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La Guardia MJ, Richards NL, Hale RC. A noninvasive environmental monitoring tool for brominated flame-retardants (BFRs) assisted by conservation detection dogs. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 260:127401. [PMID: 32682128 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fecal matter is a useful noninvasive/nondestructive media for evaluating contaminants in wildlife, as residues therein have been observed to correlate with body burdens. Conservation detection dog-handler teams can be used to optimize the acquisition of fecal samples. To build on previous work, sentinel-species' (i.e. mink (Mustela vison) and otter (Lontra canadensis)) fecal matter was opportunistically located by a detection dog team along the tri-river system of Missoula, Montana, USA. Sediments were also collected. Samples were used to develop an analytical method from fecal matter to determine habitat exposure to the brominated flame-retardants (BFRs): polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), 2-ethylhexyl 2, 3, 4, 5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB), di (2-ethylhexyl)-2, 3, 4, 5-tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE). Sediments contained PBDEs (BDE-99 and BDE-209) and EH-TBB at detection rates of 67%, 33% and 67%, respectively. BDE-99, -209 and EH-TBB were also detected in mink and otter feces, at rates of 81%, 25% and 81%, respectively; plus BEH-TEBP at 13%. BFR levels correlated positively with human population density except along the lower Bitterroot River, where BDE-209 sediment and feces levels exceeded other sites by several orders of magnitude. Fecal matter body burden estimates indicated marginal PBDE exposure. However, exposure to their replacements, EH-TBB and BEH-TEBP, were at levels that may adversely affect healthy Mustelidae populations. Proof-of-concept was achieved; validation results were within established standards for the development of analytical methods. The established application of conservation dog-handler teams to facilitate the collection of fecal matter for BFR analysis represents a valuable, but currently underutilized environmental monitoring tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J La Guardia
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, USA, 23062.
| | - Ngaio L Richards
- Working Dogs for Conservation, 10971 Rustic Rd., Missoula, MT, USA, 59802; William R. Maples Center for Forensic Medicine University of Florida, 4800 SW 35th Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
| | - Robert C Hale
- Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, USA, 23062
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Borchert EJ, Leaphart JC, Bryan AL, Beasley JC. Ecotoxicoparasitology of mercury and trace elements in semi-aquatic mammals and their endoparasite communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 679:307-316. [PMID: 31085411 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.04.326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Many contaminants persist in the environment for decades or more, influencing ecosystem health. Environmental contamination with mercury (Hg) is a particular concern due to its ability to biomagnify in food webs and its lethal and sub-lethal effects in exposed organisms. Despite the known impacts of anthropogenic contamination, there remains a need for data on wildlife exposure to Hg and other contaminants, and the effects of exposure on wildlife health. The objectives of this study were to: 1) quantify differences in concentrations of mercury and other trace elements among three sympatric semiaquatic mammals of different assumed trophic position: North American river otter (Lontra canadensis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and North American beaver (Castor canadensis), 2) compare trace element concentrations between animals captured on the Savannah River Site (SRS) in South Carolina, USA, where known inputs of Hg and other trace elements have occurred, and reference sites in South Carolina (SC) and Georgia (GA), USA, and 3) investigate the relationship between host trace element concentrations and endoparasite communities. River otters, beavers, and raccoons were sampled from the SRS, SC, and GA to quantify trace element concentrations in liver tissue and quantify endoparasite communities. Both species and sampling location were important factors determining hepatic trace element concentration, however, there was no consistent trend of elevated trace element concentrations among animals sampled on the SRS. Only Hg demonstrated biomagnification based on assumed trophic position, with river otters having the highest Hg concentrations among the sampled species. Additionally, the results suggest a possible relationship between host hepatic mercury concentration and endoparasite abundance, while hepatic selenium concentration may be related to endoparasite diversity. These findings further demonstrate how wildlife can accumulate anthropogenic contamination, although future research is needed to determine the mechanisms contributing to patterns observed between endoparasite communities and the contaminant concentrations of their mammalian hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest J Borchert
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - James C Leaphart
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Albert L Bryan
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - James C Beasley
