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Clewell HJ, Fuchsman PC. Interspecies scaling of toxicity reference values in human health versus ecological risk assessments: A critical review. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:749-764. [PMID: 37724480 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4842] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessments that focus on anthropogenic chemicals in environmental media-whether considering human health or ecological effects-often rely on toxicity data from experimentally studied species to estimate safe exposures for species that lack similar data. Current default extrapolation approaches used in both human health risk assessments and ecological risk assessments (ERAs) account for differences in body weight between the test organisms and the species of interest, but the two default approaches differ in important ways. Human health risk assessments currently employ a default based on body weight raised to the three-quarters power. Ecological risk assessments for wildlife (i.e., mammals and birds) are typically based directly on body weight, as measured in the test organism and receptor species. This review describes differences in the experimental data underlying these default practices and discusses the many factors that affect interspecies variability in chemical exposures. The interplay of these different factors can lead to substantial departures from default expectations. Alternative methodologies for conducting more accurate interspecies extrapolations in ERAs for wildlife are discussed, including tissue-based toxicity reference values, physiologically based toxicokinetic and/or toxicodynamic modeling, chemical read-across, and a system of categorical defaults based on route of exposure and toxic mode of action. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:749-764. © 2023 SETAC.
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Torget V, Bernhoft A, Hb Müller M, Polder A, Viljugrein H, Madslien K, Ludvig Lyche J. The red listed eagle owl (Bubo bubo) population in Norway is exposed to POP levels exceeding threshold values for adverse health effects. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 186:108650. [PMID: 38613936 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108650] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
The eagle owl (Bubo bubo) population in Norway is today classified as critically endangered on the red list of endangered species. Because previous studies have detected high concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in birds of prey, concerns have been raised whether POPs exposure are a significant factor to the substantial decline of the eagle owl population. The aims of this study were to measure the levels of POPs in eagle owls and to assess whether POPs may represent a potential health risk. POPs were analysed in liver samples from 100 eagle owls collected between 1994 and 2014. The concentrations of POPs were generally very high and individual birds had levels among the highest measured worldwide. The contaminant groups analysed were highly correlated (p < 0.0001). The concentrations of sum of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (∑PCB) exceeded the threshold value from moderate to severe health risk in 90% of the birds. The birds with cachectic or lean body condition had significantly higher levels of contaminants than those with higher body condition scores. No significant temporal or spatial trends were noted. The lack of temporal trends, suggest that the downward trend of POPs, appear to be levelling off. The lack of differences between inland and coastal regions suggest that the risk of exposure may be comparable between predatory birds feeding in marine or terrestrial food webs. The significantly higher POPs levels detected in individuals with poor body condition may be due to reduced fat stores and thereby higher concentration in the remaining fat and/or the weight loss could be induced by toxic effects. The high proportion of birds exceeding the threshold values for severe and high risk of adverse effects, suggest that the high contamination load may reduce the eagle owl's fitness and survival and, thus, contribute to decline of the eagle owl population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidar Torget
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Aksel Bernhoft
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 64, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Mette Hb Müller
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Anuschka Polder
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | | | - Knut Madslien
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 64, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Jan Ludvig Lyche
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
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Reiter EB, Escher BI, Rojo-Nieto E, Nolte H, Siebert U, Jahnke A. Characterizing the marine mammal exposome by iceberg modeling, linking chemical analysis and in vitro bioassays. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1802-1816. [PMID: 37132588 PMCID: PMC10647987 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00033h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study complements work on mixture effects measured with in vitro bioassays of passive equilibrium sampling extracts using the silicone polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in organs from marine mammals with chemical profiling. Blubber, liver, kidney and brain tissues of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), ringed seal (Phoca hispida) and orca (Orcinus orca) from the North and Baltic Seas were investigated. We analyzed 117 chemicals including legacy and emerging contaminants using gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry and quantified 70 of those chemicals in at least one sample. No systematic differences between the organs were found. Only for single compounds a clear distribution pattern was