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M A E, K K, N F, E D, M R, A F, S R, A L, K, H B, A J, E J. An assessment and characterization of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) within the Great Lakes Basin: Mussel Watch Program (2013-2018). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:345. [PMID: 38438687 PMCID: PMC10912168 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Defining the environmental occurrence and distribution of chemicals of emerging concern (CECs), including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in coastal aquatic systems, is often difficult and complex. In this study, 70 compounds representing several classes of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, insect repellant, antibacterial, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and X-ray contrast media compounds, were found in dreissenid mussel (zebra/quagga; Dreissena spp.) tissue samples. Overall concentration and detection frequencies varied significantly among sampling locations, site land-use categories, and sites sampled proximate and downstream of point source discharge. Verapamil, triclocarban, etoposide, citalopram, diphenhydramine, sertraline, amitriptyline, and DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) comprised the most ubiquitous PPCPs (> 50%) detected in dreissenid mussels. Among those compounds quantified in mussel tissue, sertraline, metformin, methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, 1,7-dimethylxanthine, theophylline, zidovudine, prednisone, clonidine, 2-hydroxy-ibuprofen, iopamidol, and melphalan were detected at concentrations up to 475 ng/g (wet weight). Antihypertensives, antibiotics, and antidepressants accounted for the majority of the compounds quantified in mussel tissue. The results showed that PPCPs quantified in dreissenid mussels are occurring as complex mixtures, with 4 to 28 compounds detected at one or more sampling locations. The magnitude and composition of PPCPs detected were highest for sites not influenced by either WWTP or CSO discharge (i.e., non-WWTPs), strongly supporting non-point sources as important drivers and pathways for PPCPs detected in this study. As these compounds are detected at inshore and offshore locations, the findings of this study indicate that their persistence and potential risks are largely unknown, thus warranting further assessment and prioritization of these emerging contaminants in the Great Lakes Basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwards M A
- Monitoring and Assessment Branch, NOAA/NOS/NCCOS, 1305 East/West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.
| | - Kimbrough K
- Monitoring and Assessment Branch, NOAA/NOS/NCCOS, 1305 East/West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Fuller N
- CSS-Inc., Under NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Contract No, EA133C17BA0062 & EA133C17BA0049, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Davenport E
- Monitoring and Assessment Branch, NOAA/NOS/NCCOS, 1305 East/West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Rider M
- CSS-Inc., Under NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Contract No, EA133C17BA0062 & EA133C17BA0049, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Freitag A
- Monitoring and Assessment Branch, NOAA/NOS/NCCOS, 1305 East/West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Regan S
- CSS-Inc., Under NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Contract No, EA133C17BA0062 & EA133C17BA0049, Fairfax, VA, USA
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- Monitoring and Assessment Branch, NOAA/NOS/NCCOS, 1305 East/West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Burkart H
- CSS-Inc., Under NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Contract No, EA133C17BA0062 & EA133C17BA0049, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Jacob A
- CSS-Inc., Under NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Contract No, EA133C17BA0062 & EA133C17BA0049, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Johnson E
- Monitoring and Assessment Branch, NOAA/NOS/NCCOS, 1305 East/West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
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Wilkinson BP, Robuck AR, Lohmann R, Pickard HM, Jodice PGR. Urban proximity while breeding is not a predictor of perfluoroalkyl substance contamination in the eggs of brown pelicans. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 803:150110. [PMID: 34525704 PMCID: PMC8595685 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Identifying sources of exposure to chemical stressors is difficult when both target organisms and stressors are highly mobile. While previous studies have demonstrated that populations of some organisms proximal to urban centers may display increased burdens of human-created chemicals compared to more distal populations, this relationship may not be universal when applied to organisms and stressors capable of transboundary movements. We examined eggs of brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), a nearshore seabird with daily movements ranging from local to 50 km and annual migrations ranging from year-round residency to 1500 km. Thirty-six eggs from three breeding colonies located at increasing distances to a major urban center (Charleston, South Carolina, USA) were analyzed for concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Areas of high use for each colony during the breeding