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Raoult V, Phillips AA, Nelson J, Niella Y, Skinner C, Tilcock MB, Burke PJ, Szpak P, James WR, Harrod C. Why aquatic scientists should use sulfur stable isotope ratios (ẟ 34S) more often. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141816. [PMID: 38556184 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141816] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, measurements of light stable isotope ratios have been increasingly used to answer questions across physiology, biology, ecology, and archaeology. The vast majority analyse carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes as the 'default' isotopes, omitting sulfur (δ34S) due to time, cost, or perceived lack of benefits and instrumentation capabilities. Using just carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios can produce results that are inconclusive, uncertain, or in the worst cases, even misleading, especially for scientists that are new to the use and interpretation of stable isotope data. Using sulfur isotope values more regularly has the potential to mitigate these issues, especially given recent advancements that have lowered measurement barriers. Here we provide a review documenting case studies with real-world data, re-analysing different biological topics (i.e. niche, physiology, diet, movement and bioarchaeology) with and without sulfur isotopes to highlight the various strengths of this stable isotope for various applications. We also include a preliminary meta-analysis of the trophic discrimination factor (TDF) for sulfur isotopes, which suggest small (mean -0.4 ± 1.7 ‰ SD) but taxa-dependent mean trophic discrimination. Each case study demonstrates how the exclusion of sulfur comes at the detriment of the results, often leading to very different outputs, or missing valuable discoveries entirely. Given that studies relying on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes currently underpin most of our understanding of various ecological processes, this has concerning implications. Collectively, these examples strongly suggest that researchers planning to use carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes for their research should incorporate sulfur where possible, and that the new 'default' isotope systems for aquatic science should now be carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Raoult
- Blue Carbon Lab, School of Life and Environmental Science, Deakin University, VIC, Australia; Marine Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia.
| | - Alexandra A Phillips
- National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - James Nelson
- Department of Marine Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Yuri Niella
- Marine Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Christina Skinner
- Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Patrick J Burke
- Marine Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Szpak
- Department of Anthropology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - W Ryan James
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chris Harrod
- Instituto Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile; Millennium Nucleus INVASAL, Concepción, Chile; Universidad de Antofagasta Stable Isotope Facility, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
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2
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Bezerra MF, Barrios-Rodriguez CA, Rezende CE, López-Castro MC, Lacerda LD. Trophic ecology of sympatric sea turtles in the tropical Atlantic coast of Brazil. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 196:106406. [PMID: 38377937 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106406] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The Tropical Atlantic coast of Brazil is a hotspot area for multiple sea turtle species at all life stages. The multiple nearshore reefs and beaches, oceanic islands, and the only atoll in the south Atlantic Ocean, are suitable for year-round foraging, migration corridors, and nesting activities of five sea turtle species. Still, relatively few studies have assessed trophic niche among sympatric sea turtles which can provide a better understanding of how closely related species compete/partition the available resources. Using multiple biogeochemical tracers (i.e., nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotopes, and mercury (Hg)), we disentangled the trophic niches of four sea turtle species - the green turtle (Chelonia mydas), the loggerhead turtle (Caretta), the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and the olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) - co-occurring in nesting and foraging habitats along the northeastern coast of Brazil. We found interspecific differences in isotopic and contamination niches, as well as intraspecific niche variation associated with life stage. Differences in the estimation niche models associated to life-stage in C. caretta support the notion of ontogenetic shift in habitat and diet composition previously reported for this species. Oceanic habitat signatures were observed in juvenile green turtles and adult olive turtles, while nearshore habitat signatures were observed in adult hawksbill turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises F Bezerra
- Universidade Federal Do Ceará - Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR-UFC). Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
| | - Cesar A Barrios-Rodriguez
- Universidade Federal Do Ceará - Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR-UFC). Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Carlos E Rezende
- Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual Do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro Campos Dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz D Lacerda
- Universidade Federal Do Ceará - Instituto de Ciências Do Mar (LABOMAR-UFC). Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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3
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Vianna-Gatts F, Montanini G, Azevedo AF, Lailson-Brito J, Bisi TL. Feeding ecology based on stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes: A comparative study on different Guiana dolphin tissues. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 192:106234. [PMID: 37871468 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2023.106234] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Different tissues are used for stable isotope analysis in cetacean investigations. However, variation in the isotopic composition of tissues with different turnover rates has been reported for cetaceans. To better understand stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in skin compared to other tissues, this study assessed the isotopic variation among the liver, muscle, and skin of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis), as well as the influence of sex on these variations. No differences were found in δ13C among male tissues, but females showed lower values in the liver compared to muscle and skin. Differences in δ15N were observed among all tissues, with different variation patterns for males and females. Four females were distinguished from males and other females by their 13C depletion in all tissues and δ15N variation pattern. We conclude that skin and muscle may be equivalent in δ13C values for Guiana dolphins. The multiple-tissue analysis brings new insights into their feeding ecology and provides background for stable isotope analysis using non-destructive sampling techniques in small cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Vianna-Gatts
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Professora M. G. do N. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Térreo, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 4° andar, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Gleici Montanini
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Professora M. G. do N. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Térreo, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre F Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Professora M. G. do N. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Térreo, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 4° andar, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Professora M. G. do N. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Térreo, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 4° andar, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Tatiana L Bisi