- University of Georgia, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA; University of Georgia, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Wilkie SC, Espie RH, Basu N, Liber K, Hall BD. Trapped river otters (Lontra canadensis) from central Saskatchewan differ in total and organic mercury concentrations by sex and geographic location. Facets (Ott) 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2017-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) in wildlife remains of great concern, especially for apex piscivores. Despite this, exposure information from many species in many areas is lacking, so that management decisions are hampered. Here we examine Hg concentrations in fur, liver, and kidney tissues from river otters ( Lontra canadensis (Schreber, 1777)) ( n = 203) to quantify existing Hg concentrations over a broad geographic area in Saskatchewan. Mean fur total Hg (THg) (9.68 ± 7.52 mg/kg fresh weight (f.w.)) was significantly correlated with THg and organic Hg (OHg) in liver and kidney tissue, showcasing the potential for using fur as a noninvasive method of monitoring Hg in top-level mammals. Livers of males had higher mean OHg concentrations than livers of females (males: 2.71 mg/kg d.w., females: 1.87 mg/kg d.w.), but not significantly so. No sex-related differences were observed in kidney OHg concentrations. THg concentrations in otter fur collected in the Boreal Shield ecozone (Churchill River Upland) were significantly higher (mean = 16.1 mg/kg f.w.) than in otter fur collected from the Boreal Plain ecozone (mean = 8.59 mg/kg f.w.). Fur from otters ( n = 20; trapping block N66) trapped near a decommissioned smelter contained the highest concentrations of THg in the study (mean = 18.4 mg/kg f.w.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C. Wilkie
- Technical Resources Branch, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Regina, SK S4S 5W6, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Richard H.M. Espie
- Technical Resources Branch, Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment, Regina, SK S4S 5W6, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Karsten Liber
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Britt D. Hall
- Department of Biology, University of Regina, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
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Dornbos P, Chernyak S, Rutkiewicz J, Cooley T, Strom S, Batterman S, Basu N. Hepatic polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) levels in Wisconsin river otters ( Lontra canadensis) and Michigan bald eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus). JOURNAL OF GREAT LAKES RESEARCH 2015; 41:222-227. [PMID: 25745277 PMCID: PMC4347902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2014.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent and toxic flame-retardant chemicals widespread in the Great Lakes ecosystem. These chemicals are now being regulated and phased-out of the region; therefore it remains important to understand the extent of contamination in order to track the efficacy of recent actions. Here, Σ4PBDE congeners (PBDE-47, 99, 100, 153;wetweight basis unless indicated)were determined in liver tissues from Wisconsin river otters (Lontra canadensis; n = 35; 2009-2010) and Michigan bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus; n = 33; 2009-2011). In otters, Σ4PBDE ranged from0.5 to 72.9 ng/g, with a mean (±SD) and median (25th-75th percentile inter-quartile range) of 16.3 ± 16.4 ng/g and 11.3 (5.6-18.9) ng/g, respectively. The mean lipid-adjusted Σ4PBDE was 1377 ± 1485 ng/g. In eagles, Σ4PBDE ranged from 0 to 1,538.8 ng/g, with a mean and median of 74.3 ± 266.7 ng/g and 21.2 (5.7-28.9) ng/g, respectively. The mean lipid-adjusted Σ4PBDE was 5274.5 ± 19,896.1 ng/g. In both species, PBDE-47 accounted for >50% of the Σ4PBDE, followed by PBDE-99 and PBDE-100 (each ~17-19% of the total). The PBDE levels reported here in otters are similar to mammalian wildlife elsewhere, though the levels in eagles are among the highest worldwide across studied birds. The findings indicate that apex Great Lakes wildlife remain exposed to appreciable levels of PBDEs and more work is needed to understand whether such exposures are associated with adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dornbos
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Sergei Chernyak
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer Rutkiewicz
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Thomas Cooley
- Wildlife Disease Lab, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, MI 48190, USA
| | - Sean Strom
- Bureau of Wildlife Management, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, WI 53707, USA
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Niladri Basu
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada, H9X 3V9
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Pountney A, Filby AL, Thomas GO, Simpson VR, Chadwick EA, Stevens JR, Tyler CR. High liver content of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) in otters (Lutra lutra) from England and Wales. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 118:81-86. [PMID: 25014662 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants since the 1970s, are being phased out of use, but are persistent and widespread in the environment. Historical declines in Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) populations have been associated with exposure to dieldrin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but links with other persistent organic pollutants have not been explored. In this study, liver samples from 129 otters, collected across England and Wales from 1995-2006, were analysed for PBDEs, together with PCBs, DDT breakdown products, and hexachlorobenzene. Associations with geographical location and life history parameters were explored. Concentrations of PBDEs in otters (∑BDE 12-70000ngg(-1) lipid) paralleled those measured in marine mammals, with PBDE-47 the dominant congener and high levels of PBDE-99 and -100. Otter livers contained high concentrations of PBDE-153 and -209, typical of terrestrial top predators. Inter-individual variation in PBDE concentrations was high and correlated with geographical location. ∑PBDE was 25% of ∑PCB, and comparable with ∑DDT, identifying PBDEs as a major contaminant in otter populations in England and Wales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Pountney