season were also assessed via the tracking of adult pelicans from each colony using GPS-PTT satellite transmitters and overlapped with measures of relative urbanization via land cover data. We report potentially significant ∑PFAS concentrations in the eggs of pelicans (175.4 ± 120.1 ng/g w wt. SD), driven largely by linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (n-PFOS) (48-546 ng/g w wt.). Residues of the precursor compound perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) were also present in pelican eggs, suggesting continued exposure of local wildlife beyond implemented phaseouts of some PFAS. For most analytes, egg concentrations did not exhibit a significant spatial structure despite some differentiation in high-use areas unlike similar data for another regional apex predator, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). We suggest that the partially migratory nature of brown pelicans during the non-breeding season, combined with daily ranges that may extend to 50 km from local point sources, may have homogenized exposure across individuals. Charleston likely remains a major source for PFAS in the overall region, however, given the high concentrations observed as well as known releases of PFAS in the nearshore environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley P Wilkinson
- Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - Anna R Robuck
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Heidi M Pickard
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Patrick G R Jodice
- U.S. Geological Survey South Carolina Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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3
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Finlayson KA, van de Merwe JP. Differences in marine megafauna in vitro sensitivity highlights the need for species-specific chemical risk assessments. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 239:105939. [PMID: 34455206 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sea turtles, dolphins and dugongs can be exposed to large mixtures of contaminants due to the proximity of foraging locations to anthropogenic inputs. Differences in accumulation and effect result in differences of chemical risk to these species. However, little is known about the effect of contaminants in marine wildlife. Cell-based, or in vitro, exposure experiments offer an ethical alternative to investigate the effect of contaminants in wildlife. Data from in vitro studies can then be placed in an environmental context, by using screening risk assessments, comparing effect data with accumulation data from the literature, to identify risk to populations of marine wildlife. Cytotoxicity of Cr6+, Cd2+, Hg2+, 4,4'-DDE, and PFNA were investigated in primary skin fibroblasts of green turtles, loggerhead turtles, hawksbill turtles, dugongs, Burrunan dolphins, and common bottlenose dolphins. The general order of toxicity for all species was Hg2+> Cr6+ > Cd2+> 4,4'-DDE > PFNA, and significant differences in cytotoxicity were found between species for Cr6+, Cd2+ and PFNA. For Cd2+, in particular, cells from turtle species were less sensitive than mammalian species, and dugong cells were by far the most sensitive. The results from the cytotoxicity assay were then used in combination with published data on tissue contaminant concentrations to calculate risk quotients for identifying populations of each species most at risk from these chemicals. Cr, Cd and Hg were identified as posing risk in all six species. Dugongs were particularly at risk from Cd accumulation and dolphin species were particularly at risk from Hg accumulation. These results demonstrate the importance of using species-specific effect and accumulation data for developing chemical risk assessments and can be used to inform managers of priority contaminants, species, or populations. Development of additional in vitro endpoints, and improving links between in vitro and in vivo effects, would further improve this approach to understanding chemical risk in marine megafauna.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason P van de Merwe
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
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4
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Wilson AE, Fair PA, Carlson RI, Houde M, Cattet M, Bossart GD, Houser DS, Janz DM. Environment, endocrinology, and biochemistry influence expression of stress proteins in bottlenose dolphins. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2019; 32:100613. [PMID: 31382157 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2019.100613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Natural and anthropogenic stressors have been reported to impact the health of marine mammals. Therefore, investigation of quantifiable biomarkers in response to stressors is required. We hypothesized that stress protein expression would be associated with biological and health variables in wild and managed-care bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). To test this hypothesis, our study objectives were to (1) determine if stress proteins in skin, white blood cells (WBCs), and plasma could be measured with an antibody-based microarray, (2) measure stress-protein expression relative to biological data (location, sex, age, environment), and (3) determine if stress-protein expression was associated with endocrine, hematological, biochemical and serological variables and