1
|
Brião JA, Vannuci-Silva M, Santos-Neto EB, Manhães BMR, Oliveira-Ferreira N, Machado L, Vidal LG, Guari EB, Flach L, Bisi TL, Azevedo AF, Lailson-Brito J. Back on top: Resuspended by dredging and other environmental disturbances, organochlorine compounds may affect the health of a dolphin population in a tropical estuary, Sepetiba Bay. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 348:123788. [PMID: 38508370 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Organochlorine compounds (OCs) are persistent organic pollutants linked to damaging the immune and endocrine systems, leading to a greater susceptibility to infectious diseases at high concentrations. Sepetiba Bay, in the Southeastern Brazilian coast, historically presents anthropogenic activities and environmental contamination that could negatively impact resident populations. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the temporal trends in the accumulation of organochlorine compounds over a 12-year database in the Guiana dolphins' (Sotalia guianensis) resident population from Sepetiba Bay, including individuals collected before, during, and after an unusual mortality event triggered by morbillivirus (n = 85). The influence of biological parameters was also evaluated. The OCs concentrations in the blubber ranged from 0.98 to 739 μg/g of ΣPCB; 0.08-130 μg/g of ΣDDT; <0.002-4.56 μg/g of mirex; <0.002-1.84 μg/g of ΣHCH and <0.001-0.16 μg/g of HCB in lipid weight. Increased temporal trends were found for OCs in Guiana dolphins coinciding with periods of large events of dredging in the region. In this way, our findings suggest that the constant high OCs concentrations throughout the years in this Guiana dolphin population are a result of the constant environmental disturbance in the area, such as dredging. These elevated OCs levels, e.g., ΣPCB concentrations found above the known thresholds, may impair the response of the immune system during outbreak periods, which could lead the population to a progressive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Brião
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ. Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 - sala 4018/bloco E, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 20550-013, RJ, Brazil
| | - M Vannuci-Silva
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ. Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 - sala 4018/bloco E, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 20550-013, RJ, Brazil
| | - E B Santos-Neto
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - B M R Manhães
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - N Oliveira-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L Machado
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L G Vidal
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - E B Guari
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L Flach
- Instituto Boto Cinza, Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Av. do Canal, 141, Brasilinha, CEP 23860-000, Itacuruçá, Mangaratiba, RJ, Brazil
| | - T L Bisi
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ. Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 - sala 4018/bloco E, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 20550-013, RJ, Brazil
| | - A F Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ. Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 - sala 4018/bloco E, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 20550-013, RJ, Brazil
| | - J Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - UERJ. Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524 - sala 4018/bloco E, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, CEP: 20550-013, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Balmer BC, Westgate AJ, McFee WE. Challenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters. ANIMAL BIOTELEMETRY 2023; 11:15. [PMID: 37033744 PMCID: PMC10064944 DOI: 10.1186/s40317-023-00328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Satellite telemetry is critical for collecting fine-scale temporal and spatial data on individual animals that has broad-scale applicability at population and species levels. There have been significant advances in the remote deployment of satellite telemetry devices on large cetacean species. However, the development of comparable remote attachment methodologies for small cetaceans is still limited. Currently, satellite tag attachment for small cetaceans requires manual capture that increases the risk to the target animal, can be logistically challenging, and cost prohibitive. The goal of this project was to develop a novel tool to remotely attach single-pin satellite telemetry devices to the dorsal fin of individual small cetaceans. Three different spring-loaded designs and one pneumatic version of the remote attachment device were built in an iterative process to identify a successful deployment methodology. Ultimately, as a result of logistical challenges associated with a Category 5 hurricane, the COVID-19 pandemic, and engineering complexities related to dorsal fin morphology and small cetacean behavior, the objective of this project was not met. However, lessons learned from these attempts to develop this new sampling tool have applicability for future researchers in the successful completion of a safe and effective methodology for remote attachment of satellite tags to small cetacean dorsal fins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C. Balmer
- Dolphin Relief and Research, 6 Antelope Way, Clancy, MT 59634 USA
| | - Andrew J. Westgate
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 USA
| | - Wayne E. McFee
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412 USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Transcriptome profiling of blood from common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico to enhance health assessment capabilities. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272345. [PMID: 36001538 PMCID: PMC9401185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster and subsequent unusual mortality event, adverse health impacts have been reported in bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, LA including impaired stress response and reproductive, pulmonary, cardiac, and immune function. These conditions were primarily diagnosed through hands-on veterinary examinations and analysis of standard diagnostic panels. In human and veterinary medicine, gene expression profiling has been used to identify molecular mechanisms underlying toxic responses and disease states. Identification of molecular markers of exposure or disease may enable earlier detection of health effects or allow for health evaluation when the use of specialized methodologies is not feasible. To date this powerful tool has not been applied to augment the veterinary data collected concurrently during dolphin health assessments. This study examined transcriptomic profiles of blood from 76 dolphins sampled in health assessments during 2013–2018 in the waters near Barataria Bay, LA and Sarasota Bay, FL. Gene expression was analyzed in conjunction with the substantial suite of health data collected using principal component analysis, differential expression testing, over-representation analysis, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Broadly, transcript profiles of Barataria Bay dolphins indicated a shift in immune response, cytoskeletal alterations, and mitochondrial dysfunction, most pronounced in dolphins likely exposed to Deepwater Horizon oiling. While gene expression profiles in Barataria Bay dolphins were altered compared to Sarasota Bay for all years, profiles from 2013 exhibited the greatest alteration in gene expression. Differentially expressed transcripts included genes involved in immunity, inflammation, reproductive failure, and lung or cardiac dysfunction, all of which have been documented in dolphins from Barataria Bay following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The genes and pathways identified in this study may, with additional research and validation, prove useful as molecular markers of exposure or disease to assist wildlife veterinarians in evaluating the health of dolphins and other cetaceans.
