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Chen Y, Bell TH, Gourlie S, Lei YD, Wania F. Contaminant Biomagnification in Polar Bears: Interindividual Differences, Dietary Intake Rate, and the Gut Microbiome. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38838208 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c03302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Some persistent hydrophobic pollutants biomagnify, i.e., achieve higher contaminant levels in a predator than in its prey (Cpredator/Cprey > 1). This ratio is called the biomagnification factor (BMF) and is traditionally determined using tissues from carcasses or biopsies. Using a noninvasive method that relies on equilibrium sampling in silicone-film-coated vessels and chemical analysis of paired diet and feces, we determined on three occasions the thermodynamic biomagnification limit (BMFlim) and feces-based biomagnification factor (BMFF) for three zoo-housed polar bears who experience seasonal periods of hyperphagia and hypophagia. All bears had high biomagnification capabilities (BMFlim was up to 200) owing to very efficient lipid assimilation (up to 99.5%). The bears differed up to a factor of 3 in their BMFlim. BMFlim and BMFF of a bear increased by up to a factor of 4 during the hypophagic period, when the ingestion rate was greatly reduced. Much of that variability can be explained by differences in the lipid assimilation efficiency, even though this efficiency ranged only from 98.1 to 99.5%. A high BMFlim was associated with a high abundance of Bacteroidales and Lachnospirales in the gut microbiome. Biomagnification varies to a surprisingly large extent between individuals and within the same individual over time. Future work should investigate whether this can be attributed to the influence of the gut microbiome on lipid assimilation by studying more individual bears at different key physiological stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Chen
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Terrence H Bell
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Sarra Gourlie
- Nutrition Science, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1B 5K7
| | - Ying Duan Lei
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Frank Wania
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
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2
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Boutet V, Dominique M, Eccles KM, Branigan M, Dyck M, van Coeverden de Groot P, Lougheed SC, Rutter A, Langlois VS. An exploratory spatial contaminant assessment for polar bear (Ursus maritimus) liver, fat, and muscle from northern Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120663. [PMID: 36395907 PMCID: PMC10163957 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the industrial era, chemicals have been ubiquitous in worldwide ecosystems. Despite the discontinued release of highly toxic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment, the levels of some POPs are still being measured in the Canadian Arctic. These contaminants are of great concern due to their persistence, toxicity, and levels of bioaccumulation in food chains. Animals occupying top trophic positions in the Canadian Arctic, particularly polar bears, are exposed to these contaminants mainly through their diet. Our study investigated the levels of 30 metals (including total and methyl mercury) alkaline and alkaline earth metals, 15 polycyclic aromatic compounds and their alkyl congeners (PACs), 6 chlordanes (CHLs), and 20 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in 49 polar bears from the Canadian Arctic. Contaminant burden was measured in liver, muscle, and fat in bears of different sex, age, and locations. A principal component analysis did not distinguish differences between age and sex profiles for most contaminants. However, the concentrations measured and their distribution in the tissues confirm findings observed in past studies. This study highlights the importance of continual monitoring of polar bear health (e.g., newly detected PACs were measured within this study) and evaluating those impacts for the next generations of polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Boutet
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec, Canada
| | - M Dominique
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec, Canada
| | - K M Eccles
- National Institute of Environmental Health Science, Division of the National Toxicology Program, Durham, USA
| | - M Branigan
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - M Dyck
- Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment, Igloolik, NU, Canada
| | | | - S C Lougheed
- Biology Department, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - A Rutter
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - V S Langlois
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec, Canada.
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3
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Pedersen AF, Dietz R, Sonne C, Liu L, Rosing-Asvid A, McKinney MA. Development and validation of a modified QuEChERS method for extracting polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides from marine mammal blubber. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 312:137245. [PMID: 36395894 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The monitoring of legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blubber of key sentinel marine mammal species has been conducted using established techniques for decades. Although these methods for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and organochlorine (OC) pesticide determination provide accurate and reproducible results, they possess some drawbacks in terms of cost, time, and a need for large volumes of toxic solvents. QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extractions may help address these issues, but have not been applied to marine mammal blubber/adipose. As such, our aim was to develop, validate, and apply a QuEChERS method for the extraction of PCB and OC contaminants in marine mammal blubber. First, we tested multiple solid-phase extraction and clean-up steps to find the approach that provided the cleanest extracts along with consistent and acceptable analyte recovery, accuracy, and precision. QuEChERS extractions followed by two enhanced matrix removal-lipid (EMR-lipid), one primary-secondary amine (PSA), and one silica gel clean-up showed the highest matrix removal and acceptable recoveries of spiked internal (62-97%) and external standards (61-94%). Solvent usage was reduced by ∼393% and extraction time was reduced by ∼25% (from 16 to 12 h). Next, the method was validated using standard reference material (SRM) NIST 1945. Recovery experiments on SRM (n = 5) showed acceptable recovery for 76% and 77% of PCBs and OC pesticides, respectively, and high precision for 73% and 69% of PCBs and OCs, respectively. Finally, the method was used on a set of southeast Greenland killer whales (n = 13), with previously published PCB and OC data. Bland-Altman plots indicated good agreement between QuEChERS and current-use methods for ΣPCBs and some OCs with no significant constant or proportional bias. These results demonstrate that this QuEChERS extraction method represents an effective, lower cost alternative to current-use extractions for PCBs and OCs in blubber, and likely other high-lipid samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam F Pedersen
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | | | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
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4
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Chen Y, Lei YD, Wensvoort J, Gourlie S, Wania F. Probing the Thermodynamics of Biomagnification in Zoo-Housed Polar Bears by Equilibrium Sampling of Dietary and Fecal Samples. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:9497-9504. [PMID: 35593505 PMCID: PMC9260956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In a proof-of-concept study, we recently used equilibrium sampling with silicone films to noninvasively derive the thermodynamic limit to a canine's gastrointestinal biomagnification capability (BMFlim) by determining the ratio of the products of the volume (V) and fugacity capacity (Z) of food and feces. In that earlier study, low contaminant levels prevented the determination of contaminant fugacities (f) in food and feces. For zoo-housed polar bears, fed on a lipid-rich diet of fish and seal oil, we were now able to measure the increase in f of nine native polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) upon digestion, providing incontestable proof of the process of gastrointestinal biomagnification. A high average BMFlim value of ∼171 for the bears was caused mostly by a remarkable reduction in fugacity capacity driven by a high lipid assimilation capacity. Lipid-rich diets increase the uptake of biomagnifying contaminants in two ways: because they tend to have higher contaminant concentrations and because they lead to a high Z value drop during digestion. We also confirmed that equilibrium sampling yielded similar Z values for PCBs originally present in food and feces and for isotopically labeled PCBs spiked onto those samples, which makes the method suitable for investigating the biomagnification capability of organisms, even if native contaminant concentrations in their diet and feces are low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Chen
- Department
of Chemistry and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Ying Duan Lei
- Department
of Chemistry and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Jaap Wensvoort
- Nutrition
Science, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1B 5K7
| | - Sarra Gourlie
- Nutrition
Science, Toronto Zoo, 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1B 5K7
| | - Frank Wania
- Department
of Chemistry and Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
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Bourque J, Desforges JP, Levin M, Atwood TC, Sonne C, Dietz R, Jensen TH, Curry E, McKinney MA. Climate-associated drivers of plasma cytokines and contaminant concentrations in Beaufort Sea polar bears (Ursus maritimus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 745:140978. [PMID: 32738684 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Assessing polar bear (Ursus maritimus) immune function in relation to environmental stressors, including habitat change, nutritional stress, pathogen prevalence, and pollution, has been identified as critical for improved understanding of the species' health. The objectives of this study were two-fold: 1) to assess the role of climate-associated factors (habitat use, body condition) in explaining the plasma concentrations of contaminants in southern Beaufort Sea (SB) polar bears, and 2) to investigate how climate-associated factors, contaminant concentrations, and pathogen sero-prevalence influence the plasma concentrations of immune-signaling proteins called cytokines. A commercially available multiplex canine cytokine panel was validated for the quantification of five pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in polar bear plasma: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-10, and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10). This panel was then used to measure cytokine concentrations in 49 SB polar bears sampled in the springs of 2013 and 2014. Mean ∑PCBs (plasma), ∑OCs (plasma), and THg (hair) were 13.01 ± 1.52 ng g-1 w.w. (range: 0.17-52.63), 19.46 ± 1.17 ng g-1 w.w. (range: 6.63-45.82), and 0.49 μg g-1 d.w. (range: 0.99-15.18), respectively. Top models explaining variation in concentrations of plasma PCBs, plasma OC pesticides, and hair THg in SB polar bears included body mass index and/or habitat use (onshore versus offshore), with higher contaminant concentrations in leaner and/or offshore bears. Plasma cytokine concentrations were influenced most strongly by plasma PCBs and age, with little to no influence found for plasma OCs or hair THg concentrations, habitat use, or pathogen sero-prevalence. The lack of association between cytokines and these latter variables is likely due to a temporal disconnect between measured endpoints. The change of polar bear habitat use, feeding ecology, and body condition with ongoing climate warming is affecting exposure to contaminants and pathogens, with potential adverse consequences on a well-balanced immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bourque
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Todd C Atwood
- US Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Trine H Jensen
- Aalborg Zoo/Aalborg University, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Erin Curry
- Center for Conservation & Research of Endangered Wildlife, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Center, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment and Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
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6
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Park JC, Hagiwara A, Park HG, Lee JS. The glutathione S-transferase genes in marine rotifers and copepods: Identification of GSTs and applications for ecotoxicological studies. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 156:111080. [PMID: 32510351 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Various xenobiotics are constantly being released and accumulated into the aquatic environments and consequently, the aquatic organisms are continuously being exposed to exogenous stressors. Among various xenobiotic detoxifying enzymes, Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is one of the major xenobiotic detoxifying enzyme which is widely distributed among living organisms and thus, understanding of the nature of GSTs is crucial. Previous studies have shown GST activity in response to various xenobiotics yet, full identification of GSTs in marine invertebrates is still limited. This review covers information on the importance of GSTs as a biomarker for emerging chemicals and their response to wide ranges of environmental pollutants as well as in-depth phylogenetic analysis of marine invertebrates, including recently identified GSTs belonging to rotifers (Brachionus spp.) and copepods (Tigriopus japonicus and Paracyclopina nana), with unique class-specific features of GSTs, as well as a new suggestion of GST evolutionary pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chul Park
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, South Korea
| | - Atsushi Hagiwara
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan; Organization for Marine Science and Technology, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan
| | - Heum Gi Park
- Department of Marine Resource Development, College of Life Sciences, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung 25457, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon 16419, South Korea.
