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Cheng JO, Wang PL, Chou LC, Chang CW, Wang HV, Yang WC, Ko FC. Investigation of organic contaminants in the blubber of a blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) first stranded on the coast of Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:23638-23646. [PMID: 38424246 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32647-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive assessment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the blubber of a stranded blue whale found on the coast of Taiwan. The analysis included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The whale exhibited evident signs of emaciation, including low body weight, reduced blubber fat content, and thin blubber thickness. The dominant fatty acid type detected in the blubber was short-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (SC-MUFA), known to aid in thermoregulation. Stable isotope ratios indicated that the blue whale occupied a lower trophic position compared to a fin whale, suggesting its proximity to krill habitats in the Southern Ocean for feeding. The average concentrations of DDTs (1089.2 ± 4.7 ng/g lw; ΣDDT) and PCBs (1057.1 ± 49.8 ng/g lw) in the blubber were almost one order of magnitude higher than PAHs (41.7 ± 10.0 ng/g lw), HCB (70.6 ± 2. ng/g lw), and PBDEs (7.2 ± 1.2 ng/g lw). Pollutant concentrations in this individual blue whale were comparable to levels found in Norway, higher than those found in Chile, and notably lower than those found in Canada and Mexico. Calculating the biomagnification factor (BMF) for the POPs from krill (Euphausia superba) to the blue whale revealed significant bioaccumulation of pollutants in this particular whale. Additional research is imperative to achieve a thorough comprehension of bioaccumulation of POPs and their potential toxicological impacts on whale health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-O Cheng
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ling Wang
- Institute of Oceanography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chin Chou
- National Academy of Marine Research, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Hao Ven Wang
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Biosciences and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Marine Biology and Cetacean Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Yang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fung-Chi Ko
- National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan.
- Institute of Marine Biology, National Dong Hwa University, Pingtung, Taiwan.
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Ángel-Moreno Briones Á, Ramírez-Álvarez N, Hernández-Guzmán FA, Galván-Magaña F, Marmolejo-Rodríguez AJ, Sánchez-González A, Baró-Camarasa I, González-Armas R. Levels and species-specific organochlorine accumulation in three shark species from the western Gulf of California with different life history traits. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168468. [PMID: 37951268 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine compounds (OCs), such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), remain ubiquitous in marine ecosystems despite their prohibition or restriction, posing a risk to marine wildlife and humans. Their accumulation in liver tissue and potential toxicity in three exploited shark species (the scalloped hammerhead, Sphyrna lewini; the Pacific sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon longurio; and the Pacific angel shark, Squatina californica) with different physiological and ecological features from the western Gulf of California (GC) were investigated. Forty of the 47 OCs analyzed were identified, evidencing a greater agricultural than industrial influence considering the high DDTs/PCBs ratios. The DDT group was the main contributor to ∑OCs in the three species, while hexa- and hepta-CBs dominated the PCB profiles. S. lewini (juveniles) and R. longurio (juveniles and adults) had similar and significantly (p < 0.05) higher ∑OCP concentrations than S. californica (juveniles and adults), which is attributed to their migration to other polluted regions of the gulf. The three species' ∑PCB levels (lipid weight) were comparable and considered low in comparison to those documented in prior studies conducted worldwide. No intraspecific differences were observed when comparing by sex, but OC concentrations were higher in larger individuals. S. lewini and R. longurio showed different OC bioaccumulation trends against size, while no relationship between size and ∑OC concentrations was observed in S. californica. All shark species' toxic equivalents (TEQs) were calculated from dioxin-like PCB concentrations and were far below the established TEQ fish thresholds. However, future research is needed regarding the possible PCB and OCP effects in elasmobranchs. This study provides the basis for monitoring organic contaminants in predatory sharks from the western GC. It also highlights the importance of further research on unintentionally produced organochlorine environmental levels and sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Ángel-Moreno Briones
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n. La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico.
