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Lemos LS, Attademo FLN, de Paiva LH, Costa AF, Reis LMA, de Oliveira Luna F, Hauser-Davis RA, Siciliano S. Metal and metalloid maternal transfer in a newborn West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) two years after the northeastern oil spill disaster of 2019 in Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116147. [PMID: 38377864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116147] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
A large-scale oil spill along the northeastern Brazilian coast in 2019-2020 severely impacted primary manatee habitats in Brazil. This study aimed to assess metal and metalloid contamination in a dead manatee calf found following this oil spill. Several elements were detected, including chromium, iron, nickel, lead, and vanadium, which are crude oil components, and thallium, a component of dispersants used to degrade and dissipate crude oil. The presence of these contaminants in the manatee calf is indicative of maternal exposure, metabolism, and newborn transference via placenta and lactation. This is the first report of mother-calf metal transfer in manatees, highlighting the species' vulnerability and potential long-term population dynamics effects, and the first report for several metals and metalloids in these animals, laying the foundation for future research efforts. These findings highlight the urgent need for continued environmental monitoring, ecotoxicological assessments, and conservation initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila S Lemos
- Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181, United States.
| | - Fernanda L N Attademo
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (ICMBio/CMA), Santos, SP, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Ecologia, Comportamento e Conservação, Pernambuco, Av. Professor Moraes Rego, s/n. Cidade Universitária, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Lauro Henrique de Paiva
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (ICMBio/CMA), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Alexandra F Costa
- Instituto Bicho D'água: Conservação Socioambiental and Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Aquáticos da Amazônia (GEMAM), Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Laura M A Reis
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio/COMOB), Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Fábia de Oliveira Luna
- Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Mamíferos Aquáticos (ICMBio/CMA), Santos, SP, Brazil
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Av. Brasil, 4.365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Salvatore Siciliano
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública/Fiocruz, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1.480 - sala 10, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-900, Brazil; Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Marinhos da Região dos Lagos, GEMM-Lagos, Araruama, RJ, Brazil
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da Silva Júnior FJTM, Ribeiro JDN, da Silva HLA, da Silva Carneiro C, de Jesus EFO, de Araújo UB, Lazzarini SM, Souza AR, Simões JS, Lopes RT, Dos Anjos MJ, da Silva Ferreira M, Mársico ET. Study of inorganic elements in different organs and tissues of Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) from Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:30486-30495. [PMID: 35000156 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17748-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Multielement concentrations (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Rh) and total mercury (T-Hg) were analyzed in different organs and tissues of Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). Samples of 27 T. inunguis specimens, maintained in the collection of the Amazonian Center for the Research and Preservation of Aquatic Mammals, were used, situated in an area highly impacted by gold mining in the northern region of the Brazilian Amazon. Samples of aquatic plants used as food by the animals were also analyzed. The elements S, Cl, K, Cr, and Mn accumulated mainly in the musculature, while Fe and Cu were more concentrated in the liver. Trace elements, such as rubidium (Rb) and rhodium (Rh), not previously reported in the organs of animals of the family Trichechidae, were also identified. The averages for T-Hg in the skin, muscle, encephalon, liver, kidney, and lung samples were, respectively, 0.1540 ± 0.1332, 0.0593 ± 0.1044, 0.0517 ± 0.0467, 0.0486 ± 0.0543, 0.0237 ± 0.0336, and 0.0013 ± 0.0032 µg.g-1. The values obtained for the vibrissae samples were below the limit of quantification, which allows for the conclusion that this tissue cannot be used as a contamination marker. It was observed that even when kept in a conservation breeding site, these animals were exposed to non-essential trace elements. Differences in the accumulation of elements were observed between the different organs and tissues analyzed. The presence of contaminants in animals that live in a preservation center, even at low levels, deserves attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Damazio Nunes Ribeiro
- Department of Food Technology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rua Vital Brazil Filho n° 64, Niterói, RJ, 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Hugo Leandro Azevedo da Silva
- Department of Food Technology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rua Vital Brazil Filho n° 64, Niterói, RJ, 24230-340, Brazil.
