) and nitrogen (Δ15N) stable isotope ratios in 2 tissue types of striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba and loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta.
 Decomposing carcasses of 3 dolphins and 3 turtles were sampled for 
muscle and skin for 62 d. Following lipid extraction, samples were 
analysed regularly using a continuous flow-isotope ratio mass 
spectrometer. Samples reached decomposition stage CC4 after 62 d at 
ambient temperature, but no statistical change in Δ13C or Δ15N
 was observed over that period for either tissue or species. These 
results imply that muscle and skin samples from carcasses decomposing 
out of water at stage CC4 or lower can be used as reliable material for 
stable isotope analysis in these 2 species, and probably in other marine
 mammal and marine turtle species. The effects of decomposition on the 
stability of stable isotope ratios in other tissues, in carcasses at 
stage CC5, or in carcasses decomposing underwater require further study. 


Ana Payo Payo PhD Student
anapayopayo at gmail.com
IMEDEA-CSIC
Carrer Miquel Marquès, 21, 
07190 Esporles, Islas Baleares
 		 	   		  
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