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7
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Spörndly-Nees E, Holm L, van Beest FM, Fakhrzadeh A, Ekstedt E, Letcher R, Magnusson U, Desforges JP, Dietz R, Sonne C. Age and seasonal variation in testis and baculum morphology in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in relation to high concentrations of persistent organic pollutants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:246-254. [PMID: 30928855 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.036] [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: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are found in high concentrations in the Artic. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are one of the most exposed mammals in the Arctic and are thereby vulnerable to reproductive disruption. The aim of this study was to investigate male polar bear reproduction based on a detailed evaluation of testis histology and to assess possible effects of environmental chemicals on male polar bear reproduction. Reproductive groups that were identified based on histology were as follows: actively reproductive (REP), non-reproductive either with degenerated testes (DEG), undeveloped seminiferous tubules (UND), or morphology in-transition (INT). Categorization into these groups was supported by significant differences in testis and baculum measurements among REP, DEG, and UND, as well as differences in the area and diameter of seminiferous tubules among REP, DEG, and UND. These results show that it is possible to identify the reproductive stage in polar bears even if capture date and or age is lacking. Based on testis morphology we suggest that adult male polar bears from East Greenland have active spermatogenesis in February to June, and inactive degenerated testes in August to January. January to February was the main period of reproductive transition, characterised by a shift between inactive and active spermatogenesis. Baculum and testis size measurements decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of the chlordane metabolite oxychlordane, suggesting a potential impact on male reproductive success. Half of the investigated polar bears in REP group displayed signs of disorganization of the spermatogenesis which might be a sign of disrupted reproduction. However, no correlations with levels of the investigated POPs were detected. Reproductive organ measurements in polar bears differed significantly between REP and DEG groups, which cannot be explained by age, and therefore should be considered when investigating the effect of POPs on male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellinor Spörndly-Nees
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7011, 75007, Sweden.
| | - Lena Holm
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7011, 75007, Sweden
| | - Floris M van Beest
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-400, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Azadeh Fakhrzadeh
- Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc) Tehran Province, No. 1090, Enghelab, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elisabeth Ekstedt
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7011, 75007, Sweden
| | - Robert Letcher
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Bldg. 33, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Ulf Magnusson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-400, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-400, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-400, Roskilde, Denmark
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8
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Xu HJ, Bai J, Li WY, Zhao LX, Li YT. Removal of persistent DDT residues from soils by earthworms: A mechanistic study. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2019; 365:622-631. [PMID: 30472447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Earthworms have been reported to enhance DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane) removal from soils, but the mechanism underlying is still poorly understood. This study therefore worked on the links between DDT transformation in drilosphere and non-drilosphere matrices and the properties of these matrices in sterile and non-sterile soil columns with and without earthworms to reveal related mechanisms. The results show that earthworms shortened the half-time of DDT in soils from over 14 weeks to about 8 weeks; DDT residues were lower (p < 0.05) and its transformation products were higher (p < 0.05) in drilosphere matrixes than those in their non-drilosphere counterparts; DDD and DDMU was higher (p < 0.05) in the gut, and DDE was higher (p < 0.05) in the burrow; and the bioaccumulation of DDT in earthworm tissues only contributed less than 0.03% to the DDT removal enhanced by earthworms. The results further demonstrate that drilosphere is the hotspot of soil DDT transformation with oxidative degradation dominant in the burrow and reductive dechlorination in the gut, and earthworms enhanced DDT removal mainly by digesting and promoting the microbial degradation of DDT by indigenous microorganisms via improving soil properties. Knowledge of the mechanisms of DDT transformation by earthworms will support the use of earthworms in remediating DDT-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Xu
- Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jing Bai
- Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Hunan University of Humanities, Science and Technology, Loudi 417000, China
| | - Wen-Yan Li
- Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li-Xia Zhao
- Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Tianjin 300191, China
| | - Yong-Tao Li
- Joint Institute for Environmental Research & Education, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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9
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Lippold A, Bourgeon S, Aars J, Andersen M, Polder A, Lyche JL, Bytingsvik J, Jenssen BM, Derocher AE, Welker JM, Routti H. Temporal Trends of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Barents Sea Polar Bears ( Ursus maritimus) in Relation to Changes in Feeding Habits and Body Condition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:984-995. [PMID: 30548071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Temporal trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs: PCBs, OH-PCBs, p, p'-DDE, HCB, β-HCH, oxychlordane, BDE-47, and 153) in relation to changes in feeding habits and body condition in adult female polar bears ( Ursus maritimus) from the Barents Sea subpopulation were examined over 20 years (1997-2017). All 306 samples were collected in the spring (April). Both stable isotope values of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) from red blood cells declined over time, with a steeper trend for δ13C between 2012 and 2017, indicating a decreasing intake of marine and high trophic level prey items. Body condition, based on morphometric measurements, had a nonsignificant decreasing tendency between 1997 and 2005, and increased significantly between 2005 and 2017. Plasma concentrations of BDE-153 and β-HCH did not significantly change over time, whereas concentrations of Σ4PCB, Σ5OH-PCB, BDE-47, and oxychlordane declined linearly. Concentrations of p, p'-DDE and HCB, however, declined until 2012 and 2009, respectively, and increased thereafter. Changes in feeding habits and body condition did not significantly affect POP trends. The study indicates that changes in diet and body condition were not the primary driver of POPs in polar bears, but were controlled in large part by primary and/or secondary emissions of POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lippold
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
- The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) , Tromsø 9019 , Norway
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) , Tromsø 9019 , Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | | | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) , Oslo 0454 , Norway
| | - Jan Ludvig Lyche
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) , Oslo 0454 , Norway
| | - Jenny Bytingsvik
- Akvaplan-niva AS , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Trondheim 7491 , Norway
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Trondheim 7491 , Norway
| | | | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) , Anchorage 99508 , United States
- University of Oulu , Oulu 90014 , Finland
- University of the Arctic
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
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10
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Dietz R, Desforges JP, Gustavson K, Rigét FF, Born EW, Letcher RJ, Sonne C. Immunologic, reproductive, and carcinogenic risk assessment from POP exposure in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) during 1983-2013. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 118:169-178. [PMID: 29883763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are among the world's highest trophic level marine predators and as such have some of the highest tissue concentrations of organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) among Arctic biota. In this paper we present the results of a three decade (1983-2013) risk assessment of OHC exposure and effects on reproduction, immunity, and cancer (genotoxicity) in polar bears from Central East Greenland. Risk of adverse effects are evaluated using a risk quotient (RQ) approach with derivation from measured OHC concentrations in polar bear tissue and critical body residues (CBR) extrapolated for polar bears using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling (PBPK). The additive RQs for all OHCs in polar bears were above the threshold for all effect categories (RQ > 1) in every year, suggesting this population has been at significant and continuous risk of contaminant-mediated effects for over three decades. RQs peaked in 1983 (RQ > 58) and again in 2013 (RQ > 50) after a period of decline. These trends follow ΣPCB levels during that time, and contributed almost all of the risk to immune, reproductive, and carcinogenic effects (71-99% of total RQ). The recent spike in RQs suggests a major shift in polar bear contaminant exposure from climate related changes in food composition and hereby the increased risk of adverse health effects. In the context of lifetime exposure ΣPCB and PFOS levels showed the interactive importance of year of birth, age, and emission history. In conclusion, the results indicate that East Greenland polar bears have been exposed to OHC levels over the period of 1983-2013 that potentially and continuously affected individual and theoretically also population health, with a peaking risk in the more recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Erik W Born
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, Nuuk DK-3900, Greenland
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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11
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Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Jenssen BM, Desforges JP, Eulaers I, Andersen-Ranberg E, Gustavson K, Styrishave B, Dietz R. A veterinary perspective on One Health in the Arctic. Acta Vet Scand 2017; 59:84. [PMID: 29246165 PMCID: PMC5732494 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-017-0353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to long-range transported industrial chemicals, climate change and diseases is posing a risk to the overall health and populations of Arctic wildlife. Since local communities are relying on the same marine food web as marine mammals in the Arctic, it requires a One Health approach to understand the holistic ecosystem health including that of humans. Here we collect and identify gaps in the current knowledge of health in the Arctic and present the veterinary perspective of One Health and ecosystem dynamics. The review shows that exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is having multiple organ-system effects across taxa, including impacts on neuroendocrine disruption, immune suppression and decreased bone density among others. Furthermore, the warming Arctic climate is suspected to influence abiotic and biotic long-range transport and exposure pathways of contaminants to the Arctic resulting in increases in POP exposure of both wildlife and human populations. Exposure to vector-borne diseases and zoonoses may increase as well through range expansion and introduction of invasive species. It will be important in the future to investigate the effects of these multiple stressors on wildlife and local people to better predict the individual-level health risks. It is within this framework that One Health approaches offer promising opportunities to survey and pinpoint environmental changes that have effects on wildlife and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Robert James Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 Canada
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Arctic Technology, The University Centre in Svalbard, PO Box 156, 9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Emilie Andersen-Ranberg
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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12
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Villa S, Migliorati S, Monti GS, Holoubek I, Vighi M. Risk of POP mixtures on the Arctic food chain. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:1181-1192. [PMID: 28054401 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of the Arctic ecosystem to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) was assessed through a review of literature data. Concentrations of 19 chemicals or congeneric groups were estimated for the highest levels of the Arctic food chain (Arctic cod, ringed seals, and polar bears). The ecotoxicological risk for seals, bears, and bear cubs was estimated by applying the concentration addition (CA) concept. The risk of POP mixtures was very low in seals. By contrast, the risk was 2 orders of magnitude higher than the risk threshold for adult polar bears and even more (3 orders of magnitude above the threshold) for bear cubs fed with contaminated milk. Based on the temporal trends available for many of the chemicals, the temporal trend of the mixture risk for bear cubs was calculated. Relative to the 1980s, a decrease in risk from the POP mixture is evident, mainly because of international control measures. However, the composition of the mixture substantially changes, and the contribution of new POPs (particularly perfluorooctane sulfonate) increases. These results support the effectiveness of control measures, such as those promulgated in the Stockholm Convention, as well as the urgent need for their implementation for new and emerging POPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1181-1192. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Villa
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Sonia Migliorati
- Department of Economics, Management, and Statistics, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianna Serafina Monti
- Department of Economics, Management, and Statistics, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Ivan Holoubek
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marco Vighi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Water (IMDEA Water), Madrid, Spain
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13
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Fuentes MS, Raimondo EE, Amoroso MJ, Benimeli CS. Removal of a mixture of pesticides by a Streptomyces consortium: Influence of different soil systems. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 173:359-367. [PMID: 28126570 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Although the use of organochlorine pesticides (OPs) is restricted or banned in most countries, they continue posing environmental and health concerns, so it is imperative to develop methods for removing them from the environment. This work is aimed to investigate the simultaneous removal of three OPs (lindane, chlordane and methoxychlor) from diverse types of systems by employing a native Streptomyces consortium. In liquid systems, a satisfactory microbial growth was observed accompanied by removal of lindane (40.4%), methoxychlor (99.5%) and chlordane (99.8%). In sterile soil microcosms, the consortium was able to grow without significant differences in the different textured soils (clay silty loam, sandy and loam), both contaminated or not contaminated with the OPs-mixture. The Streptomyces consortium was able to remove all the OPs in sterile soil microcosm (removal order: clay silty loam > loam > sandy). So, clay silty loam soil (CSLS) was selected for next assays. In non-sterile CSLS microcosms, chlordane removal was only about 5%, nonetheless, higher rates was observed for lindane (11%) and methoxychlor (20%). In CSLS slurries, the consortium exhibited similar growth levels, in the presence of or in the absence of the OPs-mixture. Not all pesticides were removed in the same way; the order of pesticide dissipation was: methoxychlor (26%)>lindane (12.5%)>chlordane (10%). The outlines of microbial growth and pesticides removal provide information about using actinobacteria consortium as strategies for bioremediation of OPs-mixture in diverse soil systems. Texture of soils and assay conditions (sterility, slurry formulation) were determining factors influencing the removal of each pesticide of the mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- María S Fuentes
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI-CONICET), Avenida Belgrano y Pasaje Caseros, 4000, Tucumán, Argentina; Universidad del Norte Santo Tomás de Aquino, 9 de Julio 165, 4000, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Enzo E Raimondo
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI-CONICET), Avenida Belgrano y Pasaje Caseros, 4000, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - María J Amoroso
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI-CONICET), Avenida Belgrano y Pasaje Caseros, 4000, Tucumán, Argentina; Universidad del Norte Santo Tomás de Aquino, 9 de Julio 165, 4000, Tucumán, Argentina; Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Ayacucho 491, 4000, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Claudia S Benimeli
- Planta Piloto de Procesos Industriales Microbiológicos (PROIMI-CONICET), Avenida Belgrano y Pasaje Caseros, 4000, Tucumán, Argentina; Universidad del Norte Santo Tomás de Aquino, 9 de Julio 165, 4000, Tucumán, Argentina.