| | - Carla da Silva Carneiro
- Health Science Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Ubiratan Barbosa de Araújo
- Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory COPPE/UFRJ, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Stella Maris Lazzarini
- Center for Research and Preservation of Aquatic Mammals (CPPMA), ELETRONORTE, Balbina, AM, Brazil
| | - Aline Ramos Souza
- Center for Research and Preservation of Aquatic Mammals (CPPMA), ELETRONORTE, Balbina, AM, Brazil
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Julia Siqueira Simões
- Department of Food Technology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rua Vital Brazil Filho n° 64, Niterói, RJ, 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Tadeu Lopes
- Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory COPPE/UFRJ, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelino José Dos Anjos
- Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory COPPE/UFRJ, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Micheli da Silva Ferreira
- Department of Food Technology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rua Vital Brazil Filho n° 64, Niterói, RJ, 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Eliane Teixeira Mársico
- Department of Food Technology, Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rua Vital Brazil Filho n° 64, Niterói, RJ, 24230-340, Brazil
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Palmer K, Bangma JT, Reiner JL, Bonde RK, Korte JE, Boggs ASP, Bowden JA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plasma of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 140:610-615. [PMID: 30803684 PMCID: PMC6529203 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous, synthetic anthropogenic chemicals known to infiltrate and persist in biological systems as a result of their stability and bioaccumulation potential. This study investigated 15 PFAS, including short-chain carboxylic and sulfonic acids, and their presence in a threatened herbivore, the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus). Seven of the 15 PFAS examined were detected in manatee plasma. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (ranging from 0.13 to 166 ng/g ww) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (ranging from 0.038 to 3.52 ng/g ww) were detected in every manatee plasma sample examined (n = 69), with differing medians across sampling sites in Florida, Crystal River (n = 39), Brevard County (n = 18), Everglades National Park (n = 8), and four samples (n = 4) from Puerto Rico. With an herbivorous diet and long life-span, the manatee provides a new perspective to monitoring PFAS contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kady Palmer
- Grice Marine Laboratory, College of Charleston, 205 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, United States.
| | - Jacqueline T Bangma
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 221 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - Jessica L Reiner
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, United States.
| | - Robert K Bonde
- U.S. Geological Survey, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, 7920 NW 71st Street, Gainesville, FL 32653, United States.
| | - Jeffrey E Korte
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon Street, Suite 303, Charleston, SC 29425, United States.
| | - Ashley S P Boggs
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, United States
| | - John A Bowden
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, United States; University of Florida, Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, 32601, United States.
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As, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Cd Concentrations and Bioaccumulation in the Dugong Dugong dugon and Manatee Trichechus manatus: A Review of Body Burdens and Distribution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16030404. [PMID: 30708981 PMCID: PMC6388294 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The death of dozens of manatees Trichechus manatus recently in Tabasco, Mexico, has captured international attention. Speculation about possible causes include water and food contamination by metals. Although federal authorities have ruled out water chemical pollution, the cause of these deaths is still awaiting conclusive laboratory results. Present work seeks to summarize information currently available on non-essential metals and those of great toxicological relevance in Sirenia (dugongs and manatees), highlighting its body distribution, presence in blood, and its relationship with their geographical distribution, gender and age, whenever possible. This paper focuses on the five elements: As, Cr, Hg, Pb and Cd, which are commonly considered as threats for marine mammals and reported in Sirenia. Some of these metals (Cr and Cd) were thought to be related to the recent deaths in Tabasco. All five elements are accumulated by Sirenia at different levels. Metal presence is associated to their diet but does not necessarily imply adverse effects for dugongs and manatees. Toxicological aspects and the human consumption risk in case of any illegal or traditional consumption in some cultures are discussed. Important toxicological research areas that need to be addressed are highlighted.