gene expression in bottlenose dolphins. Samples were collected from two wild groups (n = 28) and two managed-care groups (n = 17). Proteins involved in the HPA axis, apoptosis, proteotoxicity, and inflammation were identified as stress proteins. The expression of 3 out of 33 proteins was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in skin than plasma and WBCs. Male dolphins had significantly greater expression levels for 10 proteins in skin compared to females. The greatest number of stress-associated proteins varied by the dolphins' environment; nine were greater in managed-care dolphins and 15 were greater in wild dolphins, which may be related to wild dolphin disease status. Protein expression in skin and WBCs showed many positive relationships with measures of plasma endocrinology and biochemistry. This study provides further understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the stress response in bottlenose dolphins and application of a combination of novel methods to measure stress in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey E Wilson
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Patricia A Fair
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, 219 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States of America; Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 221 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, United States of America
| | - Ruth I Carlson
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 105 McGill Street, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Marc Cattet
- RGL Recovery Wildlife Health & Veterinary Services, 415 Mount Allison Crescent, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 4A6, Canada
| | - Gregory D Bossart
- Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States of America; Division of Comparative Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, PO Box 016960 (R-46), Miami, FL 33101, United States of America
| | - Dorian S Houser
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, United States of America
| | - David M Janz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5B3, Canada.
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Trego ML, Hoh E, Whitehead A, Kellar NM, Lauf M, Datuin DO, Lewison RL. Contaminant Exposure Linked to Cellular and Endocrine Biomarkers in Southern California Bottlenose Dolphins. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:3811-3822. [PMID: 30852886 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b06487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cetaceans in the Southern California Bight (SCB) are exposed to high levels of halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs), which have previously been linked to impaired reproductive health and immune responses. We used a combination of molecular tools to examine the potential physiological impacts of HOC exposure in two bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) ecotypes in the SCB. We quantified 25 HOCs in the blubber of 22 biopsies collected from males between 2012 and 2016. We then analyzed genome-wide gene expression in skin using RNA-sequencing and measured blubber testosterone to compare HOC exposure with cellular and endocrine biomarkers. We found high levels of HOCs in both ecotypes with significantly higher total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPMOH), and chlordane-related compounds in the coastal ecotype versus the offshore ecotype. We found evidence of PBDE bioaccumulation in both ecotypes, however, the pattern of bioaccumulation or endocrine disruption for other HOCs was different between the ecotypes, suggesting potential endocrine disruption in the coastal ecotype. We also observed correlations between HOCs and gene coexpression networks enriched for xenobiotic metabolism, hormone metabolism, and immune response that could indicate cellular effects from HOC exposure. By integrating measurements of HOC load with both transcriptome profiling and endocrine biomarkers, our approach provides insight into HOC exposure and potential impacts on wild cetacean health in southern California.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa L Trego
- Department of Biology , San Diego State University , 5500 Campanile Drive , San Diego , California 92182 , United States
- Department of Environmental Toxicology , University of California-Davis , 1 Shields Avenue , Davis , California 95616 , United States
| | - Eunha Hoh
- School of Public Health , San Diego State University , 5500 Campanile Drive , San Diego , California 92182 , United States
| | - Andrew Whitehead
- Department of Environmental Toxicology , University of California-Davis , 1 Shields Avenue , Davis , California 95616 , United States
| | - Nicholas M Kellar
- Ocean Associates, Incorporated, under contract to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service , National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , Arlington , Virginia 22207 , United States
| | - Morgane Lauf
- Ocean Associates, Incorporated, under contract to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service , National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration , Arlington , Virginia 22207 , United States
| | - Dana O Datuin
- School of Public Health , San Diego State University , 5500 Campanile Drive , San Diego , California 92182 , United States
| | - Rebecca L Lewison
- Department of Biology , San Diego State University , 5500 Campanile Drive , San Diego , California 92182 , United States
