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Ruiz-Hernández IM, Nouri MZ, Kozuch M, Denslow ND, Díaz-Gamboa RE, Rodríguez-Canul R, Collí-Dulá RC. Trace elements and lipidomic datasets of stranding samples in the blubber of Turpsios truncatus from the Yucatan coast: Association with biological features. Data Brief 2023; 49:109374. [PMID: 37520656 PMCID: PMC10372175 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Yucatan coastal zone is an area that contributes to many anthropogenic activities resulting in substantial contamination (metals, pesticides) in aquatic organisms. The dolphin is an excellent sentinel animal used in studying contamination in this area. Some substances found in dolphins have been identified as toxic causing alterations in the properties of membranes and produce lipid peroxidation especially heavy metals. The dataset presented here is associated with the research article paper entitled "Trace element and lipidomic analysis of bottlenose dolphin blubber from the Yucatan coast: Lipid composition relationships". In this article, we presented the trace element concentrations found in blubber and their comparison with other studies performed in mammal marine organisms. Lipidomic characterization of bottlenose dolphin blubber and their association with trace elements and the differences related to biological characteristics were presented. This data provides a correlation analysis between trace element concentrations, lipid species and body length and the lipid differences related to biological characteristics such as growth stage, stranding code, and the presence of stomach contents. We used Spearman correlation analysis to identify the association with body length, trace elements and lipids. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to determine differences in lipids related to stranding code (3: moderate decomposition, 4: advanced decomposition), growth stage (juveniles and adults) and whether they showed presence of stomach contents or not. The data indicates that Cr, Cd and Zn concentrations were higher compared to concentrations found in blubbler of T. truncatus from other studies (See Table 3). Cr, Co, As and Cd were found in higher concentration in larger organisms compared to smaller ones. The results of correlation between lipids and body length showed a decrease in some ceramides (CER, DCER, HCER), sterols (CE), glycerolipids (TAG, DAG) and phosphatidylethanolamines (LPE, PE) in larger dolphins (Table 4). Dolphins with advanced decomposition (code 4) showed lower concentrations of phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) compared with organisms with moderate decomposition (code 3). Organisms with empty stomachs showed higher concentrations of phosphoethanolamines suggesting a preferential metabolism of energy-rich lipids over structural lipids. The information in these datasets may contribute to understanding the potential associations of trace elements, lipids and their associations with biological characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ixchel M. Ruiz-Hernández
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6, Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán 97310, México
| | - Mohammad-Zaman Nouri
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, PO Box 110885, 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Marianne Kozuch
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, PO Box 110885, 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nancy D. Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, PO Box 110885, 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Raúl E. Díaz-Gamboa
- Departamento de Biología Marina, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, Yucatán 97000, México
| | - Rossanna Rodríguez-Canul
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6, Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán 97310, México
| | - Reyna C. Collí-Dulá
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6, Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán 97310, México
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), México
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2
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Malcolm EG, Coleman SE, Smith EM, Cooke ME, Rice Jeff H, Ellick RM, Volker KM. The potential use of skin and liver as biomarkers to estimate mercury in the brain, kidney, and muscle of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114903. [PMID: 37062130 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
For marine cetaceans, Hg biomagnification can negatively affect neurological, hepatic, renal, and immune functions. To evaluate the use of biomarkers for Hg in dolphins, multiple tissues were analyzed from 127 stranded common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the estuarine and oceanic waters of Virginia, USA. Twenty-two percent of liver Hg concentrations exceeded the published observed effect level for liver abnormalities, and 26 % of cerebrum samples exceeded the published threshold for neurochemical changes, suggesting that Hg may have impacted dolphin health. Mercury tissue levels were similar to or lower than those reported from other locations (liver range: 1.4-943 μg/g-dw). Significant correlations were found between tissue types, indicating that skin or liver can be used as a biomarker to estimate the total Hg concentrations in the other tissue types (kidney, liver, cerebrum, cerebellum, pons). This is the first study to measure Hg concentrations in multiple brain regions of T. truncatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Malcolm
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
| | - Sherie E Coleman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Erin M Smith
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Matthew E Cooke
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Hannah Rice Jeff
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Rachel M Ellick
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | - Kristen M Volker
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
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3
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Delgado-Suarez I, Lozano-Bilbao E, Hardisson A, Paz S, Gutiérrez ÁJ. Metal and trace element concentrations in cetaceans worldwide: A review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115010. [PMID: 37167666 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This bibliographical review is a compilation of different scientific publications that reported data on metal concentrations in the muscle tissue of different species of cetaceans from seas and oceans around the world. Forty-nine scientific articles were selected, published over a fifteen-year period (2006-2021) with data on heavy metals and trace elements. The different groups of cetaceans considered in this study generally presented low concentrations of Cd and Pb. The same cannot be said of Hg. The highest concentrations of Hg were found in the groups of false killer whales. Similarly, the use of these groups of cetaceans as bioindicators of metal contamination shows that the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most metallically contaminated areas in the world. This may be due to the closed nature of the Mediterranean Sea and to the fact that it is also a highly populated and industrialized area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira Delgado-Suarez
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Enrique Lozano-Bilbao
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Arturo Hardisson
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Soraya Paz
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ángel J Gutiérrez
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
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4
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Plön S, Roussouw N, Uren R, Naidoo K, Siebert U, Cliff G, Bouwman H. Elements in muscle tissue of three dolphin species from the east coast of South Africa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114707. [PMID: 36860028 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114707] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We investigated elemental concentrations in muscle tissue of three species of dolphins incidentally bycaught off the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, South Africa. Thirty-six major, minor and trace elements were analysed in Indian Ocean humpback dolphin Sousa plumbea (n = 36), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin Tursiops aduncus (n = 32) and the Common dolphin Delphinus delphis (n = 8). Significant differences in concentration between the three species were observed for 11 elements (cadmium, iron, manganese, sodium, platinum, antimony, selenium, strontium, uranium, vanadium and zinc). Mercury concentrations (maximum 29 mg/kg dry mass) were generally higher than those reported for coastal dolphin species found elsewhere. Our results reflect a combination of species differences in habitat, feeding ecology, age, and possibly species physiology and exposure to pollution levels. This study confirms the high organic pollutant concentrations documented previously for these species from the same location, and provides a well-founded case for the need to reduce pollutant sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Plön
- Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE), Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Medical Virology, Institute of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
| | - N Roussouw
- Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE), Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - R Uren
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - K Naidoo
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB), Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa
| | - U Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - G Cliff
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB), Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa; School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - H Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Sedak M, Bilandžić N, Đokić M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M. Body burdens and distribution of mercury and selenium in bottlenose, striped and Risso's dolphins along the Adriatic coast: A 20-year retrospective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114298. [PMID: 36356340 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Top marine predators present high mercury concentrations in their tissues due to biomagnification in the marine food chain. This study reports mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) status, and the Hg:Se molar ratio assessment in bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus). Total Hg and Se concentrations were determined in muscle, liver, kidney, lung, spleen, adipose tissue and skin collected from 186 specimens stranded in the Croatian part of Adriatic Sea from 1995 to 2014. Total Hg concentrations in tissue samples ranged from 0.001 in the spleen to 2238 mg/kg wet weight in liver. Se concentrations in dolphin samples ranged from 0.010 to 2916 mg/kg ww. Minimum Se concentration was found in muscle and maximum Se concentration were found in liver of bottlenose dolphin. Hg and Se levels in Risso's dolphins showed higher concentrations in all tissues in comparison to bottlenose and striped dolphins. Significant and positive correlations were observed between age and Hg concentrations (P < 0.05). In 66.6 % of Risso's, 15.3 % of bottlenose dolphins and one stranded striped dolphin in this study, the hepatic concentration of Hg exceeded the higher toxic thresholds (400 mg/kg w.w.) previously defined as evidence of liver damage in marine mammals. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of Risso's dolphin was 0.670. The liver of adult bottlenose dolphins showed expected values (0.870), while the liver of young dolphins had a high ratio (0.750), non-specific for the age group. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of striped dolphins was 0.390, which is lower than the literature values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Sedak
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Nina Bilandžić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Đokić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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6
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Ruiz-Hernández IM, Nouri MZ, Kozuch M, Denslow ND, Díaz-Gamboa RE, Rodríguez-Canul R, Collí-Dulá RC. Trace element and lipidomic analysis of bottlenose dolphin blubber from the Yucatan coast: Lipid composition relationships. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134353. [PMID: 35314180 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are found in coastal and estuarine ecosystems where they are in continuous contact with multiple abiotic and biotic stressors in the environment. Due to their role as predators, they can bioaccumulate contaminants and are considered sentinel organisms for monitoring the health of coastal marine ecosystems. The northern zonal coast of the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico has a high incidence of anthropogenic activities. The principal objectives of this study were two-fold: 1) to determine the presence of trace metals and their correlation with lipids in bottlenose dolphin blubber, and 2) to use a lipidomics approach to characterize their biological responses. Levels of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Pb) were analyzed using ICP-MS and lipids were measured using a targeted lipidomics approach with LC-MS/MS. Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify associations between lipids and trace elements. The influences of gender, stranding codes, presence of stomach content, growth stages and body length were also analyzed. Blubber lipid composition was dominated by triacylglycerols (TAG). Our results demonstrated the presence of heavy-metal elements such as Cd and As, which were correlated with different lipid species, mainly the ceramides and glycerophospholipids, respectively. Organisms with Cd showed lower concentrations of ceramides (CER, HCER and DCER), TAG and cholesteryl esters (CE). Trace elements Cr, Co, As and Cd increased proportionately with body length. This study provides a novel insight of lipidomic characterization and correlations with trace elements in the bottlenose dolphin which might contribute to having a better understanding of the physiological functions and the risks that anthropogenic activities can bring to sentinel organisms from coastal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ixchel M Ruiz-Hernández
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida. Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico.
