1
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O'Hara TM, Ylitalo GM, Crawford SG, Taras BD, Fadely BS, Rehberg MJ, Rea LD. Spatial and cumulative organochlorine and mercury exposure assessments in Steller Sea lions of Alaska: Emphasizing pups. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116592. [PMID: 38917493 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Steller sea lions (SSL) are sentinels for monitoring environmental contaminants in remote areas of the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Therefore, concentrations of several organochlorines (OCs) were measured in blood from 123 SSL pups sampled from 3 regions; the western Aleutian Islands (WAI), central Aleutian Islands (CAI), and the central Gulf of Alaska. Blood, blubber, and milk from 12 adult female SSL from WAI, CAI and southeast Alaska also were analyzed. Findings included the following. SSL pups had higher concentrations of some OCs and mercury (Hg) on rookeries in the WAI than those more easterly. Pups had significantly higher blood concentrations of many OC classes than adult females sampled within the same region; some pups had PCB concentrations exceeding thresholds of concern (∑PCBs >8600 ng/g lw). ∑PCB concentration in pup whole blood was positively correlated with the trophic marker, δ15N within the regions sampled, along with two PCB congeners (PCB138 and PCB153). This suggests that the dams of pups with higher ∑PCBs, PCB138, and PCB153 concentrations were feeding on more predatory prey. Adult female blubber ∑DDT and hexachlorocyclohexane concentrations were also positively correlated with δ15N values. Several pups (mostly from WAI) had blood Hg concentrations and/or blood PCB concentrations (surrogate for overall OC exposures) of concern. The finding that WAI SSL pups have been exposed to multiple contaminants calls for future investigation of their cumulative exposure to a mixture of contaminants especially their transplacental and then transmammary exposure routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA; Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Institute of Northern Engineering, Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - G M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - S G Crawford
- Institute of Northern Engineering, Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - B D Taras
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA
| | - B S Fadely
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - M J Rehberg
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Anchorage, AK 99518, USA
| | - L D Rea
- Institute of Northern Engineering, Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA; Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Fairbanks, AK 99701, USA.
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2
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Oliveira-Ferreira N, Manhães BMR, Santos-Neto E, Carvalho RR, Cunha HA, Azevedo AF, Bisi TL, Lailson-Brito J. Organohalogen compounds in a hotspot for chemical pollution: Assessment in free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171912. [PMID: 38522545 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The assessment of chemical pollution in free-ranging living mammals is viable using remote biopsies and portrays a comprehensive scenario of environmental health. The Southwestern Atlantic Ocean holds incredible biodiversity, but it is under the constant and invisible threat of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) of anthropogenic origin, such as pesticides, brominated flame retardants, and industrial-use compounds (e.g., PCBs). Thus, this study aimed to assess the bioaccumulation of POPs (PCBs, DDTs, HCB, mirex and PBDEs) and natural organobromine compounds (MeO-BDEs) using gas-chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in biopsy samples of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis, n = 20) that inhabit and forage both inside and in adjacent areas to degraded (Guanabara Bay) and conserved (Ilha Grande Bay) coastal bays in the Southeastern Brazil. Among the studied compounds, PCBs were predominant in the contamination profile with median concentration of 97.0 μg.g-1 lipid weight (lw), followed by the sum of the p,p' isomers of DDT, DDD, and DDE of 11.0 μg.g-1 lw, the brominated flame retardants PBDEs of 1.6 μg.g-1 lw, and the other organochlorine pesticides mirex of 0.78 μg.g-1 lw, and HCB of 0.049 μg.g-1 lw. The MeO-BDEs were detected with a median concentration of 22.8 μg.g-1 lw. 85 % of the Atlantic spotted dolphins analyzed in this study presented PCB concentration that exceeded even the less conservative threshold limits for adverse health effects (41 μg.g-1 lw). This study shows that despite the conservation status of preserved bays, cetacean species foraging in these locations are still under increased threat. Hence chemical pollution demands local and global efforts to be mitigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nara Oliveira-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Biofísica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara M R Manhães
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elitieri Santos-Neto
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rafael Ramos Carvalho
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Haydée Andrade Cunha
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Freitas Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Lemos Bisi
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Biofísica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 21941-590 Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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3
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Williams RS, Brownlow A, Baillie A, Barber JL, Barnett J, Davison NJ, Deaville R, ten Doeschate M, Murphy S, Penrose R, Perkins M, Spiro S, Williams R, Jepson PD, Curnick DJ, Jobling S. Spatiotemporal Trends Spanning Three Decades Show Toxic Levels of Chemical Contaminants in Marine Mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20736-20749. [PMID: 38011905 PMCID: PMC10720377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite their ban and restriction under the 2001 Stockholm Convention, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are still widespread and pervasive in the environment. Releases of these toxic and bioaccumulative chemicals are ongoing, and their contribution to population declines of marine mammals is of global concern. To safeguard their survival, it is of paramount importance to understand the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Using one of the world's largest marine mammals strandings data sets, we combine published and unpublished data to examine pollutant concentrations in 11 species that stranded along the coast of Great Britain to quantify spatiotemporal trends over three decades and identify species and regions where pollutants pose the greatest threat. We find that although levels of pollutants have decreased overall, there is significant spatial and taxonomic heterogeneity such that pollutants remain a threat to biodiversity in several species and regions. Of individuals sampled within the most recent five years (2014-2018), 48% of individuals exhibited a concentration known to exceed toxic thresholds. Notably, pollutant concentrations are highest in long-lived, apex odontocetes (e.g., killer whales (Orcinus orca), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris)) and were significantly higher in animals that stranded on more industrialized coastlines. At the present concentrations, POPs are likely to be significantly impacting marine mammal health. We conclude that more effective international elimination and mitigation strategies are urgently needed to address this critical issue for the global ocean health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie S. Williams
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Department
of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, 99-105 Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- School
of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical,
Veterinary & Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrew Baillie
- The
Natural
History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan L. Barber
- Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - James Barnett
- Environment
and Sustainability Institute, University
of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Falmouth, Cornwall TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Davison
- School
of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical,
Veterinary & Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United
Kingdom
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Mariel ten Doeschate
- School
of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical,
Veterinary & Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United
Kingdom
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine
and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Science, School
of Science and Computing, Galway-Mayo Institute
of Technology, Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Rod Penrose
- Marine
Environmental Monitoring, Penwalk, Llechryd, Cardigan, Ceredigion SA43 2PS, United
Kingdom
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Spiro
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Williams
- Cornwall
Wildlife Trust, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DJ, United Kingdom
| | - Paul D. Jepson
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Curnick
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Jobling
- Department
of Life Sciences, Institute of Health, Medicine and Environments, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
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4
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Williams RS, Brownlow A, Baillie A, Barber JL, Barnett J, Davison NJ, Deaville R, Ten Doeschate M, Penrose R, Perkins M, Williams R, Jepson PD, Lyashevska O, Murphy S. Evaluation of a marine mammal status and trends contaminants indicator for European waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161301. [PMID: 36592909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are vulnerable to the bioaccumulation, biomagnification and lactational transfer of specific types of pollutants, such as industrial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), due to their long-life spans, feeding at a high trophic level and unique fat stores that can serve as depots for these lipophilic contaminants. Currently, European countries are developing indicators for monitoring pollutants in the marine environment and assessing the state of biodiversity, requirements under both Regional Seas Conventions and European legislation. As sentinel species for marine ecosystem and human health, marine mammals can be employed to assess bioaccumulated contaminants otherwise below current analytical detection limits in water and lower trophic level marine biota. To aid the development of Regional Seas marine mammal contaminants indicators, as well as Member States obligations under descriptor 8 of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the current study aims to further develop appropriate methodological standards using data collected by the established UK marine mammal pollutant monitoring programme (1990 to 2017) to assess the trends and status of PCBs in harbour porpoises. Within this case study, temporal trends of PCB blubber concentration in juvenile harbour porpoises were analysed using multiple linear regression models and toxicity thresholds for the onset of physiological (reproductive and immunological) endpoints were applied to all sex-maturity groups. Mean PCB blubber concentrations were observed to decline in all harbour porpoise Assessment Units and OSPAR Assessment Areas in UK waters. However, a high proportion of animals were exposed to concentrations deemed to be a toxicological threat, though the relative proportion declined in most Assessment Units/Areas over the last 10 years of the assessment. Recommendations were made for improving the quality of the assessment going forward, including detailing monitoring requirements for the successful implementation of such an indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie S Williams
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Andrew Baillie
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, London, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - James Barnett
- Cornwall Marine Pathology Team, Fishers Well, Higher Brill, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5QG, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Mariel Ten Doeschate
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Rod Penrose
- Marine Environmental Monitoring, Penwalk, Llechryd, Cardigan SA43 2PS, Ceredigion, UK
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | | | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Olga Lyashevska
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway city, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway city, Ireland.