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14
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Vitamins A and E in liver, kidney, and whole blood of East Greenland polar bears sampled 1994–2008: reference values and temporal trends. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1830-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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15
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Moses SK, Harley JR, Lieske CL, Muir DCG, Whiting AV, O'Hara TM. Variation in bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants based on octanol-air partitioning: Influence of respiratory elimination in marine species. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 100:122-127. [PMID: 26440545 PMCID: PMC4679492 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessments of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are often based on octanol-water (KOW) partitioning dynamics and may not adequately reflect bioaccumulation in air-breathing organisms. It has been suggested that compounds with low KOW and high octanol-air partitioning (KOA) coefficients have the potential to bioaccumulate in air-breathing organisms, including marine mammals. Here we evaluate differences in concentrations of POPs for two trophically matched Arctic species, spotted seal (Phoca largha) and sheefish (Stenodus leucichthys). We compared concentrations of 108 POPs in matched tissues (liver and muscle) across three ranges of KOW. We found a significant positive correlation between POP concentration and log KOA in spotted seal tissues for low log KOW compounds (log KOW <5.5, p<0.05). This provides further evidence for empirical models and observed bioaccumulation patterns in air-breathing organisms, and highlights the potential for bioaccumulation of these compounds in Arctic marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Moses
- Biological Services Division, Environmental Section, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, 72682 Maple Street, Odanah, WI 54861, USA
| | - John R Harley
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 900 Yukon Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.
| | - Camilla L Lieske
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 905 N Koyukuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220, USA
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Aquatic Ecosystem Protection Research Division, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON L7R 4A6, Canada
| | | | - Todd M O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 901 Koyukuk Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
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16
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Herceg Romanić S, Klinčić D, Kljaković-Gašpić Z, Kusak J, Reljić S, Huber Đ. Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in wild terrestrial mammals from Croatia: Interspecies comparison of residue levels and compositions. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 137:52-58. [PMID: 26002287 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this pilot study, we investigated levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the adipose tissues of two free-ranging terrestrial carnivores from Croatia sampled in 2010 and 2011: the brown bear (Ursus arctos; N=32) and the grey wolf (Canis lupus; N=29). Concentrations of ∑OCPs and ΣPCBs ranged from 0.45 to 4.09 ng g(-1) lipid mass (lm) and from 0.93 to 8.52 ng g(-1) lm in brown bear, and from 1.18 to 5.67 ng g(-1) lm and 2.68 to 48.9 ng g(-1) lm in grey wolf adipose tissues, respectively. PCBs were dominant accounting for over 72% of total analyzed persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The sum of six indicator non-dioxin-like PCBs (Σ6IndNDL PCBs) made up 60-93% and 58-85% of the total congener concentrations in brown bears and wolves, respectively. Although the levels of the measured parameters were significantly higher in grey wolves than in bears, the contaminant profiles of the two species were similar, with γ-HCH, HCB, β-HCH and DDE as major OCP contaminants, and PCB-153>PCB-180≈PCB-170>PCB-138 as the dominant congeners. The sum of hexachlorocyclohexanes (ΣHCHs) and 8 toxicologically relevant dioxin-like PCBs (Σ8ToxDL PCBs) was higher in the males than in the females of the brown bear. Concentrations of ΣDDTs, HCB, ΣOCP, ΣPCBs, Σ6IndNDL PCBs, and toxicologically relevant non-dioxin-like PCBs (ΣToxNDL PCBs) were significantly positively correlated with lipid content in the grey wolf. Concentrations of OCPs and PCBs in brown bears and wolves from Croatia were low and normal for large terrestrial mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snježana Herceg Romanić
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Darija Klinčić
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zorana Kljaković-Gašpić
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Josip Kusak
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Slaven Reljić
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Đuro Huber
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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17
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Grung M, Lin Y, Zhang H, Steen AO, Huang J, Zhang G, Larssen T. Pesticide levels and environmental risk in aquatic environments in China--A review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 81:87-97. [PMID: 25968893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
China is one of the largest producers and consumers of pesticides in the world today. Along with the widespread use of pesticides and industrialization, there is a growing concern for water quality. The present review aims to provide an overview of studies on pesticides in aquatic environments in China. The levels in the water, sediment and biota were scored according to a detailed environmental classification system based on ecotoxicological effect, which is therefore a useful tool for assessing the risk these compounds pose to the aquatic ecosystem. Our review reveals that the most studied areas in China are the most populated and the most developed economically and that the most frequently studied pesticides are DDT and HCH. We show maps of where studies have been conducted and show the ecotoxicological risk the pesticides pose in each of the matrices. Our review pinpoints the need for biota samples to assess the risk. A large fraction of the results from the studies are given an environmental classification of "very bad" based on levels in biota. In general, the risk is higher for DDT than HCH. A few food web studies have also been conducted, and we encourage further study of this important information from this region. The review reveals that many of the most important agricultural provinces (e.g., Henan, Hubei and Hunan) with the largest pesticide use have been the subject of few studies on the environmental levels of pesticides. We consider this to be a major knowledge gap for understanding the status of pesticide contamination and related risk in China. Furthermore, there is also a lack of studies in remote Chinese environments, which is also an important knowledge gap. The compounds analyzed and reported in the studies represent a serious bias because a great deal of attention is given to DDT and HCH, whereas the organophosphate insecticides dominating current use are less frequently investigated. For the future, we point to the need for an organized monitoring plan designed according to the knowledge gaps in terms of geographical distribution, compounds included, and risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merete Grung
- NIVA (Norwegian Institute for Water Research), Gaustadalléen 21, 0342 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Yan Lin
- NIVA (Norwegian Institute for Water Research), Gaustadalléen 21, 0342 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hua Zhang
- NIVA (Norwegian Institute for Water Research), Gaustadalléen 21, 0342 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jun Huang
- School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute for Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Thorjørn Larssen
- NIVA (Norwegian Institute for Water Research), Gaustadalléen 21, 0342 Oslo, Norway
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18
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Pedersen KE, Styrishave B, Sonne C, Dietz R, Jenssen BM. Accumulation and potential health effects of organohalogenated compounds in the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)--a review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 502:510-516. [PMID: 25300015 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This review addresses biological effects of anthropogenic organohalogenated compounds in the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). When considering the current levels, spatial and tissue distributions of selected organic pollutants in arctic fox subpopulations, especially the Svalbard based populations accumulate high levels. The dominating contaminant groups are the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlordanes (CHLs), which reach high levels in adipose tissues, adrenals and liver. Recent controlled exposure studies on domesticated arctic fox and Greenland sledge dogs, show adverse health effects associated with OC concentrations lower than those measured in free-ranging populations. This indicates that especially populations at Svalbard may be at risk of experiencing OC related effects. The arctic fox as such may be an overlooked species in the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programs and it would add further information about pollution in the Arctic to include this species in the monitoring program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Eggers Pedersen
- Toxicology Laboratory, Section of Advanced Drug Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology Laboratory, Section of Advanced Drug Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, NO 7491 Trondheim, Norway; University Centre in Svalbard, Department of Arctic Technology, NO 9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
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19
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Gabrielsen KM, Krokstad JS, Villanger GD, Blair DAD, Obregon MJ, Sonne C, Dietz R, Letcher RJ, Jenssen BM. Thyroid hormones and deiodinase activity in plasma and tissues in relation to high levels of organohalogen contaminants in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 136:413-23. [PMID: 25460663 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.09.019] [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] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown relationships between organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) and circulating levels of thyroid hormones (THs) in arctic wildlife. However, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the possible functional effects of OHCs on TH status in target tissues for TH-dependent activity. The relationships between circulating (plasma) levels of OHCs and various TH variables in plasma as well as in liver, muscle and kidney tissues from East Greenland sub-adult polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled in 2011 (n=7) were therefore investigated. The TH variables included 3.3',5.5'-tetraiodothyronine or thyroxine (T4), 3.3',5-triiodothyronine (T3) and type 1 (D1) and type 2 (D2) deiodinase activities. Principal component analysis (PCA) combined with correlation analyses demonstrated negative relationships between individual polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their hydroxylated (OH-) metabolites and T4 in both plasma and muscle. There were both positive and negative relationships between individual OHCs and D1 and D2 activities in muscle, liver and kidney tissues. In general, PCBs, OH-PCBs and polybrominated dipehenyl ethers (PBDEs) were positively correlated to D1 and D2 activities, whereas organochlorine pesticides and byproducts (OCPs) were negatively associated with D1 and D2 activities. These results support the hypothesis that OHCs can affect TH status and action in the target tissues of polar bears. TH levels and deiodinase activities in target tissues can be sensitive endpoints for exposure of TH-disrupting compounds in arctic wildlife, and thus, tissue-specific responses in target organs should be further considered when assessing TH disruption in wildlife studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Stene Krokstad
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gro Dehli Villanger
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Division of Mental Health, Department of Child Development and Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, 0473 Oslo, Norway
| | - David A D Blair