| | - Mohammad-Zaman Nouri
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology. University of Florida. PO Box 110885. 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Marianne Kozuch
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology. University of Florida. PO Box 110885. 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Nancy D Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology. University of Florida. PO Box 110885. 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Raúl E Díaz-Gamboa
- Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Departamento de Biología Marina, Mérida, Yucatán, 97000, Mexico.
| | - Rossanna Rodríguez-Canul
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida. Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico.
| | - Reyna C Collí-Dulá
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida. Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico; CONACYT, CONACYT, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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7
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McCormack MA, Jackson BP, Dutton J. Relationship between mercury and selenium concentrations in tissues from stranded odontocetes in the northern Gulf of Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:141350. [PMID: 33370896 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Odontocetes are apex predators that, despite accumulating mercury (Hg) to high concentrations in their tissues, show few signs of Hg toxicity. One method of Hg detoxification in odontocetes includes the sequestering of Hg in toxicologically inert mercury selenide (HgSe) compounds. To explore the tissue-specific accumulation of Hg and Se and the potential protective role of Se against Hg toxicity, we measured the concentrations of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) in multiple tissues from 11 species of odontocetes that stranded along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast [Florida (FL) and Louisiana (LA)]. Tissues were collected primarily from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus; n = 93); however, individuals from species in the following 8 genera were also sampled: Feresa (n = 1), Globicephala (n = 1), Grampus (n = 2), Kogia (n = 5), Mesoplodon (n = 1), Peponocephala (n = 4), Stenella (n = 9), and Steno (n = 1). In all species, mean THg concentrations were greatest in the liver and lowest in the blubber, lung, or skin. In contrast, in most species, mean Se concentrations were greatest in the liver, lung, or skin, and lowest in the blubber. For all species combined, Se:Hg molar ratios decreased with increasing THg concentration in the blubber, kidney, liver, lung, and skin following an exponential decay relationship. In bottlenose dolphins, THg concentrations in the kidney, liver, and lung were significantly greater in FL dolphins compared to LA dolphins. On average, in bottlenose dolphins, Se:Hg molar ratios were approximately 1:1 in the liver and >1:1 in blubber, kidney, lung, and skin, suggesting that Se likely protects against Hg toxicity. However, more research is necessary to understand the variation in Hg accumulation within and among species and to assess how Hg, in combination with other environmental stressors, influences odontocete population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan A McCormack
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Jessica Dutton
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
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Monteiro SS, Bozzetti M, Torres J, Tavares AS, Ferreira M, Pereira AT, Sá S, Araújo H, Bastos-Santos J, Oliveira I, Vingada JV, Eira C. Striped dolphins as trace element biomonitoring tools in oceanic waters: Accounting for health-related variables. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 699:134410. [PMID: 31678876 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134410] [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: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, monitoring contaminant concentrations and their effects in the marine environment is required under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC). The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is the most abundant small cetacean species in Portuguese oceanic waters, representing a potential biomonitoring tool of contaminant levels in offshore waters. Concentrations of nine trace elements were evaluated by ICP-MS in kidney, liver and muscle samples of 31 striped dolphins stranded in the Portuguese continental coast. The mean renal Cd concentration was high (19.3 μg.g-1 wet weight, range 0.1-69.3 μg.g-1 wet weight) comparing to striped dolphins from other locations. Therefore, the present study reports a possibly concerning level of Cd in the oceanic food chain in Portuguese offshore areas. This study also aimed at evaluating potential relationships between trace element concentrations and striped dolphins' biological and health-related variables. Individual length was related with some of the trace element concentrations detected in striped dolphins. Indeed, Cd, Hg and Se bioaccumulated in larger animals, whereas the reverse was observed for Mn and Zn. Striped dolphins with high parasite burdens showed higher levels of Hg, while animals showing gross pathologies presented higher concentrations of Cd and Se. This study reported relationships between trace element concentrations and health-related variables for the first time in striped dolphins and it also provided information on the relative contamination status of Portuguese oceanic waters in comparison to other regions in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia S Monteiro
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Márcia Bozzetti
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jordi Torres
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana S Tavares
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CBMA, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Andreia T Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Sara Sá
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Hélder Araújo
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Jorge Bastos-Santos
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Isabel Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - José V Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CBMA, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
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9
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McCormack MA, Battaglia F, McFee WE, Dutton J. Mercury concentrations in blubber and skin from stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) along the Florida and Louisiana coasts (Gulf of Mexico, USA) in relation to biological variables. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 180:108886. [PMID: 31708171 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to their long life-span and top trophic position, odontocetes can accumulate high concentrations of mercury (Hg) in their tissues. This study measured the concentration of total Hg (THg) in the blubber and skin of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that stranded along the Florida (FL) panhandle and Louisiana (LA) coasts and investigated the relationship between total Hg (THg) concentration and sex, body length, age, stranding location, diet/trophic position (δ13C and δ15N, respectively), and foraging habitat (δ34S). Additionally, we compared models using body length and age as explanatory variables to determine which was a better predictor of THg concentration. In both tissues, sex was not an influential predictor of THg concentration and there was a positive relationship between body length/age and THg concentration (p < 0.001). Florida dolphins had greater mean blubber and skin THg concentrations compared to LA dolphins (p < 0.001). There was a modest improvement in model fit when age was used in place of body length. δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S differed between stranding locations and together with age were significant predictors of THg concentrations (R2 = 0.52, P < 0.001). Florida dolphins were δ13C enriched compared to LA dolphins (p < 0.001) and THg concentrations were positively correlated with δ13C (R2 = 0.22, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrate spatial variability in THg concentrations from stranded bottlenose dolphins from the northern Gulf of Mexico; however, future research is required to understand how fine-scale population structuring of dolphins within FL and LA impacts THg concentrations, particularly among inshore (bay, sound, and estuary) stocks and between inshore and offshore stocks, as variations in biotic and abiotic conditions can influence both stable isotope ratios and THg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan A McCormack
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| | - Francesca Battaglia
- Department of Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC, 29528, USA.
| | - Wayne E McFee
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Jessica Dutton
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
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10
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Durante CA, Moura Reis BM, Azevedo A, Crespo EA, Lailson-Brito J. Trace elements in trophic webs from South Atlantic: The use of cetaceans as sentinels. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 150:110674. [PMID: 31726239 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The odontocetes are at the top of the trophic chains, and because they accumulate numerous compounds throughout life, they are considered as bioindicators of ecosystem contamination. This study aimed to analyze the concentrations of trace elements of the short-beak common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Regardless of the tissue and the species, the average concentration of silver was the lowest. The highest concentration in the kidney was cadmium, while in the liver it varied between selenium and total mercury according to the species. The bioconcentration process was present in relation with the age and standard length in common dolphins. Additionally, Se-HgT molar ratios differed among species. This study provides new information on the current state of pollution by trace elements in common and Fraser's dolphins in the Southwest Atlantic, and it serves as a complement to the work in tropical waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Alberto Durante
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR) - Centro Nacional Patagónico - CONICET, Bv. Brown 2915, U9120ACD, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), Bv. Brown 2915, U9120ACD, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.