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Romero-Calderón AG, Morales-Vela B, Rosíles-Martínez R, Olivera-Gómez LD, Delgado-Estrella A. Metals in Bone Tissue of Antillean Manatees from the Gulf of Mexico and Chetumal Bay, Mexico. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 96:9-14. [PMID: 26519079 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-015-1674-6] [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: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of seven metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn) were analyzed in 33 bone tissue samples of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) found dead in lagoons and rivers of Tabasco and Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico and Chetumal Bay in the Caribbean region. The concentrations of Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were significantly different between regions, with greater levels found in the Gulf of Mexico group than in the Mexican Caribbean group (p < 0.05). Pb concentrations differed significantly between adults and calves. No differences were observed between sexes. Metal concentrations detected in the manatee bones were higher than most of those reported for bones in other marine mammals around the world. Future studies are necessary to establish whether the metal concentrations represent a risk to the health of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana G Romero-Calderón
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, C. P. 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Benjamin Morales-Vela
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Av. Centenario Km 5.5, C. P. 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
| | - René Rosíles-Martínez
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, C. P. 04510, Mexico, D.F., Mexico
| | - León D Olivera-Gómez
- División Académica de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Km. 0.5 carretera Villahermosa-Cárdenas, C. P. 86039, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Alberto Delgado-Estrella
- Universidad Autónoma del Carmen, Calle 56 4, Benito Juárez, C. P. 24180, Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico
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Costa MF, Landing WM, Kehrig HA, Barletta M, Holmes CD, Barrocas PRG, Evers DC, Buck DG, Claudia Vasconcellos A, Hacon SS, Moreira JC, Malm O. Mercury in tropical and subtropical coastal environments. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 119:88-100. [PMID: 22901765 PMCID: PMC4070745 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities influence the biogeochemical cycles of mercury, both qualitatively and quantitatively, on a global scale from sources to sinks. Anthropogenic processes that alter the temporal and spatial patterns of sources and cycling processes are changing the impacts of mercury contamination on aquatic biota and humans. Human exposure to mercury is dominated by the consumption of fish and products from aquaculture operations. The risk to society and to ecosystems from mercury contamination is growing, and it is important to monitor these expanding risks. However, the extent and manner to which anthropogenic activities will alter mercury sources and biogeochemical cycling in tropical and sub-tropical coastal environments is poorly understood. Factors as (1) lack of reliable local/regional data; (2) rapidly changing environmental conditions; (3) governmental priorities and; (4) technical actions from supra-national institutions, are some of the obstacles to overcome in mercury cycling research and policy formulation. In the tropics and sub-tropics, research on mercury in the environment is moving from an exploratory "inventory" phase towards more process-oriented studies. Addressing biodiversity conservation and human health issues related to mercury contamination of river basins and tropical coastal environments are an integral part of paragraph 221 of the United Nations document "The Future We Want" issued in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica F Costa
- Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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Baseline levels of trace metals in blood of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). J Zoo Wildl Med 2012; 42:360-2. [PMID: 22946424 DOI: 10.1638/2011-0010.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole blood from 33 healthy captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) was analyzed for 12 trace elements: aluminum, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, mercury, and lead for the purpose of estimating preliminary baseline population parameters for these minerals. Metals were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Baseline ranges for all animals and for all trace elements were comparable to normal concentrations reported in other species. This is the first report of normal trace element levels in the blood of captive elephants.
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Anzolin DG, Sarkis JES, Diaz E, Soares DG, Serrano IL, Borges JCG, Souto AS, Taniguchi S, Montone RC, Bainy ACD, Carvalho PSM. Contaminant concentrations, biochemical and hematological biomarkers in blood of West Indian manatees Trichechus manatus from Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:1402-1408. [PMID: 22626623 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Revised: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus is threatened with extinction in Brazil, and this study focused on nondestructive blood samples analyzed for metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), as well as biochemical and hematological biomarkers. Studied manatees were kept at Projeto Peixe-Boi headquarters in Pernambuco State, and at two natural areas in estuaries where they are released to the wild. Manatees kept at the natural estuary in Paraiba State have blood concentrations of Al, Pb, Cd, Sn that are 11, 7, 8 and 23 times greater, respectively, than the concentrations found in blood of animals from the same species in Florida, USA. An inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase in manatees kept at the two reintroduction sites in Alagoas and Paraiba States indicated possible exposure of the animals to cholinesterase inhibitor insecticides. PCBs and OCPs were not detected. Results from this study will help delineate conservation efforts in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Anzolin
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco - UFPE, Zoology Department, Recife, Brazil.