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3; Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Maria-Jesus Obregon
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Centro Mixto from CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Denmark
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3; Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1S 5B6
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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20
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Pavlova V, Nabe-Nielsen J, Dietz R, Svenning JC, Vorkamp K, Rigét FF, Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Grimm V. Field metabolic rate and PCB adipose tissue deposition efficiency in East Greenland polar bears derived from contaminant monitoring data. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104037. [PMID: 25101837 PMCID: PMC4125222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change will increasingly affect the natural habitat and diet of polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Understanding the energetic needs of polar bears is therefore important. We developed a theoretical method for estimating polar bear food consumption based on using the highly recalcitrant polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener, 2,2′,4,4′,55-hexaCB (CB153) in bear adipose tissue as an indicator of food intake. By comparing the CB153 tissue concentrations in wild polar bears with estimates from a purposely designed individual-based model, we identified the possible combinations of field metabolic rates (FMR) and CB153 deposition efficiencies in East Greenland polar bears. Our simulations indicate that if 30% of the CB153 consumed by polar bear individuals were deposited into their adipose tissue, the corresponding FMR would be only two times the basal metabolic rate. In contrast, if the modelled CB153 deposition efficiency were 10%, adult polar bears would require six times more energy than that needed to cover basal metabolism. This is considerably higher than what has been assumed for polar bears in previous studies though it is similar to FMRs found in other marine mammals. An implication of this result is that even relatively small reductions in future feeding opportunities could impact the survival of East Greenland polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Pavlova
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus, Denmark
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Section for Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Frank Farsø Rigét
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Robert J. Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Volker Grimm
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Ecological Modelling, Leipzig, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam, Germany
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21
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Sonne C, Kirkegaard M, Jakobsen J, Jenssen BM, Letcher RJ, Dietz R. Altered vitamin D status in liver tissue and blood plasma from Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) dietary exposed to organohalogen contaminated minke whale (Balaenoptera acuterostrata) blubber. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2014; 104:403-408. [PMID: 24725758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study compared vitamin D3 (vitD3) and 25-OH vitamin D3 (25OHD3) status in Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) given either minke whale (Balaenoptera acuterostrata) blubber high in organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) or clean porcine (Suis scrofa) fat for up to 636 days. A group of six exposed and six control sister bitches (maternal generation) and their three exposed and four control pups, respectively, were daily fed 112g whale blubber (193µg ∑PCB/day) or porcine fat (0.17µg ∑PCB/day). Mean level of ∑PCB in adipose tissue of exposed bitches and their pups was 3106 and 2670ng/g lw, respectively, which was significantly higher than the mean concentration of 53ng/g lw for all controls (p<0.001). The vitamin analyses showed that 25OHD3 in liver of maternal exposed bitches were significantly lower than in controls (p=0.004) while vitD3 was significantly highest in liver of exposed pups (p<0.003). Regarding blood plasma concentrations, exposed F generation pups had significantly higher concentrations of 25OHD3 than controls (p=0.009). Correlation analyses showed that blood 25OHD3 decreased significantly with increased adipose tissue concentrations of ∑PCB in exposed dogs (R(2)=0.64, p=0.005) and a similar trend was found for liver 25OHD3 (R(2)=0.32, p=0.08). The results indicate that the homeostasis and metabolism of vitamin D compounds may respond differently to the dietary composition of fatty acids and OHC exposure. It is unknown if the lower level of 25OHD3 in the liver of exposed dogs would have any negative effects on immunity and reproduction and more focus should be conducted on this compound in Arctic wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Maja Kirkegaard
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jette Jakobsen
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, Søborg, Denmark
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Roskilde, Denmark
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Seabert TA, Pal S, Pinet BM, Haman F, Robidoux MA, Imbeault P, Krümmel EM, Kimpe LE, Blais JM. Elevated contaminants contrasted with potential benefits of ω-3 fatty acids in wild food consumers of two remote first nations communities in northern Ontario, Canada. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90351. [PMID: 24598815 PMCID: PMC3943865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Indigenous communities in Boreal environments rely on locally-harvested wild foods for sustenance. These foods provide many nutritional benefits including higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; such as ω-3) than what is commonly found in store-bought foods. However, wild foods can be a route of exposure to dietary mercury and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Here, we show a strong association between the frequency of wild food consumption in adults (N = 72) from two remote First Nations communities of Northern Ontario and environmental contaminants in blood (POPs) and hair (mercury). We observed that POPs and mercury were on average 3.5 times higher among those consuming wild foods more often, with many frequent wild food consumers exceeding Canadian and international health guidelines for PCB and mercury exposures. Contaminants in locally-harvested fish and game from these communities were sufficiently high that many participants exceeded the monthly consumption limits for methylmercury and PCBs. Those consuming more wild foods also had higher proportions of potentially beneficial ω-3 fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These results show that the benefits of traditional dietary choices in Boreal regions of Canada must be weighed against the inherent risks of contaminant exposure from these foods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shinjini Pal
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard M. Pinet
- Indigenous Health Research Group, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francois Haman
- Indigenous Health Research Group, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael A. Robidoux
- Indigenous Health Research Group, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pascal Imbeault
- Behavioural and Metabolic Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eva M. Krümmel
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linda E. Kimpe
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jules M. Blais
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Noël M, Loseto LL, Helbing CC, Veldhoen N, Dangerfield NJ, Ross PS. PCBs are associated with altered gene transcript profiles in arctic Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus leucas). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:2942-2951. [PMID: 24490950 DOI: 10.1021/es403217r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
High trophic level arctic beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are exposed to persistent organic pollutants (POP) originating primarily from southern latitudes. We collected samples from 43 male beluga harvested by Inuvialuit hunters (2008-2010) in the Beaufort Sea to evaluate the effects of POPs on the levels of 13 health-related gene transcripts using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Consistent with their role in detoxification, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) (r(2) = 0.18, p = 0.045 for 2008 and 2009) and cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp1a1) (r(2) = 0.20, p < 0.001 for 2008 and 2009; r(2) = 0.43, p = 0.049 for 2010) transcripts were positively correlated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the dominant POP in beluga. Principal Components Analysis distinguished between these two toxicology genes and 11 other genes primarily involved in growth, metabolism, and development. Factor 1 explained 56% of gene profiles, with these latter 11 gene transcripts displaying greater abundance in years coinciding with periods of low sea ice extent (2008 and 2010). δ(13)C results suggested a shift in feeding ecology and/or change in condition of these ice edge-associated beluga whales during these two years. While this provides insight into the legacy of PCBs in a remote environment, the possible impacts of a changing ice climate on the health of beluga underscores the need for long-term studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Noël
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria , Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
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24
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Aslan-Sungur G, Gaga EO, Yenisoy-Karakaş S. Estimation of measurement uncertainty of polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in the atmosphere using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-electron capture detector. J Chromatogr A 2013; 1325:40-8. [PMID: 24369999 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Estimation of uncertainty of measurement is a crucial issue to achieve accurate measurement results. When the target has adverse environmental and health effects, accuracy of the results become more important. POPs are the pollutants that have toxic effects and unfortunately, there is a lack of information about uncertainty of the method for determining POPs in air samples. In this work, uncertainty calculations were carried out for PCBs, OCPs, and PAHs in air samples analyzed by using GC-MS and GC-ECD. The main dominant sources for combined uncertainty were calibration curve, recovery and repeatability. The relative uncertainties were found to be in the range of 23-52% for PCBs, 24-59% for OCPs and 23-90% for PAHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Güler Aslan-Sungur
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14280 Bolu, Turkey.
| | - Eftade O Gaga
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Anadolu University, 26470 Eskişehir, Turkey.
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Dietz R, Rigét FF, Sonne C, Born EW, Bechshøft T, McKinney MA, Letcher RJ. Three decades (1983-2010) of contaminant trends in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Part 1: legacy organochlorine contaminants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 59:485-93. [PMID: 23078749 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Legacy organochlorine contaminants were determined in adipose tissues from 294 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled in East Greenland in 23 of the 28years between 1983 and 2010. Of 19 major legacy contaminants and congeners (ΣPCB, 4 PCB congeners (CB153, 180, 170/190), ΣDDT, p,p'-DDE, p,p' -DDD and p,p'-DDT, α- and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), HCB, octachlorostyrene, dieldrin, oxychlordane, cis- and trans-chlordane, cis- and trans-nonachlor, heptachlor epoxide and BB-153), 18 showed statistically significant average yearly declines of -4.4% (range: -2.0 to -10.8%/year) among subadult polar bears (i.e. females<5years, males<6years). For example, the ∑PCB concentrations declined 2.7 fold from 22730ng/g lw (95% C.I.: 12470-32990ng/g lw) in 1983-1986 to 8473ng/g lw (95% C.I.: 6369-9776ng/g lw) in 2006-2010. Similar but fewer statistically significant trends were found for adult females and adult males likely due to smaller sample size and years. Despite declines as a result of international regulations, relatively high levels of these historic pollutants persist in East Greenland polar bear tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Roskilde, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Denmark.