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6
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Genov T, Jepson PD, Barber JL, Hace A, Gaspari S, Centrih T, Lesjak J, Kotnjek P. Linking organochlorine contaminants with demographic parameters in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins from the northern Adriatic Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:200-212. [PMID: 30537581 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Marine top predators, including marine mammals, are known to bio-accumulate persistent pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a serious conservation concern for these species. Although PCBs declined in European seas since the 1970s-1980s ban, considerable levels still persist in European and Mediterranean waters. In cetaceans, stranded animals are a valuable source of samples for pollutant studies, but may introduce both known and unknown biases. Biopsy samples from live, free-ranging cetaceans offer a better alternative for evaluating toxicological burdens of populations, especially when linked to known histories of identified individuals. We evaluated PCB and other organochlorine contaminants in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea), one of the most human-impacted areas in the Mediterranean Sea. Biopsies were collected from 32 male and female dolphins during 2011-2017. All animals were photo-identified and are part of a well-known population of about 150 individuals monitored since 2002. We tested for the effects of sex, parity and social group membership on contaminant concentrations. Males had significantly higher organochlorine concentrations than females, suggesting offloading from reproducing females to their offspring via gestation and/or lactation. Furthermore, nulliparous females had substantially higher concentrations than parous ones, providing further support for maternal offloading of contaminants. Overall, 87.5% of dolphins had PCB concentrations above the toxicity threshold for physiological effects in experimental marine mammal studies (9 mg/kg lw), while 65.6% had concentrations above the highest threshold published for marine mammals based on reproductive impairment in ringed seals (41 mg/kg lw). The potential population-level effects of such high contaminant levels are of concern particularly in combination with other known or suspected threats to this population. We demonstrate the utility of combining contaminant data with demographic parameters such as sex, reproductive output, etc., resulting from long-term studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Genov
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia; Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK.
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Ana Hace
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Stefania Gaspari
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), Arsenale - Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122 Venice, Italy
| | - Tina Centrih
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Jan Lesjak
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Polona Kotnjek
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
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Buah-Kwofie A, Humphries MS. Validation of a modified QuEChERS method for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides in fatty biological tissues using two-dimensional gas chromatography. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2019; 1105:85-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Fair PA, White ND, Wolf B, Arnott SA, Kannan K, Karthikraj R, Vena JE. Persistent organic pollutants in fish from Charleston Harbor and tributaries, South Carolina, United States: A risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 167:598-613. [PMID: 30172193 PMCID: PMC6262760 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Fish consumption is an important route of exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in dolphins as well as humans. In order to assess the potential risks associated with these contaminants, 39 whole fish and 37 fillets from fish representing species consumed by dolphins and humans captured from Charleston Harbor and tributaries, South Carolina, USA, were measured for a suite of POPs. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the predominant contaminant with concentrations ranging from 5.02 to 232.20 ng/g in whole fish and 5.42-131.95 ng/g in fillets (weight weight ww) followed by total organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Total POPs levels varied by location and species with general trends indicating significantly higher levels in fish from the Cooper (93.4 ng/g ww) and Ashley Rivers (56.2 ng/g ww) compared to Charleston Harbor (31.6 ng/g ww). Mullet and spot were found to have significantly higher PCBs, OCPs and total POPs, 2-3 times higher than red drum; mullet were also significantly higher in OCPs compared to seatrout. PCB concentrations in whole fish and fillets exceeded EPA human screening values for cancer risk in all fish sampled. For PCBs in fillets, all samples had values of maximum allowable meals per month that were less than the EPA, FDA guidelines for recommended fish meals per month, suggesting lower (more stringent) allowable fish meals per month. All fish exceeded PBDE wildlife values and all fish except two exceeded the level where 95% of the dolphin population would have tissue levels below the health effect threshold. Considering that POP concentrations in fish potentially consumed by humans exceed human health effect thresholds levels, consumption advisories should be considered as a prudent public health measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Fair