Collapse
|
4
|
Cloyed CS, Balmer BC, Schwacke LH, Wells RS, Berens McCabe EJ, Barleycorn AA, Allen JB, Rowles TK, Smith CR, Takeshita R, Townsend FI, Tumlin MC, Zolman ES, Carmichael RH. Interaction between dietary and habitat niche breadth influences cetacean vulnerability to environmental disturbance. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carl S. Cloyed
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island Alabama 36608 USA
- Department of Marine Sciences University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama 36688 USA
| | - Brian C. Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Lori H. Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Berens McCabe
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Aaron A. Barleycorn
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Jason B. Allen
- Chicago Zoological Society’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota Florida 34236 USA
| | - Teresa K. Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA 1315 East West Highway Silver Spring Maryland 20910 USA
| | - Cynthia R. Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 2240 Shelter Island Drive #200 San Diego California 92106 USA
| | - Ryan Takeshita
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Forrest I. Townsend
- Bayside Hospital for Animals 251 Racetrack Road NE Fort Walton Beach Florida 32547 USA
| | - Mandy C. Tumlin
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries 2000 Quail Drive Baton Rouge Louisiana 70808 USA
| | - Eric S. Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation 3419 Maybank Highway Johns Island South Carolina 29487 USA
| | - Ruth H. Carmichael
- Dauphin Island Sea Lab 101 Bienville Boulevard Dauphin Island Alabama 36608 USA
- Department of Marine Sciences University of South Alabama Mobile Alabama 36688 USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Samuelson MM, Fujiwara M, Pulis EE, Pitchford J, Howard VA, Solangi M. Comprehensive Evaluation of Survival and Population Growth for Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) in the Mississippi Sound, Usa, Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. SOUTHEAST NAT 2021. [DOI: 10.1656/058.020.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Masami Fujiwara
- Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
| | - Eric E. Pulis
- Math and Science Department, Northern State University, Aberdeen, SD 57401
| | | | - Victoria A. Howard
- The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503
| | - Moby Solangi
- The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang K, Qian Z, Ruan Y, Hao Y, Dong W, Li K, Mei Z, Wang K, Wu C, Wu J, Zheng J, Lam PKS, Wang D. First evaluation of legacy persistent organic pollutant contamination status of stranded Yangtze finless porpoises along the Yangtze River Basin, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 710:136446. [PMID: 31923702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis), inhabiting the Yangtze River, are an endangered species in China. They are threatened by various kinds of pollutants, among which persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are of special concern due to their toxicities, high persistency and bioaccumulation potential. To better understand the POP contamination status of Yangtze finless porpoises, an investigation of stranded porpoises along the Yangtze River and adjacent two major lakes in the Yangtze River basin was conducted; the concentrations of four groups of legacy POPs, i.e., hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), were determined in the blubber samples. The mean concentrations of ΣHCHs (the sum of all congeners/isomers), ΣDDTs, ΣPBDEs and ΣPCBs, were 1670 ± 4210, 28,800 ± 52,300, 141 ± 174, and 1020 ± 1070 ng/g lipid weight, respectively; the high DDTs/PCBs ratio reflected a strong influence of agricultural pollution in the Yangtze River basin, and the high α/γ ratio of HCH isomers indicated the usage of lindane in the corresponding areas; the predominance of low-brominated congeners of PBDEs may be related to congruent patterns in the related environmental matrices. A hazard quotient risk assessment revealed that DDTs could pose a relatively high risk to Yangtze finless porpoises compared with the risks posed by the other POPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhengyi Qian
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuefei Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Weiwei Dong
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Ke Li
- Wuhan Institute for Drug and Medical Device Control, Wuhan 430075, China
| | - Zhigang Mei
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kexiong Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Wuhan Institute for Drug and Medical Device Control, Wuhan 430075, China.