| | - Nancy Ramírez-Álvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana no 3917, Ensenada, Baja California C. P. 22860, Mexico
| | - Félix Augusto Hernández-Guzmán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana no 3917, Ensenada, Baja California C. P. 22860, Mexico
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n. La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Ana Judith Marmolejo-Rodríguez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n. La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Alberto Sánchez-González
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n. La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Isis Baró-Camarasa
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n. La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Rogelio González-Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n. La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
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Lee K, Raverty S, Cottrell P, Zoveidadianpour Z, Cottrell B, Price D, Alava JJ. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) source identification and a maternal transfer case study in threatened killer whales (Orcinus orca) of British Columbia, Canada. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22580. [PMID: 38114485 PMCID: PMC10730697 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45306-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The northeastern Pacific (NEP) Ocean spans the coast of British Columbia (Canada) and is impacted by anthropogenic activities including oil pipeline developments, maritime fossil fuel tanker traffic, industrial chemical effluents, agricultural and urban emissions in tandem with stormwater and wastewater discharges, and forest wildfires. Such events may expose surrounding marine environments to toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and impact critical habitats of threatened killer whales (Orcinus orca). We analyzed skeletal muscle and liver samples from stranded Bigg's killer whales and endangered Southern Resident killer whales (SRKWs) for PAH contamination using LRMS. C3-phenanthrenes/anthracenes (mean: 632 ng/g lw), C4-dibenzothiophenes (mean: 334 ng/g lw), and C4-phenanthrenes/anthracenes (mean: 248 ng/g lw) presented the highest concentrations across all tissue samples. Diagnostic ratios indicated petrogenic-sourced contamination for SRKWs and pyrogenic-sourced burdens for Bigg's killer whales; differences between ecotypes may be attributed to habitat range, prey selection, and metabolism. A mother-fetus skeletal muscle pair provided evidence of PAH maternal transfer; low molecular weight compounds C3-fluorenes, dibenzothiophene, and naphthalene showed efficient and preferential exposure to the fetus. This indicates in-utero exposure of PAH-contamination to the fetus. Our results show that hydrocarbon-related anthropogenic activities are negatively impacting these top predators; preliminary data found here can be used to improve oil spill and other PAH pollution management and regulation efforts, and inform policy to conserve killer whale habitats in the NEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiah Lee
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- Toxicology and Environmental Sciences, Department of Bioscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Animal Health Centre, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul Cottrell
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Zeinab Zoveidadianpour
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Brendan Cottrell
- Applied Remote Sensing Lab, Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dana Price
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
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López-Berenguer G, Acosta-Dacal A, Luzardo PO, Peñalver J, Martínez-López E. Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mediterranean top marine predators stranded in SE Spain. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 336:139306. [PMID: 37354956 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Although they are not bioaccumulated in vertebrates, chronic exposures might still derive on serious toxic effects. We studied concentrations of 16 reference PAHs on blubber of two dolphin species (striped dolphin, n = 34; and bottlenose dolphin, n = 8) and one marine turtle (loggerhead turtle, n = 23) from the Mediterranean waters of SE Spain, an important or potential breeding area for these and other related species. Σ16 PAHs concentrations were relatively similar between the three species, but they were in the lower range in comparison to worldwide data. Of the six PAHs detected, fluoranthene was the only high molecular weight (HMW) PAH, so low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs predominated. Naphthalene and phenanthrene were invariably those PAHs with higher detection rates as well as those with higher concentrations. In accordance with the literature, sex and length did not have significant influence on PAHs concentrations, probably due to high metabolization rates which prevent for observation of such patterns. Despite LMW PAHs are considered less toxic, we cannot dismiss toxic effects. This is the first work assessing PAHs concentrations in cetaceans and sea turtles from the SE Spain, which could serve as the baseline for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - P O Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; Study Group on Wild Animal Conservation Medicine (GEMAS), Spain
| | - J Peñalver
- Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Spain; Fishing and Aquaculture Service (CARM), Murcia, Spain
| | - E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, University of Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Spain.