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Professora M. G. do N. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Térreo, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 4° andar, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Tovar LR, Neves MC, Manhães BMR, Montanini G, Azevedo ADF, Lailson-Brito J, Bisi TL. Understanding trophic transference role in mercury biomagnification and bioaccumulation in the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis). CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 338:139496. [PMID: 37451642 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139496] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a metal of toxicological importance that occurs naturally. However, its concentration can be affected by anthropogenic activities and has the potential to bioaccumulate and biomagnify in food webs. Thus, knowing how its concentration varies along the trophic levels allows us to understand its potential risks to the biota. The present study aimed to investigate mercury transfer through the Stenella frontalis food web in Ilha Grande Bay (IGB), Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. Samples of muscle and liver of S. frontalis were obtained from carcasses (n = 8) found stranded in the IGB, and its potential prey species were collected in fishing landings in the same Bay (n = 145). Total mercury (THg) concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, and the δ15N was determined by an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. To investigate how trophic transfer affects mercury contamination in biota, six linear models were applied between THg logarithmic concentrations and δ15N or trophic position (TP). The trophic magnification factor (TMF) was calculated from each model to estimate the trophic transfer. Mean THg concentration in S. frontalis was higher in the liver than in muscle, but no correlation was found with age and δ15N values. Instead, the hepatic and muscular THg concentrations positively correlated with the trophic position. In the summer, THg concentration, TP, and δ15N values in prey species varied significantly, as well as in the winter, except for THg concentration. All trophic transfer models were significant in both seasons, and the TMF >1. The present study showed that trophic transfer is an essential factor in mercury biomagnification in both seasons but is not the unique driver. Both δ15N and TP could explain mercury trophic transfer, but TP better integrates metabolic diversity and seasonality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Rodrigues Tovar
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Cappello Neves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Bárbara M R Manhães
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Gleici Montanini
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Alexandre de Freitas Azevedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Lemos Bisi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, 20550-013, Brazil
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Bjedov D, Velki M, Toth L, Marijić VF, Mikuška T, Jurinović L, Ečimović S, Turić N, Lončarić Z, Šariri S, Al Marsoomi Y, Mikuška A. Heavy metal(loid) effect on multi-biomarker responses in apex predator: Novel assays in the monitoring of white stork nestlings. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 324:121398. [PMID: 36878276 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121398] [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: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to investigate differences in biomarker responses related to metal(loid)s in white stork (Ciconia ciconia) nestling's blood from continental Croatia. To achieve this, a battery of biomarkers that can be affected by environmental pollutants, including metal(loid)s, was assessed (esterase activity, fluorescence-based oxidative stress biomarkers, metallothionein levels, glutathione-dependent enzyme activity). The research was conducted during the white stork breeding season in diverse areas (a landfill, industrial and agricultural sites, and an unpolluted area). White storks' nestlings near the landfill exhibited reduced carboxylesterase (CES) activity, elevated glutathione (GSH) concentration, as well as high Pb content in the blood. Increased As and Hg concentrations in blood were attributable to environmental contamination in agricultural area and an assumed unpolluted area, respectively. Furthermore, agricultural practices appeared to affect CES activity, as well as elevate Se levels. In addition to the successful implementation of biomarkers, present research showed that agricultural areas and a landfill are areas with increased metal(loid) levels possibly causing adverse effects on the white storks. This first-time heavy metal and metalloid analyses in the white stork nestlings from Croatia point to the necessary monitoring and future assessments of pollution impact to prevent irreversible adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Bjedov
- Croatian Institute for Biodiversity, BIOTA Ltd., Maksimirska cesta 129/5, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirna Velki
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Leontina Toth
- Teaching Institute of Public Health Osijek-baranja County, Franje Krežme 1, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vlatka Filipović Marijić
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tibor Mikuška
- Croatian Society for Birds and Nature Protection, Ivana Gundulića 19/A, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Luka Jurinović
- Poultry Centre, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sandra Ečimović
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Nataša Turić
- Teaching Institute of Public Health Osijek-baranja County, Franje Krežme 1, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Zdenko Lončarić
- Department of Agroecology and Environment Protection, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Sara Šariri
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Yasir Al Marsoomi
- HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Geraard de Duivelstraat 5, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Alma Mikuška
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 8/A, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.
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Condini MV, Malinowski CR, Hoeinghaus DJ, Harried BL, Roberts AP, Soulen BK, Roark KJ, Khursigara AJ, Fischer LG, Possamai B, Hostim-Silva M, Garcia AM. Spatial analysis of mercury and stable isotopes in the vulnerable Dusky Grouper Epinephelus marginatus along the Brazilian coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114526. [PMID: 36621302 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114526] [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: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant of global concern due to its damaging toxicological effects on organisms. For the vulnerable Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) off the coast of Brazil, we investigated: i) spatial patterns in muscle tissue total mercury (THg) contamination; ii) the relationship between muscle THg concentrations and total length iii) the relationship between muscle THg and stable isotopes; and iv) THg concentrations among muscle, liver, and ovary tissues. Out of 134 fish sampled, 21.8 % were higher than 0.5 mg/kg wet weight (above the safe limit for human consumption). THg concentrations increased toward lower latitudes, but an opposite pattern was observed for δ13C and δ15N with decreased values toward lower latitudes. There were significant differences in THg concentration among the three tissues. Results of Hg concentrations are useful for understanding the potential adverse effects on the health of this vulnerable species and to serve as a guide to human consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario V Condini
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Peixes Marinhos-LEPMAR, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, BR-101, km 60 Litorâneo, CEP: 29932-540 São Mateus, ES, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Ambiental (PPGOAM), Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, CEP: 29055-460 Vitória, ES, Brazil.
