1
|
Herceg Romanić S, Mendaš G, Fingler S, Drevenkar V, Mustać B, Jovanović G. Polychlorinated biphenyls in mussels, small pelagic fish, tuna, turtles, and dolphins from the Croatian Adriatic Sea waters: an overview of the last two decades of monitoring. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol 2024; 75:15-23. [PMID: 38548374 PMCID: PMC10978161 DOI: 10.2478/aiht-2024-75-3814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This review summarises our two decades of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) monitoring in different marine organisms along the eastern Adriatic Sea. The aim was to gain an insight into the trends of PCB distribution in order to evaluate the effectiveness of past and current legislation and suggest further action. Here we mainly focus on PCB levels in wild and farmed Mediterranean mussels, wild and farmed bluefin tuna, loggerhead sea turtles, common bottlenose dolphins, and small pelagic fish. The use of artificial intelligence and advanced statistics enabled an insight into the influence of various variables on the uptake of PCBs in the investigated organisms as well as into their mutual dependence. Our findings suggest that PCBs in small pelagic fish and mussels reflect global pollution and that high levels in dolphins and wild tuna tissues raise particular concern, as they confirm their biomagnification up the food chain. Therefore, the ongoing PCB monitoring should focus on predatory species in particular to help us better understand PCB contamination in marine ecosystems in our efforts to protect the environment and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gordana Mendaš
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sanja Fingler
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vlasta Drevenkar
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bosiljka Mustać
- University of Zadar, Department of Ecology, Agronomy and Aquaculture, Zadar, Croatia
| | - Gordana Jovanović
- University of Belgrade Institute of Physics, Belgrade, Serbia
- Singidunum University, Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xie Q, Yu RQ, Yu R, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wu Y. Historic changes of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in juvenile and adult cetaceans from the Pearl River estuary from 2003 to 2020. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149512. [PMID: 34391148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as a type of legacy persistent organic pollutants, pose significant health threats to wildlife. However, long-term residue changes and profiles of PCBs in cetaceans have not been extensively studied in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), an important marine mammal area in China. Here, the body burdens, spatiotemporal trends, and health risks of 21 chlorobiphenyl congeners (∑21CBs) were analyzed in blubber samples collected from twelve cetacean species (n = 172) in the PRE from 2003 to 2020. Our results revealed medium levels of PCBs (316-96,233 ng g-1 lipid) compared to those reported for cetaceans elsewhere (70-370,000 ng g-1 lipid). Clear differences in PCB distribution patterns between inshore and offshore cetaceans and between odontocetes and mysticetes were also found. Both the coastal Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) displayed similarly fine-scale spatial distribution patterns of PCBs, suggesting that the two cetaceans could serve as bioindicators of PCB pollution in the PRE. Additionally, both cetaceans exhibited decreasing trends in their blubber PCB concentrations over the past 20 years, likely reflecting the effective regulation of PCBs in the PRE Delta. Nevertheless, the relatively high and stable PCB-toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels detected in calf humpback dolphins during the sampling period suggested that the calves are still under the stresses of high PCB-related health risks. Our results highlight the need for more efforts to eliminate PCB contamination to prevent these cetaceans from continuous population decline and further extinction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Ronglan Yu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhenhua Wang
- The Engineering Technology Research Center of Characteristic Medicinal Plants of Fujian, College of Life Sciences, Ningde Normal University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Capanni F, Muñoz-Arnanz J, Marsili L, Fossi MC, Jiménez B. Assessment of PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs and PBDEs in Mediterranean striped dolphins. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 156:111207. [PMID: 32510364 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bio-accumulation of high levels of persistent organic pollutants represent a serious conservation concern for Mediterranean marine odontocetes. In this study, blubber samples from 10 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Italian coasts during 2015-2016 were analyzed. All specimens showed dl-PCBs > PBDEs ≫ PCDD/Fs. Median concentrations were 1820 ng/g l.w., 456 ng/g l.w. and 23.9 pg/g l.w., respectively. dl-PCBs accounted for 93.3% of total TEQs. PBDE concentrations suggest that the Mediterranean basin may be considered a hotspot for organobromine compounds. OCDD did not represent the greatest contributor to PCDD/Fs profile, most likely due to a change in dioxin environmental sources in the last two-three decades. Despite international regulations, the present study emphasized that POP exposure levels in Mediterranean striped dolphins have not declined significantly in recent years. Toxicological and risk assessment studies on this sentinel species may provide an early indication of potential adverse health effects on Mediterranean ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Capanni
- Dept. Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain; Dept. Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Juan Muñoz-Arnanz
- Dept. Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Letizia Marsili
- Dept. Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - M Cristina Fossi
- Dept. Physical Sciences, Earth and Environment, University of Siena, via P. A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Begoña Jiménez
- Dept. Instrumental Analysis and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry (IQOG-CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Genov T, Jepson PD, Barber JL, Hace A, Gaspari S, Centrih T, Lesjak J, Kotnjek P. Linking organochlorine contaminants with demographic parameters in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins from the northern Adriatic Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 657:200-212. [PMID: 30537581 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Marine top predators, including marine mammals, are known to bio-accumulate persistent pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a serious conservation concern for these species. Although PCBs declined in European seas since the 1970s-1980s ban, considerable levels still persist in European and Mediterranean waters. In cetaceans, stranded animals are a valuable source of samples for pollutant studies, but may introduce both known and unknown biases. Biopsy samples from live, free-ranging cetaceans offer a better alternative for evaluating toxicological burdens of populations, especially when linked to known histories of identified individuals. We evaluated PCB and other organochlorine contaminants in free-ranging common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea), one of the most human-impacted areas in the Mediterranean Sea. Biopsies were collected from 32 male and female dolphins during 2011-2017. All animals were photo-identified and are part of a well-known population of about 150 individuals monitored since 2002. We tested for the effects of sex, parity and social group membership on contaminant concentrations. Males had significantly higher organochlorine concentrations than females, suggesting offloading from reproducing females to their offspring via gestation and/or lactation. Furthermore, nulliparous females had substantially higher concentrations than parous ones, providing further support for maternal offloading of contaminants. Overall, 87.5% of dolphins had PCB concentrations above the toxicity threshold for physiological effects in experimental marine mammal studies (9 mg/kg lw), while 65.6% had concentrations above the highest threshold published for marine mammals based on reproductive impairment in ringed seals (41 mg/kg lw). The potential population-level effects of such high contaminant levels are of concern particularly in combination with other known or suspected threats to this population. We demonstrate the utility of combining contaminant data with demographic parameters such as sex, reproductive output, etc., resulting from long-term studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Genov
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia; Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, UK.