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; NOAA's Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - Natasha D White
- NOAA's Ocean Service, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Beth Wolf
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Stephen A Arnott
- Marine Resources Research Institute, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA
| | - Rajendiran Karthikraj
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA
| | - John E Vena
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
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Reif JS, Schaefer AM, Bossart GD, Fair PA. Health and Environmental Risk Assessment Project for bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus from the southeastern USA. II. Environmental aspects. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2017; 125:155-166. [PMID: 28737160 DOI: 10.3354/dao03143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus are the most common apex predators found in coastal and estuarine ecosystems along the southeastern coast of the USA, where these animals are exposed to multiple chemical pollutants and microbial agents. In this review, we summarize the results of investigations of environmental exposures evaluated in 360 free-ranging dolphins between 2003 and 2015. Bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (IRL, n = 246), and coastal waters of Charleston, South Carolina (CHS, n = 114), were captured, given comprehensive health examinations, and released as part of a multidisciplinary and multi-institutional study of individual and population health. High concentrations of persistent organic pollutants including legacy contaminants (DDT and other pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyl compounds) as well as 'emerging' contaminants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers, perfluorinated compounds) were detected in dolphins from CHS, with lower concentrations in the IRL. Conversely, the concentrations of mercury in the blood and skin of IRL dolphins were among the highest reported worldwide and approximately 5 times as high as those found in CHS dolphins. A high prevalence of resistance to antibiotics commonly used in humans and animals was detected in bacteria isolated from fecal, blowhole, and/or gastric samples at both sites, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) at CHS. Collectively, these studies illustrate the importance of long-term surveillance of estuarine populations of bottlenose dolphins and reaffirm their important role as sentinels for marine ecosystems and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Reif
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
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10
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Fair PA, Schaefer AM, Houser DS, Bossart GD, Romano TA, Champagne CD, Stott JL, Rice CD, White N, Reif JS. The environment as a driver of immune and endocrine responses in dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176202. [PMID: 28467830 PMCID: PMC5415355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune and endocrine responses play a critical role in allowing animals to adjust to environmental perturbations. We measured immune and endocrine related markers in multiple samples from individuals from two managed-care care dolphin groups (n = 82 samples from 17 dolphins and single samples collected from two wild dolphin populations: Indian River Lagoon, (IRL) FL (n = 26); and Charleston, (CHS) SC (n = 19). The immune systems of wild dolphins were more upregulated than those of managed-care-dolphins as shown by higher concentrations of IgG and increases in lysozyme, NK cell function, pathogen antibody titers and leukocyte cytokine transcript levels. Collectively, managed-care care dolphins had significantly lower levels of transcripts encoding pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF, anti-viral MX1 and INFα and regulatory IL-10. IL-2Rα and CD69, markers of lymphocyte activation, were both lower in managed-care care dolphins. IL-4, a cytokine associated with TH2 activity, was lower in managed-care care dolphins compared to the free-ranging dolphins. Differences in immune parameters appear to reflect the environmental conditions under which these four dolphin populations live which vary widely in temperature, nutrition, veterinary care, pathogen/contaminant exposures, etc. Many of the differences found were consistent with reduced pathogenic antigenic stimulation in managed-care care dolphins compared to wild dolphins. Managed-care care dolphins had relatively low TH2 lymphocyte activity and fewer circulating eosinophils compared to wild dolphins. Both of these immunologic parameters are associated with exposure to helminth parasites which is uncommon in managed-care care dolphins. Less consistent trends were observed in a suite of hormones but significant differences were found for cortisol, ACTH, total T4, free T3, and epinephrine. While the underlying mechanisms are likely multiple and complex, the marked differences observed in the immune and endocrine systems of wild and managed-care care dolphins appear to be shaped by their environment.