| | - Christopher R Malinowski
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Ocean First Institute, 51 Shoreland Drive, Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
| | - David J Hoeinghaus
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310559, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA
| | - Brittany L Harried
- Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 1111 E Rollins St., 302 ABNR, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Aaron P Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310559, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA
| | - Brianne K Soulen
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310559, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA
| | - Kathleen J Roark
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310559, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA
| | - Alexis J Khursigara
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, 1155 Union Circle #310559, Denton, TX, 76203-5017, USA
| | - Luciano G Fischer
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. São José do Barreto 764, 27965-045 Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bianca Possamai
- Rubenstein Ecosystem Science Laboratory, University of Vermont, 3 College St., Burlington, VT 05401, USA
| | - Maurício Hostim-Silva
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Peixes Marinhos-LEPMAR, Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, BR-101, km 60 Litorâneo, CEP: 29932-540 São Mateus, ES, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Ambiental (PPGOAM), Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514, Goiabeiras, CEP: 29055-460 Vitória, ES, Brazil
| | - Alexandre M Garcia
- Laboratório de Ictiologia, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Av. Itália Km 8, Carreiros, 96.201-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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Charapata P, Clark CT, Miller N, Kienle SS, Costa DP, Goebel ME, Gunn H, Sperou ES, Kanatous SB, Crocker DE, Borras-Chavez R, Trumble SJ. Whiskers provide time-series of toxic and essential trace elements, Se:Hg molar ratios, and stable isotope values of an apex Antarctic predator, the leopard seal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158651. [PMID: 36096211 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158651] [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: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In an era of rapid environmental change and increasing human presence, researchers need efficient tools for tracking contaminants to monitor the health of Antarctic flora and fauna. Here, we examined the utility of leopard seal whiskers as a biomonitoring tool that reconstructs time-series of significant ecological and physiological biomarkers. Leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) are a sentinel species in the Western Antarctic Peninsula due to their apex predator status and top-down effects on several Antarctic species. However, there are few data on their contaminant loads. We analyzed leopard seal whiskers (n = 18 individuals, n = 981 segments) collected during 2018-2019 field seasons to acquire longitudinal profiles of non-essential (Hg, Pb, and Cd) and essential (Se, Cu, and Zn) trace elements, stable isotope (ẟ15N and ẟ13C) values and to assess Hg risk with Se:Hg molar ratios. Whiskers provided between 46 and 286 cumulative days of growth with a mean ~ 125 days per whisker (n = 18). Adult whiskers showed variability in non-essential trace elements over time that could partly be explained by changes in diet. Whisker Hg levels were insufficient (<20 ppm) to consider most seals being at "high" risk for Hg toxicity. Nevertheless, maximum Hg concentrations observed in this study were greater than that of leopard seal hair measured two decades ago. However, variation in the Se:Hg molar ratios over time suggest that Se may detoxify Hg burden in leopard seals. Overall, we provide evidence that the analysis of leopard seal whiskers allows for the reconstruction of time-series ecological and physiological data and can be valuable for opportunistically monitoring the health of the leopard seal population and their Antarctic ecosystem during climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Charapata
- Baylor University, Biology Department, Waco, TX, United States of America.
| | - Casey T Clark
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Research Division, Olympia, WA, United States of America
| | - Nathan Miller
- Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
| | - Sarah S Kienle
- Baylor University, Biology Department, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Michael E Goebel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, The University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America; Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Heather Gunn
- Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America; Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States of America
| | - Emily S Sperou
- Baylor University, Biology Department, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Shane B Kanatous
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, United States of America
| | - Renato Borras-Chavez
- Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Stephen J Trumble
- Baylor University, Biology Department, Waco, TX, United States of America
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Perfetti-Bolaño A, Muñoz K, Kolok AS, Araneda A, Barra RO. Analysis of the contribution of locally derived wastewater to the occurrence of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Antarctic coastal waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158116. [PMID: 35988631 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) are emerging pollutants detected in many locations of the world including Antarctica. The main objective of this review is to discuss the influence of the human population on the concentration, distribution and biological effects of PPCPs across the Antarctic coastal marine ecosystem. We carried out a review of the scientific articles published for PPCPs in Antarctic, supported by the information of the Antarctic stations reported by Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (CONMAP), Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty (ATS). In addition, spatial data regarding the Antarctic continent was obtained from Quantarctica. Antarctic concentrations of PPCPs were more reflective of the treatment system used by research stations as opposed to the infrastructure built or the annual occupancy by station. The main problem is that most of the research stations lack tertiary treatment, resulting in elevated concentrations of PPCPs in effluents. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of Antarctic field stations in coastal areas allows for the release of PPCPs, directly into the sea, a practice that remains in compliance with the current Protocol. After their release, PPCPs can become incorporated into sea ice, which can then act as a chemical reservoir. In addition, there is no clarity on the effects on the local biota. Finally, we recommend regulating the entry and use of PPCPs in Antarctica given the difficulties of operating, and in some cases the complete absence of appropriate treatment systems. Further studies are needed on the fate, transport and biological effects of PPCPs on the Antarctic biota. It is recommended that research efforts be carried out in areas inhabited by humans to generate mitigation measures relative to potential adverse impacts. Tourism should be also considered in further studies due the temporal release of PPCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Perfetti-Bolaño
- Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Centro EULA-Chile, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile.