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Ana Hace
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Stefania Gaspari
- Italian National Research Council, Institute of Marine Sciences (CNR-ISMAR), Arsenale - Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122 Venice, Italy
| | - Tina Centrih
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Jan Lesjak
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| | - Polona Kotnjek
- Morigenos - Slovenian Marine Mammal Society, Kidričevo nabrežje 4, 6330 Piran, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Misra BB, Ruiz-Hernández IM, Hernández-Bolio GI, Hernández-Núñez E, Díaz-Gamboa R, Colli-Dula RC. 1H NMR metabolomic analysis of skin and blubber of bottlenose dolphins reveals a functional metabolic dichotomy. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2019; 30:25-32. [PMID: 30771562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a carnivorous cetacean that thrives in marine environments, one of the apex predators of the marine food web. They are found in coastal and estuarine ecosystems, which are known to be sensitive to environmental impacts. Dolphins are considered sentinel organisms for monitoring the health of coastal marine ecosystems due to their role as predators that can bioaccumulate contaminants. Although recent studies have focused on capturing the circulating metabolomes of these mammals, and in the context of pollutants and exposures in the marine environment, skin and blubber are important surface and protective tissues that have not been adequately probed for metabolism. Using a proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) based metabolomics approach, we quantified 51 metabolites belonging to 74 different metabolic pathways in the skin and blubber of stranded bottlenose dolphin (n = 4) samples collected at different localities in the Southern Zone coast of Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Results indicate that metabolism of skin and blubber are quantitatively very different. These metabolite abundances could help discriminate the tissue-types using supervised partial least square regression discriminant analysis (PLSDA). Further, using hierarchical clustering analysis and random forest analysis of the metabolite abundances, the results pointed to unique metabolites that are important classifiers of the tissue-type. On one hand, the differential metabolic patterns, mainly linking fatty acid metabolism and ketogenic amino acids, seem to constitute a characteristic of blubber, thus pointing to fat synthesis and deposition. On the other hand, the skin showed several metabolites involved in gluconeogenic pathways, pointing towards an active anabolic energy-generating metabolism. The most notable pathways found in both tissues included: urea cycle, nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism among others. Our 1H NMR metabolomics analysis allowed the quantification of metabolites associated with these two organs, i.e., pyruvic acid, arginine, ornithine, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid, and acetic acid, as discriminatory and classifying metabolites. These results would lead to further understanding of the functional and physiological roles of dolphin skin and blubber metabolism for better efforts in their conservation, as well as useful target biopsy tissues for monitoring of dolphin health conditions in marine pollution and ecotoxicology studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biswapriya B Misra
- Center for Precision Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem 27157, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Emanuel Hernández-Núñez
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav Unidad Mérida, Mérida, Yucatán 97310, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Mexico
| | - Raúl Díaz-Gamboa
- Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, 97100 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Reyna Cristina Colli-Dula
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Cinvestav Unidad Mérida, Mérida, Yucatán 97310, Mexico; Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ong MC, Gan SL. Assessment of metallic trace elements in the muscles and fins of four landed elasmobranchs from Kuala Terengganu Waters, Malaysia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 124:1001-1005. [PMID: 28807418 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A study had been carried out to determine Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations in the muscle and fins of four elasmobranchs species namely spot-tail sharks, milk sharks, whitespotted bamboo sharks and whitespotted guitarfish from Pulau Kambing LKIM Fishery Complex, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Zinc level was found to have the highest concentration whereas Cd had the lowest concentration in both organs. By comparing both organs, metals concentrations in fins of all elasmobranchs species were higher than muscle. Result obtained was compared with the guidelines set by Malaysian Food Regulation and the provisional tolerable weekly intake was also determined. Current study recommends that the muscle of whitespotted bamboo shark from Kuala Terengganu Waters is likely not to be consumed due to it exceeded the allowable consumption guideline. Finding of this paper is very useful as it provides the baseline data on the pollution status of elasmobranchs in Kuala Terengganu Waters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Chuan Ong
- School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Shi Ling Gan
- School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gonzalvo J, Lauriano G, Hammond PS, Viaud-Martinez KA, Fossi MC, Natoli A, Marsili L. The Gulf of Ambracia's Common Bottlenose Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus: A Highly Dense and yet Threatened Population. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2016; 75:259-296. [PMID: 27770987 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is the only cetacean present in the semiclosed waters of the Gulf of Ambracia, Western Greece. This increasingly degraded coastal ecosystem hosts one of the highest observed densities in the Mediterranean Sea for this species. Photo-identification data and tissue samples collected through skin-swabbing and remote biopsy sampling techniques during boat-based surveys conducted between 2006 and 2015 in the Gulf, were used to examine bottlenose dolphin abundance, population trends, site fidelity, genetic differentiation and toxicological status. Bottlenose dolphins showed high levels of year-round site fidelity throughout the 10-year study period. Dolphin population estimates mostly fell between 130 and 170 with CVs averaging about 10%; a trend in population size over the 10 years was a decline of 1.6% per year (but this was not significant). Genetic differentiation between the bottlenose dolphins of the Gulf and their conspecifics from neighbouring populations was detected, and low genetic diversity was found among individuals sampled. In addition, pesticides where identified as factors posing a real toxicological problem for local bottlenose dolphins. Therefore, in the Gulf of Ambracia, high dolphin density does not seem to be indicative of favourable conservation status or pristine habitat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Gonzalvo