| | - Barbara Manhaes Moura Reis
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 20530-013, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 20530-013, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Enrique Alberto Crespo
- Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos (CESIMAR) - Centro Nacional Patagónico - CONICET, Bv. Brown 2915, U9120ACD, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB), Bv. Brown 2915, U9120ACD, Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Profa. Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 20530-013, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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11
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Pinzone M, Damseaux F, Michel LN, Das K. Stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur and mercury concentrations as descriptors of trophic ecology and contamination sources of Mediterranean whales. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 237:124448. [PMID: 31398606 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.124448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea remains a complex system for mercury (Hg) cycling and accumulation in marine vertebrates. The extremely high levels these animals present demand for an urgent understanding of such processes and the development of new analytical techniques that go beyond the simple contamination monitoring. It was often proposed that prey selection or habitat use may affect Hg contamination in animals; however, it was never possible to measure which factor influences more rates and pathways of contamination. In this paper, we directly integrate toxicological information (Hg levels) and ecological tracers (stable isotopes of C, N and S) into a common data analysis framework (isotopic niches), with the aim of quantifying the influence of species' trophic behaviour on Hg contamination. The analysis was conducted on skin biopsies of fin whales Balaenoptera physalus, long-finned pilot whales Globicephala melas and sperm whales Physeter microcephalus. Their different trophic modes and residency in the area make them model species for the analysis of Hg accumulation along NWMS food webs. We measured Total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations through absorbance spectrometry with the DMA80 Milestone. Carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotope compositions were measured via mass spectrometry in an IRMS coupled to an Elemental Analyser (EA) Isoprime. Comparison of ecological and contamination niches allowed to explain Hg accumulation in Mediterranean marine predators. Factors such as food web complexity, trophic position, hunting distribution or habitat use (e.g., foraging depth) did not influence Hg exposure. It is rather the selection of prey type, which determines the range of potential Hg sources and as a consequence the rates of accumulation in whales' tissues. A generalist piscivorous species such as the pilot whales will bioaccumulate more Hg than specialised sperm whales feeding mostly on cephalopods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Pinzone
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - France Damseaux
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Loïc N Michel
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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12
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Xiong X, Qian Z, Mei Z, Wu J, Hao Y, Wang K, Wu C, Wang D. Trace elements accumulation in the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) - A threat to the endangered freshwater cetacean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:797-804. [PMID: 31195287 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.031] [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: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
As a freshwater cetacean with a population of only approximately 1000 individuals, the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) is threatened by water pollution. However, studies of contaminants accumulated in the Yangtze finless porpoise remain limited. In this study, concentrations of 11 trace elements in different tissues sampled from 38 Yangtze finless porpoise individuals were determined. The elements V, Ni, Zn, and Pb were mostly accumulated in the epidermis, Cr, Mn, Cu, Se, and Hg were mostly accumulated in the liver, while As and Cd were mostly accumulated in the blubber and kidney, respectively. The results show that trace elements concentrations in the epidermis do not reliably indicate concentrations in internal tissues of the Yangtze finless porpoises. Positive correlations between different trace elements concentrations in tissues with the highest concentrations suggested the similar mechanism of metabolism or uptake pathway of those elements. Concentrations of As, Se, Cd, Hg, and Pb in the tissues with the highest concentrations were significantly positively correlated with the body length. Furthermore, significantly higher trace elements concentrations were measured in the reproductive organs of females (ovaries) than males (testis). However, no significant difference of trace elements concentrations between habitats was found. In consideration of higher Hg and Cd level in Yangtze finless porpoises compared to other small cetaceans, the potential risk of Hg (in particular) and Cd toxicity to Yangtze finless porpoises needs further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhengyi Qian
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Zhigang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Wuhan Institute for Drug and Medical Device Control, Wuhan 430075, China
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kexiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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13
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Martínez-López E, Peñalver J, Lara L, García-Fernández AJ. Hg and Se in Organs of Three Cetacean Species from the Murcia Coastline (Mediterranean Sea). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 103:521-527. [PMID: 31473774 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02697-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We determinated Hg and Se concentrations in liver, kidney, brain, lung and muscle of five bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), four common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and four Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) stranded along the Murcia coast, Southeast Spain, in order to evaluate the risk of Hg toxicity. Hg concentrations showed similar concentrations to other individuals in the Mediterranean Sea with the same length in the same period. We observed a positive correlation of Hg and Se in liver (r = 0.948, p < 0.001) and kidney (r = 0.939; p = 0.001) and ratio the Se/Hg molar was higher than 1 in most cases. Our results suggest that the protective effects of Se against Hg toxicity occur in cetaceans. However, we detected levels of Hg described as responsible liver damage and neurotoxicological effects so other tools, as biochemical markers, should be included. Besides, more studies are needed to evaluate the risk of Hg exposure in dolphins from Murcia coastline.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - J Peñalver
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (CARM), Murcia, Spain
| | - L Lara
- "El Valle" Wildlife Recovery Center (CARM), Murcia, Spain
| | - A J García-Fernández
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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14
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Barragán-Barrera DC, Luna-Acosta A, May-Collado LJ, Polo-Silva CJ, Riet-Sapriza FG, Bustamante P, Hernández-Ávila MP, Vélez N, Farías-Curtidor N, Caballero S. Foraging habits and levels of mercury in a resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in Bocas del Toro Archipelago, Caribbean Sea, Panama. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 145:343-356. [PMID: 31590796 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.076] [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: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A small and genetically isolated bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population resides year-round in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago-Panama (BDT). Photo-identification and genetic data showed that this dolphin population is highly phylopatric and is formed exclusively by individuals of the "inshore form". This study aimed to investigate the trophic ecology and mercury concentrations of bottlenose dolphins in BDT to assess their coastal habits. We collected muscle samples (n = 175) of 11 potential fish prey species, and skin samples from free-ranging dolphins in BDT (n = 37) and La Guajira-Colombia (n = 7) to compare isotopic niche width. Results showed that BDT dolphins have a coastal feeding habit, belong to the "inshore form" (δ13C = -13.05 ± 1.89‰), and have low mercury concentrations (mean = 1637 ± 1387 ng g-1dw). However, this element is biomagnified in the BDT food chain, showing a marginal dolphins health risk (RQ = 1.00). We call for a monitoring pollutant program and conservation strategies aimed to protect the dolphin population at BDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia C Barragán-Barrera
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos-LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 # 18A-10, Bogotá, Colombia; Fundación Macuáticos Colombia, Calle 27 # 79-167, Medellín, Colombia; Corporation Center of Excellence in Marine Sciences-CEMarin, Carrera 21 # 35-53, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Andrea Luna-Acosta
- Departamento de Ecología y Territorio, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Transversal 4 # 42-00, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Laura J May-Collado
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, 109 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Costa Rica
| | - Carlos J Polo-Silva
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Ingeniería, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Santa Marta, Colombia
| | - Federico G Riet-Sapriza
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos-LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 # 18A-10, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs) UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - María Paula Hernández-Ávila
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos-LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 # 18A-10, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Natalia Vélez
- Departamento de Ecología y Territorio, Facultad de Estudios Ambientales y Rurales, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Transversal 4 # 42-00, Bogotá, Colombia; Fundación Malpelo y Otros Ecosistemas Marinos, Carrera 11 # 87-51, Local 4 - Piso 2, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Susana Caballero
- Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular de Vertebrados Acuáticos-LEMVA, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1 # 18A-10, Bogotá, Colombia
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15
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Martínez-López E, Peñalver J, Escriña A, Lara L, Gens MJ, María Dolores E, Alcaraz A, García-Fernández AJ. Trace metals in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Murcia coastline, Mediterranean Sea, during the period 2009-2015. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 229:580-588. [PMID: 31100629 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.04.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) concentrations in internal tissues of 72 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Murcia Region (Mediterranean coastline) have been investigated for the first time. Hg showed the highest concentration, followed by Se, Cd, As and Pb. In general, the levels of metal found in this study were similar to those described in similar studies in the Mediterranean Sea. However, in some adult specimens, Hg liver concentrations were related with toxic effects in cetacean. A significant correlation was observed with age, likewise between Se and Hg and Cd in tissues, which agree with detoxify effect attributed to Se through inert complex formation. Molar ratio Hg:Se in liver was close to 1:1 in some specimens, which would indicate overload of the Hg-Se detoxify function and compromised health. These results could contribute to a better knowledge of the distribution of these persistent pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Spain.
| | - J Peñalver
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Escriña
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - L Lara
- "El Valle" Wildlife Recovery Center (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M J Gens
- "El Valle" Wildlife Recovery Center (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - E María Dolores
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Alcaraz
- Agrarian and Animal Health Laboratory (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A J García-Fernández
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Spain
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16
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Sujitha SB, Jonathan MP, Aurioles-Gamboa D, Campos Villegas LE, Bohórquez-Herrera J, Hernández-Camacho CJ. Trace elements in marine organisms of Magdalena Bay, Pacific Coast of Mexico: Bioaccumulation in a pristine environment. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2019; 41:1075-1089. [PMID: 30259255 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-018-0198-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Trace element (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Hg) concentrations were assessed in marine organisms (n = 52) sampled from the Magdalena Bay lagoon complex in Baja California Sur, Mexico, a pristine marine environment. The overall trend of metal concentrations (dry weight) in the organisms was found to be Fe > Zn > Cd > Cu > Mn > Pb > As > Hg > Ni > Cr > Co. Bivalve mollusks (53.83 mg kg-1) contained twofold higher levels of metals than the finfishes (20.77 mg kg-1). Calculated BioConcentration Factor (BCF) values showed that dissolved Mn is readily bioavailable to the organisms, whereas Biota Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) indicated high values for Zn, Cu and Cd. Cd and As levels were observed to be increasing with the trophic levels. Toxic elements, namely Pb, Cd and As in the studied fish species were found to be higher than the values recommended for human seafood consumption. The study provides a comprehensive baseline report on trace element bioaccumulation in several marine organisms that will aid in developing effective conservation strategies of the highly biodiverse lagoon complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Sujitha
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX), Mexico
| | - M P Jonathan
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX), Mexico.