| | - Katherine Muñoz
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau 76829, Germany
| | - Alan S Kolok
- Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 3002, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
| | - Alberto Araneda
- Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Centro EULA-Chile, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile
| | - Ricardo O Barra
- Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Centro EULA-Chile, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4070386, Chile; Instituto Milenio en Socio Ecología-Costera (SECOS), Santiago, Chile
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9
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Lüdecke T, Leichliter JN, Aldeias V, Bamford MK, Biro D, Braun DR, Capelli C, Cybulski JD, Duprey NN, Ferreira da Silva MJ, Foreman AD, Habermann JM, Haug GH, Martínez FI, Mathe J, Mulch A, Sigman DM, Vonhof H, Bobe R, Carvalho S, Martínez-García A. Carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen stable isotopes in modern tooth enamel: A case study from Gorongosa National Park, central Mozambique. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.958032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The analyses of the stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), and oxygen (δ18O) in animal tissues are powerful tools for reconstructing the feeding behavior of individual animals and characterizing trophic interactions in food webs. Of these biomaterials, tooth enamel is the hardest, most mineralized vertebrate tissue and therefore least likely to be affected by chemical alteration (i.e., its isotopic composition can be preserved over millions of years), making it an important and widely available archive for biologists and paleontologists. Here, we present the first combined measurements of δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O in enamel from the teeth of modern fauna (herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores) from the well-studied ecosystem of Gorongosa National Park (GNP) in central Mozambique. We use two novel methods to produce high-precision stable isotope enamel data: (i) the “oxidation-denitrification method,” which permits the measurement of mineral-bound organic nitrogen in tooth enamel (δ15Nenamel), which until now, has not been possible due to enamel’s low organic content, and (ii) the “cold trap method,” which greatly reduces the sample size required for traditional measurements of inorganic δ13Cenamel and δ18Oenamel (from ≥0.5 to ≤0.1 mg), permitting analysis of small or valuable teeth and high-resolution serial sampling of enamel. The stable isotope results for GNP fauna reveal important ecological information about the trophic level, dietary niche, and resource consumption. δ15Nenamel values clearly differentiate trophic level (i.e., carnivore δ15Nenamel values are 4.0‰ higher, on average, than herbivores), δ13Cenamel values distinguish C3 and/or C4 biomass consumption, and δ18Oenamel values reflect local meteoric water (δ18Owater) in the park. Analysis of combined carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen stable isotope data permits geochemical separation of grazers, browsers, omnivores, and carnivores according to their isotopic niche, while mixed-feeding herbivores cannot be clearly distinguished from other dietary groups. These results confirm that combined C, N, and O isotope analyses of a single aliquot of tooth enamel can be used to reconstruct diet and trophic niches. Given its resistance to chemical alteration, the analysis of these three isotopes in tooth enamel has a high potential to open new avenues of research in (paleo)ecology and paleontology.
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10
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Lois NA, Balza U, Brasso R, Dodino S, Pütz K, Polito MJ, Riccialdelli L, Ciancio J, Quillfeldt P, Mahler B, Rey AR. Mercury and stable isotopes portray colony-specific foraging grounds in southern rockhopper penguins over the Patagonian Shelf. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114137. [PMID: 36183510 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114137] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Mercury pollution is a serious global environmental issue and the characterization of its distribution and its driving forces should be urgently included in research agendas. We report unusually high mercury (Hg) concentrations (>5 μg/g) along with stable isotopes values in feathers of southern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome) from colonies in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. We found a highly heterogenous prevalence of Hg throughout the study area and over a three-fold higher mean Hg concentration in southernmost colonies. Variation in Hg concentrations among colonies is primarily explained by site, rather than by trophic position. We provide further support to the existence of a Hg hotspot in the food web of the Patagonian Shelf and spatially restrict it to the southern tip of South America. Our findings highlight the need for regional and colony-based seabird conservation management when high local variability and plasticity in foraging habits is evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás A Lois
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (DEGE-FCEyN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IEGEBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Ulises Balza
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - Rebecka Brasso
- Weber State University, Ogden, UT, United States of America
| | - Samanta Dodino
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina
| | | | - Michael J Polito
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
| | - Luciana Riccialdelli
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina
| | - Javier Ciancio
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR-CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Petra Quillfeldt
- Department of Animal Ecology & Systematics, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Bettina Mahler
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires (DEGE-FCEyN-UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IEGEBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Raya Rey
- Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CADIC-CONICET), Ushuaia, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego (ICPA-UNTdF), Ushuaia, Argentina; Wildlife Conservation Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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11
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Hinton B, Stockin KA, Bury SJ, Peters KJ, Betty EL. Isotopic Niche Analysis of Long-Finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) in Aotearoa New Zealand Waters. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101414. [PMID: 36290319 PMCID: PMC9598128 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Isotopic niche analyses can elucidate a species’ foraging ecology. Using isotopic values of δ13C, δ15N and δ34S, the isotopic niche of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) in Aotearoa New Zealand was investigated for animals that stranded in six different events across two locations between 2009 and 2017. Generalised additive models revealed that stranding event was a stronger predictor for δ13C and δ15N values than body length, sex, or reproductive status, indicating that spatiotemporal differences explained isotopic variation of G. m. edwardii in New Zealand waters better than ontogenetic factors. Abstract The quantification of a species’ trophic niche is important to understand the species ecology and its interactions with the ecosystem it resides in. Despite the high frequency of long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas edwardii) strandings on the Aotearoa New Zealand coast, their trophic niche remains poorly understood. To assess the isotopic niche of G. m. edwardii within New Zealand, ontogenetic (sex, total body length, age, maturity status, reproductive group) and spatiotemporal (stranding location, stranding event, and stranding year) variation were investigated. Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were examined from skin samples of 125 G. m. edwardii (67 females and 58 males) collected at mass-stranding events at Onetahua Farewell Spit in 2009 (n = 20), 2011 (n = 20), 2014 (n = 27) and 2017 (n = 20) and at Rakiura Stewart Island in 2010 (n = 19) and 2011 (n = 19). Variations in δ34S values were examined for a subset of 36 individuals. General additive models revealed that stranding event was the strongest predictor for δ13C and δ15N values, whilst sex was the strongest predictor of δ34S isotopic values. Although similar within years, δ13C values were lower in 2014 and 2017 compared to all other years. Furthermore, δ15N values were higher within Farewell Spit 2017 compared to any other stranding event. This suggests that the individuals stranded in Farewell Spit in 2017 may have been feeding at a higher trophic level, or that the nitrogen baseline may have been higher in 2017 than in other years. Spatiotemporal differences explained isotopic variation of G. m. edwardii in New Zealand waters better than ontogenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Hinton
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (E.L.B.)
| | - Karen A. Stockin
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - Sarah J. Bury
- Environmental Isotopes and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Katharina J. Peters
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Global Ecology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Emma L. Betty
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (E.L.B.)