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5
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Lee K, Alava JJ, Cottrell P, Cottrell L, Grace R, Zysk I, Raverty S. Emerging Contaminants and New POPs (PFAS and HBCDD) in Endangered Southern Resident and Bigg's (Transient) Killer Whales ( Orcinus orca): In Utero Maternal Transfer and Pollution Management Implications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:360-374. [PMID: 36512803 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Killer whales (Orcinus orca) have been deemed one of the most contaminated cetacean species in the world. However, concentrations and potential health implications of selected 'contaminants of emerging concern' (CECs) and new persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in endangered Southern Resident and threatened Bigg's (Transient) killer whales in the Northeastern Pacific (NEP) have not yet been documented. Here, we quantify CECs [alkylphenols (APs), triclosan, methyl triclosan, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)] and new POPs [hexabromocyclododecane (HBCCD), PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS] in skeletal muscle and liver samples of these sentinel species and investigate in utero transfer of these contaminants. Samples were collected from necropsied individuals from 2006 to 2018 and analyzed by LC-MS/MS or HRBC/HRMS. AP and PFAS contaminants were the most prevalent compounds; 4-nonylphenol (4NP) was the predominant AP (median 40.84 ng/g ww), and interestingly, 7:3-fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (7:3 FTCA) was the primary PFAS (median 66.35 ng/g ww). Maternal transfer ratios indicated 4NP as the most transferred contaminant from the dam to the fetus, with maternal transfer rates as high as 95.1%. Although too few killer whales have been screened for CECs and new POPs to infer the magnitude of contamination impact, these results raise concerns regarding pathological implications and potential impacts on fetal development and production of a viable neonate. This study outlines CEC and new POP concentrations in killer whales of the NEP and provides scientifically derived evidence to support and inform regulation to mitigate pollutant sources and contamination of Southern Resident killer whale critical habitat and other marine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiah Lee
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Juan José Alava
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Paul Cottrell
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, 401 Burrard Street, Vancouver V6C 3S4, Canada
| | - Lauren Cottrell
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Cunningham Building 202, Victoria V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Richard Grace
- SGS AXYS Analytical Services Ltd, 2045 Mills Road W, Sidney V8L 5X2, Canada
| | - Ivona Zysk
- SGS AXYS Analytical Services Ltd, 2045 Mills Road W, Sidney V8L 5X2, Canada
| | - Stephen Raverty
- Ocean Pollution Research Unit, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Animal Health Centre, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford V3G 2M3, Canada
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6
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Hayes KRR, Ylitalo GM, Anderson TA, Urbán
R. J, Jacobsen JK, Scordino JJ, Lang AR, Baugh KA, Bolton JL, Brüniche-Olsen A, Calambokidis J, Martínez-Aguilar S, Subbiah S, Gribble MO, Godard-Codding CAJ. Influence of Life-History Parameters on Persistent Organic Pollutant Concentrations in Blubber of Eastern North Pacific Gray Whales ( Eschrichtius robustus). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17119-17130. [PMID: 36346717 PMCID: PMC9730851 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can significantly impact marine mammal health, reproduction, and fitness. This study addresses a significant 20-year gap in gray whale contaminant monitoring through analysis of POPs in 120 blubber biopsies. The scope of this substantial sample set is noteworthy in its range and diversity with collection between 2003 and 2017 along North America's west coast and across diverse sex, age, and reproductive parameters, including paired mothers and calves. Mean blubber concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (∑PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (∑DDTs), and chlordanes (∑CHLs) generally decreased since previous reports (1968-1999). This is the first report of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and select hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in this species. Statistical modeling of the 19 most frequently detected compounds in this dataset revealed sex-, age-, and reproductive status-related patterns, predominantly attributed to maternal offloading. Mean POP concentrations differed significantly by sex in adults (17 compounds, up to 3-fold higher in males) but not in immatures (all 19 compounds). Mean POP concentrations were significantly greater in adults versus immatures in both males (17 compounds, up to 12-fold) and females (13 compounds, up to 3-fold). POP concentrations were detected with compound-specific patterns in nursing calves, confirming maternal offloading for the first time in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kia R. R. Hayes
- The
Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
- Environmental
and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center,
National Marine Fisheries Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington 98112, United States
- Ocean
Associates, Inc., Arlington, Virginia 22207, United States
| | - Gina M. Ylitalo
- Environmental
and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center,
National Marine Fisheries Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington 98112, United States
| | - Todd A. Anderson
- The
Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Jorge Urbán
R.
- Departamento
de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad
Autónoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, BCS 23085, Mexico
| | | | - Jonathan J. Scordino
- Marine Mammal
Program, Makah Fisheries Management, Makah Tribe, Neah Bay, Washington 98357, United States
| | - Aimee R. Lang
- Ocean
Associates, Inc., Arlington, Virginia 22207, United States
- Southwest
Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Keri A. Baugh
- Environmental
and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center,
National Marine Fisheries Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington 98112, United States
| | - Jennie L. Bolton
- Environmental
and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center,
National Marine Fisheries Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington 98112, United States
| | - Anna Brüniche-Olsen
- Department
of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - John Calambokidis
- Cascadia
Research Collective, Olympia, Washington 98501, United States
| | - Sergio Martínez-Aguilar
- Departamento
de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad
Autónoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, BCS 23085, Mexico
| | - Seenivasan Subbiah
- The
Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Matthew O. Gribble
- Department
of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at
Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United
States
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7
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Soulen BK, Divine LM, Venables BJ, Roberts AP. Persistent organic pollutant exposure and associations with gene expression in northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) from St. Paul Island, Alaska. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 182:105789. [PMID: 36332419 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are highly lipophilic compounds that accumulate at increased concentrations in high tropic level organisms like marine mammals. Marine mammals' reliance on blubber makes them susceptible to accumulating POPs at potentially toxic concentrations. In this study, we analyzed POP concentrations, (polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and methoxylated-BDE (MeOBDE), in the blubber of 16 subsistence harvested sub-adult, male northern fur seals as well as assessed changes in mRNA gene expression of nine relevant biomarkers including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, thyroid receptor-α, and adiponectin. PBDE and MeOBDE concentrations were significantly lower than PCB and OCP concentrations. A negative relationship was observed between percent lipid in the blubber and contaminant concentrations, both individual and sum. Expression changes in eight biomarkers were correlated with individual and sum contaminant concentrations. This study shows that contaminant concentrations measured are correlated to changes in expression of genes from different physiological systems, metabolism and endocrine, that are important for the regulation of blubber metabolism. Northern fur seals are reliant on blubber as an energy source during times of low food intake. Potential contaminant induced changes in blubber metabolism pathways could have significant impacts on the health of individuals during critical periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne K Soulen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76201, USA.