| | - David Aurioles-Gamboa
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Pinnípedos "Burney J. Le. Boeuf", Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Avenida IPN, s/n Colonia Playa Polo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
| | - Lorena Elizabeth Campos Villegas
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, Ciudad de Mexico (CDMX), Mexico
| | | | - Claudia J Hernández-Camacho
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Pinnípedos "Burney J. Le. Boeuf", Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Avenida IPN, s/n Colonia Playa Polo de Santa Rita, C.P. 23096, La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico
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17
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Cáceres-Saez I, Haro D, Blank O, Aguayo Lobo A, Dougnac C, Arredondo C, Cappozzo HL, Guevara SR. High status of mercury and selenium in false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens, Owen 1846) stranded on Southern South America: A possible toxicological concern? CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 199:637-646. [PMID: 29462769 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The study was carried out to determine Hg and Se concentrations in false killer whales stranded on the Estrecho de Magallanes, Chile, South America. Tissue samples of five mature specimens were analyzed (two females and three males). Mean Hg concentration in liver 1068 (234) μg g-1 dry weight (DW) (standard deviation in parenthesis) was markedly higher than those in kidney 272 (152) μg g-1 DW, lung 423 (325) μg g-1 DW, spleen 725 (696) μg g-1 DW, muscle 118 (94) μg g-1 DW and testicle 18.0 (2.8) μg g-1 DW. Mean Se concentration in liver, 398 (75) μg g-1 DW, was higher than those in kidney 162 (69) μg g-1 DW, lung 128 (84) μg g-1 DW, spleen 268 (245) μg g-1 DW, muscle 47 (38) μg g-1 DW and testicle 25.4 (2.1) μg g-1 DW. Positive correlations were found between Hg and Se molar concentrations in muscle, lung, spleen and kidney. Molar ratio of Se/Hg in liver, lung and muscle were <1, but those in kidney and testicle were markedly >1 suggesting a Se protection against Hg toxicity. In all the examined specimens Hg values exceeded the toxic thresholds defined for hepatic damage in marine mammals, with Se/Hg molar ratios below 1 implying limited protective action of Se. Generally, our results showed that individuals are carrying a significant burden, reflecting a high exposure to this toxic metal. This constitutes the first report on Hg and Se levels for a large subantarctic odontocete in South America region, providing insights into their contamination status and with information to the understanding of possible impacts on wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Cáceres-Saez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Daniela Haro
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecología Isotópica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; Centro Bahía Lomas, Universidad Santo Tomas, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Olivia Blank
- Clínica Veterinaria Timaukel y Centro de Rehabilitación de Aves Leñadura (CRAL), José Pithon 01316, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Anelio Aguayo Lobo
- Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH), Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Catherine Dougnac
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristóbal Arredondo
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - H Luis Cappozzo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio Ribeiro Guevara
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Av E. Bustillo km 9.500, Bariloche, Argentina
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18
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Đokić M, Bilandžić N, Sedak M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M, Bolanča T. Manganese Concentrations in Tissues and Skin of Three Dolphin Species Stranded in the Croatian Waters of the Adriatic Sea from 1995 to 2013. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 100:317-323. [PMID: 29243211 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-017-2233-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Manganese concentrations were determined in muscle, kidney, liver, spleen, lung and fat tissues and skin of three cetacean species, the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's (Grampus griseus) dolphins, stranded along the Croatian Adriatic coast between 1995 and 2013. Mean ranges determined in tissues were (mg/kg, ww): muscle 0.23-0.27, liver 2.87-4.00, kidney 0.66-1.26, spleen 0.37-0.79, lung 0.18-0.57, skin 0.11-0.97, fat 0.06-0.42. The highest Mn mean levels in tissues were measured in species (mg/kg, ww): T. truncates lung 0.41, skin 0.97, fat 0.42; S. coeruleoalba muscle 0.26; G. griseus kidney 1.26, liver 4.00, spleen 0.64. Significant differences of Mn concentrations in the liver (p = 0.034), spleen (p = 0.037) and skin (p = 0.013) were found among the three dolphin species. Significant differences in Mn levels were found between young and adult T. truncates in kidney (p = 0.042), lung (p = 0.0040) and skin (p = 0.0034).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Đokić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Bilandžić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marija Sedak
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Bolanča
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 10, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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19
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Sun X, Yu RQ, Zhang M, Zhang X, Chen X, Xiao Y, Ding Y, Wu Y. Correlation of trace element concentrations between epidermis and internal organ tissues in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 605-606:238-245. [PMID: 28667850 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.180] [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: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Trace element accumulation in the epidermis of cetaceans has been less studied. This study explored the feasibility of using epidermis as a surrogate tissue to evaluate internal contaminant burdens in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis). Eleven trace elements were analyzed in the epidermis, muscle and liver tissues from 46 individuals of dolphins stranded along the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) coast between 2007 and 2013. Trace elemental concentrations varied among the three tissues, generally with the highest concentrations found in liver tissues and lowest in the epidermis (except Zn, As, and Pb). Zn concentration in the epidermis was the highest among all tissues, indicating that Zn could be an important element for the epidermis physiology. High concentrations of Hg and Cr in liver were likely due to an excessive intake by dolphins which consumed high Hg and Cr contaminated fishes in the PRE. Hg concentrations in epidermis and muscle tissues were significantly higher in the females than in males. Concentrations of V and Pb in liver, Se and Cd in both muscle and liver, and As and Hg in all tissue samples showed significantly positive relationships with body length. Hepatic Cu concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with the body length. Hg and As concentrations in epidermis showed significantly positive correlations with those in liver tissues. Thus this study proposed that epidermis could be used as a non-invasive monitoring tissue to evaluate Hg and As bioaccumulation in internal tissues of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Sun
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USA
| | - Mei Zhang
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve, Zhuhai 519080, China
| | - Yousheng Xiao
- Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve, Zhuhai 519080, China
| | - Yulong Ding
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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20
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Mapunda EC, Othman OC, Akwilapo LD, Bouwman H, Mwevura H. Concentrations of metallic elements in kidney, liver, and lung tissue of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin Tursiops aduncus from coastal waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 122:483-487. [PMID: 28662978 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.06.055] [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: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of metallic elements in kidney, liver and lung tissues of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus from coastal waters of Zanzibar were determined using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy. Cadmium, chromium, copper, and zinc were quantifiable in all tissues at concentration ranges of 0.10-150, 0.08-3.2, 1.1-88 and 14-210μg/g dry mass, respectively. Copper and zinc was significantly higher in liver, and females had significantly higher Cd in liver, and chromium in lung. Generally, T. aduncus dolphins from coastal waters around Zanzibar carry low concentrations of metals compared with dolphins from other areas. Cadmium increased significantly with age in kidney and lung. Copper decreased significantly with age in liver, probably due to foetal metallothionein. This study supplied baseline data against which future trends in marine mammals in the Indian Ocean, the world's third largest, can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar C Mapunda
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Othman C Othman
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Leonard D Akwilapo
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hindrik Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, P Bag X 6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Haji Mwevura
- Department of Natural Science, State University of Zanzibar, P.O. Box:146, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
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21
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Rojo-Nieto E, Fernández-Maldonado C. Assessing trace elements in striped dolphins from the Strait of Gibraltar: Clues to link the bioaccumulation in the westernmost Mediterranean Sea area and nearest Atlantic Ocean. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 170:41-50. [PMID: 27974270 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Dolphins are considered sentinel species in the marine environment. The Strait of Gibraltar is the only passage between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, being the transitional region which connects these two basins and one of the most important routes of cetacean migration worldwide. In this work, eight trace elements (TE) were studied in 45 samples of liver, kidney and muscle, from 15 specimens stranded in this study area. The preliminary results show, among others, the patterns of distribution of the TE in the target organs studied, the influence of sex, length and developmental stage in these TE concentrations and the Se/Hg ratio. Subsequently, the results of TE concentrations in liver have being compared to previous data on S. coeruleoalba from the westernmost Mediterranean Sea and the nearest Atlantic Ocean. For some elements (e.g. for As), concentrations are similar to those obtained from Atlantic samples, despite in other cases (e.g. for Cd) results are lined up with those observed in Mediterranean studies. In addition, in the case of some TE (e.g. Se and Zn) the results are in the middle of those reported for both basins, reinforcing the idea of the Strait of Gibraltar being a transitional zone. Present study is the first research regarding this issue in this outstanding region, aiming to give insights of how this matchless area can help to link TE concentrations observed in these Atlantic and Mediterranean threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rojo-Nieto
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Andalusian Center for Marine Science and Technology (CACYTMAR/INMAR), International Campus of Excellence of the Sea, University of Cádiz, Spain; Stranding-Supporting Network, DELPHIS - Ecologistas en Acción Cádiz, c/ San Alejandro s/n., Puerto Real, Spain.
| | - Carolina Fernández-Maldonado
- Center for the Management of the Marine Environment (CEGMA), Andalusian Agency for Environment and Water, (Andalusian Environmental and Spatial Planning Council), Avda. Johan Gütemberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain
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22
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Bilandžić N, Đokić M, Sedak M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M. Copper Levels in Tissues of Dolphins Tursiops truncatus, Stenella coeruleoalba and Grampus griseus from the Croatian Adriatic Coast. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 97:367-373. [PMID: 27246724 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1845-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Copper concentrations were determined in muscle, liver, kidney, spleen and lung tissues of three dolphin species. Dolphins of Tursiops truncatus (young and adult), Stenella coeruleoalba and Grampus griseus were stranded along the Croatian coast. Concentrations in tissues of all three dolphin species were highest in the liver (4.92-16.5 μg/g) followed by kidney (2.85-5.29 μg/g). Similar levels were measured in muscle, spleen and lung in range 1.13-3.67 μg/g. Statistics analysis showed significant differences of Cu concentrations for muscle (p = 0.008), kidney (p = 0.04) and liver (p = 0.02) between the three dolphin species. Also, for all three species significant differences between tissue types of the same species were determined (p < 0.001, all). However, there were no significant differences in Cu levels of the same tissues between males and females within same species. Also, significant differences of body length and weight between three dolphin were found (p < 0.001, both).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bilandžić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Maja Đokić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Sedak
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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23
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Shoham-Frider E, Goffman O, Harlavan Y, Kress N, Morick D, Roditi-Elasar M, Shefer E, Kerem D. Trace elements in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Eastern Mediterranean: A 10-years perspective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 109:624-632. [PMID: 27210566 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of Hg, Se, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and As, in kidney, liver, muscle and blubber from 7 specimens of Stenella coeruleoalba, stranded along the Israeli Mediterranean coast (IMC) from 2006 to 2011 (2011-series) were determined and compared to previous data on S. coeruleoalba from the IMC (2001-series). No differences were observed in essential and toxic elements concentrations, between the two series, except for hepatic Mn which was higher in the latter. Hg/Se molar ratios in blubber, kidney and liver increased linearly with log Hg concentrations, while muscle was more heterogenic in this respect. Means (±SD) of hepatic Hg concentrations (134±89 and 181±200mgkg(-1), from the 2011 and 2001 series, respectively) were similar to that found in 2007-2009 specimens from Spain, possibly reflecting the relatively high natural background levels of mercury in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Shoham-Frider
- Israel Oceanography and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel-Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel.
| | - Oz Goffman
- Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, The Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies and Department for Maritime Civilizations, The University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel.
| | - Yehudit Harlavan
- Geological Survey of Israel, 30 Malkhe Israel St., Jerusalem 95501, Israel.
| | - Nurit Kress
- Israel Oceanography and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel-Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel.
| | - Danny Morick
- Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, The Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies and Department for Maritime Civilizations, The University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel; Department of Pathology, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
| | - Mia Roditi-Elasar
- Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, The Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies and Department for Maritime Civilizations, The University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel.
| | - Edna Shefer
- Israel Oceanography and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel-Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel.
| | - Dan Kerem
- Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, The Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies and Department for Maritime Civilizations, The University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel.