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12
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Validation of quantitative fatty acid signature analysis for estimating the diet composition of free-ranging killer whales. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7938. [PMID: 35562583 PMCID: PMC9106655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11660-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate diet estimates are necessary to assess trophic interactions and food web dynamics in ecosystems, particularly for apex predators like cetaceans, which can regulate entire food webs. Quantitative fatty acid analysis (QFASA) has been used to estimate the diets of marine predators in the last decade but has yet to be implemented on free-ranging cetaceans, from which typically only biopsy samples containing outer blubber are available, due to a lack of empirically determined calibration coefficients (CCs) that account for fatty acid (FA) metabolism. Here, we develop and validate QFASA for killer whales using full blubber from managed-care and free-ranging individuals. First, we compute full, inner, and outer blubber CCs from the FA signatures across the blubber layers of managed-care killer whales and their long-term diet items. We then run cross-validating simulations on the managed-care individuals to evaluate the accuracy of diet estimates by comparing full-depth and depth-specific estimates to true diets. Finally, we apply these approaches to subsistence-harvested killer whales from Greenland to test the utility of the method for free-ranging killer whales, particularly for the outer blubber. Accurate diet estimates for the managed-care killer whales were only achieved using killer whale-specific and blubber-layer-specific CCs. Modeled diets for the Greenlandic killer whales largely consisted of seals (75.9 ± 4.7%) and/or fish (20.4 ± 2.4%), mainly mackerel, which was consistent with stomach content data and limited literature on this population. Given the remote habitats and below surface feeding of most cetaceans, this newly developed cetacean-specific QFASA method, which can be applied to outer-layer biopsies, offers promise to provide a significant new understanding of diet dynamics of free-ranging odontocetes and perhaps other cetacean species throughout the world's oceans.
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13
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Cossa D, Knoery J, Bănaru D, Harmelin-Vivien M, Sonke JE, Hedgecock IM, Bravo AG, Rosati G, Canu D, Horvat M, Sprovieri F, Pirrone N, Heimbürger-Boavida LE. Mediterranean Mercury Assessment 2022: An Updated Budget, Health Consequences, and Research Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:3840-3862. [PMID: 35244390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and especially its methylated species (MeHg) are toxic chemicals that contaminate humans via the consumption of seafood. The most recent UNEP Global Mercury Assessment stressed that Mediterranean populations have higher Hg levels than people elsewhere in Europe. The present Critical Review updates current knowledge on the sources, biogeochemical cycling, and mass balance of Hg in the Mediterranean and identifies perspectives for future research especially in the context of global change. Concentrations of Hg in the Western Mediterranean average 0.86 ± 0.27 pmol L-1 in the upper water layer and 1.02 ± 0.12 pmol L-1 in intermediate and deep waters. In the Eastern Mediterranean, Hg measurements are in the same range but are too few to determine any consistent oceanographical pattern. The Mediterranean waters have a high methylation capacity, with MeHg representing up to 86% of the total Hg, and constitute a source of MeHg for the adjacent North Atlantic Ocean. The highest MeHg concentrations are associated with low oxygen water masses, suggesting a microbiological control on Hg methylation, consistent with the identification of hgcA-like genes in Mediterranean waters. MeHg concentrations are twice as high in the waters of the Western Basin compared to the ultra-oligotrophic Eastern Basin waters. This difference appears to be transferred through the food webs and the Hg content in predators to be ultimately controlled by MeHg concentrations of the waters of their foraging zones. Many Mediterranean top-predatory fish still exceed European Union regulatory Hg thresholds. This emphasizes the necessity of monitoring the exposure of Mediterranean populations, to formulate adequate mitigation strategies and recommendations, without advising against seafood consumption. This review also points out other insufficiencies of knowledge of Hg cycling in the Mediterranean Sea, including temporal variations in air-sea exchange, hydrothermal and cold seep inputs, point sources, submarine groundwater discharge, and exchanges between margins and the open sea. Future assessment of global change impacts under the Minamata Convention Hg policy requires long-term observations and dedicated high-resolution Earth System Models for the Mediterranean region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cossa
- Université Grenoble Alpes, ISTerre, CS 40700, 38058 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Joël Knoery
- Ifremer, Centre Atlantique de Nantes, BP 44311, 44980 Nantes, France
| | - Daniela Bănaru
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Mireille Harmelin-Vivien
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Jeroen E Sonke
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/Observatoire Midi-Pyrénées (OMP)/Université de Toulouse, 31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Ian M Hedgecock
- Istituto sull'inquinamento atmosferico, CNR-IIA, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | | | - Ginevra Rosati
- Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisca Sperimentale (OGS), 34010 Trieste, Italy
| | - Donata Canu
- Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisca Sperimentale (OGS), 34010 Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola Pirrone
- Istituto sull'inquinamento atmosferico, CNR-IIA, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, 13288 Marseille, France
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14
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Dodino S, Riccialdelli L, Polito MJ, Pütz K, Brasso RL, Raya Rey A. Mercury exposure driven by geographic and trophic factors in Magellanic penguins from Tierra del Fuego. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113184. [PMID: 34856432 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113184] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Penguins accumulate mercury due to their long-life span together with their high trophic position. We sampled adult and juveniles' feathers from three colonies of Spheniscus magellanicus from Tierra del Fuego along an inshore-offshore corridor. We integrated toxicological information (mercury concentrations) and foraging biomarkers (δ13C, δ15N) into a common data analysis framework (isotopic niche analysis) to evaluate the influence of age, location, and foraging behaviors on mercury concentrations. Adults had higher feather mercury concentrations, δ13C, and δ15N values compared to juveniles. Also, adult and juvenile feather mercury concentrations differed between colonies, with lower mercury concentrations at the nearest inshore colony relative to the farther offshore colonies. Trophic position and the isotopic niche analyses suggest that this geographic gradient in mercury concentrations is due to differences in colonies' foraging areas. Understanding penguins' exposure to mercury derived from local food webs is a crucial first step in evaluating the impacts of this heavy metal on their conservation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta Dodino
- Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.