| | - Lauren M Divine
- Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Ecosystem Conservation Office, St. Paul, Pribilof Islands, Alaska, USA
| | - Barney J Venables
- Department of Biological Sciences, Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76201, USA
| | - Aaron P Roberts
- Department of Biological Sciences, Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76201, USA
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8
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Kim JJ, Delisle K, Brown TM, Bishay F, Ross PS, Noël M. Characterization and Interpolation of Sediment Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Resident Killer Whale Habitat along the Coast of British Columbia, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:2139-2151. [PMID: 35698926 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The northeastern Pacific northern and southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations are listed as threatened and endangered in Canada, respectively, with persistent, bioaccumulative contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), posing threats to their recovery. Concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs in subtidal surface sediments collected from 97 sites along the British Columbia (BC) coast were used to identify their distribution and profiles, and to assess killer whale habitat quality. Victoria Harbour (VH3(site ID: 1) ) sediments exhibited the highest PCB and PBDE concentrations. For PCBs, PCB-138 was found at the highest concentration, followed by PCB-153, PCB-110, PCB-149, PCB-101, and PCB-118. For PBDEs, individual congeners were ranked as follows: BDE-209 > BDE-207 > BDE-206 > BDE-208 > BDE-47 > BDE-99. Principal component analyses (PCA) illustrated the variations in contaminant profiles, with PC1 for PCBs and PBDEs correlated with the octanol-water partition coefficient (log KOW , p < 0.003). Based on the PCA, sediment particle size, total organic carbon (TOC), and water depth at collection were other factors associated with the distribution of PBDEs, while PCB profiles were associated with TOC. Total PCB and PBDE concentrations at 100% and 34% of the sites, respectively, exceeded the recently adopted British Columbia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Working Sediment Quality Guidelines (PCBs 3.7 pg/g dry wt and PBDEs 1000 pg/g dry wt), considered protective of killer whales. Our findings suggest that the legacy of banned PCBs and PBDEs has the potential to constrain the recovery of killer whales as a result of their mobilization from sediments and consequent uptake by marine food webs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2139-2151. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Kim
- Ocean Wise Conservation Association, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kelsey Delisle
- Ocean Wise Conservation Association, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tanya M Brown
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Peter S Ross
- Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marie Noël
- Ocean Wise Conservation Association, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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9
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de Oliveira-Ferreira N, Carvalho RR, Santos-Neto EB, Manhães BMR, Guari EB, Domit C, Secchi ER, Botta S, Cunha HA, Azevedo AF, Bisi TL, Lailson-Brito J. Long-Term Consequences of High Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure: Projected Decline of Delphinid Populations in a Hotspot for Chemical Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:15149-15161. [PMID: 34726395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c03837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rough-toothed dolphins, Steno bredanensis, are closely associated with coastal waters in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, increasing the exposure to multiple stressors, such as chemical pollution. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are known to affect the health of cetacean species. To comprehend the potential impacts of POPs on populations' viability, it is necessary to distinguish populations and predict their risk of long-term exposure. Blubbers of rough-toothed dolphins (n = 28) collected along the southeastern (SE) and southern (S) Brazilian coast were screened for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides in a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer. Based on the contamination profile, a discriminant function analysis separated the rough-toothed dolphins into three ecological populations: two coastal and one offshore. POP concentrations were the highest reported for the species worldwide and highest among the delphinids in Brazilian waters, reaching 647.9 μg g-1 lw for PCBs. The SE population presented 212.9 ± 163.0, S population presented 101.0 ± 96.7, and OCS/S population presented 183.3 ± 85.3 μg g-1 lw (mean ± SD) of PCBs. The potential risk of effects triggered by elevated PCB concentrations was assessed in an individual-based model. A risk of severe decline in population size is projected for the three populations in the next 100 years, especially in SE Brazil, varying between 67 and 99%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nara de Oliveira-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução (PPGEE), Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Rafael R Carvalho
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Elitieri B Santos-Neto
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Bárbara M R Manhães
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Emi B Guari
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Camila Domit
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação (LEC), Centro de Estudos do Mar (CEM), Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Avenida Beira Mar s/n, 83255-000 Pontal do Paraná, Paraná, Brasil
| | - Eduardo R Secchi
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha (ECOMEGA), Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Avenida Itália, km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Silvina Botta
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha (ECOMEGA), Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Avenida Itália, km 8, 96203-900 Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Haydée A Cunha
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Alexandre F Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Tatiana L Bisi
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013 Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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10
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Guo L, Zhang X, Luo D, Yu RQ, Xie Q, Wu Y. Population-level effects of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure on highly vulnerable Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins from their largest habitat. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117544. [PMID: 34119862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-related risks have been reported at the cellular, organ, and individual levels in some marine mammals, studies quantifying the PCB-associated population-level effects are limited. Here, we combined chemical analysis and individual-based model simulation to investigate the impact of PCBs on the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (sub)population from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). An annual PCB accumulation rate of 0.29 ± 0.07 mg/kg lipid per year was estimated based on the measured age-specific male data as males continue to accumulate PCBs throughout their lifetime, without depurating contaminant loads. Using the Taiwan Strait dolphin population with low PCBs as a baseline, we compare our model simulations in PRE population to estimate relative population impacts of PCBs and other stressors. When using the current vital rates of the PRE dolphins which have been affected by PCBs and other stressors (e.g., underwater noise, prey limitation, etc.), our simulations revealed a substantial decline (8.1%) in the annual population growth rate (λ) of PRE metapopulation compared to baseline over the next 100 years. At the estimated PCB accumulation rate, the PCB-mediated effects on calf survival and immunity would cause a slight decline (0.9%) in λ relative to baseline. Our findings suggest a relatively limited impact of PCBs on the long-term survival of PRE dolphins among all stressors. However, it should be noted that even under model simulations where dietary PCBs were eliminated, humpback dolphins would still need a long time to reduce their PCB burdens to a relatively "safe" level through biological cycling. Considering that the baseline vital rates might also have been affected by PCBs and other stressors, our results are considered relative rather than absolute. This study provides a starting point for quantifying population-level consequences of contaminant exposure on humpback dolphins, although more efforts are needed to perfect this type of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Guo
- 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 Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, 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 Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Dingyu Luo
- 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 Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - 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 Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, 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 Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China.
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11
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Keogh MJ, Taras B, Beckmen KB, Burek-Huntington KA, Ylitalo GM, Fadely BS, Rea LD, Pitcher KW. Organochlorine contaminant concentrations in blubber of young Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) are influenced by region, age, sex, and lipid stores. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 698:134183. [PMID: 31494417 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134183] [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: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant exposure is particularly important for species and populations of conservation concern, such as the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). We used blubber samples (n = 120) to determine organochlorine concentrations, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDTs), and blood samples (n = 107) to estimate total body lipids based on the hydrogen isotope dilution method. We assessed the influence of age, sex, condition, and geographic area on contaminant concentrations in blubber and contaminant body load. The concentration of ΣPCBs was highest in pups (<6 months) from the Aleutian Islands, and the concentrations in males were higher than females in all regions. The ΣPCBs and ΣDDTs concentrations and loads decreased with increasing mass in pups, however, there were no regional or sex differences in contaminant load. Within each of the five age classes, the concentrations of ΣPCBs and ΣDDTs decreased with increasing mass, but overall these OCs increased with age. Further, accounting for the lipid content, a potential proxy for energy balance, in the animal load reduced or removed the regional and sex effects present in age models for contaminants. We propose, that adjusting OCs concentration by the lipid content of the blubber sample alone may not fully account for the variability in OC concentrations associated with differences in condition or energy states between young Steller sea lions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy J Keogh
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, P.O. Box 110024, Douglas, AK 99811-0024, United States of America.