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Ángel-Moreno Briones Á, Hernández-Guzmán FA, González-Armas R, Galván-Magaña F, Marmolejo-Rodríguez AJ, Sánchez-González A, Ramírez-Álvarez N. Organochlorine pesticides in immature scalloped hammerheads Sphyrna lewini from the western coast of the Gulf of California, Mexico: Bioaccumulation patterns and human exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151369. [PMID: 34740652 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite the intensive use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the proximity of the Gulf of California, there is no information regarding their levels in predatory shark species, which could be exposed to relatively high concentrations. In this area, neonates and juveniles of the critically endangered scalloped hammerhead Sphyrna lewini are caught for consumption, so the examination of the accumulation of OCPs is necessary for future conservation, as well as to assess the exposure to humans. Levels and accumulation patterns of 29 OCPs were analyzed in the liver and muscle of 20 immature scalloped hammerheads. Twenty-three compounds were detected in liver and 17 OCPs were found in muscle. In the latter tissue, only p,p'-DDE presented concentrations above the detection limit in all samples (0.59 ± 0.21 ng/g w.w.), while in the liver, DDTs were also the main group of pesticides (215 ± 317 ng/g w.w.), followed by ∑Chlordanes > ∑Chlorobenzenes > Mirex > HCBD > Others. One of the two analyzed neonates presented high concentrations of OCPs in the liver (1830 ng/g w.w.), attributed to a bioamplification process. No differences in accumulation of OCPs were found between juveniles of both sexes, where an increase in the concentration of various compounds related with size and age was observed. Additionally, juveniles under 2 years of age may undergo a growth dilution process. Our results suggest that the consumption of this species does not imply risks to human health (chronic or carcinogenic effects) associated with OCPs. Likewise, we recommend further monitoring due to the possible recent inputs of some OCPs (e.g. dicofol, median of ratio o, p'-DDT/p, p'-DDT = 0.7) into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Ángel-Moreno Briones
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Félix Augusto Hernández-Guzmán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana 3917, Ensenada, Baja California C. P. 22860, Mexico
| | - Rogelio González-Armas
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Felipe Galván-Magaña
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Ana Judith Marmolejo-Rodríguez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Alberto Sánchez-González
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Av. IPN s/n, La Paz, Baja California Sur C. P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Nancy Ramírez-Álvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana 3917, Ensenada, Baja California C. P. 22860, Mexico.
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Lourenço RA, Taniguchi S, da Silva J, Gallotta FDC, Bícego MC. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine mammals: A review and synthesis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 171:112699. [PMID: 34271505 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Most marine mammal species and populations are listed as endangered, threatened, or depleted under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Organic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from anthropogenic activities are part of the threat to marine mammals. The evaluation of the potential bioaccumulation of these compounds by marine mammals is a tool for adoption of policies to reduce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons discharges to the marine environment, where important players such as the oil and gas industries, maritime transport and sewage companies operate. This review seeks to present a bibliographic survey covering all published peer reviewed works of the contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biological tissues of marine mammals. It intended to compare the sampling protocols, procedures for preservation of the tissues, and the analytical method applied to quantify the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, no to criticize any of them but to review the data and discuss how they can be compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael André Lourenço
- Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo (IO-USP), Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil.
| | - Satie Taniguchi
- Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo (IO-USP), Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Josilene da Silva
- Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo (IO-USP), Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Dias Costa Gallotta
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Leopoldo Miguez de Mello (CENPES - Petrobras), Av. Horácio de Macedo, 950, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-915, Brazil
| | - Márcia Caruso Bícego
- Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo (IO-USP), Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-120, Brazil
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Ruberg EJ, Elliott JE, Williams TD. Review of petroleum toxicity and identifying common endpoints for future research on diluted bitumen toxicity in marine mammals. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:537-551. [PMID: 33761025 PMCID: PMC8060214 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02373-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Large volumes of conventional crude oil continue to be shipped by sea from production to consumption areas across the globe. In addition, unconventional petroleum products also transverse pelagic habitats; for example, diluted bitumen from Canada's oilsands which is shipped along the Pacific coast to the United States and Asia. Therefore, there is a continuing need to assess the toxicological consequences of chronic and catastrophic petroleum spillage on marine wildlife. Peer-reviewed literature on the toxicity of unconventional petroleum such as diluted bitumen exists for teleost fish, but not for fauna such as marine mammals. In order to inform research needs for unconventional petroleum toxicity we conducted a comprehensive literature review of conventional petroleum toxicity on marine mammals. The common endpoints observed in conventional crude oil exposures and oil spills include hematological injury, modulation of immune function and organ weight, genotoxicity, eye irritation, neurotoxicity, lung disease, adrenal dysfunction, metabolic and clinical abnormalities related to oiling of the pelage, behavioural impacts, decreased reproductive success, mortality, and population-level declines. Based on our findings and the body of literature we accessed, our recommendations for future research include: 1) improved baseline data on PAH and metals exposure in marine mammals, 2) improved pre- and post-spill data on marine mammal populations, 3) the use of surrogate mammalian models for petroleum toxicity testing, and 4) the need for empirical data on the toxicity of unconventional petroleum to marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Ruberg
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - J E Elliott
- Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada.