observed. For example, 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, enzacamene and etofenprox were mainly detected in blubber, whereas tonalide and the hexachlorocyclohexanes were more often found in liver. Furthermore, we compared the chemical profiling with the bioanalytical results using an iceberg mixture model, evaluating how much of the biological effect could be explained by the analyzed chemicals. The mixture effect predicted from the quantified chemical concentrations explained 0.014-83% of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor activating effect (AhR-CALUX), but less than 0.13% for the activation of the oxidative stress response (AREc32) and peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPARγ). The quantified chemicals also explained between 0.044-45% of the cytotoxic effect measured with the AhR-CALUX. The largest fraction of the observed effect was explained for the orca, which was the individuum with the highest chemical burden. This study underlines that chemical analysis and bioassays are complementary to comprehensively characterize the mixture exposome of marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva B Reiter
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Beate I Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elisa Rojo-Nieto
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Hannah Nolte
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, 25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany
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Schaap I, Buedenbender L, Johann S, Hollert H, Dogruer G. Impact of chemical pollution on threatened marine mammals: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132203. [PMID: 37567134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132203] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals, due to their long life span, key position in the food web, and large lipid deposits, often face significant health risks from accumulating contaminants. This systematic review examines published literature on pollutant-induced adverse health effects in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red-listed marine mammal species. Thereby, identifying gaps in literature across different extinction risk categories, spatial distribution and climatic zones of studied habitats, commonly used methodologies, researched pollutants, and mechanisms from cellular to population levels. Our findings reveal a lower availability of exposure-effect data for higher extinction risk species (critically endangered 16%, endangered 15%, vulnerable 66%), highlighting the need for more research. For many threatened species in the Southern Hemisphere pollutant-effect relationships are not established. Non-destructively sampled tissues, like blood or skin, are commonly measured for exposure assessment. The most studied pollutants are POPs (31%), metals (30%), and pesticides (17%). Research on mixture toxicity is scarce while pollution-effect studies primarily focus on molecular and cellular levels. Bridging the gap between molecular data and higher-level effects is crucial, with computational approaches offering a high potential through in vitro to in vivo extrapolation using (toxico-)kinetic modelling. This could aid in population-level risk assessment for threatened marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Schaap
- Farm Technology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Larissa Buedenbender
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Sarah Johann
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department Environmental Media Related Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gulsah Dogruer
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen Research, 1976CP IJmuiden, the Netherlands
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Ciesielski TM, Sonne C, Smette EI, Villanger GD, Styrishave B, Letcher RJ, Hitchcock DJ, Dietz R, Jenssen BM. Testosterone and persistent organic pollutants in east Greenland male polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Heliyon 2023; 9:e13263. [PMID: 37101474 PMCID: PMC10123070 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are chemicals that undergo long-range transport to the Arctic. These chemicals possess endocrine disruptive properties raising concerns for development and reproduction. Here, we report the relationship between concentrations of testosterone (T) and persistent organic pollutant (POPs) in 40 East Greenland male polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled during January to September 1999-2001. The mean ± standard concentrations of blood T were 0.31 ± 0.49 (mean ± SD) ng/mL in juveniles/subadults (n = 22) and 3.58 ± 7.45 ng/mL in adults (n = 18). The ∑POP concentrations (mean ± SD) in adipose tissue were 8139 ± 2990 ng/g lipid weight (lw) in juveniles/subadults and 11,037 ± 3950 ng/g lw in adult males, respectively, of which Σpolychlorinated biphenyls (ΣPCBs) were found in highest concentrations. The variation in T concentrations explained by sampling date (season), biometrics and adipose tissue POP concentrations was explored using redundancy analysis (RDA). The results showed that age, body length, and adipose lipid content in adult males contributed (p = 0.02) to the variation in POP concentrations. However, although some significant relationships between individual organochlorine contaminants and T concentrations in both juveniles/subadults and adult polar bears were identified, no significant relationships (p = 0.32) between T and POP concentrations were identified by the RDAs. Our results suggest that confounders such as biometrics and reproductive status may mask the endocrine disruptive effects that POPs have on blood T levels in male polar bears, demonstrating why it can be difficult to detect effects on wildlife populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz M. Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Corresponding author.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Corresponding author.