- Tethys Research Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - G Lauriano
- Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), Roma, Italy
| | - P S Hammond
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Gatty Marine Laboratory, University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - A Natoli
- UAE Dolphin Project, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Weijs L, Vijayasarathy S, Villa CA, Neugebauer F, Meager JJ, Gaus C. Screening of organic and metal contaminants in Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) inhabiting an urbanised embayment. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 151:253-262. [PMID: 26945241 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.02.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
As a marine mammal species that inhabits shallow nearshore waters, humpback dolphins are likely exposed to a wide range of pollutants from adjacent land-based activities. Increased mortality rates of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) in waters off a major urbanised centre triggered investigations into the threats to these species, including their contaminant exposure. The present study utilised archived tissues from 6 stranded animals to screen for a range of pollutants (PCDD/Fs, PBDEs, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, PAHs, organotins, essential and non-essential elements) to inform future biopsy based biomonitoring strategies. Concentrations of PCBs and DDXs in blubber of some of these animals were remarkably high, at levels near or above toxicological thresholds associated with immune- and reproductive toxicity or population declines in other marine mammals. PBDEs, PAHs, HCB, organotins, 'drins' as well as other organic pesticides were not detected, or present at relatively low concentrations. Profiles of elements were similar in epidermis compared to other tissues, and apart from some exceptions (e.g. Fe, Cr, Co, Cu) their concentrations fell within 25th-75th percentiles of cetacean baselines in four of the five animals. Non-essential elements (Al, V, Pb, Ba, Ni, Cd) were notably elevated in one specimen which may have experienced poor health or nutritional status. These data provide a first insight into the contaminant status of a rare and poorly studied population inhabiting an urbanised area. The results highlight a need for future biomonitoring of live populations, and inform on priorities in the typically limited blubber and skin sample volumes obtained through biopsies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Weijs
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - Soumini Vijayasarathy
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia
| | - C Alexander Villa
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia
| | | | - Justin J Meager
- Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Caroline Gaus
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bucchia M, Camacho M, Santos MRD, Boada LD, Roncada P, Mateo R, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Rodríguez-Estival J, Zumbado M, Orós J, Henríquez-Hernández LA, García-Álvarez N, Luzardo OP. Plasma levels of pollutants are much higher in loggerhead turtle populations from the Adriatic Sea than in those from open waters (Eastern Atlantic Ocean). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 523:161-169. [PMID: 25863507 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we determined the levels of 63 environmental contaminants, including organic (PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, and PAHs) and inorganic (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg and Zn) compounds in the blood of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from two comparable populations that inhabit distinct geographic areas: the Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean basin) and the Canary Islands (Eastern Atlantic Ocean). All animals were sampled at the end of a period of rehabilitation in centers of wildlife recovery, before being released back into the wild, so they can be considered to be in good health condition. The dual purpose of this paper is to provide reliable data on the current levels of contamination of this species in these geographic areas, and secondly to compare the results of both populations, as it has been reported that marine biota inhabiting the Mediterranean basin is exposed to much higher pollution levels than that which inhabit in other areas of the planet. According to our results it is found that current levels of contamination by organic compounds are considerably higher in Adriatic turtles than in the Atlantic ones (∑PCBs, 28.45 vs. 1.12ng/ml; ∑OCPs, 1.63 vs. 0.19ng/ml; ∑PAHs, 13.39 vs. 4.91ng/ml; p<0.001 in all cases). This is the first time that levels of PAHs are reported in the Adriatic loggerheads. With respect to inorganic contaminants, although the differences were not as great, the Adriatic turtles appear to have higher levels of some of the most toxic elements such as mercury (5.74 vs. 7.59μg/ml, p<0.01). The results of this study confirm that the concentrations are larger in turtles from the Mediterranean, probably related to the high degree of anthropogenic pressure in this basin, and thus they are more likely to suffer adverse effects related to contaminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bucchia
- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Foundation Cetacea, Riccione, Italy; Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine-Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - María Camacho
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Marcelo R D Santos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Vila Velha University, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Luis D Boada
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Paola Roncada
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine-Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Spanish Institute of Game and Wildlife Research (IREC), University of Castilla La Mancha, CSIC, Spain