| | - Brian Taras
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States of America
| | - Kimberlee B Beckmen
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States of America
| | - Kathleen A Burek-Huntington
- Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services, 23834 The Clearing Drive, Eagle River, AK 99577, United States of America
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Brian S Fadely
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, United States of America
| | - Lorrie D Rea
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States of America; Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1764 Tanana Loop, ELIF Suite 240, Fairbanks, AK 99775, United States of America
| | - Kenneth W Pitcher
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States of America
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12
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Weijs L, Leusch F, Covaci A. Concentrations of legacy persistent organic pollutants and naturally produced MeO-PBDEs in dugongs (Dugong dugon) from Moreton Bay, Australia. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 229:500-508. [PMID: 31096086 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.033] [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: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Dugongs (Dugong dugon) are an iconic and strictly herbivorous species. They inhabit coastal areas, which brings them in contact with urban and agricultural pollutant sources, yet their exposure and susceptibility to environmental pollutants is still largely unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate the presence of several legacy compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and pesticides as well as naturally produced MeO-PBDEs in male and female dugongs from Moreton Bay (n = 24), a semi-enclosed embayment close to Australia's third largest city, Brisbane. Results show that concentrations of all investigated compounds are low in general (<120 ng/g lipid weight) and below known toxicity thresholds established for marine mammals. However, concentrations found in this study are higher or comparable to concentrations in dugongs outside Moreton Bay or in sirenians worldwide. No temporal trends for POPs from 2001 until 2012 were found for adult animals suggesting that environmental changes are only slowly reflected in dugongs. Finally, pollutant profiles in dugongs are limited to the most persistent PCBs, pesticides and PBDEs that also dominate POP profiles in other marine mammal species in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Weijs
- Australian Rivers Institute (ARI), Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland 4222, Australia.
| | - Frederic Leusch
- Australian Rivers Institute (ARI), Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland 4222, Australia; School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland 4222, Australia
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
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13
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Alava JJ, Cheung WWL, Ross PS, Sumaila UR. Climate change-contaminant interactions in marine food webs: Toward a conceptual framework. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:3984-4001. [PMID: 28212462 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is reshaping the way in which contaminants move through the global environment, in large part by changing the chemistry of the oceans and affecting the physiology, health, and feeding ecology of marine biota. Climate change-associated impacts on structure and function of marine food webs, with consequent changes in contaminant transport, fate, and effects, are likely to have significant repercussions to those human populations that rely on fisheries resources for food, recreation, or culture. Published studies on climate change-contaminant interactions with a focus on food web bioaccumulation were systematically reviewed to explore how climate change and ocean acidification may impact contaminant levels in marine food webs. We propose here a conceptual framework to illustrate the impacts of climate change on contaminant accumulation in marine food webs, as well as the downstream consequences for ecosystem goods and services. The potential impacts on social and economic security for coastal communities that depend on fisheries for food are discussed. Climate change-contaminant interactions may alter the bioaccumulation of two priority contaminant classes: the fat-soluble persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as well as the protein-binding methylmercury (MeHg). These interactions include phenomena deemed to be either climate change dominant (i.e., climate change leads to an increase in contaminant exposure) or contaminant dominant (i.e., contamination leads to an increase in climate change susceptibility). We illustrate the pathways of climate change-contaminant interactions using case studies in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean. The important role of ecological and food web modeling to inform decision-making in managing ecological and human health risks of chemical pollutants contamination under climate change is also highlighted. Finally, we identify the need to develop integrated policies that manage the ecological and socioeconomic risk of greenhouse gases and marine pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Alava
- Global Fisheries Cluster, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Coastal Ocean Research Institute, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William W L Cheung
- Global Fisheries Cluster, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peter S Ross
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Coastal Ocean Research Institute, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - U Rashid Sumaila
- Global Fisheries Cluster, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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14
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Noël M, Dangerfield N, Jeffries S, Lambourn D, Lance M, Helbing C, Lebeuf M, Ross PS. Polychlorinated Biphenyl-Related Alterations of the Expression of Essential Genes in Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) from Coastal Sites in Canada and the United States. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 73:310-321. [PMID: 28528409 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-016-0362-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
As long-lived marine mammals found throughout the temperate coastal waters of the North Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) have become an invaluable sentinel of food-web contamination. Their relatively high trophic position predisposes harbour seals to the accumulation of harmful levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). We obtained skin/blubber biopsy samples from live-captured young harbour seals from various sites in the northeastern Pacific (British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State, USA) as well as the northwestern Atlantic (Newfoundland and Quebec, Canada). We developed harbour seal-specific primers to investigate the potential impact of POP exposure on the expression of eight important genes. We found correlations between the blubber mRNA levels of three of our eight target genes and the dominant persistent organic pollutant in seals [polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)] including estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1: r 2 = 0.12, p = 0.038), thyroid hormone receptor alpha (Thra: r 2 = 0.16; p = 0.028), and glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1: r 2 = 0.12; p = 0.049). Age, sex, weight, and length were not confounding factors on the expression of genes. Although the population-level consequences are unclear, our results suggest that PCBs are associated with alterations of the expression of genes responsible for aspects of metabolism, growth and development, and immune function. Collectively, these results provide additional support for the use of harbour seals as indicators of coastal food-web contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Noël
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Coastal Ocean Research Institute, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, PO Box 3232, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X8, Canada.
| | - Neil Dangerfield
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans, PO Box 6000, Sidney, BC, V8L 4B2, Canada
| | - Steve Jeffries
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lakewood, WA, 98498, USA
| | - Dyanna Lambourn
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lakewood, WA, 98498, USA
| | - Monique Lance
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Lakewood, WA, 98498, USA
| | - Caren Helbing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Michel Lebeuf
- Institut Maurice-Lamontagne, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Peter S Ross
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Coastal Ocean Research Institute, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, PO Box 3232, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X8, Canada
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15
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Norman SA, Winfield ZC, Rickman BH, Usenko S, Klope M, Berta S, Dubpernell S, Garrett H, Adams MJ, Lambourn D, Huggins JL, Lysiak N, Clark AE, Sanders R, Trumble SJ. Persistent Organic Pollutant and Hormone Levels in Harbor Porpoise with B Cell Lymphoma. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 72:596-605. [PMID: 28447121 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0404-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma, a common morphologic variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, has been associated with persistent pollutants in humans, but this association is not well-characterized in top-level predators sharing marine resources with humans. We characterized and compared blubber contaminants and hormones of a pregnant harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) with B-cell lymphoma, with those in two presumed healthy fishery by-caught porpoises with no lymphoma: a pregnant adult and female juvenile. Common historic use compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and pesticides, were evaluated in blubber samples from three porpoises. In addition, blubber cortisol and progesterone levels (ng/g) were determined in all three animals. Total pollutant concentrations were highest in the juvenile porpoise, followed by the lymphoma porpoise and the nonlymphoma adult. Blubber cortisol concentrations were 191% greater in the pregnant with lymphoma porpoise compared with the pregnant no lymphoma porpoise, and 89% greater in the juvenile female compared with the pregnant no lymphoma porpoise. Although both adults were pregnant, progesterone levels were substantially greater (90%) in the healthy compared with the lymphoma adult. Health monitoring of top-level marine predators, such as porpoise, provides a sentinel measure of contaminants that serve as indicators of potential environmental exposure to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie A Norman
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor Sciences Building, Baylor University, 101 Bagby Avenue, B407, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
- Department of Biology, One Bear Place, #97388, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
- Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, c/o Orca Network, 485 Labella Way, Freeland, WA, 98249, USA.