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26
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Dietz R, Rigét FF, Sonne C, Born EW, Bechshøft T, McKinney MA, Drimmie RJ, Muir DCG, Letcher RJ. Three decades (1983-2010) of contaminant trends in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Part 2: brominated flame retardants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2013; 59:494-500. [PMID: 23137556 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/07/2012] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants were determined in adipose tissues from 294 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled in East Greenland in 23 of the 28years between 1983 and 2010. Significant linear increases were found for sum polybrominated diphenyl ether (ΣPBDE), BDE100, BDE153, and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Average increases of 5.0% per year (range: 2.9-7.6%/year) were found for the subadult polar bears. BDE47 and BDE99 concentrations did not show a significant linear trend over time, but rather a significant non-linear trend peaking between 2000 and 2004. The average ΣPBDE concentrations increased 2.3 fold from 25.0ng/g lw (95% C.I.: 15.3-34.7ng/g lw) in 1983-1986 to 58.5ng/g lw (95% C.I.: 43.6-73.4ng/g lw) in 2006-2010. Similar but fewer statistically significant trends were found for adult females and adult males likely due to smaller sample size and years. Analyses of δ(15)N and δ(13)C stable isotopes in hair revealed no clear linear temporal trends in trophic level or carbon source, respectively, and non-linear trends differed among sex and age groups. These increasing concentrations of organobromine contaminants contribute to complex organohalogen mixture, already causing health effects to the East Greenland polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Roskilde, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000, Denmark.
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27
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McKinney MA, Iverson SJ, Fisk AT, Sonne C, Rigét FF, Letcher RJ, Arts MT, Born EW, Rosing-Asvid A, Dietz R. Global change effects on the long-term feeding ecology and contaminant exposures of East Greenland polar bears. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2013; 19:2360-72. [PMID: 23640921 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Rapid climate changes are occurring in the Arctic, with substantial repercussions for arctic ecosystems. It is challenging to assess ecosystem changes in remote polar environments, but one successful approach has entailed monitoring the diets of upper trophic level consumers. Quantitative fatty acid signature analysis (QFASA) and fatty acid carbon isotope (δ(13) C-FA) patterns were used to assess diets of East Greenland (EG) polar bears (Ursus maritimus) (n = 310) over the past three decades. QFASA-generated diet estimates indicated that, on average, EG bears mainly consumed arctic ringed seals (47.5 ± 2.1%), migratory subarctic harp (30.6 ± 1.5%) and hooded (16.7 ± 1.3%) seals and rarely, if ever, consumed bearded seals, narwhals or walruses. Ringed seal consumption declined by 14%/decade over 28 years (90.1 ± 2.5% in 1984 to 33.9 ± 11.1% in 2011). Hooded seal consumption increased by 9.5%/decade (0.0 ± 0.0% in 1984 to 25.9 ± 9.1% in 2011). This increase may include harp seal, since hooded and harp seal FA signatures were not as well differentiated relative to other prey species. Declining δ(13) C-FA ratios supported shifts from more nearshore/benthic/ice-associated prey to more offshore/pelagic/open-water-associated prey, consistent with diet estimates. Increased hooded seal and decreased ringed seal consumption occurred during years when the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) was lower. Thus, periods with warmer temperatures and less sea ice were associated with more subarctic and less arctic seal species consumption. These changes in the relative abundance, accessibility, or distribution of arctic and subarctic marine mammals may have health consequences for EG polar bears. For example, the diet change resulted in consistently slower temporal declines in adipose levels of legacy persistent organic pollutants, as the subarctic seals have higher contaminant burdens than arctic seals. Overall, considerable changes are occurring in the EG marine ecosystem, with consequences for contaminant dynamics.
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28
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Erdmann SE, Dietz R, Sonne C, Bechshøft TØ, Vorkamp K, Letcher RJ, Long M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Xenoestrogenic and dioxin-like activity in blood of East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus). CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 92:583-591. [PMID: 23648332 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Revised: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The aims of the project were to (i) extract the lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from the blood of 99 East Greenland polar bears and assess the combined mixture effect on the estrogen receptor (ER) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediated transactivity; (ii) To evaluate whether the receptor transactivities were associated with selected POP markers, and (iii) compare the receptor transactivities in polar bears with earlier studies on Greenlandic Inuit. Lipophilic POPs were extracted using a combination of solid-phase extraction (SPE) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). ER mediated transactivity was determined using the ER luciferase reporter MVLN cell assay. The extracts were tested alone (XER) and together with 17β-estradiol (E2) as a physiological mimic (XERcomp). Dioxins and dioxin-like (DL) compounds were extracted by a combination of SPE and the Supelco Dioxin Prep System®. AhR mediated dioxin-like transactivity was determined using the AhR luciferase reporter Hepa 1.12cR cell assay. Agonistic ER transactivity was elicited by 19% of the samples, and a further increased E2 induced ER response was found for 52%, whereas 17% antagonized the E2 induced ER response. Positive correlations were found in subadult bears between XER and several POP biomarkers. XER and XERcomp correlated positively to each other. A total of 91% of the polar bear blood extracts elicited agonistic AhR transactivity. The AhR-TCDD equivalent (AhR-TEQ) median levels were higher among adult bears compared to subadult bears, but not significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon E Erdmann
- Centre for Arctic Health, Department of Public Health and Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Build. 1260, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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29
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Greaves AK, Letcher RJ, Sonne C, Dietz R, Born EW. Tissue-specific concentrations and patterns of perfluoroalkyl carboxylates and sulfonates in East Greenland polar bears. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:11575-83. [PMID: 23057644 DOI: 10.1021/es303400f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Several perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) of varying chain length are bioaccumulative in biota. However, wildlife reports have focused on liver and with very little examination of other tissues, and thus there is a limited understanding of their distribution and potential effects in the mammalian body. In the present study, the comparative accumulation of C(6) to C(15) PFCAs, C(4), C(6), C(8) and C(10) PFSAs, and select precursors were examined in the liver, blood, muscle, adipose, and brain of 20 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Scoresby Sound, Central East Greenland. Overall, PFSA and PFCA concentrations were highest in liver followed by blood > brain > muscle ≈ adipose. Liver and blood samples contained proportionally more of the shorter/medium chain length (C(6) to C(11)) PFCAs, whereas adipose and brain samples were dominated by longer chain (C(13) to C(15)) PFCAs. PFCAs with lower lipophilicities accumulated more in the liver, whereas the brain accumulated PFCAs with higher lipophilicities. The concentration ratios (±SE) between perfluorooctane sulfonate and its precursor perfluorooctane sulfonamide varied among tissues from 9 (±1):1 (muscle) to 36 (±7):1 (liver). PFCA and PFSA patterns in polar bears indicate that the pharmacokinetics of these compounds are to some extent tissue-specific, and are the result of several factors that may include differing protein interactions throughout the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana K Greaves
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada , National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
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30
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Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Leifsson PS, Rigét FF, Bechshøft TØ, Bossi R, Asmund G, Dietz R. Temporal monitoring of liver and kidney lesions in contaminated East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) during 1999-2010. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 48:143-149. [PMID: 22922222 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Organohalogen contaminants bioaccumulate to high concentrations in tissues of polar bears (Ursus maritimus). The exposure levels are in the order to be toxic to inner organs like liver and kidney. We therefore investigated the temporal development of lesions in liver (n=115) and kidney (n=122) samples from East Greenland polar bears taken over the 12 year period from 1999 to 2010. Seven liver and seven kidney lesions were observed of which six were age-related. Controlling for this, the analyses showed that hepatic steatosis and renal cell infiltrations, glomerular sclerosis and tubular hyperplasia decreased over the investigated time period (all p<0.05). Similarly, hypertrophy of hepatic Ito cells, renal glomerular capillary wall thickening and interstitial fibrosis increased over the study period (all p<0.05). Regarding contaminant, concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in adipose tissue were negatively associated with hepatic mononuclear cell infiltrations (p=0.05) and a similar trend was found for Hg (p=0.09). Hexachlorobenzene was positively associated with portal cell infiltrations and hepatic lipid granulomas, while polychlorinated biphenyls were negatively associated with the prevalence of steatosis (both p<0.05) and a similar trend was found for hexachlorocyclohexanes (p=0.08). Mercury was positively correlated with the frequencies of hypertrophic Ito cells (p=0.002) and a similar trend was found for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (p=0.07). In renal tissue, hexachlorocyclohexanes were positively associated with medullar hyaline casts (p=0.03) and a similar trend was found for cell infiltrations (p=0.08). There was a trend of trans-nonachlor being positively associated with glomerular sclerosis (p=0.06) while dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes were negatively associated with tubular hyperplasia (p=0.02). These results suggest that specific liver and renal lesions have decreased or increased over time and that long-range transported organohalogen contaminants and mercury may be among the co-factors responsible for these observations. These relationships are important to take into account when biomonitoring health and pollution in wildlife species such as polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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Bechshøft TØ, Rigét FF, Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Muir DCG, Novak MA, Henchey E, Meyer JS, Eulaers I, Jaspers VLB, Eens M, Covaci A, Dietz R. Measuring environmental stress in East Greenland polar bears, 1892-1927 and 1988-2009: what does hair cortisol tell us? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 45:15-21. [PMID: 22572112 PMCID: PMC3366040 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Revised: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/07/2012] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Hair sampled from 96 East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) over the periods 1892-1927 and 1988-2009 was analyzed for cortisol as a proxy to investigate temporal patterns of environmental stress. Cortisol concentration was independent of sex and age, and was found at significantly higher (p<0.001) concentrations in historical hair samples (1892-1927; n=8) relative to recent ones (1988-2009; n=88). In addition, there was a linear time trend in cortisol concentration of the recent samples (p<0.01), with an annual decrease of 2.7%. The recent hair samples were also analyzed for major bioaccumulative, persistent organic pollutants (POPs). There were no obvious POP related time trends or correlations between hair cortisol and hair POP concentrations. Thus, polar bear hair appears to be a relatively poor indicator of the animal's general POP load in adipose tissue. However, further investigations are warranted to explore the reasons for the temporal decrease found in the bears' hair cortisol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ø Bechshøft
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Box 358, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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Bechshøft TØ, Sonne C, Dietz R, Born EW, Muir DCG, Letcher RJ, Novak MA, Henchey E, Meyer JS, Jenssen BM, Villanger GD. Associations between complex OHC mixtures and thyroid and cortisol hormone levels in East Greenland polar bears. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 116:26-35. [PMID: 22575327 PMCID: PMC3366032 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2011] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The multivariate relationship between hair cortisol, whole blood thyroid hormones, and the complex mixtures of organohalogen contaminant (OHC) levels measured in subcutaneous adipose of 23 East Greenland polar bears (eight males and 15 females, all sampled between the years 1999 and 2001) was analyzed using projection to latent structure (PLS) regression modeling. In the resulting PLS model, most important variables with a negative influence on cortisol levels were particularly BDE-99, but also CB-180, -201, BDE-153, and CB-170/190. The most important variables with a positive influence on cortisol were CB-66/95, α-HCH, TT3, as well as heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, BDE-47, p,p'-DDD. Although statistical modeling does not necessarily fully explain biological cause-effect relationships, relationships indicate that (1) the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in East Greenland polar bears is likely to be affected by OHC-contaminants and (2) the association between OHCs and cortisol may be linked with the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ø Bechshøft
- University of Aarhus, Faculty of Science & Technology, Department of Bioscience, Roskilde, Denmark.