| | | | - Jaime Rodríguez-Estival
- Spanish Institute of Game and Wildlife Research (IREC), University of Castilla La Mancha, CSIC, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jorge Orós
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Natalia García-Álvarez
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontana s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Laboratory of Applied Chemical Analyses, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
García-Álvarez N, Boada LD, Fernández A, Zumbado M, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Xuriach A, Almunia J, Camacho M, Luzardo OP. Assessment of the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine contaminants in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 100:48-56. [PMID: 24726510 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Revised: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 23 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the blubber and liver of 27 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) stranded along the Canary Islands coasts from 1997 to 2011. DDTs (mean of 60,960 and 445 ng/g lw., respectively) and PCBs (mean of 47,168 and 628 ng/g lw., respectively) were the predominant compounds in both tissues. Among PCBs the highly chlorinated PCB 180, 153 and 138 were the predominant congeners. We found a p,p'-DDE/∑DDTs ratio of 0.87 in blubber and 0.88 in liver, which is indicative of DDT ageing. All the samples showed detectable values of any of the 16 PAH studied. Phenanthrene was the most frequently detected and at the highest concentration. According to our results, concentrations of OCPs, and especially PCBs, are still at toxicologically relevant levels in blubber of bottlenose dolphins of this geographical area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia García-Álvarez
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Aina Xuriach
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Fundación, Avenida Loro Parque s/n, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife 38400, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Romanić SH, Holcer D, Lazar B, Klinčić D, Mackelworth P, Fortuna CM. Organochlorine contaminants in tissues of common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus from the northeastern part of the Adriatic Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2014; 38:469-479. [PMID: 25151654 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2014.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Levels of 24 organochlorine compounds, including toxic mono-ortho PCB congeners, were determined in the organs and tissues (blubber, kidney, lung, muscle, liver, heart) of 13 common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) stranded between 2000 and 2005 in the northern part of the Croatian territorial waters of the Adriatic Sea. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were found at higher concentrations in comparison with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in all of the analyzed tissues. Sums of six indicator congeners (Σ6PCB) constituted around 50% of the total PCB amount, while PCB-153 and PCB-138 were found to have the highest concentrations. Among the seven investigated OCPs, p,p'-DDE was found at the highest concentrations. In blubber, mean values of 22,048 and 11,310ngg(-1) wet weight were determined for ΣPCB and ΣDDT, respectively. Much lower concentrations were found in muscle samples, followed by similar concentrations in kidneys, liver and heart, while the lowest levels of organochlorine contaminants were found in lungs. The results indicate that p,p'-DDT is still being introduced in the Mediterranean region. PCB concentrations are among the highest found in this region and toxicological assessments indicate that the health of this specie is at high risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Herceg Romanić
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - D Holcer
- Department of Zoology, Croatian Natural History Museum, Demetrova 1, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia; Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, Kaštel 24, HR-51551 Veli Lošinj, Croatia
| | - B Lazar
- Department of Biodiversity, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaska 8, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia; Institute for Biodiversity Studies, Science and Research Center, University of Primorska, Garibaldijeva 1, SI-6000 Koper, Slovenia; Marine Sciences Program, University of Pula, Zagrebačka 30, HR-52100 Pula, Croatia
| | - D Klinčić
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, HR-10001 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - P Mackelworth
- Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, Kaštel 24, HR-51551 Veli Lošinj, Croatia
| | - C M Fortuna
- Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, Kaštel 24, HR-51551 Veli Lošinj, Croatia; Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, via di Casalotti 300, 00166 Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dorneles PR, Sanz P, Eppe G, Azevedo AF, Bertozzi CP, Martínez MA, Secchi ER, Barbosa LA, Cremer M, Alonso MB, Torres JPM, Lailson-Brito J, Malm O, Eljarrat E, Barceló D, Das K. High accumulation of PCDD, PCDF, and PCB congeners in marine mammals from Brazil: a serious PCB problem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 463-464:309-318. [PMID: 23827355 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Blubber samples from three delphinid species (false killer whale, Guiana and rough-toothed dolphin), as well as liver samples from franciscana dolphins were analyzed for dioxins and related compounds (DRCs). Samples were collected from 35 cetaceans stranded or incidentally captured in a highly industrialized and urbanized area (Southeast and Southern Brazilian regions). Dioxin-like PCBs accounted for over 83% of the total TEQ for all cetaceans. Non-ortho coplanar PCBs, for franciscanas (82%), and mono-ortho PCBs (up to 80%), for delphinids, constituted the groups of highest contribution to total TEQ. Regarding franciscana dolphins, significant negative correlations were found between total length (TL) and three variables, ΣTEQ-DRCs, ΣTEQ-PCDF and ΣTEQ non-ortho PCB. An increasing efficiency of the detoxifying activity with the growth of the animal may be a plausible explanation for these findings. This hypothesis is reinforced by the significant negative correlation found between TL and PCB126/PCB169 concentration ratio. DRC concentrations (ng/g lipids) varied from 36 to 3006, for franciscana dolphins, as well as from 356 to 30,776, for delphinids. The sum of dioxin-like and indicator PCBs varied from 34,662 to 279,407 ng/g lipids, for Guiana dolphins from Rio de Janeiro state, which are among the highest PCB concentrations ever reported for cetaceans. The high concentrations found in our study raise concern not only on the conservation of Brazilian coastal cetaceans, but also on the possibility of human health problem due to consumption of fish from Brazilian estuaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulo R Dorneles
- Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Panti C, Spinsanti G, Marsili L, Casini S, Frati F, Fossi MC. Ecotoxicological diagnosis of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Mediterranean basin by skin biopsy and gene expression approach. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2011; 20:1791-1800. [PMID: 21695511 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-011-0713-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Mediterranean cetacean odontocetes are exposed to environmental stress, in particular to persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and trace elements. In the present study, the response of "gene-expression biomarkers" was evaluated in Mediterranean striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) skin biopsies collected in three sampling areas: Pelagos sanctuary (Ligurian sea), Ionian sea, and Strait of Gibraltar. The mRNA levels of five putative biomarker genes (aryl hydrocarbon receptor, E2F-1 transcription factor, cytochrome P450 1A, estrogen receptor 1, and heat shock protein 70) were measured for the first time by quantitative real-time PCR in cetacean skin biopsies. The different responses of most of the genes reflected contamination levels in the three sampling areas. Pelagos sanctuary dolphins appeared to be the most exposed to toxicological stress, having the highest up-regulation of CYP1A and AHR. Moreover, a cluster analysis distinguished the populations on the basis of the gene expression biomarker used in our study, showing different pattern between Mediterranean sea and Strait of Gibraltar. Our results suggest that this molecular approach applied to non-destructive biopsy material is a powerful diagnostic tool for evaluating ecotoxicological impact on cetacean populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Panti
- Evolutionary Biology Department, University of Siena, Via A. Moro 2, Siena, 53100, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lailson-Brito J, Dorneles PR, Azevedo-Silva CE, Azevedo AF, Vidal LG, Zanelatto RC, Lozinski CPC, Azeredo A, Fragoso ABL, Cunha HA, Torres JPM, Malm O. High organochlorine accumulation in blubber of Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, from Brazilian coast and its use to establish geographical differences among populations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2010; 158:1800-1808. [PMID: 19932538 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2009] [Revised: 10/27/2009] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Blubber samples from 33 Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from three estuaries (Guanabara, Sepetiba/Ilha Grande and Paranaguá Bays) of Southern and Southeastern Brazil were analyzed for organochlorine compounds (DDTs, PCBs and HCB). The sampled individuals were incidentally captured in gillnet fishery between 1995 and 2005. The concentrations (in ng/g lipids) varied from 652 to 23 555 for SigmaDDT; from 765 to 99 175 for SigmaPCB; and from <4.4 to 156 for HCB. The results have shown that cetaceans from Brazil present organochlorine concentrations that are comparable to those reported for highly industrialized regions of Northern Hemisphere. Using discriminant analysis it was possible to verify that the dolphin populations from the three bays present different organochlorine accumulation patterns. This feature allows the use of this set of pollutants as an auxiliary tool for identification of different populations of the species off Brazilian Coast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores "Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel" (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fair PA, Adams J, Mitchum G, Hulsey TC, Reif JS, Houde M, Muir D, Wirth E, Wetzel D, Zolman E, McFee W, Bossart GD. Contaminant blubber burdens in Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from two southeastern US estuarine areas: concentrations and patterns of PCBs, pesticides, PBDEs, PFCs, and PAHs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:1577-1597. [PMID: 20096443 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Revised: 12/12/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlorinated pesticides (i.e., dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, chlordanes (CHLs), dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and mirex), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in blubber biopsy samples collected from 139 wild bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) during 2003-2005 in Charleston (CHS), SC and the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), FL. Dolphins accumulated a similar suite of contaminants with summation operatorPCB dominating (CHS 64%, IRL 72%), followed by summation operatorDDT (CHS 20%, IRL 17%), summation operatorCHLs (CHS 7%; IRL 7%), summation operatorPBDE (CHS 4%, IRL 2%), PAH at 2%, and dieldrin, PFCs and mirex each 1% or less. Together summation operatorPCB and summation operatorDDT concentrations contributed approximately 87% of the total POCs measured in blubber of adult males. summation operatorPCBs in adult male dolphins exceed the established PCB threshold of 17mg/kg by a 5-fold order of magnitude with a 15-fold increase for many animals; 88% of the dolphins exceed this threshold. For male dolphins, CHS (93,980ng/g lipid) had a higher summation operatorPCBs geomean compared to the IRL (79,752ng/g lipid) although not statistically different. In adult males, the PBDE geometric mean concentration was significantly higher in CHS (5920ng/g lipid) than the IRL (1487ng/g). Blubber summation operatorPFCs concentrations were significantly higher in CHS dolphins. In addition to differences in concentration of PCB congeners, summation operatorPBDE, TEQ, summation operatorCHLs, mirex, dieldrin, and the ratios summation operatorDDE/ summation operatorDDT and trans-nonachlor/cis-nonachlor were the most informative for discriminating contaminant loads in these two dolphin populations. Collectively, the current summation operatorPCB, summation operatorDDT, and summation operatorPBDEs blubber concentrations found in CHS dolphins are among the highest reported values in marine mammals. Both dolphin populations, particularly those in CHS, carry a suite of organic chemicals at or above the level where adverse effects have been reported in wildlife, humans, and laboratory animals warranting further examination of the potential adverse effects of these exposures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Fair