- Marine-Med: Marine Research, Epidemiology, and Veterinary Medicine, 24225 15th Place SE, Bothell, WA, 98021, USA.
| | - Zach C Winfield
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, One Bear Place, #97348, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Barry H Rickman
- Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, c/o Orca Network, 485 Labella Way, Freeland, WA, 98249, USA
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Private Mail Bag 3, 425 Werombi Road, Camden, NSW, 2570, Australia
| | - Sascha Usenko
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor Sciences Building, Baylor University, 101 Bagby Avenue, B407, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Matthew Klope
- Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, c/o Orca Network, 485 Labella Way, Freeland, WA, 98249, USA
| | - Susan Berta
- Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, c/o Orca Network, 485 Labella Way, Freeland, WA, 98249, USA
| | - Sandra Dubpernell
- Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, c/o Orca Network, 485 Labella Way, Freeland, WA, 98249, USA
| | - Howard Garrett
- Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, c/o Orca Network, 485 Labella Way, Freeland, WA, 98249, USA
| | - Mary Jo Adams
- Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, c/o Orca Network, 485 Labella Way, Freeland, WA, 98249, USA
| | - Dyanna Lambourn
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Investigations, 7801 Phillips Rd. S.W., Lakewood, WA, 98498, USA
| | - Jessica L Huggins
- Cascadia Research Collective, 218 1/2 4th Ave W, Olympia, WA, 98501, USA
| | - Nadine Lysiak
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor Sciences Building, Baylor University, 101 Bagby Avenue, B407, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
- Department of Biology, One Bear Place, #97388, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Adelaide E Clark
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, One Bear Place, #97348, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Rebel Sanders
- Department of Biology, One Bear Place, #97388, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Stephen J Trumble
- Department of Biology, One Bear Place, #97388, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
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16
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Brown TM, Hammond SA, Behsaz B, Veldhoen N, Birol I, Helbing CC. De novo assembly of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) blubber transcriptome: A tool that enables identification of molecular health indicators associated with PCB exposure. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 185:48-57. [PMID: 28187360 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The ringed seal, Pusa hispida, is a keystone species in the Arctic marine ecosystem, and is proving a useful marine mammal for linking polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure to toxic injury. We report here the first de novo assembled transcriptome for the ringed seal (342,863 transcripts, of which 53% were annotated), which we then applied to a population of ringed seals exposed to a local PCB source in Arctic Labrador, Canada. We found an indication of energy metabolism imbalance in local ringed seals (n=4), and identified five significant gene transcript targets: plasminogen receptor (Plg-R(KT)), solute carrier family 25 member 43 receptor (Slc25a43), ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein 26-like receptor (Ankrd26), HIS30 (not yet annotated) and HIS16 (not yet annotated) that may represent indicators of PCB exposure and effects in marine mammals. The abundance profiles of these five gene targets were validated in blubber samples collected from 43 ringed seals using a qPCR assay. The mRNA transcript levels for all five gene targets, (Plg-R(KT), r2=0.43), (Slc25a43, r2=0.51), (Ankrd26, r2=0.43), (HIS30, r2=0.39) and (HIS16, r2=0.31) correlated with increasing levels of blubber PCBs. Results from the present study contribute to our understanding of PCB associated effects in marine mammals, and provide new tools for future molecular and toxicology work in pinnipeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3P6, Canada; Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - S Austin Hammond
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3P6, Canada; Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Bahar Behsaz
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Nik Veldhoen
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3P6, Canada
| | - Inanç Birol
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Caren C Helbing
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 3P6, Canada.
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17
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Alava JJ, Ross PS, Gobas FAPC. Food Web Bioaccumulation Model for Resident Killer Whales from the Northeastern Pacific Ocean as a Tool for the Derivation of PBDE-Sediment Quality Guidelines. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:155-168. [PMID: 26289814 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0215-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Resident killer whale populations in the NE Pacific Ocean are at risk due to the accumulation of pollutants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). To assess the impact of PBDEs in water and sediments in killer whale critical habitat, we developed a food web bioaccumulation model. The model was designed to estimate PBDE concentrations in killer whales based on PBDE concentrations in sediments and the water column throughout a lifetime of exposure. Calculated and observed PBDE concentrations exceeded the only toxicity reference value available for PBDEs in marine mammals (1500 μg/kg lipid) in southern resident killer whales but not in northern resident killer whales. Temporal trends (1993-2006) for PBDEs observed in southern resident killer whales showed a doubling time of ≈5 years. If current sediment quality guidelines available in Canada for polychlorinated biphenyls are applied to PBDEs, it can be expected that PBDE concentrations in killer whales will exceed available toxicity reference values by a large margin. Model calculations suggest that a PBDE concentration in sediments of approximately 1.0 μg/kg dw produces PBDE concentrations in resident killer whales that are below the current toxicity reference value for 95 % of the population, with this value serving as a precautionary benchmark for a management-based approach to reducing PBDE health risks to killer whales. The food web bioaccumulation model may be a useful risk management tool in support of regulatory protection for killer whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Alava
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, PO Box 3232, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X8, Canada.
| | - Peter S Ross
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, PO Box 3232, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X8, Canada
| | - Frank A P C Gobas
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
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18
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Brown TM, Ross PS, Reimer KJ. Transplacental Transfer of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Polybrominated Diphenylethers, and Organochlorine Pesticides in Ringed Seals (Pusa hispida). ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:20-27. [PMID: 26142122 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The transplacental transfer of persistent organic pollutants in marine mammals takes place at a formative developmental period, thereby exposing the fetus to endocrine-disrupting compounds. We evaluated the transplacental transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in five pregnant ringed seals in Northern Labrador, Canada. PCBs, PBDEs, and OCPs were transferred from the mother to the fetus with average concentrations in the fetuses ranging from 0.3 ng/g lipid weight (lw) of mirex to 94 ng/g lw of PCBs. The average percent transferred to the blubber in the fetus was very low with <0.02 % for each of the compounds studied. Based on relationships observed, transfer for full-term fetuses is estimated to range from 0.03 to 0.27 %. Log K(ow) explained the transfer of PCBs (r (2) = 0.67, p < 0.001) and OCPs (r (2) = 0.62, p < 0.001) with those PCB congeners and OCP compounds having a log K(ow) of <6.0 and 4.6, respectively, because they are preferentially transferred to the fetus. Adult females transferred a contaminant mixture to their fetuses, which correlated with estimated fetal age (p < 0.001; r (2) = 0.697), with younger fetuses showing a greater proportion of compounds with low K(ow) compared with later-term fetuses. The implications for the prenatal exposure to these developmental toxicants remains unknown because current toxicity thresholds in marine mammals have only been derived from juveniles or adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Brown
- Raincoast Conservation Foundation, P.O. Box 2429, Sidney, BC, V8L 3Y3, Canada.
- Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada.
| | - P S Ross
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center, P.O. Box 3232, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X8, Canada
| | - K J Reimer
- Environmental Sciences Group, Royal Military College of Canada, P.O. Box 17000, Stn Forces, Kingston, ON, K7K 7B4, Canada
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19
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Gonzalez ST, Remick D, Creton R, Colwill RM. Effects of embryonic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on anxiety-related behaviors in larval zebrafish. Neurotoxicology 2015; 53:93-101. [PMID: 26748073 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an excellent model system for assessing the effects of toxicant exposure on behavior and neurodevelopment. In the present study, we examined the effects of sub-chronic embryonic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a ubiquitous anthropogenic pollutant, on anxiety-related behaviors. We found that exposure to the PCB mixture, Aroclor (A) 1254, from 2 to 26h post-fertilization (hpf) induced two statistically significant behavioral defects in larvae at 7 days post-fertilization (dpf). First, during 135min of free swimming, larvae that had been exposed to 2ppm, 5ppm or 10ppm A1254 exhibited enhanced thigmotaxis (edge preference) relative to control larvae. Second, during the immediately ensuing 15-min visual startle assay, the 5ppm and 10ppm PCB-exposed larvae reacted differently to a visual threat, a red 'bouncing' disk, relative to control larvae. These results are consistent with the anxiogenic and attention-disrupting effects of PCB exposure documented in children, monkeys and rodents and merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Gonzalez
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Dylan Remick
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Robbert Creton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Ruth M Colwill
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
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20
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Arblaster J, Ikonomou MG, Gobas FAPC. Toward ecosystem-based sediment quality guidelines for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2015; 11:689-700. [PMID: 25810036 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To investigate whether Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Canada and British Columbia achieve their objective of protecting ecosystems, we measured and compiled concentrations of PCB congeners in sediments, bivalves, crustaceans, fish, and marine mammals from 3 areas off the Pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada. The concentration data showed that whereas PCB concentrations in sediments were predominantly below the SQG of 20 µg/kg dry weight, large fractions of the PCB concentrations in fish and shellfish species exceeded the tissue residue guideline for the consumption of fish and shellfish by wildlife (i.e., 50 µg/kg wet weight [ww]) but were below the tissue residue guideline for the consumption of fish and shellfish by human populations (i.e., 2000 µg/kg ww). Also, PCB concentrations in marine mammals exceeded toxicity reference concentrations. The concentration data were used to develop species- and location-specific Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factors (BSAF = Cbiota /Csediment ), that were used to estimate PCB concentrations in wildlife species that may exist if the PCB concentration in sediments are equal to the SQGs. The results show that if the PCB concentration is equal to the SQGs, then PCB concentrations in most wildlife species can be expected to exceed the tissue residue guideline for the consumption of fish and shellfish by wildlife species and by humans, as well as toxicity reference concentrations for marine mammals. A methodology for developing SQGs for PCBs that are protective of the health of different wildlife species and human consumers of fish and shellfish from general Canadian and coastal First Nations populations was developed and applied. The proposed guidelines may provide useful guidance to establish SQGs for PCBs that can account for the ecological diversity in coastal environments and that better achieve the intent of the guidelines to protect ecosystems. The proposed methodology for guideline development may also be useful in the development of SQGs for other bioaccumulative substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Arblaster
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Present address: ENVIRON International, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Michael G Ikonomou
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, Ocean Sciences Division, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Frank A P C Gobas
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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21
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Wang JY, Riehl KN, Klein MN, Javdan S, Hoffman JM, Dungan SZ, Dares LE, Araújo-Wang C. Biology and Conservation of the Taiwanese Humpback Dolphin, Sousa chinensis taiwanensis. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2015; 73:91-117. [PMID: 26790889 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The humpback dolphins of the eastern Taiwan Strait were first discovered scientifically in 2002 and since then have received much research attention. We reviewed all information published in peer-reviewed scientific journals on these dolphins and where appropriate and available, peer-reviewed scientific workshop reports and graduate theses were also examined. Recent evidence demonstrated that this population warranted recognition as a subspecies, Sousa chinensis taiwanensis. It is found in a highly restricted and linear strip of coastal waters along central western Taiwan. Numbering fewer than 80 individuals and declining, five main threats (fisheries interactions, habitat loss and degradation, loss of freshwater to estuaries within their habitat, air and water pollution, and noise) threaten the future existence of this subspecies. These dolphins have cultural and religious importance and boast the highest level of legal protection for wildlife in Taiwan. However, despite enormous efforts by local and international non-governmental groups urging immediate conservation actions, there have been no real government efforts to mitigate any existing threats; instead, some of these threats have worsened. Based on recent studies, we suggest the IUCN Red List status be revised to Critically Endangered CR 2a(ii); D for the subspecies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Y Wang
- CetAsia Research Group, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada; National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Checheng, Pingtung County, Taiwan.
| | | | - Michelle N Klein
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shiva Javdan
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan M Hoffman
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Z Dungan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren E Dares
- Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claryana Araújo-Wang
- CetAsia Research Group, Thornhill, Ontario, Canada; Botos do Cerrado-Pesquisas Ambientais, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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22
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Brown TM, Luque S, Sjare B, Fisk AT, Helbing CC, Reimer KJ. Satellite telemetry informs PCB source apportionment in a mobile, high trophic level marine mammal: the ringed seal (Pusa hispida). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:13110-13119. [PMID: 25314596 DOI: 10.1021/es504010q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are typically poor indicators of point sources of environmental contaminants as a consequence of their often complex feeding ecologies and extensive movements, all of which mask the contributions of specific inputs. The release of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by a military radar station into Saglek Bay, Labrador (Canada) has contaminated marine sediments, bottom-feeding fish, seabirds, and some ringed seals, but attributing the PCBs in the latter highly mobile animals to this source is exceedingly difficult. In addition to the application of such tools as stable isotopes (δ(15)N and δ(13)C) and univariate and multivariate statistical exploration of contaminant patterns and ratios, we used satellite telemetry to track the movements of 13 seals in their transient use of different feeding areas. Reduced size of home range and core area (i.e., areas of concentrated use), as well as increased time in coastal inlets, were important determinants of increased PCB concentrations in seals reflecting the contribution of Saglek Bay. Seals were classified into the same feeding groups using both space use and their contaminant burdens 85% of the time, highlighting the link between feeding ecology and exposure to PCBs. While the PCB source at Saglek provided a strong local signal in a remote environment, this first use of satellite telemetry demonstrates the utility of evaluating space-use strategies to better understand contaminant exposure, and more specifically the contribution of contaminant hotspots to mobile predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria , Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
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23
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Brown TM, Ross PS, Reimer KJ, Veldhoen N, Dangerfield NJ, Fisk AT, Helbing CC. PCB related effects thresholds as derived through gene transcript profiles in locally contaminated ringed seals (Pusa hispida). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:12952-12961. [PMID: 25286162 DOI: 10.1021/es5032294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Causal evidence linking toxic injury to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure is typically confounded by the complexity of real-world contaminant mixtures to which aquatic wildlife are exposed. A local PCB "hotspot" on the Labrador coast provided a rare opportunity to evaluate the effects of PCBs on the health of a marine mammal as this chemical dominated their persistent organic pollutant (POP) burdens. The release of approximately 260 kg of PCBs by a military radar facility over a 30 year period (1970-2000) contaminated some local marine biota, including the ringed seal (Pusa hispida). The abundance profiles of eight health-related gene transcripts were evaluated in liver samples collected from 43 ringed seals in the affected area. The mRNA transcript levels of five gene targets, including aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), interleukin-1 β (Il1b), estrogen receptor α (Esr1), insulin like growth factor receptor 1 (Igf1), and glucocorticoid receptor α (Nr3c1) correlated with increasing levels of blubber PCBs. PCB threshold values calculated using best-fit hockey-stick regression models for these five genes averaged 1,680±206 ng/g lw, with the lowest, most conservative, being 1,370 ng/g lw for Il1b. Approximately 14% of the seals in the region exceeded this threshold. The dominance of PCBs in the seals studied enabled an assessment of the effects of this chemical on gene transcripts involved in regulating the health of a highly mobile predator, something that is rarely possible in the world of complex mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria , Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