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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, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Adam M. Schaefer
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution at Florida Atlantic University, Ft. Pierce, FL, United States of America
| | - Dorian S. Houser
- Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Gregory D. Bossart
- Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Tracy A. Romano
- Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Mystic, CT, United States of America
| | | | | | - Charles D. Rice
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate Program in Environmental Toxicology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States of America
| | - Natasha White
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC, United States of America
| | - John S. Reif
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States of America
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Kershaw JL, Sherrill M, Davison NJ, Brownlow A, Hall AJ. Evaluating morphometric and metabolic markers of body condition in a small cetacean, the harbor porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena). Ecol Evol 2017; 7:3494-3506. [PMID: 28515885 PMCID: PMC5433969 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian body condition is an important individual fitness metric as it affects both survival and reproductive success. The ability to accurately measure condition has key implications for predicting individual and population health, and therefore monitoring the population‐level effects of changing environments. No consensus currently exists on the best measure to quantitatively estimate body condition in many species, including cetaceans. Here, two measures of body condition were investigated in the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). First, the most informative morphometric body condition index was identified. The mass/length2 ratio was the most appropriate morphometric index of 10 indices tested, explaining 50% of the variation in condition in stranded, male porpoises with different causes of death and across age classes (n = 291). Mass/length2 was then used to evaluate a second measure, blubber cortisol concentration, as a metabolic condition marker. Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid hormone involved in the regulation of lipolysis and overall energy balance in mammals, and concentrations could provide information on physiological state. Blubber cortisol concentrations did not significantly vary around the girth (n = 20), but there was significant vertical stratification through the blubber depth with highest concentrations in the innermost layer. Concentrations in the dorsal, outermost layer were representative of concentrations through the full blubber depth, showed variation by sex and age class, and were negatively correlated with mass/length2. Using this species as a model for live cetaceans from which standard morphometric measurements cannot be taken, but from which blubber biopsy samples are routinely collected, cortisol concentrations in the dorsal, outermost blubber layer could potentially be used as a biomarker of condition in free‐ranging animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Kershaw
- Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife UK
| | - Meredith Sherrill
- Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme SAC Veterinary Services Drummondhill Inverness UK
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme SAC Veterinary Services Drummondhill Inverness UK
| | - Ailsa J Hall
- Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife UK
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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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Gonzalvo J, Lauriano G, Hammond PS, Viaud-Martinez KA, Fossi MC, Natoli A, Marsili L. The Gulf of Ambracia's Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus: A Highly Dense and yet Threatened Population. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2016; 75:259-296. [PMID: 27770987 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is the only cetacean present in the semiclosed waters of the Gulf of Ambracia, Western Greece. This increasingly degraded coastal ecosystem hosts one of the highest observed densities in the Mediterranean Sea for this species. Photo-identification data and tissue samples collected through skin-swabbing and remote biopsy sampling techniques during boat-based surveys conducted between 2006 and 2015 in the Gulf, were used to examine bottlenose dolphin abundance, population trends, site fidelity, genetic differentiation and toxicological status. Bottlenose dolphins showed high levels of year-round site fidelity throughout the 10-year study period. Dolphin population estimates mostly fell between 130 and 170 with CVs averaging about 10%; a trend in population size over the 10 years was a decline of 1.6% per year (but this was not significant). Genetic differentiation between the bottlenose dolphins of the Gulf and their conspecifics from neighbouring populations was detected, and low genetic diversity was found among individuals sampled. In addition, pesticides where identified as factors posing a real toxicological problem for local bottlenose dolphins. Therefore, in the Gulf of Ambracia, high dolphin density does not seem to be indicative of favourable conservation status or pristine habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Gonzalvo
- Tethys Research Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - G Lauriano
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Roma, Italy
| | - P S Hammond
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - A Natoli
- UAE Dolphin Project, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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