| | - Jinsong Zheng
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Paul K S Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Barratclough A, Wells RS, Schwacke LH, Rowles TK, Gomez FM, Fauquier DA, Sweeney JC, Townsend FI, Hansen LJ, Zolman ES, Balmer BC, Smith CR. Health Assessments of Common Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus): Past, Present, and Potential Conservation Applications. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:444. [PMID: 31921905 PMCID: PMC6923228 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a global marine mammal species for which some populations, due to their coastal accessibility, have been monitored diligently by scientists for decades. Health assessment examinations have developed a comprehensive knowledge base of dolphin biology, population structure, and environmental or anthropogenic stressors affecting their dynamics. Bottlenose dolphin health assessments initially started as stock assessments prior to acquisition. Over the last four decades, health assessments have evolved into essential conservation management tools of free-ranging dolphin populations. Baseline data enable comparison of stressors between geographic locations and associated changes in individual and population health status. In addition, long-term monitoring provides opportunities for insights into population shifts over time, with retrospective application of novel diagnostic tests on archived samples. Expanding scientific knowledge enables effective long-term conservation management strategies by facilitating informed decision making and improving social understanding of the anthropogenic effects. The ability to use bottlenose dolphins as a model for studying marine mammal health has been pivotal in our understanding of anthropogenic effects on multiple marine mammal species. Future studies aim to build on current knowledge to influence management decisions and species conservation. This paper reviews the historical approaches to dolphin health assessments, present day achievements, and development of future conservation goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, United States
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Forrest M Gomez
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Deborah A Fauquier
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Larry J Hansen
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia R Smith
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hu Z, Li J, Li B, Zhang Z. Annual changes in concentrations and health risks of PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in ambient air based on the Global Monitoring Plan in São Paulo. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 255:113310. [PMID: 31600699 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ambient air contains a number of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), to which inhalation exposure has drawn worldwide concern. However, information regarding annual changes in the concentrations and health risks of POPs in the ambient air of São Paulo, Brazil, are limited. This study provides comprehensive information on annual changes in polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), and 10 groups of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the ambient air of São Paulo between 2010 and 2015 based on the Global Monitoring Plan. The mass concentrations of the studied POPs (PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, and OCPs) showed declining trends from 2010 to 2015 (from 2.65 × 10-2 to 1.33 × 10-2 pg m-3, from 9.89 × 10-2 to 3.12 × 10-2 pg m-3, and from 0.313 to 0.100 ng m-3, respectively), which might be due to the decrease of non-intentional emissions. The carcinogenic risk (CR) and non-carcinogenic risk (Non-CR) of the studied POPs were 1.48 × 10-11 to 6.08 × 10-7 and 3.44 × 10-8 to 3.34 × 10-3, respectively, which are lower than the generally accepted threshold values (10-6/10-5 and 1 for CR and Non-CR, respectively), suggesting that the health risks posed by the studied POPs were acceptable. PCDD/Fs had the highest CR (6.08 × 10-8-4.81 × 10-7), whereas the 95th percentile CR of DL-PCBs and nine of the OCPs were lower than 10-7, suggesting that among the studied POPs, PCDD/Fs in the ambient air warrant special attention. The 95th percentile CRs of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (2.30 × 10-8), dieldrin (1.30 × 10-8), hexachlorocyclohexanes (1.05 × 10-8), heptachlor (8.97 × 10-9), hexachlorobenzene (6.47 × 10-9), chlordane (5.89 × 10-9), heptachlor epoxide (1.42 × 10-9), aldrin (1.33 × 10-9), and mirex (2.71 × 10-10) in ambient air were relatively low, suggesting that their threats to human health were negligible. In general, PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, and OCPs in the ambient air of São Paulo did not pose serious threats to human health during 2010-2015.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Hu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Medical College of SoochowUniversity, Suzhou, China; Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Lishui, China
| | - Jiafu Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Bingyan Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Medical College of SoochowUniversity, Suzhou, China
| | - Zengli Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Medical College of SoochowUniversity, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Boggs ASP, Ragland JM, Zolman ES, Schock TB, Morey JS, Galligan TM, Dalle Luche G, Balmer BC, Wells RS, Kucklick JR, Schwacke LH. Remote blubber sampling paired with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for steroidal endocrinology in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 281:164-172. [PMID: 31199925 PMCID: PMC6990413 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry allows for the measurement of steroid hormone suites in the blubber of marine mammals. By combining this technology with minimally invasive techniques such as remote biopsy, endocrine profiles can be assessed, allowing for studies of hormonal profile variation over time. In this study, we explored associations among different steroidogenic pathways and seasonal differences in blubber hormone profiles of free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins along the coast of South Carolina, USA. Male dolphins experience a peak in testosterone, androstenedione, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone in the spring, likely related to an upregulation of the androgen steroidogenic pathway during mating season. We also observed increased cortisol concentrations during summer compared to winter. Among females, there was an increase in androstenedione with elevated progesterone concentrations indicative of pregnancy, highlighting another potential endocrine marker for pregnancy in free-ranging dolphins. This work emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate season for studies on endocrine status to effectively uncover physiological variation or disruption in free-ranging cetaceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S P Boggs
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - Jared M Ragland
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway, Ste B, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
| | - Tracey B Schock
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Jeanine S Morey
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway, Ste B, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
| | - Thomas M Galligan
- Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; JHT, Inc. under contract to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Service, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, 101 Cheatham Hall, 310 West Campus Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Greta Dalle Luche
- Griffith University, Environmental Futures Research Institute, Southern Ocean Persistent Organic Pollutants Program, 170 Kessels Road, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway, Ste B, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - John R Kucklick
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway, Ste B, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Balmer B, Ylitalo G, Watwood S, Quigley B, Bolton J, Mullin K, Rosel P, Rowles T, Speakman T, Wilcox L, Zolman E, Schwacke L. Comparison of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) between small cetaceans in coastal and estuarine waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 145:239-247. [PMID: 31590782 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Small cetaceans continue to be exposed to elevated levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The goals of this study were to use data from remote biopsy sampling and photographic-identification to compare POP concentrations between small cetacean stocks in the northern Gulf of Mexico. During 2015-2017, 74 remote biopsies were collected in St. Andrew Bay and adjacent coastal waters from two species: common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) (N = 28, ♀; N = 42, ♂) and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) (N = 2, ♀; N = 2, ♂). Common bottlenose dolphin POP concentrations were significantly higher in St. Andrew Bay than coastal waters. Male St. Andrew Bay dolphins had the highest Σ DDT (dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethane) levels measured in the southeastern U.S. (67 μg/g, 50-89 μg/g; geometric mean and 95% CI) and showed a significant negative relationship between Σ DDT and sighting distance from a St. Andrew Bay point source.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway Suite B, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA.