| | - Eli I. Smette
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gro Dehli Villanger
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Mental and Physical Health, Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222 Skoyen, NO-0213 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology and Drug Metabolism Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Robert J. Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | | | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjørn M. Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Arctic Technology, The University Centre in Svalbard, PO Box 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
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Dietz R, Letcher RJ, Aars J, Andersen M, Boltunov A, Born EW, Ciesielski TM, Das K, Dastnai S, Derocher AE, Desforges JP, Eulaers I, Ferguson S, Hallanger IG, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Heimbürger-Boavida LE, Hoekstra PF, Jenssen BM, Kohler SG, Larsen MM, Lindstrøm U, Lippold A, Morris A, Nabe-Nielsen J, Nielsen NH, Peacock E, Pinzone M, Rigét FF, Rosing-Asvid A, Routti H, Siebert U, Stenson G, Stern G, Strand J, Søndergaard J, Treu G, Víkingsson GA, Wang F, Welker JM, Wiig Ø, Wilson SJ, Sonne C. A risk assessment review of mercury exposure in Arctic marine and terrestrial mammals. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 829:154445. [PMID: 35304145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There has been a considerable number of reports on Hg concentrations in Arctic mammals since the last Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) effort to review biological effects of the exposure to mercury (Hg) in Arctic biota in 2010 and 2018. Here, we provide an update on the state of the knowledge of health risk associated with Hg concentrations in Arctic marine and terrestrial mammal species. Using available population-specific data post-2000, our ultimate goal is to provide an updated evidence-based estimate of the risk for adverse health effects from Hg exposure in Arctic mammal species at the individual and population level. Tissue residues of Hg in 13 species across the Arctic were classified into five risk categories (from No risk to Severe risk) based on critical tissue concentrations derived from experimental studies on harp seals and mink. Exposure to Hg lead to low or no risk for health effects in most populations of marine and terrestrial mammals, however, subpopulations of polar bears, pilot whales, narwhals, beluga and hooded seals are highly exposed in geographic hotspots raising concern for Hg-induced toxicological effects. About 6% of a total of 3500 individuals, across different marine mammal species, age groups and regions, are at high or severe risk of health effects from Hg exposure. The corresponding figure for the 12 terrestrial species, regions and age groups was as low as 0.3% of a total of 731 individuals analyzed for their Hg loads. Temporal analyses indicated that the proportion of polar bears at low or moderate risk has increased in East/West Greenland and Western Hudson Bay, respectively. However, there remain numerous knowledge gaps to improve risk assessments of Hg exposure in Arctic mammalian species, including the establishment of improved concentration thresholds and upscaling to the assessment of population-level effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
| | | | - Andrei Boltunov
- Marine Mammal Research and Expedition Centre, 36 Nahimovskiy pr., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Erik W Born
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, DK-3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Sam Dastnai
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Andrew E Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Environmental Studies and Science, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
| | - Steve Ferguson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | | | | | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/IRD/Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France; Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, Marseille, France
| | | | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Stephen Gustav Kohler
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, E2-128, Gløshaugen, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin M Larsen
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ulf Lindstrøm
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, Institute of Marine Research, FRAM Centre, NO-9007 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anna Lippold
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
| | - Adam Morris
- Northern Contaminants Program, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 15 Eddy Street, 14th floor, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H4, Canada
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Nynne H Nielsen
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, DK-3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Elizabeth Peacock
- USGS Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508-4626, USA
| | - Marianna Pinzone
- Department of Environmental Studies and Science, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, DK-3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, DE-25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Garry Stenson
- Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Department DFO-MPO, 80 EastWhite Hills vie, St John's A1C 5X1, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Gary Stern
- Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS), Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources, University of Manitoba, 586Wallace Bld, 125 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T, 2N2, Canada
| | - Jakob Strand
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gabriele Treu
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gisli A Víkingsson
- Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Skúlagata 4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Feiyue Wang
- Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS), Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources, University of Manitoba, 586Wallace Bld, 125 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T, 2N2, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage 99508, United States; University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland; University of the Arctic, Rovaniemi 96460, Finland