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24
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Elemental concentrations in skin and internal tissues of Commerson’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) from subantarctic waters. Polar Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-016-1962-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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25
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Monteiro SS, Torres J, Ferreira M, Marçalo A, Nicolau L, Vingada JV, Eira C. Ecological variables influencing trace element concentrations in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu 1821) stranded in continental Portugal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 544:837-844. [PMID: 26706756 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.037] [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: 07/29/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Both the conservation status of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) (Habitats Directive 92/43/CEE, Annex II) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive demand for data on their ecology and anthropogenic threats. To evaluate the bottlenose dolphin's toxicological status in continental Portugal, several trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) were determined in 25 stranded individuals. The potential effect of sex, body length and stranding location on trace element concentrations was analysed. In the present study, bottlenose dolphins presented high mercury levels, only exceeded by animals from the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas. Only essential elements were influenced by dolphin sex, whereas Cd, Hg and Pb bioaccumulated in larger dolphins, and hepatic Hg and Cd concentrations were higher in the northwest coast of continental Portugal. The location effect may relate to variations in bottlenose diet and trace element availability, according to the proximity to anthropogenic sources in the Atlantic Iberian coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia S Monteiro
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Jordi Torres
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Microbiologia i Parasitologia Sanitàries, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia & CBMA, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Marçalo
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Lídia Nicolau
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - José V Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
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26
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Hansen AMK, Bryan CE, West K, Jensen BA. Trace Element Concentrations in Liver of 16 Species of Cetaceans Stranded on Pacific Islands from 1997 through 2013. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:75-95. [PMID: 26283019 PMCID: PMC4988065 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of anthropogenic contaminants on marine ecosystems are a concern worldwide. Anthropogenic activities can enrich trace elements in marine biota to concentrations that may negatively impact organism health. Exposure to elevated concentrations of trace elements is considered a contributing factor in marine mammal population declines. Hawai'i is an increasingly important geographic location for global monitoring, yet trace element concentrations have not been quantified in Hawaiian cetaceans, and there is little trace element data for Pacific cetaceans. This study measured trace elements (Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) in liver of 16 species of cetaceans that stranded on U.S. Pacific Islands from 1997 to 2013, using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) (n = 31), and direct mercury analysis atomic absorption spectrometry (DMA-AAS) (n = 43). Concentration ranges (μg/g wet mass fraction) for non-essential trace elements, such as Cd (0.0031-58.93) and Hg (0.0062-1571.75) were much greater than essential trace elements, such as Mn (0.590-17.31) and Zn (14.72-245.38). Differences were found among age classes in Cu, Zn, Hg, and Se concentrations. The highest concentrations of Se, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb were found in one adult female false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) at concentrations that are known to affect health in marine mammals. The results of this study establish initial trace element concentration ranges for Pacific cetaceans in the Hawaiian Islands region, provide insights into contaminant exposure of these marine mammals, and contribute to a greater understanding of anthropogenic impacts in the Pacific Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M K Hansen
- College of Natural and Computational Science, Hawaii Pacific University, 45-045 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI, 96744-5297, USA
| | - Colleen E Bryan
- Chemical Sciences Division, Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Kristi West
- College of Natural and Computational Science, Hawaii Pacific University, 45-045 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI, 96744-5297, USA
| | - Brenda A Jensen
- College of Natural and Computational Science, Hawaii Pacific University, 45-045 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI, 96744-5297, USA
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27
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García-Alvarez N, Fernández A, Boada LD, Zumbado M, Zaccaroni A, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Almunia J, Luzardo OP. Mercury and selenium status of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): A study in stranded animals on the Canary Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 536:489-498. [PMID: 26232758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07.040] [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: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The mercury (Hg) level in the marine environment has tripled in recent decades, becoming a great concern because of its high toxic potential. This study reports Hg and selenium (Se) status, and the first Se/Hg molar ratio assessment in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the waters of the Canary Islands. Total Hg and Se concentrations were determined in the blubber and liver collected from 30 specimens stranded along the coasts of the archipelago from 1997 to 2013. The median values for total Hg in the blubber and liver were 80.83 and 223.77 μg g(-1) dry weight (dw), and the median levels for Se in both tissues were 7.29 and 68.63 μg g(-1) dw, respectively. Hg concentrations in the liver were lower than 100 μg g(-1) wet weight (ww), comparable to those obtained in bottlenose dolphins from the North Sea, the Western Atlantic Ocean and several locations in the Pacific Ocean. The Mediterranean Sea and South of Australia are the most contaminated areas for both elements in this cetacean species. In addition, it must be stressed that the levels of Hg and Se in the liver showed an increasing trend with the age of the animals. As expected, a strong positive correlation between Hg and Se was observed (rs=0.960). Surprisingly, both younger and older specimens had a Se/Hg molar ratio different from 1, suggesting that these individuals may be at greater toxicological risk for high concentrations of both elements or a deficiency of Se without a protective action against Hg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia García-Alvarez
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Annalisa Zaccaroni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Research Group on Large Pelagic Vertebrates, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Foundation, Camino Burgado, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins ( Tursiops truncatus) as A Sentinel for Exposure to Mercury in Humans: Closing the Loop. Vet Sci 2015; 2:407-422. [PMID: 29061950 PMCID: PMC5644643 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci2040407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous global contaminant with important public health implications. Mercury is released from a variety of anthropogenic, industrial processes, enters the earth's atmosphere and is re-deposited onto the earth's surface in rainfall. Much of this Hg enters the oceans which cover the majority of the earth's surface. In the marine environment, inorganic Hg is converted to the most toxic form of the element, methylmercury, and biomagnified through the trophic levels of the food web. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is the apex predator in many estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Due to their long life span and trophic position, bottlenose dolphins bioaccumulate high concentrations of contaminants including Hg, thus making them an important sentinel species for ecosystem and public health. Bottlenose dolphins in Florida bioaccumulate high concentrations of Hg in their blood, skin and internal organs. The concentrations of Hg in blood and skin of bottlenose dolphins of the Indian River Lagoon, FL (IRL) are among the highest reported world-wide. In previous studies, we demonstrated associations between concentrations of total Hg in the blood and skin of IRL dolphins and markers of endocrine, renal, hepatic, hematologic and immune system dysfunction. The predominant manifestation of exposure to mercury in humans is neurotoxicity. During the 1950s and 1960s, residents of Minamata bay, Japan were exposed to high concentrations of methyl mercury as the result of ingestion of fish and shellfish that had become contaminated in this infamous environmental disaster. Affected adults had severe motor and sensory abnormalities often leading to death. Methyl mercury crosses the placenta during pregnancy. Children exposed in utero were born with multiple congenital anomalies and also suffered from neurologic disorders. Significantly, local cats that consumed Hg contaminated fish developed severe signs of neurotoxicity which led to their subsequent description as the "dancing cats of Minamata bay". Unfortunately, the cause of these strange manifestations in cats was not recognized in time to prevent hundreds of additional cases from occurring. More recent studies have shown that exposure to mercury as a result of seafood consumption during pregnancy may result in multiple cognitive and neurodevelopmental effects in children. The levels of mercury found in bottlenose dolphins and the health effects we identified alerted us to the possibility of an important public health hazard. The IRL occupies 40 percent of the east coast of Florida and is bordered by counties with approximately 2.5 million human inhabitants. Therefore, we hypothesized that local inhabitants in communities bordering the IRL could be at risk of exposure to Hg from the consumption of fish and shellfish. We measured hair Hg in 135 local residents and found a mean concentration of 1.53 µg/g which was higher than that from previous studies of sport fishermen and coastal residents in other states. Over 50% of participants had a hair Hg concentration which exceeded the U.S. EPA exposure guideline. Hair Hg concentration was directly related to the frequency of seafood consumption and to the proportion of fish and shellfish obtained from local recreational sources. This study clearly exemplifies the importance of an animal sentinel in identifying a public health hazard and is virtually unique in "closing the loop" between animal and human health.