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC 29412, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Shoham-Frider
- Israel Oceanography and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Tel-Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Carballo M, Arbelo M, Esperón F, Mendez M, de la Torre A, Muñoz MJ. Organochlorine residues in the blubber and liver of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) stranded in the Canary Islands, North Atlantic Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2008; 23:200-210. [PMID: 18214918 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), chlordanes (CHLs), dieldrin, and hexaclorobenzene (HCB) were detected in the blubber and liver of 11 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Canary Islands (North Atlantic Ocean). Samples were obtained from stranded dolphins over the period 1997-2005. Among the organochlorines analyzed, PCBs and DDTs were predominant in the two tissues, followed in decreasing order by chlordane, trans-nonachlor > cis-nonachlor > dieldrin and HCB. The sum 11 PCBs in the blubber ranged between 301 and 33,212 ng g(-1) ww (990 and 136,679 ng g(-1) lw). Highly chlorinated PCBs such us CB153, CB180, and CB138 were the prominent congeners, accounting for 51% of the total PCBs. The sum DDT concentration in the blubber ranged between 147 and 21,050 ng g(-1) ww. (490-105,250 ng g(-1) lw) The main DDT metabolite was p,p'-DDE, representing 83% of DDTs in the blubber. In general, the levels of PCBs and DDTs detected were similar to those found in bottlenose dolphins in the North of Europe. The 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQ) in blubber and liver was calculated for the toxicity assessment of mono-ortho substituted PCBs congeners (CB105, CB118, CB156). It is important to mention that TEQ values and p,p'-DDE concentration in adult male specimens are approaching the levels associated with adverse effects found in marine mammals. The information provided represents the first tissue loads of organochlorine compounds in small cetaceans from this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Carballo
- Animal Health Research Centre-INIA, Division of Environmental Health, 28130 Valdeolmos, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Storelli M, Barone G, Marcotrigiano G. Residues of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Edible Fish of the Adriatic Sea: Assessment of Human Exposure. J Food Sci 2007; 72:C183-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2007.00348.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
20
|
Storelli MM, Barone G, Piscitelli G, Storelli A, Marcotrigiano GO. Tissue-related polychlorinated biphenyls accumulation in mediterranean cetaceans: assessment of toxicological status. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2007; 78:206-10. [PMID: 17453121 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-007-9126-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2006] [Accepted: 03/16/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M M 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
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Storelli MM, Barone G, Marcotrigiano GO. Polychlorinated biphenyls and other chlorinated organic contaminants in the tissues of Mediterranean loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2007; 373:456-63. [PMID: 17239426 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2006.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2006] [Revised: 11/16/2006] [Accepted: 11/28/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls including coplanar congeners and DDT compounds were measured in different organs and tissues (liver, kidney, lung and muscle tissue) of loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta from the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The highest levels of these compounds were found in liver (PCBs: 52.32 ng/g; DDTs: 18.27 ng/g), followed by kidney (PCBs: 19.05 ng/g; DDTs: 5.70 ng/g), lung (PCBs: 12.75 ng/g; DDTs: 3.76 ng/g ) and muscle tissue (PCBs: 4.65 ng/g; DDTs: 1.45 ng/g). PCBs revealed a profile dominated by hexa-, penta- and hepta-chlorinated congeners, while among DDTs, the compound in the greatest concentration was p,p'-DDE, (liver: 85.2%, kidney: 93.6%, lung: 86.4%, muscle tissue: 93.2%). The estimated toxic equivalents (pg TEQs/g wet wt) of non- and mono-ortho PCBs were in the range of 1.54-5.86 pg TEQs/g wet wt. Non-ortho coplanar PCB 77 accounted for more than 90% of the total TEQs leaving to mono-ortho only 2.6-6.2%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M M Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Bari-Strada Prov. le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Ba, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Carro N, García I, Ignacio M, Mouteira A. Levels and distribution pattern of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in razor clamsEnsis siliqua(Linnaeus, 1758) from Galicia (north-west Spain) in relation to biometric parameters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 23:1219-26. [PMID: 17071525 DOI: 10.1080/02652030600930550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To establish polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels and distribution as well as their relationship to biometric parameters in the razor clam Ensis siliqua (Linnaeus, 1758), 15 individual samples collected from two points sited in the Islas Cies, Ría de Vigo in Galicia, Spain, collected monthly between February 2003 and April 2004, were analysed. PCBs (IUPAC No. 31, 28, 52, 101, 118, 153, 105, 138, 156 and 180) were isolated by Soxhlet extraction. Identification and quantification were performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatography (electron capture detector), respectively. The isomer concentrations in E. siliqua were in the order hexachlorobiphenyls > pentachlorobiphenyls > heptachlorobiphenyls > trichlorobiphenyls > tetrachlorbiphenyls. No correlation was observed between the E. siliqua shell length and PCBs levels. The PCBs 31, 101, 105 and 153 levels were statistically related with some biometric parameters (p < 0.05). Multivariate techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA) show clear seasonal differences between samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Carro