| | - Luciana Riccialdelli
- Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
| | - Michael J Polito
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, United States of America
| | | | | | - Andrea Raya Rey
- Ecología y Conservación de Vida Silvestre, Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina; Instituto de Ciencias Polares, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia, Argentina; Wildlife Conservation Society, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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15
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Bezerra MF, Seminoff JA, Lemons GE, Slotton DG, Watanabe K, Lai CT. Trophic ecology of sympatric batoid species (Chondrichthyes: Batoidea) assessed by multiple biogeochemical tracers (δ 13C, δ 15N and total Hg). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 199:111398. [PMID: 34052247 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111398] [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: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic pollution is known to reduce biodiversity and disrupt wildlife populations. Mercury (Hg) pollution is pervasive worldwide, contributing to the degradation of ecosystems, and causing deleterious effects to exposed organisms and populations. Batoids have a life history linked to the benthic substrate of coastal areas and occupy upper trophic levels. These combined with large bodies, long lifespan, and slow growth rates contributes to increased uptake and accumulation of Hg. However, mechanisms governing these associations are not well understood. Using multiple biogeochemical tracers (δ13C, δ15N and total Hg), we describe trophic interactions of three sympatric batoid species inhabiting an urbanized estuary and identify diet sources that contribute to Hg accumulation and trophic position among these mesopredators. We also use the Bat-ray (Myliobatis californica) as a model species, to compare diet composition, trophic position, and isotopic niche between two populations in two Californian bays. Trophic plasticity in M. californica was characterized by isotopic niche, diet proportions, and trophic position estimates using Bayesian statistics. We found diet and local contamination background strongly associated with Hg accumulation, and Hg levels that exceed EPA water quality criterion (<0.3 μg.g-1 w.w.) in all studied species.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Bezerra
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - J A Seminoff
- NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - G E Lemons
- NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - D G Slotton
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
| | - K Watanabe
- School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - C T Lai
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA.
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16
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García Barcia L, Pinzone M, Lepoint G, Pau C, Das K, Kiszka JJ. Factors affecting mercury concentrations in two oceanic cephalopods of commercial interest from the southern Caribbean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112408. [PMID: 33965692 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112408] [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: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) concentrations have significantly increased in oceans during the last century. This element accumulates in marine fauna and can reach toxic levels. Seafood consumption is the main pathway of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity in humans. Here, we analyzed total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in two oceanic squid species (Ommastrephes bartramii and Thysanoteuthis rhombus) of an increasing commercial interest off Martinique, French West Indies. Stable isotope ratios reveal a negative linear relationship between δ15N or δ13C in diamondback squid samples. No significant trend was observed between δ34S values and T-Hg concentrations, contrasting with the sulfate availability and sulfide abundance hypotheses. This adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting Hg methylation via sulfate-reducing bacteria is not the main mechanism driving Hg bioavailability in mesopelagic organisms. All squid samples present T-Hg levels below the maximum safe consumption limit (0.5 ppm), deeming the establishment of a commercial squid fishery in the region safe for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura García Barcia
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL 33181, USA.
| | - Marianna Pinzone
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Cédric Pau
- Comité Régional des Pêches Maritimes et des Élevages Marins, Martinique, French West Indies, France
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL 33181, USA
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17
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Mille T, Bisch A, Caill-Milly N, Cresson P, Deborde J, Gueux A, Morandeau G, Monperrus M. Distribution of mercury species in different tissues and trophic levels of commonly consumed fish species from the south Bay of Biscay (France). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 166:112172. [PMID: 33631695 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112172] [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: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant of global concern in marine ecosystems, notably due to its ability to accumulate and concentrate in food webs. Concentrations of total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and inorganic mercury (IHg) were assessed and compared in different tissues (liver, muscle, and gonads) of three common fish species (hake Merluccius merluccius, red mullet Mullus surmuletus, and sole Solea solea) from the continental shelf from the southern part of the Bay of Biscay. Several studies investigated Hg concentration in fish muscle, but few assessed concentrations in other organs, despite the importance of such data to understand contaminant organotropism and metabolization. Results showed that trophic position and feeding habitat are required to understand the variability of Hg concentration in muscle between fish species. In addition, high MeHg/THg ratio in muscle could be explained by the predatory behavior of the studied fish species and the biomagnification of this Hg species within the food web, MeHg. Despite differences between species, Hg concentration was always higher in muscle (from 118 ± 64 to 338 ± 101 ng g-1 w.w.) and liver (from 122 ± 108 to 271 ± 95 ng g-1 w.w.). These results can be related to physiological processes especially the MeHg detoxification strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiphaine Mille
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM-MIRA, UMR 5254, 64600 Anglet, France
| | - Amaëlle Bisch
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM-MIRA, UMR 5254, 64600 Anglet, France
| | - Nathalie Caill-Milly
- Ifremer, LITTORAL, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources d'Arcachon, 64600 Anglet, France
| | - Pierre Cresson
- Ifremer, Centre Manche Mer du Nord, Laboratoire Ressources Halieutiques Manche Mer du Nord, 150 quai Gambetta, 62200 Boulogne sur Mer, France
| | - Jonathan Deborde
- Ifremer, LITTORAL, Laboratoire Environnement et Ressources des Pertuis Charentais (LER/PC), BP133, 17390 La Tremblade, France
| | - Aurore Gueux
- Ifremer, LITTORAL, Laboratoire Environnement et Ressources des Pertuis Charentais (LER/PC), BP133, 17390 La Tremblade, France
| | - Gilles Morandeau
- Ifremer, LITTORAL, Laboratoire Environnement Ressources d'Arcachon, 64600 Anglet, France
| | - Mathilde Monperrus
- Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM-MIRA, UMR 5254, 64600 Anglet, France.