| | - T D Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
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8
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Tartu S, Fisk AT, Götsch A, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Routti H. First assessment of pollutant exposure in two balaenopterid whale populations sampled in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 718:137327. [PMID: 32097839 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pollutant concentrations are poorly known for the largest animals on Earth, blue whales Balaenoptera musculus and fin whales Balaenoptera physalus. In this study, concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in blubber biopsies and stable isotope values for nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) were measured using skin biopsies for 18 blue whales and 12 fin whales sampled in waters surrounding the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. The samples were collected in summer during the period 2014-2018. POPs were dominated by DDTs, PCBs and toxaphenes, with median concentrations in blue/fin whales being 208/341, 127/275 and 133/233 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Linear models indicated that pollutant concentrations were 1.6-3 times higher in fin whales than in blue whales, which is likely related to the higher trophic positions of fin whales, as indicated by their higher δ15N. Lower δ13C in fin whales suggests that they feed at higher latitudes than blue whales; these values were not correlated with pollutant concentrations. Pollutant levels were approximately twice as high in males compared to females (intraspecifically), which indicates that females of these species offload pollutants to their offspring during gestation and lactation, similar to many other mammalian species. Pollutant concentrations in balaenopterid whales from Svalbard waters were generally much lower than in conspecific whales from the Mediterranean Sea or the Gulf of California, but higher than those in conspecifics from the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway
| | - Aaron T Fisk
- School of the Environment, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Arntraut Götsch
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway
| | | | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway.
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Lühmann K, Lille-Langøy R, Øygarden L, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Goksøyr A, Routti H. Environmental Pollutants Modulate Transcriptional Activity of Nuclear Receptors of Whales In Vitro. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:5629-5639. [PMID: 32212695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the transcriptional activity of fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and thyroid hormone receptor β (THRB), when exposed to 14 persistent organic pollutants (so-called "legacy" persistent organic pollutants (POPs)) and a synthetic mixture of POPs, using GAL4-UAS-based in vitro luciferase reporter gene assays. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) had both agonistic and antagonistic effects on PPARG and GR, and mainly antagonistic, except for PCB153, effects on THRB. 1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) and its metabolites had mainly antagonistic effects on all of the receptors, except for o,p'-DDT. Given that the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of PPARG is the same in killer whales, white whales, polar bears, and humans, and that GR-LBD is identical in killer whales and minke whales and that the LBD of THRB is the same in killer whales, white whales, and humans, it is likely that the results of this study are representative for these other species as well. It is important to note that several environmental pollutants modulated the transcriptional activity of tested nuclear receptors at environmentally relevant concentrations for whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lühmann
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University Koblenz-Landau, Landau in der Pfalz 76829, Germany
| | - Roger Lille-Langøy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Lene Øygarden
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | | | - Anders Goksøyr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
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Pedro S, Dietz R, Sonne C, Rosing-Asvid A, Hansen M, McKinney MA. Are vitamins A and E associated with persistent organic pollutants and fatty acids in the blubber of highly contaminated killer whales (Orcinus orca) from Greenland? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108602. [PMID: 31398560 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We quantified blubber concentrations of vitamins A (retinol) and E (α-tocopherol) and evaluated associations with persistent organic pollutants (ΣPOPs) in 14 highly-contaminated killer whales (Orcinus orca) sampled in Greenland from 2012 to 2014. We considered the influence of blubber depth, sex/age class and diet (based on biomass % of major fatty acids) in these relationships. Blubber concentrations of vitamin A averaged 34.1 ± 4.7 μg g-1 wet weight (ww) and vitamin E averaged 35.6 ± 4.4 μg g-1 ww. Although overall vitamin A concentrations did not vary between inner (closer to the muscle) and outer (closer to the skin) blubber layer or between sub-adults and adult females, concentrations in the outer layer of sub-adults were lower compared to the outer layer of adult females (p = 0.03). Outer layer may therefore reflect age accumulation of vitamin A, while in the more active inner layer, age effects might be masked by metabolic needs such as lactation. Neither diet nor ΣPOPs affected vitamin A variation, suggesting this vitamin is highly regulated in the body. Given the high exposures in these killer whales, vitamin A might not be a sensitive biomarker for POPs adverse effects. Vitamin E concentrations were significantly higher in inner compared to outer layer (p < 0.001), likely associated with blubber composition, suggesting that biopsies may not fully represent vitamin E concentrations in blubber. Age-accumulation of vitamin E also occurred with higher concentrations in adult females compared to sub-adults, independent of blubber depth (p < 0.01). Diet, ΣPOPs, and an interaction between these two variables significantly affected vitamin E variation in inner blubber, explaining 91% of this variation. The negative relationship between ΣPOPs (especially Σdichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and Σchlordanes in outer layers) and vitamin E was observed only in killer whales with a diet poorer in polyunsaturated fatty acids, suggested that killer whales feeding more consistently on marine mammals in Arctic environments over a fish-based diet, may be at higher risk of POP-induced disruption in vitamin E homeostasis. Considering diet is therefore important to understand the potential effects of elevated contaminant exposures on levels of certain essential nutrients, i.e., vitamin E, in killer whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pedro
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - R Dietz
- Department of Biosciences, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - C Sonne
- Department of Biosciences, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - A Rosing-Asvid
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, DK-3900, Greenland
| | - M Hansen
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - M A McKinney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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11
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Wise JP, Croom-Perez TJ, Meaza I, Aboueissa AM, López Montalvo CA, Martin-Bras M, Speer RM, Bonilla-Garzón A, Urbán R J, Perkins C, Wise JP. A whale of a tale: A One Environmental Health approach to study metal pollution in the Sea of Cortez. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 376:58-69. [PMID: 31078588 PMCID: PMC6602082 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Marine metal pollution is an emerging concern for human, animal, and ecosystem health. We considered metal pollution in the Sea of Cortez, which is a relatively isolated sea rich in biodiversity. Here there are potentially significant anthropogenic inputs of pollution from agriculture and metal mining. We considered the levels of 23 heavy metals and selenium in seven distinct cetacean species found in the area. Our efforts considered two different periods of time: 1999 and 2016/17. We considered the metal levels in relation to (1) all species together across years, (2) differences between suborders Odontoceti and Mysticeti, (3) each species individually across years, and (4) gender differences for each of these comparisons. We further compared metal levels found in sperm whale skin samples collected during these voyages to a previous voyage in 1999, to assess changes in metal levels over a longer timescale. The metals Mg, Fe, Al, and Zn were found at the highest concentrations across all species and all years. For sperm whales, we observed decreased metal levels from 1999 to 2016/2017, except for iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr), which either increased or did not change during this time period. These results indicate a recent change in the metal input to the Sea of Cortez, which may indicate a decreased concern for human, animal, and ecosystem health for some metals, but raises concern for the genotoxic metals Cr and Ni. This work was supported by NIEHS grant ES016893 (J.P.W.) and numerous donors to the Wise Laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Pierce Wise
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Idoia Meaza
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY, USA
| | | | - Carlos A López Montalvo
- Departamento de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. La Paz, BCS, México
| | - Mark Martin-Bras
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rachel M Speer
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Andrea Bonilla-Garzón
- Departamento de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. La Paz, BCS, México
| | - Jorge Urbán R
- Departamento de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur. La Paz, BCS, México
| | - Christopher Perkins
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - John Pierce Wise
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, 500 S Preston St, Rm 1422, Louisville, KY, USA.
