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Noren DP, Johnson S, Boyd D, Ylitalo GM, Lundin J, McCormley M, Jensen ED. The dynamics of persistent organic pollutant (POP) transfer from female bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to their calves during lactation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:167888. [PMID: 37863220 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167888] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are lipophilic compounds that can accumulate in high concentrations in the blubber of marine mammals, which are long-lived, top-level predators in their ecosystems. These compounds, which include DDTs, PCBs, PBDEs, HCHs, and CHLDs, impact mammalian health, including neurological effects, reduced immune system efficiency, and reproductive failure. POPs are transferred from females to their offspring during gestation and lactation, which have implications for the health of newborn marine mammals, particularly first-born offspring who receive higher concentrations. The dynamics of POP transfer during lactation have been studied in a few pinniped species, but there are no comparable studies on living cetaceans. Because life history strategies and behavior of lactating phocids differ from dolphins, a study on delphinid maternal transfer is warranted. To accomplish this, placenta and longitudinally collected blood and milk samples were taken concurrently from trained bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, mother/calf pairs to assess the dynamics of maternal contaminant transfer. Initial POP levels in placenta, blood serum, and milk varied by individual and were related to the age and reproductive history of the females. Regardless of initial POP levels, maternal serum and milk concentrations decreased while calf serum POP levels increased over time. Pollutant transfer varied by POP class and by congener. Contaminant transfer efficiency to calves was most apparent for 4- to 6‑chlorine PCBs, DDT isomers p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDD, and o,p'-DDE, trans-nonachlor, cis-nonachlor, heptachlor epoxide, nonachlor III, and oxychlordane. By the end of the lactation period, calf serum POP levels were considerably greater than those of their mothers, particularly for compounds with fewer chlorines. POP levels were most biomagnified in the calf born to the primiparous female. These results provide critical information on one component of contaminant transfer in the marine ecosystem and for understanding potential risks of POP exposure to developing odontocete calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn P Noren
- Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
| | - Shawn Johnson
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daryle Boyd
- Environmental Fisheries and Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental Fisheries and Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jessica Lundin
- National Research Council, Under Contract to Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Molly McCormley
- Lynker, Under Contract to Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eric D Jensen
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, CA, USA
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López-Berenguer G, Acosta-Dacal A, Luzardo OP, Peñalver J, Martínez-López E. POPs concentrations in cetaceans stranded along the agricultural coastline of SE Spain show lower burdens of industrial pollutants in comparison to other Mediterranean cetaceans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:159743. [PMID: 36461580 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the Mediterranean Sea being one of the world's marine biodiversity hotspots, it is a hotspot of various environmental pollutants. This sea holds eight cetacean with resident populations whose numbers are considered to decline in the last decades and which are particularly susceptible to POPs bioaccumulation due to their peculiar characteristics. In this work, we studied blubber concentration of various OCPs and several PCBs and PBDEs congeners in cetaceans stranded in the northern coast of the Gulf of Vera (Region of Murcia, SE Spain) between 2011 and 2018. Most compounds and congeners were above the limit of detection in most samples, although some pesticides like endosulfan stereoisomers or endrin were never detected. DDT and its metabolites, PCBs and metoxychlor appear as the dominant compounds while PBDEs shows concentrations of lower magnitude. Striped dolphin was the species accounting for higher concentrations of most pollutants. There were differences in concentrations and profiles between species which could be partially explained by differences on diet and feeding behavior. We also observed differences based on life history parameters suggesting maternal transfer for most POPs, in accordance with other works. DDE/ ΣDDT ratio suggest no recent exposure to these pesticides. Despite showing lower concentrations than some previous works, PCB concentrations accounted for higher total TEQ than many studies. According to toxicity thresholds in the literature, we cannot guarantee the absence of health consequences on populations studied, especially for those caused by PCBs. These findings are of major importance considering the relevance of the study area in the conservation of Mediterranean cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Acosta-Dacal
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - O P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Paseo Blas Cabrera s/n, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J Peñalver
- Area of Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Spain; Fishing and Aquaculture Service (CARM), Murcia, Spain
| | - E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Spain.
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Xie Z, Zhang X, Xie Y, Wu J, Wu Y. Occurrences and potential lipid-disrupting effects of phthalate metabolites in humpback dolphins from the South China Sea. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 441:129939. [PMID: 36096058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, arising growing public concern. Nevertheless, information on the exposure and risks of PAEs in wildlife remains limited. Here, we conducted the first investigation of the occurrences, spatiotemporal trends, and potential risks of twelve metabolites of PAEs (mPAEs) in 74 humpback dolphins from the northern South China Sea during 2005-2020. All twelve mPAEs (∑12mPAEs: 9.6-810.7 ng g-1 wet weight) were detected in the dolphin liver, and seven major mPAEs showed increasing trends during the study period, indicating high PAE contamination in the coastal environment of South China. Monoethylhexyl phthalate accounted for over half of the ∑12mPAE concentrations. The accumulation of mPAEs in the dolphins was neither age-dependent nor sex-specific. Compared to parent PAEs, mPAEs generally induced higher agonistic effects on the dolphin peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma (PPARA/G) as master regulators of lipid homeostasis. Although short-term in vitro assays revealed no significant activation of dolphin PPARA/G by tissue-relevant doses of mPAEs, long-term in vivo evidence (i.e., correlations between hepatic mPAEs and blubber fatty acids) suggested that chronic exposure to mPAEs might have impacted lipid metabolism in the dolphin. This study highlighted the potential health risks of PAE exposure on marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhui Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University. Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University. Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Yanqing Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University. Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Jiaxue Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University. Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University. Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China.