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18
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Damseaux F, Siebert U, Pomeroy P, Lepoint G, Das K. Habitat and resource segregation of two sympatric seals in the North Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 764:142842. [PMID: 33342563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The study of ecological niche segregation in sympatric species is essential to understand ecosystem functioning and its response to potential changes. In the North Sea, sympatric grey and harbour seals may present competition for food resources sustained by intense fishing activities and recent increase of seal populations. In order to coexist and reduce inter-specific competition, sympatric species must segregate at least one aspect of their ecological niches: temporal, spatial or resource segregation. We aim to study the foraging resources and foraging distributions of grey seals and harbour seals and the potential competition between these species in the North Sea. Therefore, we analysed stable isotopic composition of C, N and S (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S values), and the concentrations of Hg and Se in blood of harbour and grey seals from the North Sea. Blood samples were collected on 45 grey seals and 37 harbour seals sampled along German and Scottish coasts. Stable isotope ratios were performed with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to an N-C-S elemental analyser for automated analyses. Total mercury concentrations (T-Hg) were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and Se concentrations by ICP-MS. The multi-tracer approach shown spatial and resource partitioning within grey and harbour seal living along German and Scottish coasts. Data indicate 1) the offshore foraging distribution of grey seals as reflected by the lower δ15N values and T-Hg concentrations and higher Se concentrations and 2) the inshore foraging distribution of harbour seals because of higher δ15N values and T-Hg concentrations and lower Se concentrations. The SIAR mixing model revealed 3) a more selective diet of grey seals compared to harbour seals and 4) the importance of sandeels in grey seal diet reflected by their high δ34S values. Lastly, diet ellipse overlaps between grey seals and harbour seals sampled along the German coasts suggested 5) a potential sharing of food resources, possibly due to the increase number of grey seals number in this area during the foraging season - all year except breeding and moulting periods. The multi-tracer approach of this study provides a more robust discrimination among diet resources and spatial foraging distributions of grey seals and harbour seals in the North Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- France Damseaux
- Freshwater and Oceanic sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Patrick Pomeroy
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, East Sands, University of St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Remili A, Gallego P, Pinzone M, Castro C, Jauniaux T, Garigliany MM, Malarvannan G, Covaci A, Das K. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) breeding off Mozambique and Ecuador show geographic variation of persistent organic pollutants and isotopic niches. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115575. [PMID: 33254700 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the Southern Hemisphere carry information on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from their feeding zones in Antarctica to their breeding grounds, making this species a sentinel of contaminants accumulation in the Southern Ocean. This study aimed to evaluate driving factors, namely feeding areas, trophic level, and sex, affecting POP concentrations in the blubber of humpback whales breeding off Mozambique and off Ecuador. Biopsies of free-ranging humpback whales including blubber and skin were collected in 2014 and 2015 from Ecuador (n = 59) and in 2017 from Mozambique (n = 89). In both populations, HCB was the major contaminant followed by DDTs > CHLs > PCBs > HCHs > PBDEs. POP concentrations were significantly higher in males compared to females. HCB, DDTs, HCHs and PBDEs were significantly different between whales from the Mozambique population and the Ecuador population. Sex and feeding habits were important driving factors accounting for POP concentrations in Ecuador whales. The whales from our study had some of the lowest POP concentrations measured for humpback whales in the world. These whales fed predominantly on krill as reflected from the low δ13C and δ15N values measured in the skin. However, the isotopic niches of whales from Mozambique and Ecuador did not overlap indicating that the two populations are feeding in different areas of the Southern Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Remili
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS - Oceanology), University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Pierre Gallego
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS - Oceanology), University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium; Odyssea asbl., 37 rue du Nord, L-4260, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Marianna Pinzone
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS - Oceanology), University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Cristina Castro
- Pacific Whale Foundation Ecuador, Malecón Julio Izurieta y Abdón Calderón. Palo Santo Travel, Puerto López - Manabí - Ecuador
| | - Thierry Jauniaux
- Department of Pathology, Veterinary College, University of Liege, Sart Tilman B43, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Mutien-Marie Garigliany
- Department of Pathology, Veterinary College, University of Liege, Sart Tilman B43, 4000, Liege, Belgium
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS - Oceanology), University of Liege, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
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López-Berenguer G, Bossi R, Eulaers I, Dietz R, Peñalver J, Schulz R, Zubrod J, Sonne C, Martínez-López E. Stranded cetaceans warn of high perfluoroalkyl substance pollution in the western Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115367. [PMID: 32866862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of organohalogenated compounds of environmental concern due to similar characteristics as the well-studied legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that typically show environmental persistence, biomagnification and toxicity. Nevertheless, PFAS are still poorly regulated internationally and in many aspects poorly understood. Here, we studied liver and muscle concentrations in five cetacean species stranded at the southeastern coast of Spain during 2009-2018. Twelve of the fifteen targeted compounds were detected in >50% of the liver samples. Hepatic concentrations were significantly higher than those in muscle reflecting the particular toxicokinetics of these compounds. Bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus showed the highest hepatic ΣPFAS (n = 5; 796.8 ± 709.0 ng g-1 ww) concentrations, followed by striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba (n = 29; 259.5 ± 136.2 ng g-1 ww), sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus (n = 1; 252.8 ng g-1 ww), short-beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis (n = 2; 240.3 ± 218.6 ng g-1 ww) and Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus (n = 1; 78.7 ng g-1 ww). These interspecies differences could be partially explained by habitat preferences, although they could generally not be related to trophic position or food chain proxied by stable N (δ15N) and C (δ13C) isotope values, respectively. PFAS profiles in all species showed a similar pattern of concentration prevalence in the order PFOS>PFOSA>PFNA≈PFFUnA>PFDA. The higher number of samples available for striped dolphin allowed for evaluating their PFAS burden and profile in relation to the stranding year, stable isotope values, and biological variables including sex and length. However, we could only find links between δ15N and PFAS burdens in muscle tissue, and between stranding year and PFAS profile composition. Despite reductions in the manufacturing industry, these compounds still appear in high concentrations compared to more than two decades ago in the Mediterranean Sea and PFOS remains the dominating compound.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R Bossi