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Amy L Filby
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Gareth O Thomas
- Lancaster Environment Centre, University of Lancaster, Lancaster, UK(1)
| | - Vic R Simpson
- The Wildlife Veterinary Investigation Centre, Truro, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Chadwick
- Cardiff University Otter Project, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jamie R Stevens
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Charles R Tyler
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
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Nelson C, Drouillard K, Cheng K, Elliott J, Ismail N. Accumulation of PBDEs in an urban river otter population and an unusual finding of BDE-209. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 118:322-328. [PMID: 25463257 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
River otter scat samples (n = 77) and blood samples (n = 16) collected through non-invasive field collections and live-capture activities (November 2009 to October 2010) along the coastline of Southern Vancouver Island, near Victoria, British Columbia (BC) were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). ∑PBDEs were highest in urbanized regions of Victoria Harbour for blood (1.12 μg/g lipid weight) and scat (0.35 μg/g lipid weight). A location effect between zones was confirmed statistically for blood but not for scat. Specific congeners with the highest concentrations overall were BDE-47 in blood samples (0.37 μg/g lipid weight) and BDE-206 (0.18 μg/g lipid weight) and BDE-47 (0.16 μg/g lipid weight) in scat samples. There was also an unusual finding of extremely high levels of BDE-209 in 2 scat samples (163 and 956 μg/g lipid weight). The patterns of select congeners (BDE 47, 99, 100, 153, 154) measured in blood and scat were found not to be significantly different (Chi-square Test, X2 = 21.08, DF = 4, p = 0003). The most prominent congeners within Victoria Harbour were BDE-47 for both blood (0.82 mg/kg lipid weight) and scat (0.26 mg/kg lipid weight) followed by BDE-206 (0.18 μg/g lipid weight) and BDE-207 (0.10 μg/g lipid weight) for scat only. Comparable levels of BDE-47 were reported across the study area whereas BDE 206 and 207 were only observed in Victoria Harbour (scat). Toxicological effects of PBDEs in rivers otters from Victoria, BC are still unknown however the predominance of BDE-47 could have negative implication as an endocrine disruptor.
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Law RJ, Covaci A, Harrad S, Herzke D, Abdallah MAE, Fernie K, Toms LML, Takigami H. Levels and trends of PBDEs and HBCDs in the global environment: status at the end of 2012. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 65:147-58. [PMID: 24486972 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 293] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we have compiled and reviewed the most recent literature, published in print or online from January 2010 to December 2012, relating to the human exposure, environmental distribution, behaviour, fate and concentration time trends of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) flame retardants, in order to establish their current trends and priorities for future study. More data are now becoming available for remote areas not previously studied, Indian Ocean islands, for example. Decreasing time trends for penta-mix PBDE congeners were seen for soils in northern Europe, sewage sludge in Sweden and the USA, carp from a US river, trout from three of the Great Lakes and in Arctic and UK marine mammals and many birds, but increasing time trends continue in polar bears and some birds at high trophic levels in northern Europe. This may be partially a result of the time delay inherent in long-range atmospheric transport processes. In general, concentrations of BDE209 (the major component of the deca-mix PBDE product) are continuing to increase. Of major concern is the possible/likely debromination of the large reservoir of BDE209 in soils and sediments worldwide, to yield lower brominated congeners which are both more mobile and more toxic, and we have compiled the most recent evidence for the occurrence of this degradation process. Numerous studies reported here reinforce the importance of this future concern. Time trends for HBCDs are mixed, with both increases and decreases evident in different matrices and locations and, notably, with increasing occurrence in birds of prey. Temporal trends for both PBDEs and HBCD in Asia are unclear currently. A knowledge gap has been noted in relation to metabolism and/or debromination of BDE209 and HBCD in birds. Further monitoring of human exposure and environmental contamination in areas of e-waste recycling, particularly in Asia and Africa, is warranted. More data on temporal trends of BDE and HBCD concentrations in a variety of matrices and locations are needed before the current status of these compounds can be fully assessed, and the impact of regulation and changing usage patterns among different flame retardants determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Law
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, FRAM - High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, H. Johansens gate 14, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mohamed A-E Abdallah
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, 71526 Assiut, Egypt
| | - Kim Fernie