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Marini M, Betti M, Grati F, Marconi V, Mastrogiacomo AR, Polidori P, Sanxhaku M. Evaluation of lindane diffusion along the southeastern Adriatic coastal strip (Mediterranean Sea): a case study in an Albanian industrial area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:472-478. [PMID: 22306312 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 12/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the impact at sea of a pesticide factory located 7 km north of Durres (Albania) by investigating a lowland area under the sea situated 0.7 km from the shoreline. The main product of this factory was lindane. Production ceased in 1991 during the Albanian civil war, and a large amount of industrial waste was dispersed over the ground surrounding the factory, resulting in a high level of lindane pollution. A water-scoop channels the ground water accumulated around the disused factory directly into the sea. The concentrations of lindane in sediments collected along the coasts of the region ranged from 0.60 to 22.55 ng g(-1). The average concentration in the muscles of fish did not exceed the limits specified by European Commission legislation, whereas the concentration in the liver did exceed these limits; consequently, liver is not recommended for consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Marini
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Scienze Marine, Largo Fiera della Pesca 2, Ancona, Italy.
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Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Bechshøft TØ, Rigét FF, Muir DCG, Leifsson PS, Born EW, Hyldstrup L, Basu N, Kirkegaard M, Dietz R. Two decades of biomonitoring polar bear health in Greenland: a review. Acta Vet Scand 2012. [PMCID: PMC3305763 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-54-s1-s15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary We present an overview of studies of anthropogenic pollutants in East Greenland polar bears over the period of 1999-2011. East Greenland polar bears are among the most polluted species, not just in the Arctic but globally, and represent an excellent biomonitoring species for levels and effects of global pollution in an apex predator. Therefore, an international multidisciplinary team joined to monitor and assess the patterns and concentrations of contaminants and their potential negative impact on polar bears. The review showed that East Greenland polar bears are exposed to a mix of chlorinated, brominated and fluorinated organic compounds as well as mercury which are all known to have endocrine, immune and organ-system toxic properties. For example, the concentrations of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) in blubber ranged approximately 800-21,000 ng/g lw while mercury concentrations in liver and kidney ranged 0.1-50 μg/g ww. Regarding health endpoints, bone density seemed to decrease as a function of time and OHC (organohalogen compound) concentrations and further T-score for adult males indicated risk for osteoporosis. .The size of sexual organs decreased with increasing OHC concentrations. In the lower brain stem, mercury-associated decreases in NMDA-receptor levels and DNA-methylation was found The present review indicated that age was one of the major drivers for liver and renal lesions, although contaminants and infectious diseases may also play a role. Lesions in thyroid glands were most likely a result of infectious and genetic factors and probably, together with endocrine disrupting chemical (EDCs), the reason for disturbances/fluctuations in blood plasma thyroid hormone concentrations. Except for bone density reductions and neurological measures, all findings were supported by case-control studies of Greenland sledge dogs exposed long-term orally to similar combinations of contaminant concentrations. The studies of sledge dogs also indicated that the mixture of contaminants and fatty acids in the blubber of prey similar to that of polar bears induces cellular as well as humoral immune toxic changes. These controlled studies using model species for polar bears indicate that the correlative findings between health endpoint and contaminants in polar bears could be a cause-and-effect relationship. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling showed that the risk quotients were ≥1 for ΣPCB, dieldrin and PFOS, which indicate an increased risk of prenatally reproductive pathology. In conclusion polar bears are susceptible to long-range transported chemicals that may have various adverse effects on multiple organ systems such as the reproductive and immune system.
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Bytingsvik J, Lie E, Aars J, Derocher AE, Wiig Ø, Jenssen BM. PCBs and OH-PCBs in polar bear mother-cub pairs: a comparative study based on plasma levels in 1998 and 2008. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 417-418:117-128. [PMID: 22264925 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the plasma concentrations and prevalence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hydroxylated PCB-metabolites (OH-PCBs) in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) mothers (n=26) and their 4 months old cubs-of-the-year (n=38) from Svalbard to gain insight into the mother-cub transfer, biotransformation and to evaluate the health risk associated with the exposure to these contaminants. As samplings were performed in 1997/1998 and 2008, we further investigated the differences in levels and pattern of PCBs between the two sampling years. The plasma concentrations of Σ(21)PCBs (1997/1998: 5710 ± 3090 ng/g lipid weight [lw], 2008: 2560 ± 1500 ng/g lw) and Σ(6)OH-PCBs (1997/1998: 228 ± 60 ng/g wet weight [ww], 2008: 80 ± 38 ng/g ww) in mothers were significantly lower in 2008 compared to in 1997/1998. In cubs, the plasma concentrations of Σ(21)PCBs (1997/1998: 14680 ± 5350 ng/g lw, 2008: 6070 ± 2590 ng/g lw) and Σ(6)OH-PCBs (1997/1998: 98 ± 23 ng/g ww, 2008: 49 ± 21 ng/g ww) were also significantly lower in 2008 than in 1997/1998. Σ(21)PCBs in cubs was 2.7 ± 0.7 times higher than in their mothers. This is due to a significant maternal transfer of these contaminants. In contrast, Σ(6)OH-PCBs in cubs were approximately 0.53 ± 0.16 times the concentration in their mothers. This indicates a lower maternal transfer of OH-PCBs compared to PCBs. The majority of the metabolite/precursor-ratios were lower in cubs compared to mothers. This may indicate that cubs have a lower endogenous capacity to biotransform PCBs to OH-PCBs than polar bear mothers. Exposure to PCBs and OH-PCBs is a potential health risk for polar bears, and the levels of PCBs and OH-PCBs in cubs from 2008 were still above levels associated with health effects in humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Bytingsvik
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Knott KK, Boyd D, Ylitalo GM, O’Hara TM. Concentrations of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls in blood of Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears (Ursus maritimus) during spring: variations with lipids and stable isotope (δ15N, δ13C) values. CAN J ZOOL 2011. [DOI: 10.1139/z11-071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) are exposed to heavy metal and lipophilic contaminants that are known to bioaccumulate and biomagnify. Few studies concurrently report both chemical classes in the same individuals and are thus unable to assess drivers of observed tissue concentrations, and the potential adverse biological responses to combined exposures. We examined blood concentrations of mercury (Hg) and the sum of seven polychlorinated biphenyls (Σ7PCB) from free-ranging Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears to assess which factors contributed to variations among cohorts (adult males, adult females, young) during spring. Concentrations of Hg ranged from 10.3 to 228.0 ng/g wet mass, but mean concentrations were similar between males and females independent of age. Concentrations of Σ7PCB (range 2.0–132.8 ng/g wet mass) were greater among females and young than among males. Toxicant concentrations were related to packed cell δ15N, an estimate of trophic position, after the inclusion of packed cell δ13C. Concentrations of Σ7PCB were also positively correlated with concentrations of neutral lipids (triglycerides and free fatty acids) and inversely correlated to body condition indices. Elevated concentrations of toxicants and lower body condition indices in females and young compared with males may be a sentinel to a changing arctic environment. Further assessment of the potential adverse health impacts of contaminants and nutritional stress in these cohorts is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina K. Knott
- Institute of Arctic Biology and Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Daryle Boyd
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Environmental Conservation Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - Gina M. Ylitalo
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Environmental Conservation Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - Todd M. O’Hara
- Institute of Arctic Biology and Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
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Haugen TB, Tefre T, Malm G, Jönsson BA, Rylander L, Hagmar L, Bjørsvik C, Henrichsen T, Sæther T, Figenschau Y, Giwercman A. Differences in serum levels of CB-153 and p,p′-DDE, and reproductive parameters between men living south and north in Norway. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 32:261-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2011.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2010] [Revised: 05/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Weijs L, Covaci A, Yang RS, Das K, Blust R. A non-invasive approach to study lifetime exposure and bioaccumulation of PCBs in protected marine mammals: PBPK modeling in harbor porpoises. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 256:136-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Villanger GD, Jenssen BM, Fjeldberg RR, Letcher RJ, Muir DCG, Kirkegaard M, Sonne C, Dietz R. Exposure to mixtures of organohalogen contaminants and associative interactions with thyroid hormones in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2011; 37:694-708. [PMID: 21345491 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the multivariate relationships between adipose tissue residue levels of 48 individual organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) and circulating thyroid hormone (TH) levels in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from East Greenland (1999-2001, n=62), using projection to latent structure (PLS) regression for four groupings of polar bears; subadults (SubA), adult females with cubs (AdF_N), adult females without cubs (AdF_S) and adult males (AdM). In the resulting significant PLS models for SubA, AdF_N and AdF_S, some OHCs were especially important in explaining variations in circulating TH levels: polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE)-99, PBDE-100, PBDE-153, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-52, PCB-118, cis-nonachlor, trans-nonachlor, trichlorobenzene (TCB) and pentachlorobenzene (QCB), and both negative and positive relationships with THs were found. In addition, the models revealed that DDTs had a positive influence on total 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (TT3) in AdF_S, and that a group of 17 higher chlorinated ortho-PCBs had a positive influence on total 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine, TT4) in AdF_N. TH levels in AdM seemed less influenced by OHCs because of non-significant PLS models. TH levels were also influenced by biological factors such as age, sex, body size, lipid content of adipose tissue and sampling date. When controlling for biological variables, the major relationships from the PLS models for SubA, AdF_N and AdF_S were found significant in partial correlations. The most important OHCs that influenced TH levels in the significant PLS models may potentially act through similar mechanisms on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, suggesting that both combined effects by dose and response addition and perhaps synergistic potentiation may be a possibility in these polar bears. Statistical associations are not evidence per se of biological cause-effect relationships. Still, the results of the present study indicate that OHCs may affect circulating TH levels in East Greenland polar bears, adding to the "weight of evidence" suggesting that OHCs might interfere with thyroid homeostasis in polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro D Villanger
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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McKinney MA, Letcher RJ, Aars J, Born EW, Branigan M, Dietz R, Evans TJ, Gabrielsen GW, Muir DCG, Peacock E, Sonne C. Regional contamination versus regional dietary differences: understanding geographic variation in brominated and chlorinated contaminant levels in polar bears. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:896-902. [PMID: 21166451 DOI: 10.1021/es102781b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The relative contribution of regional contamination versus dietary differences to geographic variation in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) contaminant levels is unknown. Dietary variation between Alaska, Canada, East Greenland, and Svalbard subpopulations was assessed by muscle nitrogen and carbon stable isotope (δ(15)N, δ(13)C) and adipose fatty acid (FA) signatures relative to their main prey (ringed seals). Western and southern Hudson Bay signatures were characterized by depleted δ(15)N and δ(13)C, lower proportions of C(20) and C(22) monounsaturated FAs and higher proportions of C(18) and longer chain polyunsaturated FAs. East Greenland and Svalbard signatures were reversed relative to Hudson Bay. Alaskan and Canadian Arctic signatures were intermediate. Between-subpopulation dietary differences predominated over interannual, seasonal, sex, or age variation. Among various brominated and chlorinated contaminants, diet signatures significantly explained variation in adipose levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants (14-15%) and legacy PCBs (18-21%). However, dietary influence was contaminant class-specific, since only low or nonsignificant proportions of variation in organochlorine pesticide (e.g., chlordane) levels were explained by diet. Hudson Bay diet signatures were associated with lower PCB and PBDE levels, whereas East Greenland and Svalbard signatures were associated with higher levels. Understanding diet/food web factors is important to accurately interpret contaminant trends, particularly in a changing Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A McKinney
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada.