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van den Heuvel-Greve MJ, van den Brink AM, Kotterman MJJ, Kwadijk CJAF, Geelhoed SCV, Murphy S, van den Broek J, Heesterbeek H, Gröne A, IJsseldijk LL. Polluted porpoises: Generational transfer of organic contaminants in harbour porpoises from the southern North Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148936. [PMID: 34328906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), bioaccumulate in marine ecosystems. Top predators contain high levels of POPs in their lipid-rich tissues, which may result in adverse effects on their reproductive, immune and endocrine functions. Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are among the smallest of cetaceans and live under high metabolic demand, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental pressures. Using samples from individuals of all maturity classes and sexes stranded along the southern North Sea (n = 121), we show the generational transfer of PCBs, PBDEs and HCB from adults to foetuses. Porpoise placentas contained 1.3-8.2 mg/kg lipid weight (lw) Sum-17PCB, <dl-0.08 mg/kg lw Sum-17PBDE and 0.14-0.16 mg/kg lw HCB, which were similar to concentrations in foetus blubber. Contaminant levels increased significantly after birth through suckling. Milk samples contained 0.20-33.8 mg/kg lw Sum-17PCB, 0.002-0.51 mg/kg lw Sum-17PBDE and 0.03-0.21 mg/kg lw HCB. Especially lower halogenated and more toxic contaminants were transferred to calves, exposing them to high levels of contaminants early in life. Of all animals included in this study, 38.5% had PCB concentrations exceeding a threshold level for negative health effects (>9 mg/kg lw). This was particularly true for adult males (92.3% >9 mg/kg lw), while adult females had relatively low PCB levels (10.5% >9 mg/kg lw) due to offloading. Nutritional stress led to higher offloading in the milk, causing a greater potential for toxicity in calves of nutritionally stressed females. No correlation between PCB concentration and parasite infestation was detected, although the probability of a porpoise dying due to infectious disease or debilitation increased with increasing PCB concentrations. Despite current regulations to reduce pollution, these results provide further evidence of potential health effects of POPs on harbour porpoises of the southern North Sea, which may consequently increase their susceptibility to other pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine J van den Heuvel-Greve
- Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 77, 4400 AB Yerseke, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Marine Animal Ecology, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - Steve C V Geelhoed
- Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 77, 4400 AB Yerseke, the Netherlands
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Galway, H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Jan van den Broek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Heesterbeek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke L IJsseldijk
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Hall AJ, McConnell BJ, Schwacke LH, Ylitalo GM, Williams R, Rowles TK. Predicting the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on cetacean populations through impacts on immunity and calf survival. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 233:407-418. [PMID: 29096314 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The potential impact of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the health and survival of cetaceans continues to be an issue for conservation and management, yet few quantitative approaches for estimating population level effects have been developed. An individual based model (IBM) for assessing effects on both calf survival and immunity was developed and tested. Three case study species (bottlenose dolphin, humpback whale and killer whale) in four populations were taken as examples and the impact of varying levels of PCB uptake on achievable population growth was assessed. The unique aspect of the model is its ability to evaluate likely effects of immunosuppression in addition to calf survival, enabling consequences of PCB exposure on immune function on all age-classes to be explored. By incorporating quantitative tissue concentration-response functions from laboratory animal model species into an IBM framework, population trajectories were generated. Model outputs included estimated concentrations of PCBs in the blubber of females by age, which were then compared to published empirical data. Achievable population growth rates were more affected by the inclusion of effects of PCBs on immunity than on calf survival, but the magnitude depended on the virulence of any subsequent encounter with a pathogen and the proportion of the population exposed. Since the starting population parameters were from historic studies, which may already be impacted by PCBs, the results should be interpreted on a relative rather than an absolute basis. The framework will assist in providing quantitative risk assessments for populations of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK.