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington L7R 4A6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leisa-Maree L Toms
- School of Clinical Sciences and Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hidetaka Takigami
- Centre for Material Cycles and Waste Management Research, National institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, 305-8506 Ibaraki, Japan
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Carpenter SK, Mateus-Pinilla NE, Singh K, Lehner A, Satterthwaite-Phillips D, Bluett RD, Rivera NA, Novakofski JE. River otters as biomonitors for organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, and PBDEs in Illinois. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2014; 100:99-104. [PMID: 24119654 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2013.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) is a biomonitor for organohalogenated compounds (OHCs) associated with a wide range of deleterious health effects in wildlife and humans. We determined concentrations of twenty OHCs in livers of 23 river otters salvaged by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources from 2009 to 2011, determined sex-dependent distribution of OHCs, and compared our results to the reported concentrations of four OHCs in Illinois river otters from 1984 to 1989. Since these contaminants have been banned for over 30 years, we predicted smaller mean concentrations than those previously reported in Illinois otters. We detected eleven of twenty OHCs; PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dieldrin, and 4,4'-DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) were present in the greatest mean concentrations. We report the largest mean concentration of dieldrin to date in the liver of North American river otters (mean: 174, range: 14.4-534 parts per billion wet wt [ppb]). Mean PCB concentrations were significantly higher in males (mean: 851; range: 30-3450 ppb) than females (mean: 282; range: 40-850 ppb; p=0.04). Mean concentrations of dieldrin were greater than those detected in otters from 1984 to 1989 (mean: 90; range: 30-130 ppb; p<0.05). Our results suggest OHC exposure remains a concern. Future research in Illinois should focus on evaluating OHCs exposures, particularly dieldrin, at the watershed level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha K Carpenter
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1816 South Oak St., Champaign IL 61820, United States.
| | - Nohra E Mateus-Pinilla
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1816 South Oak St., Champaign IL 61820, United States.
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2001 South Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61802, United States.
| | - Andreas Lehner
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health, Michigan State University, 4125 Beaumont Rd., Lansing, MI 48910, United States.
| | - Damian Satterthwaite-Phillips
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1816 South Oak St., Champaign IL 61820, United States.
| | - Robert D Bluett
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, United States.
| | - Nelda A Rivera
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1816 South Oak St., Champaign IL 61820, United States.
| | - Jan E Novakofski
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 205 Meat Science Lab 1503S Maryland Dr M/C 010, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
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Persson S, Rotander A, van Bavel B, Brunström B, Bäcklin BM, Magnusson U. Influence of age, season, body condition and geographical area on concentrations of chlorinated and brominated contaminants in wild mink (Neovison vison) in Sweden. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:1664-1671. [PMID: 23141558 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2011] [Revised: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The wild mink has gained acceptance as a sentinel species in environmental monitoring. However, only limited data are available in the literature on factors driving variability in concentrations of organic pollutants in this species. This study characterizes the differences in contaminant concentrations in subcutaneous fat of male mink from four different areas in Sweden and demonstrates how age, season and body condition influence concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners (including methoxylated forms, MeO-PBDEs), as well as the pesticides dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), chlordane and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). The data were statistically treated using multiple regression and principal component analysis. The ∑PCB concentration and concentrations of PCB congeners 138, 156, 157, 180, 170/190, 189, 194, 206, 209 as well as PBDE 153/154 varied with age. Season had an influence on ∑PCB, PBDE 47 and PBDE 153/154 concentrations, as well as concentrations of most PCB congeners, with the exception of PCB 101, 110, 141 and 182/187. Lean mink had higher concentrations of most PCBs and PBDEs than mink with larger fat depots. The analyzed pesticides (DDE, oxychlordane, HCB) showed no systematic variation with season, age or body condition. The concentrations of MeO-PBDEs were generally low and 6MeO-PBDE 47 was the most commonly detected MeO-PBDE in mink from marine, brackish and freshwater areas. The results indicate that age, season and body condition are factors that may influence the concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs, and it is thus recommended to take these factors into account when analyzing mink exposure data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Persson
- Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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