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Habran S, Debier C, Crocker DE, Houser DS, Das K. Blood dynamics of mercury and selenium in northern elephant seals during the lactation period. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:2523-2529. [PMID: 21752502 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Revised: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The effects of reproduction and maternal investment (i.e., milk transfer) on trace element levels remain poorly understood in marine mammals. We examined the blood dynamics of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) during lactation in the northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), a top predator from the North Pacific Ocean. Total Hg and Se levels were measured in whole blood and milk of 10 mother-pup pairs on days 5 and 22 of lactation. Both Hg and Se were transferred to offspring through the milk. Results suggested that the maternal transfer of Se was prominent during lactation, whereas the Hg transfer was larger during gestation. The lactation period affected Hg and Se levels in the blood of elephant seal mothers and pups. Physiological processes and their relationship to body condition should be considered carefully when interpreting trace element levels in the framework of biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Habran
- Laboratory for Oceanology - MARE Center B6c, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium.
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Kakuschke A, Valentine-Thon E, Griesel S, Gandrass J, Perez Luzardo O, Dominguez Boada L, Zumbado Peña M, Almeida González M, Grebe M, Pröfrock D, Erbsloeh HB, Kramer K, Fonfara S, Prange A. First health and pollution study on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) living in the German Elbe estuary. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2010; 60:2079-86. [PMID: 20701929 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/16/2010] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The Elbe is one of the major rivers releasing pollutants into the coastal areas of the German North Sea. Its estuary represents the habitat of a small population of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Only little is known about the health status and contamination levels of these seals. Therefore, a first-ever seal catch was organized next to the islands of Neuwerk and Scharhörn in the region of the Hamburg Wadden Sea National Park. The investigations included a broad set of health parameters and the analysis of metals and organic pollutants in blood samples. Compared to animals of other Wadden Sea areas, the seals showed higher γ-globulin levels, suggesting higher concentrations of pathogens in this near-urban area, elevated concentrations for several metals in particular for V, Sn, Pb, and Sr, and comparable ranges for chlorinated organic contaminants, except for elevated levels of hexachlorobenzene, which indicates characteristic inputs from the Elbe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Kakuschke
- GKSS Research Center Geesthacht, Marine Bioanalytical Chemistry, Institute for Coastal Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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Mollenhauer MAM, Carter BJ, Peden-Adams MM, Bossart GD, Fair PA. Gene expression changes in bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, skin cells following exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2009; 91:10-18. [PMID: 19010555 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2008.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Revised: 09/20/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the environment and increasing concentrations of these pollutants have been found in wildlife and humans. Both chemicals are worldwide contaminants with wide ranging biological effects and have been identified in relatively high concentrations in apex level marine mammals such as bottlenose dolphins. The primary objective of this study was to determine if exposure to MeHg or PFOS would alter the gene expression in primary bottlenose dolphin epidermal cell cultures. Primary skin cells were isolated and cultured from skin samples collected from wild bottlenose dolphins. The cells were subsequently exposed to 13ppm PFOS or 1ppm MeHg and changes in gene expression were analyzed by suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) and quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR). 116 genes were positively identified in the dolphin skin cells by SSH. Of these, 16 total genes were analyzed by QPCR (9 and 11 genes following PFOS or MeHg exposure, respectively, with four overlapping genes). Results indicate MeHg significantly alters gene expression patterns following 24h exposure, but has no measurable effect after only 1h. PFOS exposure, however, caused significant alterations following both 1 and 25h. Overall, the changes in gene expression observed indicate these concentrations of MeHg and PFOS significantly alter normal gene expression patterns. The changes in gene expression following exposure to these contaminants not only indicate a cellular stress response, but also decreased cell cycle progression and cellular proliferation and reduced protein translation. Alterations in normal cellular biology, like those observed, may lead to changes in health in marine mammals exposed to contaminants; however, this warrants further investigation.
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