| | - Bernie J McConnell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental Fisheries and Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA
| | - Rob Williams
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Teri K Rowles
- Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
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Damseaux F, Kiszka JJ, Heithaus MR, Scholl G, Eppe G, Thomé JP, Lewis J, Hao W, Fontaine MC, Das K. Spatial variation in the accumulation of POPs and mercury in bottlenose dolphins of the Lower Florida Keys and the coastal Everglades (South Florida). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:577-587. [PMID: 27742439 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is an upper trophic level predator and the most common cetacean species found in nearshore waters of southern Florida, including the Lower Florida Keys (LFK) and the Florida Coastal Everglades (FCE). The objective of this study was to assess contamination levels of total mercury (T-Hg) in skin and persistent organic pollutants (PCBs, PBDEs, DDXs, HCHs, HCB, Σ PCDD/Fs and Σ DL-PCBs) in blubber samples of bottlenose dolphins from LFK (n = 27) and FCE (n = 24). PCBs were the major class of compounds found in bottlenose dolphin blubber and were higher in individuals from LFK (Σ 6 PCBs LFK males: 13,421 ± 7730 ng g-1 lipids, Σ 6 PCBs LFK females: 9683 ± 19,007 ng g-1 lipids) than from FCE (Σ 6 PCBs FCE males: 5638 ng g-1 ± 3627 lipids, Σ 6 PCBs FCE females: 1427 ± 908 ng g-1 lipids). These levels were lower than previously published data from the southeastern USA. The Σ DL-PCBs were the most prevalent pollutants of dioxin and dioxin like compounds (Σ DL-PCBs LFK: 739 ng g-1 lipids, Σ DL-PCBs FCE: 183 ng g-1 lipids) since PCDD/F concentrations were low for both locations (mean 0.1 ng g-1 lipids for LFK and FCE dolphins). The toxicity equivalences of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs expressed as TEQ in LFK and FCE dolphins is mainly expressed by DL-PCBs (81% LFK - 65% FCE). T-Hg concentrations in skin were significantly higher in FCE (FCE median 9314 ng g-1 dw) compared to LFK dolphins (LFK median 2941 ng g-1 dw). These concentrations are the highest recorded in bottlenose dolphins in the southeastern USA, and may be explained, at least partially, by the biogeochemistry of the Everglades and mangrove sedimentary habitats that create favourable conditions for the retention of mercury and make it available at high concentrations for aquatic predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- France Damseaux
- Laboratory of Oceanology-MARE, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology-CART, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st street, North Miami, FL33181, USA
| | - Michael R Heithaus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st street, North Miami, FL33181, USA
| | - George Scholl
- CART, University of Liège, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Gauthier Eppe
- CART, University of Liège, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Thomé
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology-CART, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Wensi Hao
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michaël C Fontaine
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Krishna Das
- Laboratory of Oceanology-MARE, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Gallo-Reynoso JP, Malek TB, García-Hernández J, Vázquez-Moreno L, Segura-García I. Concentrations of DDE in blubber biopsies of free-ranging long-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus capensis) in the Gulf of California. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2015; 94:6-11. [PMID: 25376965 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-014-1414-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) in the Gulf of California have been exposed to persistent contaminants that originated in large agricultural areas near the coast. Live common dolphins were sampled by remote dart biopsies to determine concentrations of tDDT in blubber. Life stage and initial gender identification was determined by field observations. Gender was confirmed by genetic analysis of the skin. Concentration of tDDT in blubber was analyzed by gas chromatography. The 16 samples collected consisted of: 2 adult males, 6 adult females, and 8 juveniles. 4,4'-DDE was detected in most of the samples with 4,4'-DDD and 4,4'-DDT under detection levels. Concentrations of DDE varied from non-detectable to 87.3 µg/g lipid weight with a median of 16 µg/g lipid weight. The highest concentration was detected in an immature female. No differences were detected between gender or life stage but this could be attributed to small sample size. We recommend continued sampling of D. capensis blubber biopsies from the Gulf of California in order to relate these levels with affected in vitro biomarkers such as mixed function oxidase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Gallo-Reynoso
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A. C., Carretera a Varadero Nacional, Km. 6.6, Colonia Las Playitas, C.P. 85480, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico,
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Lyons K, Lowe CG. Quantification of maternal offloading of organic contaminants in elasmobranchs using the histotrophic round stingray (Urobatis halleri) as a model. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2013; 47:12450-12458. [PMID: 24073960 DOI: 10.1021/es402347d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Maternal offloading is one route by which young animals may accumulate persistent organic pollutants, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but has not been well documented in elasmobranchs despite their propensity to accumulate high concentrations of contaminants. Using the round stingray (Urobatis halleri) as a coastal elasmobranch model, we examined maternal offloading processes at two stages in the stingray's entire reproductive cycle. Post-ovulated and near-term pregnant female stingrays were sampled from southern California, and organic contaminants were measured in the ova and embryonic tissues and compared to concentrations measured in corresponding female livers to determine route and extent of transfer. Total organic contaminant loads measured in ovulated eggs were about two times lower than loads measured in embryos (p < 0.001) indicating mothers have the ability to transfer contaminants throughout pregnancy. Contaminant loads measured in pups showed a positive relationship with mother's contaminant concentrations (p < 0.001); however, mothers offloaded relatively low percentages (1.5 ± 1.7%) of their total contaminant load using contaminants measured in the liver as a proxy. However, histotrophy is only one form of supplemental provisioning utilized by elasmobranchs and variation in reproductive modes likely influences the extent to which female elasmobranchs may maternally offload contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kady Lyons
- California State University, Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90840, United States