| | - Gina Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Stephanie Watwood
- Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Environmental Branch, 1176 Howell Street, Newport, RI 02841, USA
| | - Brian Quigley
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway Suite B, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
| | - Jennie Bolton
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Keith Mullin
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 3209 Frederic Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567, USA
| | - Patricia Rosel
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 646 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70506, USA
| | - Teri Rowles
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Todd Speakman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway Suite B, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
| | - Lynsey Wilcox
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 646 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70506, USA
| | - Eric Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway Suite B, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
| | - Lori Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway Suite B, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Galligan TM, Balmer BC, Schwacke LH, Bolton JL, Quigley BM, Rosel PE, Ylitalo GM, Boggs ASP. Examining the relationships between blubber steroid hormones and persistent organic pollutants in common bottlenose dolphins. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 249:982-991. [PMID: 31146318 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.03.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Odontocete cetaceans bioaccumulate high concentrations of endocrine disrupting persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethylene (DDE), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) - collectively DDTs - but few studies have explored DDTs-mediated endocrine disruption in cetaceans. Herein, we use remotely collected blubber biopsies from common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting a site with high localized DDTs contamination to study the relationships between DDTs exposure and steroid hormone homeostasis in cetaceans. We quantified blubber steroid hormone concentrations by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and blubber POP concentrations by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. We detected six steroid hormones in blubber, including progesterone (P4), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP4), androstenedione (AE), testosterone (T), cortisol (F), and cortisone (E). Sampled dolphins (n = 62) exhibited exposure to DDT, DDE, DDD, chlordanes (CHLDs), mirex, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs). Using principal components analysis (PCA), we determined that blubber DDTs primarily loaded to the first principal component (PC1) explaining 81.6% of the total variance in POP exposure, while the remaining POPs primarily loaded to the PC2 (10.4% of variance). PC1 scores were negatively correlated with blubber T in males and blubber F in females, suggesting that exposure to DDTs impacted androgen and corticosteroid homeostasis. These conclusions were further supported by observed negative correlations between T and o,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDD, and p,p'-DDD in males sampled in the fall, and between F and the six individual DDTs and ∑6DDTs in females. Overall, these results suggest that POP-mediated endocrine disruption may have occurred in this stock of dolphins, which could negatively impact their health and fitness. However, this study relied on uncontrolled incidental exposures, making it impossible to establish a causal relationship between DDTs exposure and endocrine effects. Importantly, this study demonstrates that remotely collected blubber biopsies are a useful matrix for studying endocrine disruption in marine mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Galligan
- Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, 310 West Campus Drive, 101 Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway, Site B, Johns Island, SC, 29455, USA
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway, Site B, Johns Island, SC, 29455, USA
| | - Jennie L Bolton
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA
| | - Brian M Quigley
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 3419 Maybank Highway, Site B, Johns Island, SC, 29455, USA
| | - Patricia E Rosel
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 646 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA, 70506, USA
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA
| | - Ashley S P Boggs
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, 331 Fort Johnson Rd, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Genov T, Jepson PD, Barber JL, Hace A, Gaspari S, Centrih T, Lesjak J, Kotnjek P. Linking organochlorine contaminants with demographic parameters in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins from the northern Adriatic Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:200-212. [PMID: 30537581 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Marine top predators, including marine mammals, are known to bio-accumulate persistent pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a serious conservation concern for these species. Although PCBs declined in European seas since the 1970s-1980s ban, considerable levels still persist in European and Mediterranean waters. In cetaceans, stranded animals are a valuable source of samples for pollutant studies, but may introduce both known and unknown biases. Biopsy samples from live, free-ranging cetaceans offer a better alternative for evaluating toxicological burdens of populations, especially when linked to known histories of identified individuals. We evaluated PCB and other organochlorine contaminants in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea), one of the most human-impacted areas in the Mediterranean Sea. Biopsies were collected from 32 male and female dolphins during 2011-2017. All animals were photo-identified and are part of a well-known population of about 150 individuals monitored since 2002. We tested for the effects of sex, parity and social group membership on contaminant concentrations. Males had significantly higher organochlorine concentrations than females, suggesting offloading from reproducing females to their offspring via gestation and/or lactation. Furthermore, nulliparous females had substantially higher concentrations than parous ones, providing further support for maternal offloading of contaminants. Overall, 87.5% of dolphins had PCB concentrations above the toxicity threshold for physiological effects in experimental marine mammal studies (9 mg/kg lw), while 65.6% had concentrations above the highest threshold published for marine mammals based on reproductive impairment in ringed seals (41 mg/kg lw). The potential population-level effects of such high contaminant levels are of concern particularly in combination with other known or suspected threats to this population. We demonstrate the utility of combining contaminant data with demographic parameters such as sex, reproductive output, etc., resulting from long-term studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Genov
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia; Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK.