- INTECMAR (Instituto Tecnológico para el Control del Medio Marino de Galicia), Consellería de Pesca e Asuntos Marítimos, Xunta de Galicia Pierao de Vilaxoán s/n, 36611, Vilagarcía de Arousa, Spain.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Di Bella G, Licata P, Bruzzese A, Naccari C, Trombetta D, Lo Turco V, Dugo G, Richetti A, Naccari F. Levels and congener pattern of polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide residues in bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Straits of Messina (Sicily, Italy). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2006; 32:705-10. [PMID: 16750268 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2006.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2005] [Accepted: 02/08/2006] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the accumulation of OCs and PCBs in Thunnus thynnus and to elucidate the suitability of this species as a bioindicator for monitoring contaminations of these compounds in the marine ecosystems of the Straits of Messina. This investigation was conducted on fat, liver and muscle samples of 14 T. thynnus collected during April 2004. Quantitative determination of OCs and PCBs in the various samples examined has been carried out using GC-ECD and GC-MS. The results obtained show the presence of low concentrations of p,p'-DDE and PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) in all fat, liver and muscle samples caught in the Straits of Messina. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE and PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) in all the samples examined were below MRLs (CE n. 97/41, 1999/65 and 1999/71).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Di Bella
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Messina, Polo S.S. Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Borrell A, Aguilar A, Tornero V, Sequeira M, Fernandez G, Alis S. Organochlorine compounds and stable isotopes indicate bottlenose dolphin subpopulation structure around the Iberian Peninsula. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2006; 32:516-23. [PMID: 16445982 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2005.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2005] [Revised: 12/02/2005] [Accepted: 12/07/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Isotopic signatures and organochlorine pollutant loads of organisms reflect the characteristics of the waters in which they live and feed. To investigate population structure of bottlenose dolphins around the Iberian Peninsula we determined delta(13)C and delta(15)N in the skin and organochlorine (OC) levels in the blubber of stranded bottlenose dolphins inhabiting the Mediterranean (Catalonia, Valencia and Balearic Islands) and adjacent Atlantic waters (Huelva and Portugal). OC levels were high in all regions, reflecting the predatory habits of the species, its coastal distribution and the existence of intense agricultural and industrial activity throughout the region. PCB congeners showed a gradient from the relatively more chlorinated forms to those that are less so, and followed a northeast to northwest direction across the Iberian Peninsula. This suggests that PCB inputs are more recent in the temperate latitudes of the eastern Atlantic Ocean than in the western Mediterranean Sea. Comparatively, OC ratios and isotopic signatures proved to be more efficient ways of discriminating groups than did raw OC concentrations. Significant differences in delta(13)C and in PCB congener profiles indicate that dolphins from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean do not intermingle. In addition, the two Atlantic groups differed in delta(15)N signature, tDDT concentration, DDT/PCB ratio and the PCB congener profile, which also suggests some degree of isolation between them. In the Mediterranean, dolphins from Catalonia and Valencia were indistinguishable, suggesting a common distribution area. However, dolphins from the Balearic Islands differed from those of the Peninsula in their DDT/PCB ratio and from all the other sample groups in their PCB congener profiles, which supports the hypothesis that the deep waters between the Islands and the Peninsula represent an effective barrier for the species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Borrell
- GRUMM, Dept. of Animal Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08071, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Storelli MM, Storelli A, Marcotrigiano GO. Concentrations and hazard assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in shark liver from the Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2005; 50:850-5. [PMID: 16115502 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2005.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs), were determined in the liver of two different shark species Prionace glauca (blue shark) and Dalatias licha (kitefin shark) from the Mediterranean Sea. In blue shark liver, the concentrations of PCBs (2482 ngg(-1)) and DDTs (2392 ngg(-1)) were comparable, while in kitefin shark the hepatic concentrations of DDTs (4554 ngg(-1)) were significantly higher than those of PCBs (1827 ngg(-1)). Contamination levels differed between species, with kitefin shark showing consistently higher concentrations of DDTs, and blue shark higher levels of PCBs. Congener-specific PCB profiles, similar between the two species were dominated by the higher chlorinated congeners (hexachlorobiphenyls: 62.8-63.9%, penta-: 15.2-21.3%, hepta-: 13.4-14.5%) with most of the lower chlorinated congeners being absent or present at very low levels. In both species, the total 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenz-p-dioxin toxic equivalent (TEQs) concentrations (blue shark: 2.51 pg/g; kitefin shark: 1.46 pg/g) seem to be relatively modest. Regards to DDT component pattern, p,p'-DDE was dominant in the liver of both species (blue shark: 81.5%; kitefin shark: 38.0%), while the percentage composition of the other metabolites was differently characterized. The composition pattern of DDTs and the low value of p,p'-DDE/DDTs ratio in the specimens from Ionian Sea suggest that organochlorine pesticide contamination is still continuing in this marine environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department, Medicine Veterinary Faculty, University of Bari, Strada Prov. le per Casamassima km 3, 70010 Valenzano, BA, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Aguilar A, Borrell A. DDT and PCB reduction in the western Mediterranean from 1987 to 2002, as shown by levels in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2005; 59:391-404. [PMID: 15589989 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2004.