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12
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Marsili L, Di Guardo G, Mazzariol S, Casini S. Insights Into Cetacean Immunology: Do Ecological and Biological Factors Make the Difference? Front Immunol 2019; 10:1219. [PMID: 31214183 PMCID: PMC6554325 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related protein A (MICA) in fibroblast cell cultures of cetaceans (skin biopsies of free-ranging specimens and skin samples of freshly stranded cetaceans) by an immunofluorescence technique and to outline possible variations in MICA expression linked to different ecological and biological factors, while also investigating MICA expression after in vitro treatments with different contaminants. Free-ranging or stranded specimens of cetaceans were sampled in the Sea of Cortez (Mexico) (Balaenoptera edeni, Delphinus capensis, and Orcinus orca) and in the Mediterranean Sea (Balaenoptera physalus, Physeter macrocephalus, Tursiops truncatus, and Stenella coeruleoalba). Cell cultures were treated with an OC mixture, flame retardants, PAHs, MeHg, and BPA. The three species from the Sea of Cortez showed higher basal activity of MICA and lower levels of DDTs and PCBs than the Mediterranean species. A Pearson's linear coefficient equal to −0.45 also confirmed this tendency to have high levels of MICA and low total OC levels. Treatment of cultured fibroblasts with different contaminants mostly resulted in the upregulation of MICA protein expression by at least one treatment dose; downregulation was also found in some species or treatments. MICA alteration indicates a state of stress of the organism and a modification of the immune system's response and can be proposed as a non-invasive immunological marker that can be measured in skin biopsy samples, thus offering a good alternative to blood measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Marsili
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Mazzariol
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Casini
- Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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13
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Bartalini A, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Marsili L, Mazzariol S, Fossi MC, Jiménez B. Evaluation of PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs and PBDEs in sperm whales from the Mediterranean Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 653:1417-1425. [PMID: 30759580 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies to date have reported concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in different marine mammal species worldwide. Yet data on sperm whales are scarce from rich and unique biodiverse areas such as the Mediterranean Sea. This work aimed to assess levels of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) in blubber of sperm whales stranded along the Italian coast between 2008 and 2016. POP mean concentrations (dl-PCBs: 6410 ng/g l.w.; PBDEs: 612 ng/g l.w.; PCDD/Fs: 57.8 pg/g l.w.) were mostly in line with what has been previously reported on the same species in the Mediterranean environment and tended to be higher than those reported from other geographical regions. The relative abundance followed the order dl-PCBs > PBDEs ≫ PCDD/Fs. Interestingly, the non-ortho dl-PCB pattern (126 > 169 > 77) was similar to that described in other studies worldwide and different from what is described in its main prey. This could be linked to particular metabolic activities in sperm whales against these highly toxic contaminants. Total TEQs ranged from 275 to 987 pg/g l.w. and showed the pattern Σnon-ortho-dl-PCBs > Σortho-dl-PCBs > PCDDs > PCDFs, with PCBs' contribution about 96%. These findings highlight the high abundance of PCBs still found in the Mediterranean environment despite having been banned for decades. All sperm whales analyzed in this study surpassed the threshold of 210 pg WHO-TEQ/g l.w. proposed as starting point of immunosuppression in harbour seals; a level of contamination that may have contributed to an impairment of their immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bartalini
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - J Muñoz-Arnanz
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, CSIC. Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - L Marsili
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - S Mazzariol
- Department of Public Health, Comparative Pathology and Veterinary Hygiene, University of Padova, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - M C Fossi
- Department of Environmental, Earth and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, Siena, Italy
| | - B Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, CSIC. Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
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14
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Muñoz-Arnanz J, Chirife AD, Galletti Vernazzani B, Cabrera E, Sironi M, Millán J, Attard CRM, Jiménez B. First assessment of persistent organic pollutant contamination in blubber of Chilean blue whales from Isla de Chiloé, southern Chile. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:1521-1528. [PMID: 30308837 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were assessed for the first time in blue whales from the South Pacific Ocean. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its main metabolites (DDTs), were determined in 40 blubber samples from 36 free-ranging individuals and one stranded, dead animal along the coast of southern Chile between 2011 and 2013. PCBs were the most abundant pollutants (2.97-975 ng/g l.w.), followed by DDTs (3.50-537 ng/g l.w.), HCB (nd-77.5 ng/g l.w.) and PBDEs (nd-33.4 ng/g l.w). There was evidence of differences between sexes, with lower loads in females potentially due to pollutants passing to calves. POP concentrations were higher in specimens sampled in 2013; yet, between-year differences were only statistically significant for HCB and PBDEs. Lower chlorinated (penta > tetra > tri) and brominated (tetra > tri) congeners were the most prevalent among PCBs and PBDEs, respectively, mostly in agreement with findings previously reported in blue and other baleen whales. The present study provides evidence of lower levels of contamination by POPs in eastern South Pacific blue whales in comparison to those reported for the Northern Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Muñoz-Arnanz
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, Madrid, Spain.