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Fair PA, Adams J, Mitchum G, Hulsey TC, Reif JS, Houde M, Muir D, Wirth E, Wetzel D, Zolman E, McFee W, Bossart GD. Contaminant blubber burdens in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from two southeastern US estuarine areas: concentrations and patterns of PCBs, pesticides, PBDEs, PFCs, and PAHs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:1577-1597. [PMID: 20096443 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Revised: 12/12/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides (i.e., dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, chlordanes (CHLs), dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and mirex), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in blubber biopsy samples collected from 139 wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during 2003-2005 in Charleston (CHS), SC and the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL. Dolphins accumulated a similar suite of contaminants with summation operatorPCB dominating (CHS 64%, IRL 72%), followed by summation operatorDDT (CHS 20%, IRL 17%), summation operatorCHLs (CHS 7%; IRL 7%), summation operatorPBDE (CHS 4%, IRL 2%), PAH at 2%, and dieldrin, PFCs and mirex each 1% or less. Together summation operatorPCB and summation operatorDDT concentrations contributed approximately 87% of the total POCs measured in blubber of adult males. summation operatorPCBs in adult male dolphins exceed the established PCB threshold of 17mg/kg by a 5-fold order of magnitude with a 15-fold increase for many animals; 88% of the dolphins exceed this threshold. For male dolphins, CHS (93,980ng/g lipid) had a higher summation operatorPCBs geomean compared to the IRL (79,752ng/g lipid) although not statistically different. In adult males, the PBDE geometric mean concentration was significantly higher in CHS (5920ng/g lipid) than the IRL (1487ng/g). Blubber summation operatorPFCs concentrations were significantly higher in CHS dolphins. In addition to differences in concentration of PCB congeners, summation operatorPBDE, TEQ, summation operatorCHLs, mirex, dieldrin, and the ratios summation operatorDDE/ summation operatorDDT and trans-nonachlor/cis-nonachlor were the most informative for discriminating contaminant loads in these two dolphin populations. Collectively, the current summation operatorPCB, summation operatorDDT, and summation operatorPBDEs blubber concentrations found in CHS dolphins are among the highest reported values in marine mammals. Both dolphin populations, particularly those in CHS, carry a suite of organic chemicals at or above the level where adverse effects have been reported in wildlife, humans, and laboratory animals warranting further examination of the potential adverse effects of these exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Fair
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
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Pulster EL, Maruya KA. Geographic specificity of Aroclor 1268 in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) frequenting the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary, Georgia (USA). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 393:367-375. [PMID: 18272207 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2007] [Revised: 12/14/2007] [Accepted: 12/17/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Coastal marine resources are at risk from anthropogenic contaminants, including legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with half-lives of decades or more. To determine if polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) signatures can be used to distinguish among local populations of inshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) along the southeastern U.S. coast, blubber from free-ranging and stranded animals were collected along the Georgia coast in 2004 and analyzed for PCB congeners using gas chromatography with electron capture and negative chemical ionization mass spectrometric detection (GC-ECD and GC-NCI-MS). Mean total PCB concentrations (77+/-34 microg/g lipid) were more than 10 fold higher and congener distributions were highly enriched in Cl(7)-Cl(10) homologs in free-ranging animals from the Turtle/Brunswick River estuary (TBRE) compared with strandings samples from Savannah area estuaries 90 km to the north. Using principal components analysis (PCA), the Aroclor 1268 signature associated with TBRE animals was distinct from that observed in Savannah area animals, and also from those in animals biopsied in other southeastern U.S estuaries. Moreover, PCB signatures in dolphin blubber closely resembled those in local preferred prey fish species, strengthening the hypothesis that inshore T. truncatus populations exhibit long-term fidelity to specific estuaries and making them excellent sentinels for assessing the impact of stressors on coastal ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Pulster
- Marine Sciences Department, Savannah State University, Savannah, GA 31404, USA.
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11
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Borrell A, Cantos G, Aguilar A, Androukaki E, Dendrinos P. Concentrations and patterns of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) from Western Sahara and Greece. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2007; 381:316-25. [PMID: 17499843 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2006] [Revised: 03/09/2007] [Accepted: 03/13/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Blubber from Mediterranean monk seals (Monachus monachus) from the Western Sahara coast (Atlantic), sampled during 1996-1999, and from the Greek coast (Mediterranean), sampled during 1995-1999, was analyzed for organochlorine pollutants (OCs). In both populations, no significant difference was found between sexes. In the Atlantic population, mature females presented greater percentages of higher chlorinated PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) congeners in relation to total PCBs (sum of 25 congeners) than pups, indicating a differential transfer of PCB congeners through lactation. In the Mediterranean, the reduced sample size of adult individuals precluded proper statistical investigation of age-related variation. Significant differences in concentrations and pollutant patterns were found between populations. Thus, Mediterranean individuals presented significantly higher levels of HCB (hexachlorobenzene), tPCB, and DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) concentrations and DDE/tDDT and tDDT/tPCB ratios than their counterparts from the Atlantic. Moreover, the relative proportion of different congeners in relation to the total PCB load (congener/tPCB) was also different between the two areas. The 100*tDDT/tPCB ratio in Atlantic seals was 38.46, which indicates a predominance of industrial inputs over those associated with agriculture. Conversely, in the Mediterranean seal population, the 100*tDDT/tPCB ratio was 177.1, denoting a proportionally higher contribution of pollutants of agricultural origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assumpció Borrell
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
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12
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Hall AJ, McConnell BJ, Rowles TK, Aguilar A, Borrell A, Schwacke L, Reijnders PJH, Wells RS. Individual-based model framework to assess population consequences of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure in bottlenose dolphins. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2006; 114 Suppl 1:60-4. [PMID: 16818247 PMCID: PMC1874180 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are susceptible to the effects of anthropogenic contaminants. Here we examine the effect of different polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) accumulation scenarios on potential population growth rates using, as an example, data obtained for the population of bottlenose dolphins from Sarasota Bay, Florida. To achieve this goal, we developed an individual-based model framework that simulates the accumulation of PCBs in the population and modifies first-year calf survival based on maternal blubber PCB levels. In our example the current estimated annual PCB accumulation rate for the Sarasota Bay dolphin population might be depressing the potential population growth rate. However, our predictions are limited both by model naivety and parameter uncertainty. We emphasize the need for more data collection on the relationship between maternal blubber PCB levels and calf survivorship, the annual accumulation of PCBs in the blubber of females, and the transfer of PCBs to the calf through the placenta and during lactation. Such data require continued efforts directed toward long-term studies of known individuals in wild and semiwild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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13