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Mouton M, Przybylowicz W, Mesjasz-Przybylowicz J, Postma F, Thornton M, Archer E, Botha A. Linking the occurrence of cutaneous opportunistic fungal invaders with elemental concentrations in false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) skin. ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015; 7:728-737. [PMID: 26034019 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cetaceans, occupying the top levels in marine food chains, are vulnerable to elevated levels of potentially toxic trace elements, such as aluminium (Al), mercury (Hg) and nickel (Ni). Negative effects associated with these toxic metals include infection by opportunistic microbial invaders. To corroborate the link between the presence of cutaneous fungal invaders and trace element levels, skin samples from 40 stranded false killer whales (FKWs) were analysed using culture techniques and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Twenty-two skin samples yielded 18 clinically relevant fungal species. While evidence for bioaccumulation of Hg in the skin of the FKWs was observed, a strong link was found to exist between the occurrence of opportunistic fungal invaders and higher Al : Se and Al : Zn ratios. This study provides indications that elevated levels of some toxic metals, such as Al, contribute to immunotoxicity rendering FKWs susceptible to colonization by cutaneous opportunistic fungal invaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnel Mouton
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Wojciech Przybylowicz
- Materials Research Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129, South Africa
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Physics & Applied Computer Science, Al. A. Mickiewicza 30, Krakow, 30-059, Poland
| | - Jolanta Mesjasz-Przybylowicz
- Materials Research Department, iThemba LABS, National Research Foundation, P.O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129, South Africa
| | - Ferdinand Postma
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Meredith Thornton
- Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria, c/o Iziko South African Museum, P.O. Box 61, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Edward Archer
- Department of Botany & Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Alfred Botha
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
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Borrell A, Clusa M, Aguilar A, Drago M. Use of epidermis for the monitoring of tissular trace elements in Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 122:288-294. [PMID: 25532773 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements accumulate in epidermis, liver, kidney and muscle tissues in cetaceans. However, contrarily to internal tissues, epidermis can be sampled using minimally-invasive techniques. We investigate the patterns of trace element tissue concentrations in relation to individual sex and length and the degree of inter-tissue equilibrium between epidermis and the main internal organs of the Mediterranean striped dolphin. With it, we aim to test whether epidermis is a suitable tissue to predict trace element concentrations of internal tissues in cetaceans. We focused on trace elements with high potential toxicity (mercury and cadmium) or biological significance (zinc, copper and selenium). In contrast to what was found for Cu and Zn, the concentrations of Hg, Cd and Se in epidermis were positively correlated with the levels found in the internal tissues sampled probably due to their capacity to bioaccumulate. Thus, we conclude that sampling and analysing epidermis is appropriate to monitor and predict the concentrations of Hg, Cd and Se in internal tissues but not for Cu and Zn.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - M Clusa
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Aguilar
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Drago
- Department of Animal Biology and Biodiversity Research Institute (IrBio), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Mancia A, Ryan JC, Van Dolah FM, Kucklick JR, Rowles TK, Wells RS, Rosel PE, Hohn AA, Schwacke LH. Machine learning approaches to investigate the impact of PCBs on the transcriptome of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 100:57-67. [PMID: 24695049 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 03/01/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
As top-level predators, common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are particularly sensitive to chemical and biological contaminants that accumulate and biomagnify in the marine food chain. This work investigates the potential use of microarray technology and gene expression profile analysis to screen common bottlenose dolphins for exposure to environmental contaminants through the immunological and/or endocrine perturbations associated with these agents. A dolphin microarray representing 24,418 unigene sequences was used to analyze blood samples collected from 47 dolphins during capture-release health assessments from five different US coastal locations (Beaufort, NC, Sarasota Bay, FL, Saint Joseph Bay, FL, Sapelo Island, GA and Brunswick, GA). Organohalogen contaminants including pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners were determined in blubber biopsy samples from the same animals. A subset of samples (n = 10, males; n = 8, females) with the highest and the lowest measured values of PCBs in their blubber was used as strata to determine the differential gene expression of the exposure extremes through machine learning classification algorithms. A set of genes associated primarily with nuclear and DNA stability, cell division and apoptosis regulation, intra- and extra-cellular traffic, and immune response activation was selected by the algorithm for identifying the two exposure extremes. In order to test the hypothesis that these gene expression patterns reflect PCB exposure, we next investigated the blood transcriptomes of the remaining dolphin samples using machine-learning approaches, including K-nn and Support Vector Machines classifiers. Using the derived gene sets, the algorithms worked very well (100% success rate) at classifying dolphins according to the contaminant load accumulated in their blubber. These results suggest that gene expression profile analysis may provide a valuable means to screen for indicators of chemical exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Mancia
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | - James C Ryan
- NOAA, National Ocean Service, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Frances M Van Dolah
- NOAA, National Ocean Service, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - John R Kucklick
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Teresa K Rowles
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Protected Species, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
| | - Randall S Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society, c/o Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
| | - Patricia E Rosel
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Lafayette, LA 70506, USA
| | - Aleta A Hohn
- NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - Lori H Schwacke
- NOAA, National Ocean Service, Hollings Marine Laboratory, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
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Comparison of mercury contamination in live and dead dolphins from a newly described species, Tursiops australis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104887. [PMID: 25137255 PMCID: PMC4138083 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally it is estimated that up to 37% of all marine mammals are at a risk of extinction, due in particular to human impacts, including coastal pollution. Dolphins are known to be at risk from anthropogenic contaminants due to their longevity and high trophic position. While it is known that beach-cast animals are often high in contaminants, it has not been possible to determine whether levels may also be high in live animals from the same populations. In this paper we quantitatively assess mercury contamination in the two main populations of a newly described dolphin species from south eastern Australia, Tursiops australis. This species appear to be limited to coastal waters in close proximity to a major urban centre, and as such is likely to be vulnerable to anthropogenic pollution. For the first time, we were able to compare blubber mercury concentrations from biopsy samples of live individuals and necropsies of beach-cast animals and show that beach-cast animals were highly contaminated with mercury, at almost three times the levels found in live animals. Levels in live animals were also high, and are attributable to chronic low dose exposure to mercury from the dolphin's diet. Measurable levels of mercury were found in a number of important prey fish species. This illustrates the potential for low dose toxins in the environment to pass through marine food webs and potentially contribute to marine mammal deaths. This study demonstrates the potential use of blubber from biopsy samples to make inferences about the health of dolphins exposed to mercury.
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Borrell A, Aguilar A, Tornero V, Drago M. Concentrations of mercury in tissues of striped dolphins suggest decline of pollution in Mediterranean open waters. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 107:319-323. [PMID: 24461428 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.12.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean is a semi-enclosed sea subject to high mercury (Hg) pollution from both natural and anthropogenic sources. With the objective of discerning temporal changes in marine Hg pollution in the oceanic waters of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea, we analysed liver and kidney from striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) collected during 2007-2009 and compared them with previous results from a similar sample from 1990-1993. The effect of body length and sex on tissue Hg concentrations was investigated to ensure an unbiased comparison between the periods. The Hg concentrations did not show significant sex-related differences in any tissue or period but were correlated positively with body length. Using body length as a covariate, Hg concentrations in liver and kidney were higher in 1990-1993 than in 2007-2009. This result suggests that measures to reduce emissions in Western European countries have been effective in reducing mercury pollution in Mediterranean open waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - A Aguilar
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Tornero
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Drago
- Department of Animal Biology and Institute of Biodiversity (IRBIO), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain
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Hair mercury concentrations and fish consumption patterns in Florida residents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:6709-26. [PMID: 24972033 PMCID: PMC4113839 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110706709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mercury exposure through the consumption of fish and shellfish represents a significant public health concern in the United States. Recent research has demonstrated higher seafood consumption and subsequent increased risk of methylmercury exposure among subpopulations living in coastal areas. The identification of high concentrations of total mercury in blood and skin among resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), a coastal estuary in Florida, alerted us to a potential public health hazard in the contiguous human population. Therefore, we analyzed hair mercury concentrations of residents living along the IRL and ascertained their sources and patterns of seafood consumption. The total mean mercury concentration for 135 residents was 1.53 ± 1.89 µg/g. The concentration of hair mercury among males (2.02 ± 2.38 µg/g) was significantly higher than that for females (0.96 ± 0.74 µg/g) (p < 0.01). Log transformed hair mercury concentration was significantly associated with the frequency of total seafood consumption (p < 0.01). Individuals who reported consuming seafood once a day or more were 3.71 (95% CI 0.84–16.38) times more likely to have a total hair mercury concentration over 1.0 µg/g, which corresponds approximately to the U.S. EPA reference dose, compared to those who consumed seafood once a week or less. Hair mercury concentration was also significantly higher among individuals who obtained all or most of their seafood from local recreational sources (p < 0.01). The elevated human mercury concentrations mirror the elevated concentrations observed in resident dolphins in the same geographical region. The current study is one of the first to apply the concept of a sentinel animal to a contiguous human population.
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Méndez-Fernandez P, Webster L, Chouvelon T, Bustamante P, Ferreira M, González AF, López A, Moffat CF, Pierce GJ, Read FL, Russell M, Santos MB, Spitz J, Vingada JV, Caurant F. An assessment of contaminant concentrations in toothed whale species of the NW Iberian Peninsula: part II. Trace element concentrations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 484:206-217. [PMID: 24702724 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.001] [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] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn were investigated in the liver and kidney of the five most common toothed whales off the Northwest Iberian Peninsula (NWIP), specifically common dolphin, long-finned pilot whale, harbour porpoise, striped dolphin and bottlenose dolphin. Differences were observed in the bioaccumulation of the above elements between the five species. The differences are probably related to biological factors such as age and sex and/or to ecological factors specific to each species such as feeding habits or bioavailability of the various elements. However, no significant relationship was observed between element accumulation and sex. Pilot whale and striped dolphin showed the highest concentrations of renal Cd and the highest concentrations of hepatic Hg and Se, while bottlenose dolphin showed the highest concentrations of Hg in kidneys. An analysis of inter-elemental relationships showed strong positive correlations between Hg and Se in the five species, however most individuals have Hg:Se molar ratio less than 1:1 indicating an excess of Se compare to Hg. This result, probably reflect the high proportion of young animals in the sample available for this study and/or that these animals had a good health status. We also observed a positive correlation in striped dolphins between Cd and Cu and between Cd and Zn in kidneys. In addition, comparing with other studies world-wide, the element concentrations (Hg and Cd) found in Iberian toothed whales indicate that these populations are not specially threatened by Hg and Cd exposure in the area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Méndez-Fernandez
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France; Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamiferos Mariños (CEMMA), Apdo. 15, Pontevedra 36380, Spain; Centro de Biologia Molecuar e Ambiental (CBMA)/Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS), Dep. de Biologia, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal.
| | - Lynda Webster
- Marine Scotland, Marine Laboratory, Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, United Kingdom
| | - Tiphaine Chouvelon
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Centro de Biologia Molecuar e Ambiental (CBMA)/Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS), Dep. de Biologia, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Angel F González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (C.S.I.C.), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Alfredo López
- Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamiferos Mariños (CEMMA), Apdo. 15, Pontevedra 36380, Spain
| | - Colin F Moffat
- Marine Scotland, Marine Laboratory, Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, United Kingdom
| | - Graham J Pierce
- Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, Main Street, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB41 6AA, UK; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fiona L Read
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (C.S.I.C.), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Marie Russell
- Marine Scotland, Marine Laboratory, Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, United Kingdom
| | - Maria B Santos
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, P.O. Box 1552, Vigo 36200, Spain
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France; Marine Mammal Research Unit, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - José V Vingada
- Centro de Biologia Molecuar e Ambiental (CBMA)/Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS), Dep. de Biologia, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Florence Caurant
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
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Shoham-Frider E, Kerem D, Roditi-Elasar M, Goffman O, Morick D, Yoffe O, Kress N. Trace elements in tissues of cetacean species rarely stranded along the Israeli Mediterranean coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 83:376-382. [PMID: 24680714 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we present the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Se, Pb, Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe in organs of 6 non-common specimens of cetaceans that were stranded along the Israeli Mediterranean coast (IMC), during 2002-2010: two fin whales, one minke whale, one Cuvier's beaked whale, one rough-toothed dolphin, and one Risso's dolphin. Most of the specimens were calves stranded by accident. Concentrations of Hg and Cd were low in tissues of the baleen whales and higher in the toothed whales, with maximum concentrations of 1067 mg kg(-1) Hg in the liver of the Risso's dolphin and 29 mg kg(-1) Cd in the kidney of the Cuvier's beaked whale. As far as we are aware, this is the first report of trace elements in baleen whales in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the first report of trace elements in minke whale and rough-toothed dolphin in the Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Shoham-Frider
- Israel Oceanography and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel-Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel.
| | - Dan Kerem
- Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, The Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies and Department for Maritime Civilizations, The University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel.
| | - Mia Roditi-Elasar
- Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, The Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies and Department for Maritime Civilizations, The University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel.
| | - Oz Goffman
- Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, The Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies and Department for Maritime Civilizations, The University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel.
| | - Danny Morick
- Israel Marine Mammal Research and Assistance Center, The Leon Recanati Institute for Maritime Studies and Department for Maritime Civilizations, The University of Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Haifa 31905, Israel; Department of Pathology, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
| | - Olga Yoffe
- Geological Survey of Israel, 30 Malkhe Israel St., Jerusalem 95501, Israel.
| | - Nurit Kress
- Israel Oceanography and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel-Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel.