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Ana Hace
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Stefania Gaspari
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), Arsenale - Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122 Venice, Italy
| | - Tina Centrih
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Jan Lesjak
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Polona Kotnjek
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Balmer B, Zolman E, Bolton J, Fauquier D, Fougeres E, George RC, Goldstein T, Gowen M, Kolkmeyer T, Le-Bert C, Mase B, Norton T, Peterson J, Rowles T, Saliki J, Ylitalo G. Ranging Patterns and Exposure to Cumulative Stressors of a Tursiops truncatus (Common Bottlenose Dolphin) in Georgia. SOUTHEAST NAT 2019. [DOI: 10.1656/058.018.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Balmer
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106
| | - Eric Zolman
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106
| | - Jennie Bolton
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112
| | - Deborah Fauquier
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
| | - Erin Fougeres
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
| | - R. Clay George
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Nongame Wildlife Conservation, 1 Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520
| | - Tracey Goldstein
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Michael Gowen
- SouthEast Adventure Outfitters, 313 Mallory Street, St. Simons Island, GA 31522
| | - Trip Kolkmeyer
- Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Nongame Wildlife Conservation, 1 Conservation Way, Brunswick, GA 31520
| | - Carolina Le-Bert
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106
| | - Blair Mase
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Biscayne, FL 33149
| | - Terry Norton
- Georgia Sea Turtle Center/Jekyll Island Authority, 214 Stable Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
| | - Jon Peterson
- SeaWorld Orlando, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
| | - Teri Rowles
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112
| | - Jerry Saliki
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Georgia, 501 DW Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602
| | - Gina Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Misra BB, Ruiz-Hernández IM, Hernández-Bolio GI, Hernández-Núñez E, Díaz-Gamboa R, Colli-Dula RC. 1H NMR metabolomic analysis of skin and blubber of bottlenose dolphins reveals a functional metabolic dichotomy. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2019; 30:25-32. [PMID: 30771562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a carnivorous cetacean that thrives in marine environments, one of the apex predators of the marine food web. They are found in coastal and estuarine ecosystems, which are known to be sensitive to environmental impacts. Dolphins are considered sentinel organisms for monitoring the health of coastal marine ecosystems due to their role as predators that can bioaccumulate contaminants. Although recent studies have focused on capturing the circulating metabolomes of these mammals, and in the context of pollutants and exposures in the marine environment, skin and blubber are important surface and protective tissues that have not been adequately probed for metabolism. Using a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) based metabolomics approach, we quantified 51 metabolites belonging to 74 different metabolic pathways in the skin and blubber of stranded bottlenose dolphin (n = 4) samples collected at different localities in the Southern Zone coast of Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Results indicate that metabolism of skin and blubber are quantitatively very different. These metabolite abundances could help discriminate the tissue-types using supervised partial least square regression discriminant analysis (PLSDA). Further, using hierarchical clustering analysis and random forest analysis of the metabolite abundances, the results pointed to unique metabolites that are important classifiers of the tissue-type. On one hand, the differential metabolic patterns, mainly linking fatty acid metabolism and ketogenic amino acids, seem to constitute a characteristic of blubber, thus pointing to fat synthesis and deposition. On the other hand, the skin showed several metabolites involved in gluconeogenic pathways, pointing towards an active anabolic energy-generating metabolism. The most notable pathways found in both tissues included: urea cycle, nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism among others. Our 1H NMR metabolomics analysis allowed the quantification of metabolites associated with these two organs, i.e., pyruvic acid, arginine, ornithine, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid, and acetic acid, as discriminatory and classifying metabolites. These results would lead to further understanding of the functional and physiological roles of dolphin skin and blubber metabolism for better efforts in their conservation, as well as useful target biopsy tissues for monitoring of dolphin health conditions in marine pollution and ecotoxicology studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biswapriya B Misra
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem 27157, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Emanuel Hernández-Núñez
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav Unidad Mérida, Mérida, Yucatán 97310, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Mexico
| | - Raúl Díaz-Gamboa
- Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, 97100 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Reyna Cristina Colli-Dula
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav Unidad Mérida, Mérida, Yucatán 97310, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Li N, Xia Q, Li Y, Hou X, Niu M, Ping Q, Xiao H. Immobilizing Laccase on Modified Cellulose/CF Beads to Degrade Chlorinated Biphenyl in Wastewater. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:E798. [PMID: 30960723 PMCID: PMC6403812 DOI: 10.3390/polym10070798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel modified cellulose/cellulose fibril (CF) beads (MCCBs) loaded with laccase were prepared to degrade polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in wastewater. The proper porous structure in MCCBs was achieved by introducing nano CaCO₃ (as a pore forming agent) in cellulose/CF (CCBs) beads during the preparation process. Cellulose/CF composite beads were modified by maleic anhydride to introduce carboxyl groups. Laccase was immobilized on the MCCBs through electrostatic adsorption and covalent bonding. The effects of pH, laccase concentration and contact time on immobilization yields and recovered activity were investigated. The best conditions were pH 4, concentration 16 g/L and contact time 3 h. The immobilized laccase under these conditions showed a good performance in thermal and operational stability. The laccase immobilized on MCCB beads can remove 85% of 20 mg/L 4-hydroxy-3,5-dichlorobiphenyl (HO-DiCB) in wastewater. The results demonstrated that MCCBs, as a new type of green-based support, are very promising in material immobilizing laccase. This technology may be of potential advantage for the removal of polychlorinated biphenyls in wastewater from an environmental point of view.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Plup and Papermaking Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Science & Technology of Ministry of Education/Shandong Province, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan 250353, China.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Quiyang Xia
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| | - Xiaobang Hou
- Department of Environment Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China.