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Wells RS, Tornero V, Borrell A, Aguilar A, Rowles TK, Rhinehart HL, Hofmann S, Jarman WM, Hohn AA, Sweeney JC. Integrating life-history and reproductive success data to examine potential relationships with organochlorine compounds for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Sarasota Bay, Florida. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2005; 349:106-19. [PMID: 16198673 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2004] [Accepted: 01/12/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Research initiated in 1970 has identified a long-term, year-round resident community of about 140 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Sarasota Bay, Florida, providing unparalleled opportunities to investigate relationships between organochlorine contaminant residues and life-history and reproductive parameters. Many individual dolphins are identifiable and of known age, sex, and maternal lineage (< or =4 generations). Observational monitoring provides data on dolphin spatial and temporal occurrence, births and fates of calves, and birth-order. Capture-release operations conducted for veterinary examinations provide biological data and samples for life-history and contaminant residue measurement. Organochlorine concentrations in blubber and blood (plasma) can be examined relative to age, sex, lipid content, and birth-order. Reproductive success is evaluated through tracking of individual female lifetime calving success. For the current study, 47 blubber samples collected during June 2000 and 2001 were analyzed for PCB concentrations of 22 congeners relative to life-history factors and reproductive success. Prior to sexual maturity, males and females exhibited similar concentrations of about 15-50 ppm. Classical patterns of accumulation with age were identified in males, but not in females. Subsequently, males accumulated higher concentrations of PCBs through their lives (>100 ppm), whereas females begin to depurate with their first calf, reaching a balance between contaminant intake and lactational loss (<15 ppm). In primiparous females, PCB concentrations in blubber and plasma and the rates of first-born calf mortality were both high. First-born calves had higher concentrations than subsequent calves of similar age (>25 vs.<25 ppm). Maternal burdens were lower early in lactation and increased as calves approached nutritional independence. Empirical data were generally consistent with a published theoretical risk assessment and supported the need for incorporation of threats from indirect anthropogenic impacts such as environmental pollutants into species management plans. Long-term observational monitoring and periodic biological sampling provide a powerful, non-lethal approach to understanding relationships between organochlorine residue concentrations in tissues and reproductive parameters for coastal dolphins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA.
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14
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Houde M, Hoekstra PF, Solomon KR, Muir DCG. Organohalogen contaminants in delphinoid cetaceans. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2005; 184:1-57. [PMID: 15790172 DOI: 10.1007/0-387-27565-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This chapter reviews the global distribution, biotransformation, accumulation patterns, and mechanisms of action and the potential impacts of persistent organohalogen contaminants (PHCs) on physiological systems of cetaceans with emphasis on delphinoids. Methods used to study PHCs in stranded and free-living cetaceans are discussed, and concentrations of PHCs of stranded, hunted, by-catch, and free-ranging delphinoids are summarized. Overall, the highest concentrations of PHC contamination were found in delphinoids from industrialized areas of the Northern Hemisphere compared to the Southern Hemisphere. Nonetheless, PHCs are also found in marine mammal tissues from the Southern Hemisphere and in remote regions such as the Arctic, reflecting the global distribution and contamination of PHCs in the marine ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Houde
- University of Guelph, Department of Environmental Biology, Guelph, Ontario NIG 2WI, Canada
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15
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Hansen LJ, Schwacke LH, Mitchum GB, Hohn AA, Wells RS, Zolman ES, Fair PA. Geographic variation in polychorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide concentrations in the blubber of bottlenose dolphins from the US Atlantic coast. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2004; 319:147-172. [PMID: 14967508 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(03)00371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of polychorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other organochlorine contaminants (OCs) were measured in blubber collected from live bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at three sites along the United States Atlantic coast. Dolphins were sampled via surgical biopsy during capture-release studies near Charleston, South Carolina and Beaufort, North Carolina. Additional animals were sampled using remote biopsy techniques in estuarine waters near Charleston and from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida. Overall concentrations of major contaminant groups were found to vary between sites and mean concentrations of most OCs from male dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon were less than half of those measured from Charleston and Beaufort males. Geometric mean total PCB concentrations were 30, 27 and 14 microg/g lipid for male dolphins sampled in Beaufort, Charleston and the Indian River Lagoon, respectively. Significant variation related to sex- and age-class, as well as geographic sampling location, was seen in the PCB congener profiles. The measured PCB concentrations, although lower than those reported for stranded animals from the 1987/1988 epizootic along the United States mid-Atlantic coast, are sufficiently high to warrant concern for the health of dolphins from the sampled populations, particularly the animals near Charleston and Beaufort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry J Hansen
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Stockton, CA 95205, USA
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16
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Borrell A, Aguilar A, Cantos G, Lockyer C, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Jensen J. Organochlorine residues in harbour porpoises from Southwest Greenland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2004; 128:381-391. [PMID: 14720480 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2003.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2002] [Accepted: 09/12/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
During the 1995 hunting season, 75 harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) were sampled in three locations in West Greenland: Maniitsoq, Nuuk, and Paamiut. Sex, age, morphometrics, reproductive condition, and organochlorine compound (OC) levels in blubber were determined for each individual. OC levels were extremely low and, therefore considered unlikely to affect the population adversely: mean blubber concentrations, expressed on lipid weight basis were 1.98 (S.D.=1.1) mg/kg for PCBs, 2.76 (S.D.=1.66) mg/kg for tDDT and 0.21 (S.D.=0.11) mg/kg for HCB. No statistical differences were observed among individuals caught in the various locations. OC concentrations showed statistically significant positive associations with age in males but negative in females; consequently, mature females presented lower pollutant loads than their male counterparts. Juveniles did not show differences between sexes. A higher proportion of less chlorinated and more metabolizable polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) compared to tPCBs was found in calves (age< or =1) than in mature females, indicating that the feeding habits of these two groups differ and that a greater transfer of less chlorinated compounds is passed from females to their pups through lactation and parturition. Harbour porpoises significantly contribute to the dietary intake of OCs by local Inuit populations. This contribution could be reduced if mature males were selectively avoided; however, current hunting procedures make this selection impracticable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asunción Borrell
- Deparment of Animal Biology, University of Barcelona, E-08071 Barcelona, Spain.