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de Moura JF, Hauser-Davis RA, Lemos L, Emin-Lima R, Siciliano S. Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) as marine ecosystem sentinels: ecotoxicology and emerging diseases. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2014; 228:1-29. [PMID: 24162090 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-01619-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) are small cetaceans that inhabit coastal regions down to a 50 m depth. As a coastally distributed species, they are exposed to a variety of human-induced risks that include passive fishing nets, persistent environmental pollution, and emerging diseases. As a top predatorS. guianensis occupies an important ecological niche in marine ecosystems. However, this niche also exposes this dolphin to extensive biomagnification of marine contaminants that may accumulate and be stored throughout their life of about 30 years.In this paper, we have compiled available data on the Guiana dolphin as regards its exposure to chemical pollutants, pathogenic microbes, infectious diseases, and injuries caused by interactions with passive fishing gears. Our analysis of the data shows that Guiana dolphins are particularly sensitive to environmental changes.Although the major mortal threat to dolphins results from contact with fishing other human-related activities in coastal zones also pose risks and need more attention.Such human-related risks include the presence of persistent toxicants in the marine environment, such as PCBs and PBDEs. Residues of these chemicals have been detected in Guiana dolphin's tissues at similar or higher levels that exist in cetaceans from other known polluted areas. Another risk encountered by this species is the non lethal injuries caused by fishing gear. Several incidents of this sort have occurred along the Brazilian coast with this species. When injuries are produced by interaction with fishing gear, the dorsal fin is the part of the dolphin anatomy that is more affected, commonly causing severe laceration or even total loss.The Guiana dolphins also face risks from infectious diseases. The major ones thus far identified include giardiasis, lobomycosis, toxoplasmosis, skin and skeletal lesions. Many bacterial pathogens from the family Aeromonadaceae and Vibrionaceae have been isolated from Guiana dolphins. Several helminth species have also been observed to affectS. guianensis. These results suggest a vulnerability of this species to environmental disturbances. Moreover, there is some evidence that the effects of some infectious diseases may be enhanced from stress caused by habitat impairment. For example, certain diseases and pathogenic organisms in S.guianensis may be associated with the high levels of endocrine-disruptor contaminants(e.g., PCBs; DDTs; PBDEs) that have been detected in marine waters.Although the data available on S. guianensis is growing, most of the work has been focused on a small portion of the species total area of distribution. Most studies,to date, have been carried out in the Southern region of the distribution, and in north eastern Brazil. Few studies have been conducted in the northern region of the South America or in Central America. Therefore, future studies should be conducted that address the heterogeneity of this species total distribution.The biology and ecology of the Guiana dolphin renders this species potentially useful as a sentinel species for detecting environmental changes, such as chemical and biological pollution. Research about this dolphin is encouraged as a way to assess what coastal environmental changes have occurred and to continue evaluating the health status of this vulnerable species in a changing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jailson Fulgencio de Moura
- PPG em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública/FIOCRUZ & Grupo de Estudos de Mamíferos Marinhos da Região dos Lagos - GEMM-Lagos, Rua Leopoldo Bulhões, 1.480 - 6° andar, sala 611, Manguinhos, 21041-210, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,
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Aubail A, Méndez-Fernandez P, Bustamante P, Churlaud C, Ferreira M, Vingada JV, Caurant F. Use of skin and blubber tissues of small cetaceans to assess the trace element content of internal organs. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 76:158-169. [PMID: 24064373 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In order to evaluate the use of biopsy samples as non-destructive tool for assessing trace element concentrations in small cetaceans, the concentrations of 14 trace elements were determined in skin, blubber, liver and kidneys of four species of small cetaceans (i.e. common dolphin Delphinus delphis, harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus and striped dolphin Stenella coeruleolba), stranded and/or by-caught along the NE Atlantic Ocean coast between 2001 and 2008. Only Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni and Zn were above the detection limit of the instruments and showed recoveries satisfactory enough to be interpreted. Among these trace elements, Hg was the only one showing a significant correlation between concentrations in and those in liver and kidneys. In consequence skin and blubber can only be used as non-invasive monitoring tissues to investigate Hg bioaccumulation in internal tissues for cetacean populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aubail
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
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Savery LC, Evers DC, Wise SS, Falank C, Wise J, Gianios C, Kerr I, Payne R, Thompson WD, Perkins C, Zheng T, Zhu C, Benedict L, Wise JP. Global mercury and selenium concentrations in skin from free-ranging sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 450-451:59-71. [PMID: 23467177 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.01.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Pollution of the ocean by mercury (Hg) is a global concern. Hg persists, bioaccumulates and is toxic putting high trophic consumers at risk. The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), is a sentinel of ocean health due to its wide distribution, longevity and high trophic level. Our aim was to survey Hg concentrations worldwide in the skin of free-ranging sperm whales considering region, gender and age. Samples were collected from 343 whales in 17 regions during the voyage of the research vessel, Odyssey, between 1999 and 2005. Skin was analyzed for total Hg and detected in all but three samples with a global mean of 2.5±0.1 μg g(-1) ranging from 0.1 to 16.0 μg g(-1). The Mediterranean Sea had the highest regional mean with 6.1 μg g(-1) followed by Australia with 3.5 μg g(-1). Considering gender, females and males did not have significantly different global Hg concentrations. The variation among regions for females was significantly different with highest levels in the Mediterranean and lowest in Sri Lanka; however, males were not significantly different among regions. Considering age in males, adults and subadults did not have significantly different Hg concentrations, and were not significantly different among regions. The toxic effects of these Hg concentrations are uncertain. Selenium (Se), an essential element, antagonizes Hg at equimolar amounts. We measured total Se concentrations and found detectable levels in all samples with a global mean of 33.1±1.1 μg g(-1) ranging from 2.5 to 179 μg g(-1). Se concentrations were found to be several fold higher than Hg concentrations with the average Se:Hg molar ratio being 59:1 and no correlation between the two elements. It is possible Hg is being detoxified in the skin by another mechanism. These data provide the first global analysis of Hg and Se concentrations in a free-ranging cetacean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Savery
- Wise Laboratory of Environmental and Genetic Toxicology, University of Southern Maine, P.O. Box 9300, 96 Falmouth St., Portland, ME 04104, USA
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Cáceres-Saez I, Dellabianca NA, Goodall RNP, Cappozzo HL, Guevara SR. Mercury and selenium in subantarctic Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus c. commersonii). Biol Trace Elem Res 2013; 151:195-208. [PMID: 23225076 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-012-9555-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) concentrations were determined in hepatic, renal, and muscle tissues of seven specimens of Commerson's dolphins incidentally captured in artisanal fisheries of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Liver yielded the mean highest concentration of THg 9.40 (9.92) μg g(-1) dry weight (DW) (standard deviation of the average in parenthesis); kidney and muscle showed similar values, ranging from 2.34 to 3.63 μg g(-1) DW. Selenium concentrations were similar in hepatic and renal tissues, with values from 13.62 to 14.56 μg g(-1) DW; the lowest concentration was observed in muscle, 4.13 (2.05) μg g(-1) DW. Among the specimens analyzed, the maximum concentrations of THg and Se were observed in the single adult female studied. An increasing age trend is observed for THg concentrations in tissues analyzed. The molar ratio of Se/Hg in the hepatic, renal, and muscle tissues were 8.7 (9.6), 13.2 (9.5), and 9.0 (11.4), respectively, suggesting Se protection against Hg toxicity. Silver concentrations in the three tissues were included, and the Se/(Hg + 0.5×Ag) molar ratio showed values closer to 1. Both Hg and Se concentrations in liver and kidney were comparable to those found in other small odontocetes from Argentine and Brazilian waters. This study constitutes the first joint description reported of Hg and Se concentrations in liver, kidney, and muscle of the Commerson's dolphin species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Cáceres-Saez
- Laboratorio de Ecología, Comportamiento y Mamíferos Marinos (LECyMM), Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia (MACN-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Storelli MM, Barone G, Giacominelli-Stuffler R, Marcotrigiano GO. Contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2012; 184:5797-805. [PMID: 21960363 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-011-2382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) including dioxin-like PCBs (non-ortho, PCB 77, PCB 126, and PCB 169 and mono-ortho, PCB 105, PCB 118, and PCB 156) were measured in different organs and tissues (melon, blubber, liver, kidney, lung, heart, and muscle tissue) of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Adriatic Sea). The mean highest levels were in blubber and melon, followed by liver, kidney, lung, heart, and muscle tissue. PCB profiles were similar in all tissues and organs being dominated by the higher chlorinated homologues (hexa-CBs, 55.8-62.1%; penta-CBs, 15.4-20.0%; and hepta-CB PCB 180, 12.7-16.5%). Major PCBs in all tissues were congeners 138 and 153 collectively accounting for 50.6-58.3% of the total PCB concentrations, followed by PCB 101, 105, 118, and 180 constituting from 27.0% to 31.0%. PCB levels were higher in adult males than in adult females. The estimated 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents of non- and mono-ortho PCBs were much higher than the threshold level above which adverse effects have been observed in other marine mammals species, suggesting that striped dolphins in this region are at risk for toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Medicine Veterinary Faculty, University of Bari, Strada Prov.le per Casamassima, km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy.