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - I Eulaers
- Section of Marine Mammals, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - R Dietz
- Section of Marine Mammals, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - J Peñalver
- Area of Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Spain; Fishing and Aquaculture Service (CARM), Murcia, Spain
| | - R Schulz
- IES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - J Zubrod
- IES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - C Sonne
- Section of Marine Mammals, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Murcia, Spain; Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Spain.
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21
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Xia Y, Li Y, Zhu S, Li J, Li S, Li X. Individual dietary specialization reduces intraspecific competition, rather than feeding activity, in black amur bream (Megalobrama terminalis). Sci Rep 2020; 10:17961. [PMID: 33087846 PMCID: PMC7578825 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74997-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual specialization and high plasticity in feeding activity are common in natural populations. However, the role of these two in intraspecific competition is unclear. In this study, the rhythm of feeding activity, dietary composition, niche width, niche overlap, and individual specialization was explored in four different size groups of black amur bream (Megalobrama terminalis), using microscopic identification of foregut contents and stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of dorsal muscle. Both methods observed ontogenetic shifts in dietary preference and individual specializations, and revealed that the total niche width of large individuals was greater than small individuals. Mixed linear models indicated that feeding activity was significantly influenced by time (p < 0.0001), and no significant changes among size groups was evident (p = 0.244). Niche overlaps revealed that there was intensive diet competition between different size groups of black amur bream. Individual specialization in small juveniles was likely to be stronger than sub-adult and adult groups. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that the individual specialization was positively correlated with mean diet similarity within a group. The results indicated that intraspecific competition is reduced mainly by individual dietary specialization, rather than shift in feeding activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuguo Xia
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China.,Experimental Station for Scientific Observation on Fishery Resources and Environment in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Pearl River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhaoqing, 526100, China
| | - Yuefei Li
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China.,Experimental Station for Scientific Observation on Fishery Resources and Environment in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Pearl River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhaoqing, 526100, China
| | - Shuli Zhu
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China.,Experimental Station for Scientific Observation on Fishery Resources and Environment in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Pearl River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhaoqing, 526100, China
| | - Jie Li
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China.,Experimental Station for Scientific Observation on Fishery Resources and Environment in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Pearl River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhaoqing, 526100, China
| | - Shanghao Li
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China
| | - Xinhui Li
- Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, 510380, China. .,Experimental Station for Scientific Observation on Fishery Resources and Environment in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Pearl River, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Zhaoqing, 526100, China.
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22
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Magnadóttir B, Uysal-Onganer P, Kraev I, Svansson V, Hayes P, Lange S. Deiminated proteins and extracellular vesicles - Novel serum biomarkers in whales and orca. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2020; 34:100676. [PMID: 32114311 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2020.100676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) are a family of phylogenetically conserved calcium-dependent enzymes which cause post-translational protein deimination. This can result in neoepitope generation, affect gene regulation and allow for protein moonlighting via functional and structural changes in target proteins. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry cargo proteins and genetic material and are released from cells as part of cellular communication. EVs are found in most body fluids where they can be useful biomarkers for assessment of health status. Here, serum-derived EVs were profiled, and post-translationally deiminated proteins and EV-related microRNAs are described in 5 ceataceans: minke whale, fin whale, humpback whale, Cuvier's beaked whale and orca. EV-serum profiles were assessed by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. EV profiles varied between the 5 species and were identified to contain deiminated proteins and selected key inflammatory and metabolic microRNAs. A range of proteins, critical for immune responses and metabolism were identified to be deiminated in cetacean sera, with some shared KEGG pathways of deiminated proteins relating to immunity and physiology, while some KEGG pathways were species-specific. This is the first study to characterise and profile EVs and to report deiminated proteins and putative effects of protein-protein interaction networks via such post-translationald deimination in cetaceans, revealing key immune and metabolic factors to undergo this post-translational modification. Deiminated proteins and EVs profiles may possibly be developed as new biomarkers for assessing health status of sea mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bergljót Magnadóttir
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur v. Vesturlandsveg, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Pinar Uysal-Onganer
- Cancer Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
| | - Igor Kraev
- Electron Microscopy Suite, Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK.
| | - Vilhjálmur Svansson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology, University of Iceland, Keldur v. Vesturlandsveg, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Polly Hayes
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
| | - Sigrun Lange
- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W 6UW, UK.
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