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McKinney MA, Stirling I, Lunn NJ, Peacock E, Letcher RJ. The role of diet on long-term concentration and pattern trends of brominated and chlorinated contaminants in western Hudson Bay polar bears, 1991-2007. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:6210-6222. [PMID: 20870269 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Revised: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue was sampled from the western Hudson Bay (WHB) subpopulation of polar bears at intervals from 1991 to 2007 to examine temporal trends of PCB and OCP levels both on an individual and sum-(∑-)contaminant basis. We also determined levels and temporal trends of emerging polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and other current-use brominated flame retardants. Over the 17-year period, ∑DDT (and p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT) decreased (-8.4%/year); α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) decreased (-11%/year); β-HCH increased (+8.3%/year); and ∑PCB and ∑chlordane (CHL), both contaminants at highest concentrations in all years (>1ppm), showed no distinct trends even when compared to previous data for this subpopulation dating back to 1968. Some of the less persistent PCB congeners decreased significantly (-1.6%/year to -6.3%/year), whereas CB153 levels tended to increase (+3.3%/year). Parent CHLs (c-nonachlor, t-nonachlor) declined, whereas non-monotonic trends were detected for metabolites (heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane). ∑chlorobenzene, octachlorostyrene, ∑mirex, ∑MeSO(2)-PCB and dieldrin did not significantly change. Increasing ∑PBDE levels (+13%/year) matched increases in the four consistently detected congeners, BDE47, BDE99, BDE100 and BDE153. Although no trend was observed, total-(α)-HBCD was only detected post-2000. Levels of the highest concentration brominated contaminant, BB153, showed no temporal change. As long-term ecosystem changes affecting contaminant levels may also affect contaminant patterns, we examined the influence of year (i.e., aging or "weathering" of the contaminant pattern), dietary tracers (carbon stable isotope ratios, fatty acid patterns) and biological (age/sex) group on congener/metabolite profiles. Patterns of PCBs, CHLs and PBDEs were correlated with dietary tracers and biological group, but only PCB and CHL patterns were correlated with year. DDT patterns were not associated with any explanatory variables, possibly related to local DDT sources. Contaminant pattern trends may be useful in distinguishing the possible role of ecological/diet changes on contaminant burdens from expected dynamics due to atmospheric sources and weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A McKinney
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Carleton University (Raven Road), Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada.
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Sonne C, Larsen HJS, Kirkegaard M, Letcher RJ, Dietz R. Trans-generational and neonatal humoral immune responses in West Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) exposed to organohalogenated environmental contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:5801-5807. [PMID: 20832100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2010] [Revised: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 07/30/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Previous investigations in the Arctic have suggested OHC (organohalogen contaminant) induced immune toxic effects on e.g. polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We therefore studied the dietary impact from minke whale blubber (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and OHCs, on the humoral immunity of 7 captive West Greenland sledge dog (Canis familiaris) bitches and their 4 pups constituting a sentinel model species for polar bears. A control group was composed of 8 bitches and their 5 pups all fed pork (Suis scrofa) fat. The study included serum IgG measurements (bitches and pups) and specific immune responses towards tetanus toxoid (bitches) and diphtheria toxoid (pups) as well as influenza virus (pups). The analyses showed that IgG concentrations were non-significantly lowest in exposed bitches and pups (t-test: all p>0.05). In addition, significant lower antibody response was detected in exposed pups immunized with influenza virus at age 3 months (t-test: both p<0.05). No clear group differences were found for tetanus toxoid in bitches and diphtheria toxoid in pups. The results suggest that the humoral immune system of sledge dogs may be suppressed by the dietary blubber composition of OHCs and polyunsaturated fatty acids while a larger follow-up study is recommended in order to investigate this relationship further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Section for Contaminants, Effects and Marine Mammals, Department of Arctic Environment, National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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Jaspers VLB, Dietz R, Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Eens M, Neels H, Born EW, Covaci A. A screening of persistent organohalogenated contaminants in hair of East Greenland polar bears. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:5613-5618. [PMID: 20800875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In this pilot study, we report on levels of persistent organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs) in hair of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from East Greenland sampled between 1999 and 2001. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the validation of polar bear hair as a non-invasive matrix representative of concentrations and profiles in internal organs and blood plasma. Because of low sample weights (13-140mg), only major bioaccumulative OHCs were detected above the limit of quantification: five polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (CB 99, 138, 153, 170 and 180), one polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congener (BDE 47), oxychlordane, trans-nonachlor and β-hexachlorocyclohexane. The PCB profile in hair was similar to that of internal tissues (i.e. adipose, liver, brain and blood), with CB 153 and 180 as the major congeners in all matrices. A gender difference was found for concentrations in hair relative to concentrations in internal tissues. Females (n=6) were found to display negative correlations, while males (n=5) showed positive correlations, although p-values were not found significant. These negative correlations in females may reflect seasonal OHC mobilisation from periphery adipose tissue due to, for example, lactation and fasting. The lack of significance in most correlations may be due to small sample sizes and seasonal variability of concentrations in soft tissues. Further research with larger sample weights and sizes is therefore necessary to draw more definitive conclusions on the usefulness of hair for biomonitoring OHCs in polar bears and other fur mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Letcher RJ, Bustnes JO, Dietz R, Jenssen BM, Jørgensen EH, Sonne C, Verreault J, Vijayan MM, Gabrielsen GW. Exposure and effects assessment of persistent organohalogen contaminants in arctic wildlife and fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:2995-3043. [PMID: 19910021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 477] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 10/08/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) encompass an array of anthropogenic organic and elemental substances and their degradation and metabolic byproducts that have been found in the tissues of exposed animals, especially POPs categorized as organohalogen contaminants (OHCs). OHCs have been of concern in the circumpolar arctic for decades. For example, as a consequence of bioaccumulation and in some cases biomagnification of legacy (e.g., chlorinated PCBs, DDTs and CHLs) and emerging (e.g., brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and in particular polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA) found in Arctic biota and humans. Of high concern are the potential biological effects of these contaminants in exposed Arctic wildlife and fish. As concluded in the last review in 2004 for the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) on the effects of POPs in Arctic wildlife, prior to 1997, biological effects data were minimal and insufficient at any level of biological organization. The present review summarizes recent studies on biological effects in relation to OHC exposure, and attempts to assess known tissue/body compartment concentration data in the context of possible threshold levels of effects to evaluate the risks. This review concentrates mainly on post-2002, new OHC effects data in Arctic wildlife and fish, and is largely based on recently available effects data for populations of several top trophic level species, including seabirds (e.g., glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus)), polar bears (Ursus maritimus), polar (Arctic) fox (Vulpes lagopus), and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), as well as semi-captive studies on sled dogs (Canis familiaris). Regardless, there remains a dearth of data on true contaminant exposure, cause-effect relationships with respect to these contaminant exposures in Arctic wildlife and fish. Indications of exposure effects are largely based on correlations between biomarker endpoints (e.g., biochemical processes related to the immune and endocrine system, pathological changes in tissues and reproduction and development) and tissue residue levels of OHCs (e.g., PCBs, DDTs, CHLs, PBDEs and in a few cases perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs)). Some exceptions include semi-field studies on comparative contaminant effects of control and exposed cohorts of captive Greenland sled dogs, and performance studies mimicking environmentally relevant PCB concentrations in Arctic charr. Recent tissue concentrations in several arctic marine mammal species and populations exceed a general threshold level of concern of 1 part-per-million (ppm), but a clear evidence of a POP/OHC-related stress in these populations remains to be confirmed. There remains minimal evidence that OHCs are having widespread effects on the health of Arctic organisms, with the possible exception of East Greenland and Svalbard polar bears and Svalbard glaucous gulls. However, the true (if any real) effects of POPs in Arctic wildlife have to be put into the context of other environmental, ecological and physiological stressors (both anthropogenic and natural) that render an overall complex picture. For instance, seasonal changes in food intake and corresponding cycles of fattening and emaciation seen in Arctic animals can modify contaminant tissue distribution and toxicokinetics (contaminant deposition, metabolism and depuration). Also, other factors, including impact of climate change (seasonal ice and temperature changes, and connection to food web changes, nutrition, etc. in exposed biota), disease, species invasion and the connection to disease resistance will impact toxicant exposure. Overall, further research and better understanding of POP/OHC impact on animal performance in Arctic biota are recommended. Regardless, it could be argued that Arctic wildlife and fish at the highest potential risk of POP/OHC exposure and mediated effects are East Greenland, Svalbard and (West and South) Hudson Bay polar bears, Alaskan and Northern Norway killer whales, several species of gulls and other seabirds from the Svalbard area, Northern Norway, East Greenland, the Kara Sea and/or the Canadian central high Arctic, East Greenland ringed seal and a few populations of Arctic charr and Greenland shark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Letcher