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Bilandžić N, Sedak M, Ðokić M, Ðuras Gomerčić M, Gomerčić T, Zadravec M, Benić M, Prevendar Crnić A. Toxic element concentrations in the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's (Grampus griseus) dolphins stranded in eastern Adriatic Sea. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 89:467-473. [PMID: 22752195 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-012-0716-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) were measured in muscle, liver and kidney of three cetacean species, the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's (Grampus griseus) dolphins from the Croatian waters of the Adriatic Sea. In all three dolphin species Cd levels decreased in tissues in the order: kidney > liver > muscle, while As and Pb decreased in the order: liver > kidney > muscle for striped and Risso's dolphins, but with the order reversed for liver and kidney in the bottlenose dolphin for Pb. Levels of Hg consistently followed the order: liver > muscle > kidney, with mean concentrations in the liver being 11-34 times higher than in the other tissues. The highest mean concentrations of trace elements were measured in Risso's dolphins at 14.9 μg/g wet weight, for Cd in the kidney, and concentrations in the liver of 2.41, 1,115 and 0.63 μg/g for As, Hg and Pb, respectively. Statistically significant differences between the three dolphin species were determined for Cd, Hg and Pb in liver tissues, for As in muscle and for Cd in kidney. Significant correlations of metals between tissues were determined in all three species. The results presented give an indication of the environmental condition with regard to the content of toxic metals along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bilandžić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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de Moura JF, Emin-Lima R, Hacon SS, Vega CM, de Campos RC, Siciliano S. Mercury status of the Amazon Continental Shelf: Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis, Van Benédén 1864) as a bioindicator. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 89:412-418. [PMID: 22562419 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-012-0663-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (Hg) was analyzed in muscle tissue of 27 accidentally captured Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) in order to evaluate Hg contamination levels present in the Amazon Continental Shelf, in Amapá state, North Brazil. The samples showed a mean concentration of 0.4 ± 0.16 μg/g wet weight (ww), ranging from 0.07 to 0.79 μg/g ww. As observed in several other cetacean species, Hg concentrations presented positive correlations to body length, related to the capacity to bioaccumulate this element throughout life. Hg concentrations were not significantly different between males (mean = 0.38 μg/g ww; n = 15) and females (mean = 0.42 μg/g ww; n = 12). Concentrations were low when compared to results of studies carried out with small cetaceans in the Northern Hemisphere, and with some previous studies in the south-eastern region of Brazil. In contrast with high Hg concentrations normally detected in river dolphin samples from Amazon River tributaries, our results suggest that the Amazon coast contains low levels of Hg in bioavailable form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jailson Fulgencio de Moura
- PPG em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Bellante A, Sprovieri M, Buscaino G, Buffa G, Di Stefano V, Salvagio Manta D, Barra M, Filiciotto F, Bonanno A, Giacoma C, Mazzola S. Stranded cetaceans as indicators of mercury pollution in the Mediterranean Sea. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2011.621072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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de Moura JF, Hacon SDS, Vega CM, Hauser-Davis RA, de Campos RC, Siciliano S. Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis, Van Benédén 1864) as indicators of the bioaccumulation of total mercury along the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Southeastern Brazil. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 88:54-59. [PMID: 22057227 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-011-0448-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (Hg) was determined in muscle tissue of 20 Guiana dolphins stranded along the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a mean of 1.07 μg/g wet weight. Mercury concentrations were positively related to body length, possibly related to the capacity of the dolphins to bioaccumulate this element throughout life. The Hg concentrations were not significantly different between males and females, although females (1.08 μg/g) showed slightly higher levels than males (1.04 μg/g). Concentrations were low when compared to results of studies carried out with small cetaceans in the Northern Hemisphere, and with previous studies in the Southeastern Brazil.
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Bellante A, Sprovieri M, Buscaino G, Buffa G, Di Stefano V, Manta DS, Barra M, Filiciotto F, Bonanno A, Mazzola S. Distribution of Cd and As in organs and tissues of four marine mammal species stranded along the Italian coasts. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 14:2382-91. [DOI: 10.1039/c2em30161j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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47
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Simultaneous measurement of phagocytosis and respiratory burst of leukocytes in whole blood from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) utilizing flow cytometry. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2011; 144:468-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Stavros HCW, Stolen M, Durden WN, McFee W, Bossart GD, Fair PA. Correlation and toxicological inference of trace elements in tissues from stranded and free-ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 82:1649-1661. [PMID: 21126751 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Revised: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The significance of metal concentrations in marine mammals is not well understood and relating concentrations between stranded and free-ranging populations has been difficult. In order to predict liver concentrations in free-ranging dolphins, we examined concentrations of trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, total Hg (THg), V, Zn) in skin and liver of stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the South Carolina (SC) coast and the Indian River Lagoon, Florida (FL) during 2000-2008. Significantly higher concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se, Al, Cu and THg were found in skin while liver exhibited significantly higher Cu, Fe, Mn and THg concentrations for both study sites. Mean skin concentrations of Cu and Mn were significantly higher in SC dolphins while higher concentrations of THg and V were found in FL dolphins. In addition, liver tissues in SC dolphins exhibited significantly higher As concentrations while higher Fe, Pb, Se, THg, and V levels were found in FL dolphins. Two elements (Cu and THg) showed significant age-related correlations with skin concentration while five elements (Cu, Se, THg, Zn and V) showed age-related correlations with liver concentrations. Geographic location influenced age-related accumulation of several trace elements and age-related accumulation of THg in hepatic tissue was observed for both sites to have the highest correlations (r² = 0.90SC; r² = 0.69FL). Mean THg concentration in liver was about 10 times higher in FL dolphins (330 μg g⁻¹ dw) than those samples from SC dolphins (34.3 μg g⁻¹ dw). The mean molar ratio of Hg to Se was 0.93 ± 0.32 and 1.08 ± 0.38 for SC and FL dolphins, respectively. However, the Hg:Se ratio varied with age as much lower ratios (0.2-0.4) were found in younger animals. Of the 18 measured elements, only THg was significantly correlated in skin and liver of stranded dolphins and skin of free-ranging dolphins from both sites suggesting that skin may be useful in predicting Hg concentrations in liver tissue of free-ranging dolphins. Results indicate that 33% of the stranded and 15% of the free-ranging dolphins from FL exceed the minimum 100 μg g⁻¹ wet weight (ww) (~ 400 dw) Hg threshold for hepatic damage while none from SC reached this level. Hepatic concentrations of As in SC dolphins and V in FL dolphins were also highly correlated with skin concentrations which may have some regional specificity predictive value. The present study provides the first application of trace element concentrations derived from stranded bottlenose dolphins to predict liver concentrations in free-ranging populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chen W Stavros
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
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Ellis BC, Gattoni-Celli S, Kindy MS. The impact of methylmercury on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced transcriptomic responses in dolphin skin cells. Biol Chem 2010; 391:245-258. [DOI: 10.1515/bc.2010.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe Atlantic bottlenose dolphin has been the focus of much attention owing to the considerable impact of environmental stress on its health and the associated implications for human health. Here, we used skin cells from the dolphin to investigate the protective role of the vitamin D pathway against environmental stressors. We previously reported that dolphin skin cells respond to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), the bioactive metabolite of vitamin D3, by upregulation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and expression of several genes. Methylmercury is a highly bioaccumulative environmental stressor of relevance to the dolphin. We currently report that in dolphin cells sublethal concentrations of methylmercury compromise the ability of 1,25D3 to upregulate VDR, to transactivate a vitamin D-sensitive promoter, and to express specific target genes. These results help elucidate the effects of vitamin D and methylmercury on innate immunity in dolphin skin and potentially in human skin as well, considering similarities in the vitamin D pathway between the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake C. Ellis
- Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Sebastiano Gattoni-Celli
- Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
| | - Mark S. Kindy
- Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 331 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412, USA
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Shoham-Frider E, Kress N, Wynne D, Scheinin A, Roditi-Elsar M, Kerem D. Persistent organochlorine pollutants and heavy metals in tissues of common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from the Levantine Basin of the Eastern Mediterranean. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 77:621-627. [PMID: 19772982 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2009] [Revised: 08/12/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
DDT's, PCBs and heavy metals (HM) were measured in tissues of common bottlenose dolphins, collected along the Israeli Mediterranean coast during 2004-2006. SigmaDDT and PCBs concentrations were highest in the blubber, with a wide concentration range of 0.92-142 and 0.05-7.9 mg kg(-1) wet weight, respectively. Blubber PCBs values were an order of magnitude lower than in tissues of this and other delphinid species in the Western Mediterranea. We found relatively high DDE/SigmaDDT percentage (85-96%); a common indicator of DDT degradation, which fitted the general trend of increase in the last 20 years in the Mediterranean Sea, indicating the progressive degradation of the remnant DDT and the absence of new inputs. Concentrations of HM ranged as follows: 0.01-123 mg kg(-1) wet weight for Hg, <0.04-1.3 for Cd, 1-30 for Cu, 0.3-4 for Mn, 19-517 for Fe, 4.3-68 for Zn and 2.4-48 for Ni. These concentrations were similar to those found in specimens collected during previous years in the region, suggesting stability over time in the HM levels of the basin's food-web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Shoham-Frider
- Israel Oceanography and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel-Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel.
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