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24
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Routti H, Lydersen C, Hanssen L, Kovacs KM. Contaminant levels in the world's northernmost harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 87:140-146. [PMID: 25152181 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.08.001] [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: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The world's northernmost harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) population, which inhabits Svalbard, Norway, constitutes a genetically distinct population. The present study reports concentrations of 14 PCBs, 5 chlordanes, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), mirex, and, α-, β-and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in blubber, and pentachlorophenol, 4-OH-heptachlorostyrene, 10 OH-PCBs and 14 perfluoroalkyl substances in plasma of live-captured harbor seals from this population (4 males, 4 females, 4 juveniles), sampled in 2009-2010. Concentrations of PCB 153, p,p'-DDE, oxychlordane, α-HCH and mirex and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates in Svalbard harbor seals were considerably lower than harbor seal from more southerly populations, while concentrations of HCB, OH-PCBs and perfluoroalkyl carboxylates were similar for harbor seals from Svalbard and southern areas. Concentrations of PCBs and pesticides in the Svalbard harbor seals were 60-90% lower than levels determined a decade ago in this same population. Current concentrations of legacy POPs are not considered a health risk to the harbor seals from Svalbard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | - Linda Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
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25
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Shaw SD, Berger ML, Weijs L, Päpke O, Covaci A. Polychlorinated biphenyls still pose significant health risks to northwest Atlantic harbor seals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 490:477-487. [PMID: 24875260 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.011] [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: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been detected at relatively high concentrations in harbor seals, apex predators in the northwest Atlantic. As part of an ongoing assessment of the effects of PCBs on population health, we analyzed tri- to deca-PCBs in the liver of 56 harbor seals (6 adult males, 50 pups) and in 11 blubber samples (4 adult males, 7 pups) and examined tissue-specific accumulation patterns, biomagnification potential, and toxic implications of current PCB concentrations. Hepatic ∑30PCB concentrations (overall mean±standard deviation: 76,860±111,800 ng/g lipid weight, lw) were higher than blubber concentrations (48,180±69,420 ng/g lw). Regional trends were suggestive of fresh PCB inputs from the industrialized, densely populated southern coast of New England versus the rural north. The lack of temporal trends confirmed that tissue concentrations of PCBs have plateaued since the early 1990s. Tissue distribution of PCBs varied significantly by age and, surprisingly by gender among the pups. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that lighter PCBs are selectively transferred from mother to pup blubber in relation to lipid solubility (log Kow), but heavier PCBs may be efficiently transferred during late lactation from mother to pup liver. Biomagnification factors (BMFs) for ∑6PCBs from prey fish to adult male seals ranged from 90 to 547 in the liver and 88 to 532 in the blubber, and suggested that molecular structure and metabolic capacity were more important influences than log Kow on the retention of PCBs. Blubber concentrations of ∑30PCBs in 87% of the pups were an order of magnitude higher than recent toxic reference values (TRVs) calculated for ∑154PCBs in nursing harbor seals, suggesting that the pups are at risk for PCB-mediated toxicity at a vulnerable stage of development. Given the recurring pattern of epizootics in these seals, the health of the population is of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Shaw
- Marine Environmental Research Institute, Center for Marine Studies, P.O. Box 1652, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, P.O. Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA.
| | - Michelle L Berger
- Marine Environmental Research Institute, Center for Marine Studies, P.O. Box 1652, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
| | - Liesbeth Weijs
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Olaf Päpke
- Eurofins-ERGO, Neuländerkamp 1, 21079 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE), Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
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26
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Brown TM, Fisk AT, Helbing CC, Reimer KJ. Polychlorinated biphenyl profiles in ringed seals (Pusa Hispida) reveal historical contamination by a military radar station in Labrador, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2014; 33:592-601. [PMID: 24273070 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2468] [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: 08/23/2013] [Revised: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Significant amounts of soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were discovered at a military radar station in Saglek Bay, Labrador, Canada, in 1996. Subsequent work showed elevated PCB concentrations in local marine sediments, in the benthic-associated food web, and in some ringed seals (Pusa hispida). The benthic-associated food web clearly reflected local PCB contamination, but the high PCB concentrations found in some ringed seals remained unexplained. In the present study, the authors assess the extent to which this local PCB source at Saglek Bay is contributing to the contamination of ringed seals in northern Labrador. Among 63 ringed seals sampled along the northern Labrador coast, 5 (8%) had PCB levels that were higher than recorded anywhere else in the Canadian Arctic. In addition, compared with seals exhibiting a long-range signal, 45% and 60% of subadults and adult males, respectively, exhibited heavier PCB congener profiles as characterized by principal components analysis, >1.6-fold higher PCB/organochlorine pesticides ratios, and higher PCB concentration-weighted average log octanol-water partition coefficient values, consistent with a local source. Despite the spatially confined nature of contaminated sediments in Saglek Bay, the influence of this PCB source is not inconsequential; PCB concentrations in locally contaminated adult males are 2-fold higher than concentrations in those exposed only to long-range PCB sources and exceed an established threshold of 1.3 mg/kg for adverse health effects in seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Brown
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; Environmental Sciences Group, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Noël M, Loseto LL, Helbing CC, Veldhoen N, Dangerfield NJ, Ross PS. PCBs are associated with altered gene transcript profiles in arctic Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus leucas). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2014; 48:2942-2951. [PMID: 24490950 DOI: 10.1021/es403217r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
High trophic level arctic beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are exposed to persistent organic pollutants (POP) originating primarily from southern latitudes. We collected samples from 43 male beluga harvested by Inuvialuit hunters (2008-2010) in the Beaufort Sea to evaluate the effects of POPs on the levels of 13 health-related gene transcripts using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Consistent with their role in detoxification, the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr) (r(2) = 0.18, p = 0.045 for 2008 and 2009) and cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp1a1) (r(2) = 0.20, p < 0.001 for 2008 and 2009; r(2) = 0.43, p = 0.049 for 2010) transcripts were positively correlated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the dominant POP in beluga. Principal Components Analysis distinguished between these two toxicology genes and 11 other genes primarily involved in growth, metabolism, and development. Factor 1 explained 56% of gene profiles, with these latter 11 gene transcripts displaying greater abundance in years coinciding with periods of low sea ice extent (2008 and 2010). δ(13)C results suggested a shift in feeding ecology and/or change in condition of these ice edge-associated beluga whales during these two years. While this provides insight into the legacy of PCBs in a remote environment, the possible impacts of a changing ice climate on the health of beluga underscores the need for long-term studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Noël
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria , Victoria, British Columbia V8W 2Y2, Canada
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Desforges JPW, Ross PS, Dangerfield N, Palace VP, Whiticar M, Loseto LL. Vitamin A and E profiles as biomarkers of PCB exposure in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the western Canadian Arctic. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 142-143:317-328. [PMID: 24077185 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the utility of vitamin A and E profiles as biomarkers of contaminant exposure in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas; n=66) harvested by the Inuvialuit in the Beaufort Sea. Blubber was an important repository for these vitamins, accounting for 76.8±2.6% of the total body store of vitamin A, and 98.5±0.4% of total vitamin E. While the free alcohol form of vitamin A (retinol) appeared highly regulated, the vitamin A esters were influenced by several biological factors including age, body condition and length. Vitamin E concentrations in liver and blubber were related to age, condition, length and feeding ecology, as described δ(15)N and δ(13)C. Despite the influence of these factors, collective results from univariate statistics, best fit multiple regressions, and principal component analysis (PCA) identified polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as important determinants of vitamin concentrations and profiles in beluga tissues. Blubber PCB concentrations best explained variation of the first principal component in a PCA of hepatic vitamins (r(2)=0.13, p=0.014), and regression models found that vitamin A concentrations were negatively correlated with PCB levels in liver (esters: r(2)=0.19, p=0.001), but positively in plasma (retinol: r(2)=0.20, p=0.06) and blubber (retinol: r(2)=0.22, p=0.001, esters: r(2)=0.43, p<0.001). Our analyses provide a basis to propose an integrated toxicity reference value for disruption of vitamin A and E profiles in beluga of 1.6 mg/kg lw PCBs. This disruption of vitamin profiles by moderate levels of PCBs in an arctic cetacean highlights the global reach and impact of these legacy chemicals decades after their peak use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pierre W Desforges