| | - Øystein Wiig
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1172, Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Simon J Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, Box 6606 Stakkevollan, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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Reiter EB, Escher BI, Siebert U, Jahnke A. Activation of the xenobiotic metabolism and oxidative stress response by mixtures of organic pollutants extracted with in-tissue passive sampling from liver, kidney, brain and blubber of marine mammals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 165:107337. [PMID: 35696845 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We used in-tissue passive equilibrium sampling using the silicone polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to transfer chemical mixtures present in organs from marine mammals with lipid contents between 2.3 and 99%into in vitro bioassays. Tissues from five harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), one harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) and one orca (Orcinus orca) from the North and Baltic Seas were sampled until thermodynamic equilibrium was reached. Mixture effects were quantified with cellular reporter gene bioassays targeting the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR-CALUX), the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ-bla) and the oxidative stress response (AREc32), with parallel cytotoxicity measurements in all assays. After removing co-extracted lipids and other matrix residues with a non-destructive cleanup method (freeze-out of acetonitrile extract followed by a primary secondary amine sorbent extraction), the activation of the PPARγ and AREc32 were reduced by factors of on average 4.3 ± 0.15 (n = 22) and 2.5 ± 0.23 (n = 18), respectively, whereas the activation of the AhR remained largely unaltered: 1.1 ± 0.075 (n = 6). The liver extracts showed the highest activation, followed by the corresponding kidney and brain extracts, and the blubber extracts of the animals were the least active ones. The activation of the PPARγ by the liver extracts was reduced after cleanup by a factor of 11 ± 0.26 (n = 7) and the AREc32 activity by a factor of 1.9 ± 0.32 (n = 4). The blubber extracts did not activate the AhR up to concentrations where cytotoxicity occurred or up to an acceptable lipid volume fraction of 0.27% as derived from earlier work, whereas all liver extracts that had undergone cleanup activated the AhR. The developed in-tissue passive sampling approach allows a direct comparison of the bioassay responses between different tissues without further normalization and serves as a quantitative method suitable for biomonitoring of environmental biota samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva B Reiter
- Department Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Beate I Escher
- Department Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Environmental Toxicology, Center for Applied Geoscience, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany; Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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8
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Hoondert RPJ, Ragas AMJ, Hendriks AJ. Simulating changes in polar bear subpopulation growth rate due to legacy persistent organic pollutants - Temporal and spatial trends. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142380. [PMID: 33254886 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142380] [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: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although atmospheric concentrations of many conventional persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have decreased in the Arctic over the past few decades, levels of most POPs and mercury remain high since the 1990s or start to increase again in Arctic areas, especially polar bears. So far, studies generally focused on individual effects of POPs, and do not directly link POP concentrations in prey species to population-specific parameters. In this study we therefore aimed to estimate the effect of legacy POPs and mercury on population growth rate of nineteen polar bear subpopulations. We modelled population development in three scenarios, based on species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) derived for POPs based on ecotoxicity data for endothermic species. In the first scenario, ecotoxicity data for polar bears were based on the HC50 (the concentration at which 50% of the species is affected). The other two scenarios were based on the HC5 and HC95. Considerable variation in effects of POPs could be observed among the scenarios. In our intermediate scenario, we predicted subpopulation decline for ten out of 15 polar bear subpopulations. The estimated population growth rate was least reduced in Gulf of Boothia and Foxe Basin. On average, PCB concentrations in prey (in μg/g toxic equivalency (TEQ)) posed the largest threat to polar bear subpopulations, with negative modelled population growth rates for the majority of subpopulations. We did not find a correlation between modelled population changes and monitored population trends for the majority of chemical-subpopulation combinations. Modelled population growth rates increased over time, implying a decreasing effect of PCBs, DDTs, and mercury. Polar bear subpopulations are reportedly still declining in four out of the seven subpopulations for which sufficient long-term monitoring data is available, as reported by the IUCN-PBSG. This implies that other emerging pollutants or other anthropogenic stressors may affect polar bear subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske P J Hoondert
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Ad M J Ragas
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Faculty of Management, Science and Technology, Open University, the Netherlands
| | - A Jan Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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9