| | - Meihong Niu
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Plup and Papermaking Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China.
| | - Qingwei Ping
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Plup and Papermaking Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, China.
| | - Huining Xiao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Balmer JE, Ylitalo GM, Rowles TK, Mullin KD, Wells RS, Townsend FI, Pearce RW, Bolton JL, Zolman ES, Balmer BC, Schwacke LH. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blood and blubber of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) at three northern Gulf of Mexico sites following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 621:130-137. [PMID: 29179068 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), including those impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill, inhabit the coastal and estuarine waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM). In response to the spill, dolphin health assessments conducted in Barataria Bay, Louisiana - a site that experienced heavy and prolonged oiling - uncovered a high prevalence of health abnormalities and individuals in poor body condition. Although the health effects observed were suggestive of petroleum toxicity, a lack of pre-spill information regarding dolphin health raises the possibility that other environmental factors may have contributed to the adverse health of dolphins in this oil-impacted area. To assess how exposure to other environmental pollutants may affect the health of northern GoM dolphin populations impacted by the DWH oil spill, a suite of 69 persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including PCBs, PBDEs and organochlorine pesticides, was determined in blood and a subset of blubber samples collected during health assessments of 145 bottlenose dolphins at three GoM sites: two oil impacted sites - Barataria Bay, LA (BB), and Mississippi Sound, MS (MS) and an unimpacted reference site - Sarasota Bay, FL (SB). Overall, levels of POPs at all three sites appeared comparable or lower than concentrations previously reported for coastal bottlenose dolphin populations outside of the northern GoM. POP levels measured in BB dolphins were also comparable or lower than those measured at the unimpacted reference site (SB) within the northern GoM. Additionally, the relationship between blubber and blood contaminant levels in a smaller subset of BB and SB suggests that BB animals were not experiencing elevated blood-contaminant concentrations as a result of their poor body condition. Cumulatively, these results suggest that background levels of POPs measured are unlikely to produce the health abnormalities previously reported for BB dolphins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Balmer
- Industrial Economics, Incorporated, 2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA; National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Keith D Mullin
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, 3209 Frederic Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - Forrest I Townsend
- Bayside Hospital for Animals, 251 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547, USA
| | - Ronald W Pearce
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Jennie L Bolton
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Neely MG, Morey JS, Anderson P, Balmer BC, Ylitalo GM, Zolman ES, Speakman TR, Sinclair C, Bachman MJ, Huncik K, Kucklick J, Rosel PE, Mullin KD, Rowles TK, Schwacke LH, Van Dolah FM. Skin Transcriptomes of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the northern Gulf of Mexico and southeastern U.S. Atlantic coasts. Mar Genomics 2018; 38:45-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
18
|
Mullin KD, McDonald T, Wells RS, Balmer BC, Speakman T, Sinclair C, Zolman ES, Hornsby F, McBride SM, Wilkinson KA, Schwacke LH. Density, abundance, survival, and ranging patterns of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Mississippi Sound following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186265. [PMID: 29053728 PMCID: PMC5650146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
After the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill began in April 2010, studies were initiated on northern Gulf of Mexico common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Mississippi Sound (MSS) to determine density, abundance, and survival, during and after the oil spill, and to compare these results to previous research in this region. Seasonal boat-based photo-identification surveys (2010–2012) were conducted in a section of MSS to estimate dolphin density and survival, and satellite-linked telemetry (2013) was used to determine ranging patterns. Telemetry suggested two different ranging patterns in MSS: (1) inshore waters with seasonal movements into mid-MSS, and (2) around the barrier islands exclusively. Based upon these data, dolphin density was estimated in two strata (Inshore and Island) using a spatially-explicit robust-design capture-recapture model. Inshore and Island density varied between 0.77–1.61 dolphins km−2 ( x¯ = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.28–1.53) and 3.32–5.74 dolphins km−2 ( x¯ = 4.43, 95% CI: 2.70–5.63), respectively. The estimated annual survival rate for dolphins with distinctive fins was very low in the year following the spill, 0.73 (95% CI: 0.67–0.78), and consistent with the occurrence of a large scale cetacean unusual mortality event that was in part attributed to the DWH oil spill. Fluctuations in density were not as large or seasonally consistent as previously reported. Total abundance for MSS extrapolated from density results ranged from 4,610 in July 2011 to 3,046 in January 2012 ( x¯ = 3,469, 95% CI: 3,113–3,725).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith D. Mullin
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Trent McDonald
- Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc., Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, % Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Brian C. Balmer
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Todd Speakman
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carrie Sinclair
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Eric S. Zolman
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Fawn Hornsby
- Western Ecosystems Technology, Inc., Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Shauna M. McBride
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, % Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Krystan A. Wilkinson
- Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Chicago Zoological Society, % Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, United States of America
| | - Lori H. Schwacke