| | - A D Chirife
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - B Galletti Vernazzani
- Centro de Conservación Cetacea (CCC), Casilla 19178 Correo Alonso de Cordoba, Santiago, Chile
| | - E Cabrera
- Centro de Conservación Cetacea (CCC), Casilla 19178 Correo Alonso de Cordoba, Santiago, Chile
| | - M Sironi
- Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas, O'Higgins 4380, 1429 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - J Millán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, República 252, Santiago, Chile
| | - C R M Attard
- Molecular Ecology Lab, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia; Cetacean Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution Lab, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - B Jiménez
- Department of Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry, (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, Madrid, Spain
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15
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Pedro S, Boba C, Dietz R, Sonne C, Rosing-Asvid A, Hansen M, Provatas A, McKinney MA. Blubber-depth distribution and bioaccumulation of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in Arctic-invading killer whales. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 601-602:237-246. [PMID: 28554115 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Sightings of killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Greenland have increased in recent years, coincident with sea ice loss. These killer whales are likely from fish-feeding North Atlantic populations, but may have access to marine mammal prey in Greenlandic waters, which could lead to increased exposures to biomagnifying contaminants. Most studies on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and organochlorine (OC) contaminants in killer whales have used biopsies which may not be representative of contaminant concentrations through the entire blubber depth. Here, we measured PCB and OC concentrations in 10 equal-length blubber sections of 18 killer whales harvested in southeast Greenland (2012-2014), and 3 stranded in the Faroe Islands (2008) and Denmark (2005). Overall, very high concentrations of ΣPCB, Σchlordanes (ΣCHL), and Σdichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (ΣDDT) were found in the southeast Greenland and Denmark individuals (means of ~40 to 70mgkg-1 lipid weight). These concentrations were higher than in the Faroe Island individuals (means of ~2 to 5mgkg-1 lipid weight) and above those previously reported for other fish-feeding killer whales in the North Atlantic, likely in part due to additional feeding on marine mammals. On a wet weight basis, concentrations of all contaminants were significantly lower in the outermost blubber layer (0.15-0.65cm) compared to all other layers (p<0.01), except for Σhexachlorocyclohexanes. However, after lipid correction, no variation was found for ΣCHL and Σchlorobenzene concentrations, while the outermost layer(s) still showed significantly lower ΣPCB, ΣDDT, Σmirex, Σendosulfan, and dieldrin concentrations than one or more of the inner layers. Yet, the magnitude of these differences was low (up to 2-fold) suggesting that a typical biopsy may be a reasonable representation of the PCB and OC concentrations reported in killer whales, at least on a lipid weight basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pedro
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Conor Boba
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde DK-4000, Denmark
| | | | - Martin Hansen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Anthony Provatas
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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16
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Lehnert K, Ronnenberg K, Weijs L, Covaci A, Das K, Hellwig V, Siebert U. Xenobiotic and Immune-Relevant Molecular Biomarkers in Harbor Seals as Proxies for Pollutant Burden and Effects. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:106-120. [PMID: 26296438 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0202-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Harbor seals are exposed to increasing pressure caused by anthropogenic activities in their marine environment. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace elements are hazardous contaminants that accumulate in tissues of harbor seals. POPs and trace elements can negatively affect the immune-system and have been reported, e.g., to increase susceptibility to viral infections in seals. Biomarkers of the xenobiotic metabolism, cytokines, and heat-shock protein as cell mediators of the immune-system were established to evaluate the impact of environmental stressors on harbor seals. Harbor seals (n = 54) were captured on sandbanks in the North Sea during 2009-2012. Health assessments, including hematology, were performed, and RNAlater blood samples were taken and analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Normalized transcript copy numbers were correlated to hematology and POP concentration in blood and trace metals in blood and fur. A significant correlation between xenobiotic markers and contaminant burden was found. Significant interrelationships between markers and POP compounds, as well as with season, weight, and hematology values, indicate that biomarkers reflect pollutant exposure and effects. A significant relationship between cortisol levels and heat-shock protein expression was observed indicating stress experienced during restraint of the seals. Interleukin-10 transcription showed significant correlations with trace elements in fur pointing toward immune regulatory effects of metal exposure. The molecular markers prove to be an important noninvasive tool that reflects contaminant exposure and the impact of anthropogenic stressors in seal species. The connection between interleukin-2, xenobiotic markers, and pollutants may indicate immune suppression in animals exposed to contaminants with subsequent susceptibility to inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761, Büsum, Germany.
- Institute for Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
| | - Katrin Ronnenberg
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Liesbeth Weijs
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD, 4108, Australia
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Krishna Das
- Laboratory of Oceanology-MARE Centre, University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Veronika Hellwig
- Institute for Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Centre for Materials and Coastal Research, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761, Büsum, Germany
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