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2003] [Revised: 05/15/2004] [Accepted: 06/07/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Temporal trends in DDT and PCB contamination were recorded in the offshore waters of the western Mediterranean Sea during 1987-2002 using striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) as indicators. Despite the fact that the use of DDT and PCB was banned at the end of the 1970s-early 1980s, dolphins were still found to carry moderate to high levels of these chemicals in their tissues, reflecting their ubiquity and environmental persistence. Concentrations of both groups of compounds have slowly decreased, although the decline in PCB has been steeper than that of DDT. Consequently, the tDDT/PCB ratio increased significantly. Indices of metabolisation of both DDT and PCB substantiated progressive aging of pollutant loads and degradation, suggesting that the offshore marine environment has not been exposed to significant releases of these contaminants in recent years. This all indicates a decline in organochlorine pollution in oceanic waters which is consistent, albeit not always, with trends observed in coastal surveys. Dolphins and other top predators are thus confirmed as useful indicators to assess long-term trends of pollutants in oceanic ecosystems and large water masses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Aguilar
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Diagonal 645, 08071 Barcelona, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Desantis S, Corriero A, Cirillo F, Deflorio M, Brill R, Griffiths M, Lopata AL, de la Serna JM, Bridges CR, Kime DE, De Metrio G. Immunohistochemical localization of CYP1A, vitellogenin and Zona radiata proteins in the liver of swordfish (Xiphias gladius L.) taken from the Mediterranean Sea, South Atlantic, South Western Indian and Central North Pacific Oceans. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2005; 71:1-12. [PMID: 15642627 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2004.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2003] [Revised: 08/30/2004] [Accepted: 10/01/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) monoxygenase, vitellogenin (Vtg) and Zona radiata proteins (Zrp) are frequently used as biomarkers of fish exposure to organic contaminants. In this work, swordfish liver sections obtained from the Mediterranean Sea, the South African coasts (South Atlantic and South Western Indian Oceans) and the Central North Pacific Ocean were immunostained with antisera against CYP1A, Zrp, and Vtg. CYP1A induction was found in hepatocytes, epithelium of the biliary ductus and the endothelium of large blood vessels of fish from the Mediterranean Sea and South African waters, but not from the Pacific Ocean. Zrp and Vtg were immunolocalized in hepatocytes of male swordfish from the Mediterranean Sea and from South African waters. Plasma Dot-Blot analysis, performed in Mediterranean and Pacific specimens, revealed the presence of Zrp and Vtg in males from Mediterranean but not from Pacific. These results confirm previous findings about the potential exposure of Mediterranean swordfish to endocrine, disrupting chemicals and raise questions concerning the possible presence of xenobiotic contaminants off the Southern coasts of South Africa in both the South Atlantic and South Western Indian Oceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Desantis
- Department of Animal Health and Well-being, University of Bari, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, I-70010 Valenzano (BA), Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Houde M, Hoekstra PF, Solomon KR, Muir DCG. Organohalogen contaminants in delphinoid cetaceans. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2005; 184:1-57. [PMID: 15790172 DOI: 10.1007/0-387-27565-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This chapter reviews the global distribution, biotransformation, accumulation patterns, and mechanisms of action and the potential impacts of persistent organohalogen contaminants (PHCs) on physiological systems of cetaceans with emphasis on delphinoids. Methods used to study PHCs in stranded and free-living cetaceans are discussed, and concentrations of PHCs of stranded, hunted, by-catch, and free-ranging delphinoids are summarized. Overall, the highest concentrations of PHC contamination were found in delphinoids from industrialized areas of the Northern Hemisphere compared to the Southern Hemisphere. Nonetheless, PHCs are also found in marine mammal tissues from the Southern Hemisphere and in remote regions such as the Arctic, reflecting the global distribution and contamination of PHCs in the marine ecosystem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magali Houde
- University of Guelph, Department of Environmental Biology, Guelph, Ontario NIG 2WI, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Storelli MM, Storelli A, D'Addabbo R, Barone G, Marcotrigiano GO. Polychlorinated biphenyl residues in deep-sea fish from Mediterranean Sea. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2004; 30:343-349. [PMID: 14987864 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2003.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2003] [Accepted: 07/31/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls including coplanar congeners were measured in the liver of different species of skates and ghostsharks. The mean concentrations of PCBs in skates (314 ng/g wet wt) were comparable with those in ghostsharks (285 ng/g wet wt). The specific analysis of PCB congeners in skates hepatic tissue revealed a profile dominated by hexa-, penta-, and heptachlorinated congeners followed by trichlorobiphenyls, tetra- and decachlorobiphenyls. A different profile dominated by hexa-, tri-, and pentachlorinated congeners, followed by heptachlorobiphenyl and decachlorobiphenyls was found in ghostsharks liver. The estimated 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs in skates and ghostsharks were 0.48 and 0.33 pg/g wet weight, respectively, with mono-ortho congeners PCB105, 118 and 156 contributing more than 90% to the TEQs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M M Storelli
- Pharmacological-Biological Department-Chemistry and Biochemistry Section, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Bari, Strada Prov le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Storelli MM, Ceci E, Storelli A, Marcotrigiano GO. Polychlorinated biphenyl, heavy metal and methylmercury residues in hammerhead sharks: contaminant status and assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2003; 46:1035-1039. [PMID: 12907198 DOI: 10.1016/s0025-326x(03)00119-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M M Storelli
- Dipartimento Farmaco-Biologico, Sezione di Chimica e Biochimica, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bari, Strada Prov.le per Casamassima Km 3, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|