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abd El-Moneam NM, Shreadah MA, El-Assar SA, Nabil-Adam A. Protective role of antioxidants capacity of Hyrtios aff. Erectus sponge extract against mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)-induced hepatic toxicity in mice liver: biomarkers and ultrastructural study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:22061-22072. [PMID: 28791578 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9805-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The current study investigates the hepatoprotective effect of Hyrtios aff. Erectus sponge extract against POPs intoxication on endogenous antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in mice liver tissue. In the present study, the mice BALB/C were assigned into four groups: group I: received saline subcutaneously for 7 days and served as negative control; group II: received subcutaneously for 7 days, 130.6 mg/100 g/b. w/day POPs mixture(mixture of PCB 28, PCB 52,, PCB 101, PCB 118, PCB 153, PCB 138 and PCB 180, alpha-Hexachlorocyclohexane, beta-Hexachloro-cyclohexane, gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane, Aldrin, O,P'-DDE, Dieldrin, P,p DDE, O,P DDD, Endrin, P,p DDD and P,pDDT were extracted from sediments collected from Lake Mariout), and served as induced group; group III: pretreated with Hyrtios aff. Erectus sponge extract for 7 days, as a protection dose and then treated with POPs as group II and served as protective group; and group IV: received i.p Hyrtios aff. Erectus sponge extract of dose 0.7 mg/100 g b.wt/day for 7 days and served as positive control. After 7 days (experimental period), mice were scarified and the liver was harvested for biochemical estimation. Significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (p < 0.002) was noticed compared to POPs-protected group. The antioxidant biomarkers levels were significantly increase as the hepatic GSH and GST increased by 69.9 and 89.9%, respectively. Such increase was accompanied by a decrease in tyrosine kinase activity by 59.82%, additionally remarkable histopathological changes in liver tissue indicate the protective effect of Hyrtios aff. Erectus sponge extract. The results of this study revealed that the Hyrtios aff. Erectus sponge extract has the potential to diminish the destructive effect of POPs intoxication through enhancement of the endogenous antioxidant status. The hepatoprotective activity of Hyrtios aff. Erectus sponge extract is mediated, by the antioxidant effect of its active constituents. The active constituents of Hyrtios aff. Erectus sponge extract were identified by LC-MS/MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nehad M Abd El-Moneam
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Shreadah
- Marine Biotechnology and Natural Products Lab (MBNP), National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries (NIOF), Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samy A El-Assar
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Asmaa Nabil-Adam
- Marine Biotechnology and Natural Products Lab (MBNP), National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries (NIOF), Alexandria, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
De Guise S, Levin M, Gebhard E, Jasperse L, Burdett Hart L, Smith CR, Venn-Watson S, Townsend F, Wells R, Balmer B, Zolman E, Rowles T, Schwacke L. Changes in immune functions in bottlenose dolphins in the northern Gulf of Mexico associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
21
|
Kellar NM, Speakman TR, Smith CR, Lane SM, Balmer BC, Trego ML, Catelani KN, Robbins MN, Allen CD, Wells RS, Zolman ES, Rowles TK, Schwacke LH. Low reproductive success rates of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the northern Gulf of Mexico following the Deepwater Horizon disaster (2010-2015). ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
22
|
Smith CR, Rowles TK, Hart LB, Townsend FI, Wells RS, Zolman ES, Balmer BC, Quigley B, Ivancˇic΄ M, McKercher W, Tumlin MC, Mullin KD, Adams JD, Wu Q, McFee W, Collier TK, Schwacke LH. Slow recovery of Barataria Bay dolphin health following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (2013-2014), with evidence of persistent lung disease and impaired stress response. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
23
|
Damseaux F, Kiszka JJ, Heithaus MR, Scholl G, Eppe G, Thomé JP, Lewis J, Hao W, Fontaine MC, Das K. Spatial variation in the accumulation of POPs and mercury in bottlenose dolphins of the Lower Florida Keys and the coastal Everglades (South Florida). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 220:577-587. [PMID: 27742439 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is an upper trophic level predator and the most common cetacean species found in nearshore waters of southern Florida, including the Lower Florida Keys (LFK) and the Florida Coastal Everglades (FCE). The objective of this study was to assess contamination levels of total mercury (T-Hg) in skin and persistent organic pollutants (PCBs, PBDEs, DDXs, HCHs, HCB, Σ PCDD/Fs and Σ DL-PCBs) in blubber samples of bottlenose dolphins from LFK (n = 27) and FCE (n = 24). PCBs were the major class of compounds found in bottlenose dolphin blubber and were higher in individuals from LFK (Σ 6 PCBs LFK males: 13,421 ± 7730 ng g-1 lipids, Σ 6 PCBs LFK females: 9683 ± 19,007 ng g-1 lipids) than from FCE (Σ 6 PCBs FCE males: 5638 ng g-1 ± 3627 lipids, Σ 6 PCBs FCE females: 1427 ± 908 ng g-1 lipids). These levels were lower than previously published data from the southeastern USA. The Σ DL-PCBs were the most prevalent pollutants of dioxin and dioxin like compounds (Σ DL-PCBs LFK: 739 ng g-1 lipids, Σ DL-PCBs FCE: 183 ng g-1 lipids) since PCDD/F concentrations were low for both locations (mean 0.1 ng g-1 lipids for LFK and FCE dolphins). The toxicity equivalences of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs expressed as TEQ in LFK and FCE dolphins is mainly expressed by DL-PCBs (81% LFK - 65% FCE). T-Hg concentrations in skin were significantly higher in FCE (FCE median 9314 ng g-1 dw) compared to LFK dolphins (LFK median 2941 ng g-1 dw). These concentrations are the highest recorded in bottlenose dolphins in the southeastern USA, and may be explained, at least partially, by the biogeochemistry of the Everglades and mangrove sedimentary habitats that create favourable conditions for the retention of mercury and make it available at high concentrations for aquatic predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- France Damseaux
- Laboratory of Oceanology-MARE, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology-CART, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jeremy J Kiszka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st street, North Miami, FL33181, USA
| | - Michael R Heithaus
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st street, North Miami, FL33181, USA
| | - George Scholl
- CART, University of Liège, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Gauthier Eppe
- CART, University of Liège, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Thomé
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology-CART, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Wensi Hao
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michaël C Fontaine
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Krishna Das