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17
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Struntz WDJ, Kucklick JR, Schantz MM, Becker PR, McFee WE, Stolen MK. Persistent organic pollutants in rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) sampled during an unusual mass stranding event. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2004; 48:164-173. [PMID: 14725888 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2003.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William D J Struntz
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
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18
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Aguilar A, Borrell A, Reijnders PJ. Geographical and temporal variation in levels of organochlorine contaminants in marine mammals. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2002; 53:425-452. [PMID: 12054104 DOI: 10.1016/s0141-1136(01)00128-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The interpretation of the spatial and temporal patterns of variation in organochlorine concentrations in marine mammal populations is complex because of the lack of wide-scale, long-term surveys. Therefore the results from several surveys must be combined and this causes undesired heterogeneity due to differences in the sampling and analytical techniques used and in the biological characteristics of the individuals sampled. Moreover, information is not homogeneously distributed in either space or in time. Most research is concentrated in western Europe, northern America and certain areas of Asia, while it is extremely limited or non-existent in Africa and most regions of the southern hemisphere. Marine mammals from the temperate fringe of the northern hemisphere, particularly fish-eating species which inhabit the mid-latitudes of Europe and North America, show the greatest organochlorine loads; noteworthy are the extremely high levels found in the Mediterranean Sea and certain locations on the western coasts of the United States. Concentrations in the tropical and equatorial fringe of the northern hemisphere and throughout the southern hemisphere are low or extremely low. The polar regions of both hemispheres showed the lowest concentrations of DDTs and PCBs, although levels of HCHs, chlordanes and HCB were moderate to high in the cold waters of the North Pacific. During recent decades, concentrations have tended to decrease in the regions where pollution was initially high but they have increased in regions located far from the pollution source as a consequence of atmospheric transport and redistribution. It is expected that the Arctic and, to a lesser extent, the Antarctic, will become major sinks for organochlorines in the future; this process may already be significant for some compounds such as HCB and HCHs. Effort should be devoted to both assessment of organochlorine trends in the now highly polluted populations of the temperate fringe of the northern hemisphere and to the implementation of long-term monitoring of marine mammal populations inhabiting polar regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aguilar
- Department of Animal Biology and GRUMM, Parc Cientific de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Parsons EC, Chan HM. Organochlorine and trace element contamination in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the South China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2001; 42:780-786. [PMID: 11585071 DOI: 10.1016/s0025-326x(00)00191-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E C Parsons
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar.
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20
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Reddy ML, Reif JS, Bachand A, Ridgway SH. Opportunities for using Navy marine mammals to explore associations between organochlorine contaminants and unfavorable effects on reproduction. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2001; 274:171-182. [PMID: 11453294 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(01)00741-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) has a unique marine mammal program maintained by the US Navy that includes the largest force of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, worldwide. In recent years, this population of cetaceans that lives in netted open water enclosures in San Diego Bay has been monitored for levels of organochlorine (OC) contaminants in blubber, blood and milk. Data generated from these studies have afforded insight into the fate and possible effects of OC contaminants in marine mammals. We now report preliminary findings on the effects of maternal OC exposure on pregnancy outcome. Blubber OC levels were compared between females whose calves survived beyond 6 months and females whose calves were stillborn or died within 12 days of birth. The mean concentration of SigmaDDT was more than 3 times as high among dolphins whose calves died as that among dolphins whose calves survived beyond 6 months (P = 0.002). Mean SigmaPCB was more than 2.5 times higher in females whose calves did not survive (P= 0.076). This population is a logical sentinel for the assessment of environmentally mediated disease. Biological tissues and fluids can be sampled on a regular basis from the dolphins for accumulation of tissue residues, facilitated by conditioned husbandry behaviors. These trained behaviors help preclude possible alterations in health measures resulting from capture stress. Animals' diets can be monitored for contaminant levels. With these data, the expertise and facilities available at the Navy laboratory and in collaboration with other experts in the field, controlled studies can be designed to monitor and assess dietary exposure, measurable immune and neurologic responses and assess reproductive and transgenerational effects of contaminants. Biomarkers can be developed to relate the health of individual animals relative to contaminant exposures. Such investigations of natural exposure and response scenarios are a logical adjunct to traditional laboratory toxicity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Reddy
- SAIC Maritime Division, San Diego, CA 92110, USA.