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology, Branch, Environment Canada, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Sonne C. Health effects from long-range transported contaminants in Arctic top predators: An integrated review based on studies of polar bears and relevant model species. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 36:461-491. [PMID: 20398940 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 03/06/2010] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to provide a thorough overview of the health effects from the complexed biomagnified mixture of long-range transported industrial organochlorines (OCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and mercury (Hg) on polar bear (Ursus maritimus) health. Multiple scientific studies of polar bears indicate negative relationships between exposure to these contaminants and health parameters; however, these are all of a correlative nature and do not represent true cause-and-effects. Therefore, information from controlled studies of farmed Norwegian Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) and housed East and West Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) were included as supportive weight of evidence in the clarification of contaminant exposure and health effects in polar bears. The review showed that hormone and vitamin concentrations, liver, kidney and thyroid gland morphology as well as reproductive and immune systems of polar bears are likely to be influenced by contaminant exposure. Furthermore, exclusively based on polar bear contaminant studies, bone density reduction and neurochemical disruption and DNA hypomethylation of the brain stem seemed to occur. The range of tissue concentration, at which these alterations were observed in polar bears, were ca. 1-70,000 ng/g lw for OCs (blood plasma concentrations of some PCB metabolites even higher), ca. 1-1000 ng/g lw for PBDEs and for PFCs and Hg 114-3052 ng/g ww and 0.1-50 microg/g ww, respectively. Similar concentrations were found in farmed foxes and housed sledge dogs while the lack of dose response designs did not allow an estimation of threshold levels for oral exposure and accumulated tissue concentrations. Nor was it possible to pinpoint a specific group of contaminants being more important than others nor analyze their interactions. For East Greenland polar bears the corresponding daily SigmaOC and SigmaPBDE oral exposure was estimated to be 35 and 0.34 microg/kg body weight, respectively. Furthermore, PFC concentrations, at which population effect levels could occur, are likely to be reached around year 2012 for the East Greenland polar bear subpopulation if current increasing temporal trends continue. Such proposed reproductive population effects were supported by physiological based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling of critical body residues (CBR) with risk quotients >or=1 for SigmaPCB, dieldrin, SigmaPFC and SigmaOHC (organohalogen contaminant). The estimated daily TEQ for East Greenland polar bears and East Greenland sledge dogs were 32-281-folds above WHO SigmaTEQ guidelines for humans. Compared to human tolerable daily intake (TDI), these were exceeded for PCBs, dieldrin, chlordanes and SigmaHCH in East Greenland polar bears. Comparisons like these should be done with caution, but together with the CBR modelling and T-score estimations, these were the only available tools for polar bear risk evaluation. In conclusion, polar bears seem to be susceptible to contaminant induced stress that may have an overall sub-clinical impact on their health and population status via impacts on their immune and reproductive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Section for Contaminants, Effects and Marine Mammals, Department of Arctic Environment, National Environmental Research Institute, University of Aarhus, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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Leonel J, Sericano JL, Fillmann G, Secchi E, Montone RC. Long-term trends of polychlorinated biphenyls and chlorinated pesticides in franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) from Southern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2010; 60:412-418. [PMID: 19931871 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2009] [Revised: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Selected POPs were analyzed in blubber samples of Pontoporia blainvillei from Southern Brazil to appraise temporal trend over a 10 year period (1994-2004). Overall, levels of POPs were relatively low, especially when compared to Northern Hemisphere concentrations. Apart from Mirex and PCBs, which showed stable concentrations, DDTs, HCB, CHLs, Dieldrin levels presented a slight decrease over the studied period. In addition, the increase in the PCBs/DDTs ratio supports the idea that inputs of DDTs are decaying faster than PCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Leonel
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, IO-USP, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil.
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Moses SK, Whiting AV, Muir DCG, Wang X, O'Hara TM. Organic nutrients and contaminants in subsistence species of Alaska: concentrations and relationship to food preparation method. Int J Circumpolar Health 2010; 68:354-71. [PMID: 19917188 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v68i4.17368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine nutrient and contaminant concentrations, document concentration changes related to common preparation methods and provide a basic risk-benefit analysis for select subsistence foods consumed by residents of Kotzebue, Alaska. STUDY DESIGN Eleven organic nutrients and 156 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in foods derived from spotted seals and sheefish. METHODS Nutrients in foodstuffs were compared to Daily Recommended Intake criteria. POPs were compared to Tolerable Daily Intake Limits (TDIL). RESULTS Cooking, as well as absence/presence of skin during sheefish processing, altered nutrient and contaminant concentrations in seals and fish. Sheefish muscle and seal blubber were particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and seal liver in vitamin A. Seal liver exceeded the recommended upper limit for vitamin A. POP contribution to TDIL was >25% in all tissues except blubber, in which 4 POPS were present at >25% TDIL. No POPs exceeded TDIL in a serving of any tissue studied. The most prominent concerns identified were levels of vitamin A in spotted seal liver and certain POPs in blubber, warranting consideration when determining how much and how often these foods should be consumed. CONCLUSIONS Preparation methods altering tissues from their raw state significantly affect nutrient and contaminant concentrations, thus direct evaluation of actual food items is highly recommended to determine risk-benefits ratios of traditional diets. Traditional foods provide essential nutrients with very limited risk from contaminants. We encourage the consumption of traditional foods and urge public health agencies to develop applicable models to assess overall food safety and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Moses
- Department of Biology and Wildlife and Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000, USA.
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Dorneles PR, Lailson-Brito J, Dirtu AC, Weijs L, Azevedo AF, Torres JPM, Malm O, Neels H, Blust R, Das K, Covaci A. Anthropogenic and naturally-produced organobrominated compounds in marine mammals from Brazil. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 36:60-67. [PMID: 19864024 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2009.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2009] [Revised: 09/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/03/2009] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Liver samples from 51 cetaceans, comprising 10 species, stranded between 1994 and 2006 in a highly industrialized and urbanized region in Southeast Brazil, were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and methoxylated-PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs). A concentration range of PBDEs (3-5960ng/g lw) similar to that observed in Northern Hemisphere dolphins was found. MeO-PBDE concentrations in continental shelf (CS) dolphins from Brazil are among the highest detected to date in cetaceans (up to 250microg/g lw). Higher SigmaMeO-PBDE concentrations were measured in CS and oceanic dolphins than in estuarine dolphins. The SigmaPBDE/SigmaMeO-PBDE ratio varied significantly ranging from a mean value of 7.12 to 0.08 and 0.01 for estuarine, CS and oceanic species, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between SigmaPBDE and year of stranding of male estuarine dolphins (Sotalia guianensis), which suggests temporal variation in the exposure. Placental transfer of organobrominated compounds was also evidenced in S. guianensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo R Dorneles
- Biophysics Institute, Rio de Janeiro Federal University (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Aquatic Mammal and Bioindicator Laboratory (MAQUA), School of Oceanography, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Brazil.
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Biophysics Institute, Rio de Janeiro Federal University (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Aquatic Mammal and Bioindicator Laboratory (MAQUA), School of Oceanography, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Brazil.
| | - Alin C Dirtu
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Chemistry, "Al. I. Cuza" University of Iassy, Romania.
| | - Liesbeth Weijs
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory for Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Alexandre F Azevedo
- Aquatic Mammal and Bioindicator Laboratory (MAQUA), School of Oceanography, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Brazil.
| | - João P M Torres
- Biophysics Institute, Rio de Janeiro Federal University (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Olaf Malm
- Biophysics Institute, Rio de Janeiro Federal University (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Hugo Neels
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Ronny Blust
- Laboratory for Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Krishna Das
- Laboratory for Oceanology, MARE Centre, Liege University, Belgium.
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory for Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
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Sonne C, Gustavson K, Rigét FF, Dietz R, Birkved M, Letcher RJ, Bossi R, Vorkamp K, Born EW, Petersen G. Reproductive performance in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) may be affected by organohalogen contaminants as shown by physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 77:1558-1568. [PMID: 19863991 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Revised: 09/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/21/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) feed mainly on ringed seal (Phoca hispida) and consume large quantities of blubber and consequently have one of the highest tissue concentrations of organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) worldwide. In East Greenland, studies of OHC time trends and organ system health effects, including reproductive, were conducted during 1990-2006. However, it has been difficult to determine the nature of the effects induced by OHC exposures on wild caught polar bears using body burden data and associated changes in reproductive organs and systems. We therefore conducted a risk quotient (RQ) evaluation to more quantitatively evaluate the effect risk on reproduction (embryotoxicity and teratogenicity) based on the critical body residue (CBR) concept and using a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. We applied modelling approaches to PCBs, p,p'-DDE, dieldrin, oxychlordane, HCHs, HCB, PBDEs and PFOS in East Greenland polar bears based on known OHC pharmacokinetics and dynamics in laboratory rats (Rattus rattus). The results showed that subcutaneous adipose tissue concentrations of dieldrin (range: 79-1271 ng g(-1) lw) and PCBs (range: 4128-53,923 ng g(-1) lw) reported in bears in the year 1990 were in the range to elicit possible adverse health effects on reproduction in polar bears in East Greenland (all RQs > or = 1). Similar results were found for PCBs (range: 1928-17,376 ng g(-1) lw) and PFOS (range: 104-2840 ng g(-1) ww) in the year 2000 and for dieldrin (range: 43-640 ng g(-1) lw), PCBs (range: 3491-13,243 ng g(-1) lw) and PFOS (range: 1332-6160 ng g(-1) ww) in the year 2006. The concentrations of oxychlordane, DDTs, HCB and HCHs in polar bears resulted in RQs<1 and thus appear less likely to be linked to reproductive effects. Furthermore, sumRQs above 1 suggested risk for OHC additive effects. Thus, previous suggestions of possible adverse health effects in polar bears correlated to OHC exposure are supported by the present study. This study also indicates that PBPK models may be a supportive tool in the evaluation of possible OHC-mediated health effects for Arctic wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Section for Contaminants, Effects and Marine Mammals, Department of Arctic Environment, National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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Pertoldi C, Sonne C, Dietz R, Schmidt NM, Loeschcke V. Craniometric characteristics of polar bear skulls from two periods with contrasting levels of industrial pollution and sea ice extent. J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2009.00625.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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