- Laboratory of Oceanology-MARE, B6c, Allée du 6 Août, University of Liege, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lane SM, Smith CR, Mitchell J, Balmer BC, Barry KP, McDonald T, Mori CS, Rosel PE, Rowles TK, Speakman TR, Townsend FI, Tumlin MC, Wells RS, Zolman ES, Schwacke LH. Reproductive outcome and survival of common bottlenose dolphins sampled in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA, following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:20151944. [PMID: 26538595 PMCID: PMC4650159 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.1944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabit bays, sounds and estuaries across the Gulf of Mexico. Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, studies were initiated to assess potential effects on these ecologically important apex predators. A previous study reported disease conditions, including lung disease and impaired stress response, for 32 dolphins that were temporarily captured and given health assessments in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, USA. Ten of the sampled dolphins were determined to be pregnant, with expected due dates the following spring or summer. Here, we report findings after 47 months of follow-up monitoring of those sampled dolphins. Only 20% (95% CI: 2.50–55.6%) of the pregnant dolphins produced viable calves, as compared with a previously reported pregnancy success rate of 83% in a reference population. Fifty-seven per cent of pregnant females that did not successfully produce a calf had been previously diagnosed with moderate–severe lung disease. In addition, the estimated annual survival rate of the sampled cohort was low (86.8%, 95% CI: 80.0–92.7%) as compared with survival rates of 95.1% and 96.2% from two other previously studied bottlenose dolphin populations. Our findings confirm low reproductive success and high mortality in dolphins from a heavily oiled estuary when compared with other populations. Follow-up studies are needed to better understand the potential recovery of dolphins in Barataria Bay and, by extension, other Gulf coastal regions impacted by the spill.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Lane
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | | | - Brian C Balmer
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Kevin P Barry
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pascagoula, MS, USA
| | | | | | - Patricia E Rosel
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Lafayette, LA, USA
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Resources, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Todd R Speakman
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Mandy C Tumlin
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Pitchford JL, Pulis EE, Evans K, Shelley JK, Serafin BJ, Solangi M. Seasonal Density Estimates of Tursiops truncatus (Bottlenose Dolphin) in the Mississippi Sound from 2011 to 2013. SOUTHEAST NAT 2016. [DOI: 10.1656/058.015.0201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric E. Pulis
- Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503
| | - Kristine Evans
- Geosystems Research Institute, Mississippi State University Box 9627, Mississippi State, MS 39762
| | - Jamie K. Shelley
- Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503
| | | | - Moby Solangi
- Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Van Dolah FM, Neely MG, McGeorge LE, Balmer BC, Ylitalo GM, Zolman ES, Speakman T, Sinclair C, Kellar NM, Rosel PE, Mullin KD, Schwacke LH. Seasonal variation in the skin transcriptome of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the northern Gulf of Mexico. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130934. [PMID: 26110790 PMCID: PMC4482424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As long-lived predators that integrate exposures across multiple trophic levels, cetaceans are recognized as sentinels for the health of marine ecosystems. Their utility as sentinels requires the establishment of baseline health parameters. Because cetaceans are protected, measurements obtained with minimal disruption to free ranging animals are highly desirable. In this study we investigated the utility of skin gene expression profiling to monitor health and contaminant exposure in common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Remote integument biopsies were collected in the northern Gulf of Mexico prior to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (May 2010) and during summer and winter for two years following oil contamination (2010-2011). A bottlenose dolphin microarray was used to characterize the skin transcriptomes of 94 individuals from three populations: Barataria Bay, Louisiana, Chandeleur Sound, Louisiana, and Mississippi Sound, Mississippi/Alabama. Skin transcriptomes did not differ significantly between populations. In contrast, season had a profound effect on gene expression, with nearly one-third of all genes on the array differing in expression between winter and the warmer seasons (moderated T-test; p<0.01, fold-change≥1.5). Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blubber changed concurrently, reaching >two-fold higher concentrations in summer compared to winter, due to a seasonal decrease in blubber thickness and loss of stored lipid. However, global gene expression did not correlate strongly with seasonally changing contaminant concentrations, most likely because the refractory, lipid-stored metabolites are not substrates for phase I or II xenobiotic detoxification pathways. Rather, processes related to cell proliferation, motility, and differentiation dominated the differences in expression in winter and the warmer seasons. More subtle differences were seen between spring and summer (1.5% of genes differentially expressed). However, two presumed oil-exposed animals from spring presented gene expression profiles more similar to the summer animals (presumed exposed) than to other spring animals. Seasonal effects have not previously been considered in studies assessing gene expression in cetaceans, but clearly must be taken into account when applying transcriptomic analyses to investigate their contaminant exposure or health status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Van Dolah
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Marion G Neely
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Lauren E McGeorge
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brian C Balmer
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Eric S Zolman
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Todd Speakman
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Carrie Sinclair
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Nicholas M Kellar
- Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Patricia E Rosel
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Lafayette, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Keith D Mullin
- Southeast Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Pascagoula, Mississippi, United States of America
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|