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21
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Borrell A, Cantos G, Pastor T, Aguilar A. Organochlorine compounds in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from the Atlantic and Mediterranean waters of Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2001; 114:265-274. [PMID: 11504349 DOI: 10.1016/s0269-7491(00)00213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Blubber of free-ranging common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from the northwestern coast of Spain (Atlantic), sampled in 1984 and 1996, and of common dolphins entangled in fishing nets in the southwestern Mediterranean, sampled during 1992 1994, was analysed for organochlorine pollutants. In the Atlantic, concentration of all pollutants was significantly higher in males than in females. The overall tPCB/tDDT ratio in this area was 3.35, which indicates a predominance of industrial inputs over those associated with agriculture. Individuals sampled in 1996 showed significantly lower DDT concentrations but a higher ppDDE/tDDT ratio than those sampled in 1984, which reflects the aging of the environmental load. In the same period, tPCB concentration remained constant and, as a consequence, the tPCB/tDDT ratio more than doubled. In the Mediterranean, the reduced sample size of adult individuals precluded proper statistical investigation of sex-related variation. The overall tPCB/tDDT ratio was 1.12, suggesting a higher contribution of pollutants of agricultural origin. Individuals had significantly higher levels of all DDT forms and a higher ppDDE/tDDT ratio than their counterparts from the Atlantic, but similar PCB concentrations. However, the relative frequency of the different congeners in relation to the total PCB load was different in the two areas. This indicates that the two populations do not mix, at least in the short- or medium-term. Organochlorine levels in both areas are at the mid to low end of the range of concentrations detected in other common dolphin populations and in that of other Delphinidae species from the same region. Although the impact of the organochlorine concentrations on the common dolphin populations surveyed cannot be assessed, it is considered unlikely that they have played a significant role in the decline that the species has suffered in recent decades in the western Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- GRUMM, Parc Científic de Barcelona, University of Barcelona, Spain.
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22
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Wilson B, Arnold H, Bearzi G, Fortuna CM, Gaspar R, Ingram S, Liret C, Pribanić S, Read AJ, Ridoux V, Schneider K, Urian KW, Wells RS, Wood C, Thompson PM, Hammond PS. Epidermal diseases in bottlenose dolphins: impacts of natural and anthropogenic factors. Proc Biol Sci 1999; 266:1077-83. [PMID: 10380684 PMCID: PMC1689944 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.1999.0746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies have highlighted the potential influence of contaminants on marine mammal immune function and anthropogenic contaminants are commonly believed to influence the development of diseases observed in the wild. However, estimates of the impact of contaminants on wild populations are constrained by uncertainty over natural variation in disease patterns under different environmental conditions. We used photographic techniques to compare levels of epidermal disease in ten coastal populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) exposed to a wide range of natural and anthropogenic conditions. Epidermal lesions were common in all populations (affecting > 60% of individuals), but both the prevalence and severity of 15 lesion categories varied between populations. No relationships were found between epidermal disease and contaminant levels across the four populations for which toxicological data were available. In contrast, there were highly significant linear relationships with oceanographic variables. In particular, populations from areas of low water temperature and low salinity exhibited higher lesion prevalence and severity. Such conditions may impact on epidermal integrity or produce more general physiological stress, potentially making animals more vulnerable to natural infections or anthropogenic factors. These results show that variations in natural environmental factors must be accounted for when investigating the importance of anthropogenic impacts on disease in wild marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Wilson
- University of Aberdeen, Department of Zoology, Cromarty, Ross-shire, UK.