- University of Victoria, School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, 3800 Finnerty Road, Victoria, BC, Canada V8P 5C2; Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Institute of Ocean Sciences, 9860 West Saanich Road, P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, BC, Canada V8L 4B2
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Brown TM, Kuzyk ZZA, Stow JP, Burgess NM, Solomon SM, Sheldon TA, Reimer KJ. Effects-based marine ecological risk assessment at a polychlorinated biphenyl-contaminated site in Saglek, Labrador, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2013; 32:453-467. [PMID: 23147987 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Although the presence and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Arctic marine environments has been well documented, the implications for the health of biota are poorly understood. In the present study, multiple lines of evidence, including site-specific effects data, were used to assess PCB-related risks to marine biota at a contaminated military site in Saglek Bay, Labrador, Canada, from 1997 to 1999. Risks were evaluated for three components of the ecosystem: benthic invertebrates, a bottom-feeding fish (shorthorn sculpin, Myoxocephalus scorpius), and a diving seabird (black guillemot, Cepphus grylle). Average sediment PCB concentrations exceeded the Canadian interim sediment quality guideline level by 41-fold. However, sediment toxicity testing and a benthic community survey showed no evidence of adverse effects. In contrast, shorthorn sculpin and black guillemot PCB exposures (measured as sum of 55 congeners) were elevated enough to pose risks to survival or reproduction. Based on the collective evidence, the authors estimated that risks were posed by sediment PCB concentrations greater than 77 ng/g dry weight for black guillemots and 750 ng/g dry weight for shorthorn sculpins. The present study, along with two parallel studies, provided information to support the management decisions concerning potential remedial action on the contaminated sediments. This ecological risk assessment describes the steps and rationale taken to evaluate the risk posed by an area of PCB-contaminated marine sediments in an otherwise relatively pristine northern coastal environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya M Brown
- Environmental Sciences Group, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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Alava JJ, Ross PS, Lachmuth C, Ford JKB, Hickie BE, Gobas FAPC. Habitat-based PCB environmental quality criteria for the protection of endangered killer whales (Orcinus orca). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:12655-12663. [PMID: 23098163 DOI: 10.1021/es303062q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The development of an area-based polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) food-web bioaccumulation model enabled a critical evaluation of the efficacy of sediment quality criteria and prey tissue residue guidelines in protecting fish-eating resident killer whales of British Columbia and adjacent waters. Model-predicted and observed PCB concentrations in resident killer whales and Chinook salmon were in good agreement, supporting the model's application for risk assessment and criteria development. Model application shows that PCB concentrations in the sediments from the resident killer whale's Critical Habitats and entire foraging range leads to PCB concentrations in most killer whales that exceed PCB toxicity threshold concentrations reported for marine mammals. Results further indicate that current PCB sediment quality and prey tissue residue criteria for fish-eating wildlife are not protective of killer whales and are not appropriate for assessing risks of PCB-contaminated sediments to high trophic level biota. We present a novel methodology for deriving sediment quality criteria and tissue residue guidelines that protect biota of high trophic levels under various PCB management scenarios. PCB concentrations in sediments and in prey that are deemed protective of resident killer whale health are much lower than current criteria values, underscoring the extreme vulnerability of high trophic level marine mammals to persistent and bioaccumulative contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Alava
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
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Alava JJ, Lambourn D, Olesiuk P, Lance M, Jeffries SJ, Gobas FAPC, Ross PS. PBDE flame retardants and PCBs in migrating Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 88:855-864. [PMID: 22560183 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.03.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Revised: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in blubber biopsy samples from 22 live-captured Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) that had just entered the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada, for their overwintering feeding season. ∑PBDE ranged from 50μgkg(-1) (lipid weight) in adult females to 3780μgkg(-1) in subadult individuals. ∑PCBs ranged from 272μgkg(-1) in adult females to 14280μgkg(-1) in subadult individuals. While most PBDE and PCB congeners were transferred through milk to pups, PCBs with logK(OW)>7.0 (PCBs 206, 207, 208 and 209) appeared constrained, resulting in a lighter mixture in pups compared to adult females. The ratio of individual PCB congeners by metabolic group (Groups I, II, III, IV and V) to PCB-153 regressed against length of males suggested poor biotransformation of these compounds (slopes did not differ from zero, p>0.05). PBDE congeners 49, 99, 153 and 183 appeared bioaccumulative (slopes of ratio BDE/PCB 153 versus length were higher than zero, p<0.05), but the dominance of the single congener, BDE-47 (64% of total PBDEs), likely due in part to debromination pathways, reduced our ability to explore congener-specific dynamics of PBDEs in these pinnipeds. With 80% of our Steller sea lions exceeding a recent toxicity reference value for PCBs, the fasting-associated mobilization of these contaminants raises concerns about a heightened vulnerability to adverse effects during annual migrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Alava
- School of Resource and Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada V5A 1S6.
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Buckman AH, Veldhoen N, Ellis G, Ford JKB, Helbing CC, Ross PS. PCB-associated changes in mRNA expression in killer whales (Orcinus orca) from the NE Pacific Ocean. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:10194-10202. [PMID: 21985468 DOI: 10.1021/es201541j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Killer whales in the NE Pacific Ocean are among the world's most PCB-contaminated marine mammals, raising concerns about implications for their health. Sixteen health-related killer whale mRNA transcripts were analyzed in blubber biopsies collected from 35 free-ranging killer whales in British Columbia using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We observed PCB-related increases in the expression of five gene targets, including the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR; r(2) = 0.83; p < 0.001), thyroid hormone α receptor (TRα; r(2) = 0.64; p < 0.001), estrogen α receptor (ERα; r(2) = 0.70; p < 0.001), interleukin 10 (IL-10; r(2) = 0.74 and 0.68, males and females, respectively; p < 0.001), and metallothionein 1 (MT1; r(2) = 0.58; p < 0.001). Best-fit models indicated that population (dietary preference), age, and sex were not confounding factors, except for IL-10, where males differed from females. While the population-level consequences are unclear, the PCB-associated alterations in mRNA abundance of such pivotal end points provide compelling evidence of adverse physiological effects of persistent environmental contaminants in these endangered killer whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea H Buckman
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 6000, 9860 West Saanich Road, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 4B2, Canada
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Alava JJ, Salazar S, Cruz M, Jiménez-Uzcátegui G, Villegas-Amtmann S, Paéz-Rosas D, Costa DP, Ross PS, Ikonomou MG, Gobas FAPC. DDT strikes back: Galapagos sea lions face increasing health risks. AMBIO 2011; 40:425-30. [PMID: 21809785 PMCID: PMC3357739 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-011-0136-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan José Alava
- School of Resource & Environmental Management, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
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Alava JJ, Ross PS, Ikonomou MG, Cruz M, Jimenez-Uzcátegui G, Dubetz C, Salazar S, Costa DP, Villegas-Amtmann S, Howorth P, Gobas FAPC. DDT in endangered Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:660-671. [PMID: 21353257 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Revised: 01/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/30/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We characterize for the first time the presence of DDT and its metabolites in tropical Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wolleabeki). ∑DDT concentrations in Galapagos sea lion pups sampled in 2005 and 2008 ranged from 16 to 3070 μg/kg lipid. Concentrations of ∑DDT in pups in 2008 averaged 525 μg/kg lipid and were 1.9 times higher than that (281 μg/kg lipid) detected in pups in 2005. These concentrations are lower than those reported in many pinnipeds elsewhere, comparable to those in Hawaiian monk seals, and higher than those in southern elephant seals. The health risk characterization showed that 1% of the male pups exceeded the p,p'-DDE toxic effect concentration associated with anti-androgenic effects reported in rats. The findings provide preliminary guidance on the relationship between DDT use and ecological impacts, serving as a reference point against which possible future impact of tropical DDT use can be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jose Alava
- School of Resource & Environmental Management, Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A1S6, Canada
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