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Wade TL, Chambers L, Gardinall PR, Serlcano JL, Jackson TJ, Tarpley RJ, Suydam R. Toxaphene, PCB, DDT, and Chlordane Analyses of Beluga whale blubber. CHEMOSPHERE 1997; 34:1351-1357. [PMID: 9134674 DOI: 10.1016/s0045-6535(96)00432-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Beluga whales bioaccumulate organochlorines from their environment. Blubber samples of Beluga Whales from Alaska's north coast contain organochlorines, including Toxaphene (polychlorinated camphenes) PCBs, DDTs and chlordane. Toxaphene was the organochlorine pesticide found in the highest concentration in all samples with the exception of the 6 year old male where PCBs were highest. The source of these organochlorines is likely global distillation from lower latitudes. Males had higher concentrations than females and the oldest male had higher concentration than the younger male. Females exhibit a decrease in concentrations with age. The fetus had about 10% higher concentrations for all organochlorines compared to the mother. Transplacental transfer of organochlorines and lactation lower the contaminant concentration in females. Older females have lower contaminate concentrations likely due to continual reproductive success. Consumption of older males will expose humans to higher levels of organochlorines.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Wade
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station 77845, USA
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McKenzie C, Rogan E, Reid RJ, Wells DE. Concentrations and patterns of organic contaminants in Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) from Irish and Scottish coastal waters. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 1997; 98:15-27. [PMID: 15093341 DOI: 10.1016/s0269-7491(97)00109-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/1996] [Accepted: 07/24/1997] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Chlorobiphenyls (CBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been determined in the blubber of 17 Atlantic white-sided dolphins stranded at Killala Bay, Co Mayo, Ireland and five from the Scottish coast. The concentrations of the contaminants measured range from 773 to 63,400 microg kg(-1) for sigmaCB and from 160 to 54,600 microg kg(-1) for sigmaDDT. The concentrations of the CBs and OCPs is highly dependent on the age, sex, reproductive state and nutritional condition of the animals in addition to the intake via the food web. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) has been used to study the variation of chemical patterns (data ratioed to CB 153). Immature animals (< 6 years), mature males and primogravid females, and lactating females could be distinguished on the basis of their contaminant patterns. This paper describes the different processes of bioaccumulation and metabolism of organochlorine contaminants (OCs) in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C McKenzie
- FRS Marine Laboratory, PO Box 101, Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB, UK
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25
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Westgate AJ, Muir DC, Gaskin DE, Kingsley MC. Concentrations and accumulation patterns of organochlorine contaminants in the blubber of harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, from the coast of Newfoundland, the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Bay of Fundy/Gulf of Maine. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 1997; 95:105-119. [PMID: 15093479 DOI: 10.1016/s0269-7491(96)00073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/1996] [Accepted: 05/28/1996] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of 99 organochlorine compounds were measured in the blubber of 196 harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena, killed in commercial gill net fisheries in the western North Atlantic. PCBs and chlorinated bornanes (CHB) were the dominant contaminants in all porpoises. Mean concentrations (with standard deviations) of PCBs and CHBs from the three regions were as follows: Bay of Fundy/Gulf of Maine, PCB males 17.3 +/- 11.2 microg/g, PCB females 11.4 +/- 4.8 microg/g, CHB males 11.5 +/- 6.6 microg/g, CHB females 8.4 +/- 5.3 microg/g; Gulf of St Lawrence, PCB males 10.6 +/- 5.4 microg/g, PCB females 7.2 +/- 3.9 microg/g, CHB males 14.1 +/- 8.8 microg/g, CHB females 9.0 +/- 6.3 microg/g; southeast Newfoundland, PCB males 5.2 +/- 2.5 microg/g, PCB females 5.5 +/- 4.4 microg/g, CHB males 7.0 +/- 2.2 microg/g, CHB females 5.5 +/- 3.0 microg/g. The relative composition of the major contaminant groups found in male and female harbour porpoise blubber from the three locations varied. In order of decreasing concentration, porpoises from Fundy/Maine had PCBs > CHB > DDT > chlordanes (CHL), whereas Gulf of St Lawrence and Newfoundland porpoises had CHB > PCB > DDT > CHL. Significant increases with age were observed for most contaminants in male harbour porpoises, and significant decreases were observed in females. Females lose about 15% of their contaminant burden per birth. PCB and DDT levels in porpoises from the Bay of Fundy are significantly lower than those recorded in the 1970s.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Westgate
- Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Laboratory Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
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Colborn T, Smolen MJ. Epidemiological analysis of persistent organochlorine contaminants in cetaceans. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 1996; 146:91-172. [PMID: 8714222 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4613-8478-6_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Information is provided to test the hypothesis that organochlorines introduced into the environment since the early 1940s could threaten the reproductive potential of baleen whales and other cetaceans. Comparisons are made using data on the role of organochlorines in a model system, the Great Lakes region of North America, and in model animals, including humans, pinnipeds, and other wildlife. DDT and PCB are used as model organochlorines with the caveat that there may be thousands of other chemicals in the environment also involved. Improved sensitivity in analytical quantification of synthetic chemicals in biological tissue has been accompanied by an increase in knowledge about biochemical processes that control development and function. The effects described in this review are the result of disrupted gene expression, not damage to the gene. The mechanisms of action of the organochlorines reveal their ability to affect developing organisms at very low concentrations during critical life stages: embryonic, fetal, and early postnatal. Exposure during early development can disrupt the organization of the endocrine, reproductive, immune and nervous systems, effecting irreversible damage that may not be expressed until the individuals reach adulthood. The recent discovery that human sperm count is declining worldwide at a rate of 1 x 10(6) sperm/(mL.yr) suggests common exposure to estrogen-like chemicals during prenatal and early postnatal development. This raises concern for other top predator species that also share the same exposure. Periods of intense feeding followed by long periods of fasting are common among species of baleen whales. This unique strategy places the embryonic and nursing calves in vulnerable positions, because under both situations maternal blood levels are elevated as a result of absorption from food intake or as a result of mobilization as fat is metabolized. Estimates of Toxic Equivalents (TEQs) based on the occurrence of four PCB congeners (118, 183, 153, 180) in sigma PCB reported in whales are highest for St. Lawrence belugas and Faroe Island long-finned pilot whales. This conservative approach reveals that some whale species are within the range of enzyme-induced TEQs at which effects have been associated with adverse health effects in other aquatic species. The epidemiological approach was used for analysis because it was developed to handle multiple exposure scenarios in which direct causal links are virtually impossible to isolate. The analysis includes the tenets of timeorder, strength of association, specificity of cause and effect, consistency, coherence, and predictive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Colborn
- World Wildlife Fund, Washington, DC 20037, USA
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