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Sun X, Zhan F, Yu RQ, Chen L, Wu Y. Bio-accumulation of organic contaminants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins: Preliminary unique features of the brain and testes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115511. [PMID: 32892017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is little information about the residue levels and congener composition of organic contaminants (OCs) in cetaceans. In the present study, we investigated the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the blubber, blood, brain and testes of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) stranded in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), China. The lowest blubber/tissue partition coefficients were found for sum hexachlorocyclohexanes (ΣHCHs) and ΣPAHs, while the highest were in ΣPCBs and sum dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (ΣDDTs), likely attributing to the octanol-water partition features. The low levels of OCs in brain and testes theoretically resulted from the blood-brain barrier, blood-testes barrier, contaminant molecule dimensions and unique lipid compositions in the brain and testes. Compared with other contaminants, the higher mean brain/blood and testes/blood partition coefficients found for mirex, heptachlor, dieldrin and endrin would increase the risks associated with exposure-related toxicity and the bioavailability of contaminants within these tissues. Observations also suggest that as lipid mobilizes from blubber, contaminants may redistribute, leading to elevated tissue (such as brain) concentrations. Therefore, dolphins with less blubber may be more susceptible to health risks. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins living in PRE are at great risk due to variety of OCs in indirect contact with non-target organisms, affecting the health of animals (toxic effects and accumulation). Our findings contribute to the knowledge of the potential effects of OCs exposure on developmental neurotoxicity and reproductive damage in marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Sun
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Fengping Zhan
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, 75799, USA
| | - Laiguo Chen
- Urban Environment and Ecology Research Center, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences (SCIES), Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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10
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Dominique M, Letcher RJ, Rutter A, Langlois VS. Comparative review of the distribution and burden of contaminants in the body of polar bears. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:32456-32466. [PMID: 32556983 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09193-2] [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: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Historical (or legacy) contaminants, such as metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs; e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls) have been measured in circumpolar subpopulations of polar bears, especially from Hudson Bay, East Greenland, and Svalbard, but substantially less is currently known about new and/or emerging contaminants such as polychlorinated naphthalenes, current-use pesticides, organotins, and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is an apex Arctic predator that accumulates high levels of bioaccumulative POPs and mercury (Hg), but there is currently no comprehensive profiling of the present knowledge on contaminants in tissue and body compartments in polar bears. Based on current literature reports and data, and including archived museum samples (as far back as the 1300s) and up to 2018, the aim of this review is to utilize available data to examine the comparative distribution and burden of mainly lipophilic contaminants in kidney, liver, fat, and other body compartments, such as milk, blood, and brain. Highlight outcomes from this review include the following: (1) the kidneys are one of the most important tissue depots of contaminants in polar bears; (2) there is a critical lack of data concerning the presence of metals of concern (other than Hg); and (3) there currently are no data available on the concentrations of many newer and emerging contaminants, such as PACs, which is especially relevant given the increasing oil and gas development in regions, such as the Beaufort Sea (Canada). Additionally, given the vulnerability of polar bear populations worldwide, there is a need to develop non-invasive approaches to monitor contaminant exposure in polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Dominique
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Allison Rutter
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Ecotoxicogenomics and Endocrine Disruption, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada.
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11
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Moorhouse‐Gann RJ, Kean EF, Parry G, Valladares S, Chadwick EA. Dietary complexity and hidden costs of prey switching in a generalist top predator. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:6395-6408. [PMID: 32724521 PMCID: PMC7381573 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in predator diet is a critical aspect of food web stability, health, and population dynamics of predator/ prey communities. Quantifying diet, particularly among cryptic species, is extremely challenging, however, and differentiation between demographic subsets of populations is often overlooked.We used prey remains and data taken postmortem from otter Lutra lutra to determine the extent to which dietary variation in a top predator was associated with biotic, spatial, and temporal factors.Biotic data (e.g., sex, weight, and length) and stomach contents were taken from 610 otters found dead across England and Wales between 1994 and 2010. Prey remains were identified to species where possible, using published keys and reference materials. Multi-model inference followed by model prediction was applied to test for and visualize the nature of associations.Evidence for widespread decline in the consumption of eels (Anguilla anguilla) reflected known eel population declines. An association between eel consumption and otter body condition suggested negative consequences for otter nutrition. Consumption of Cottus gobio and stickleback spp. increased, but was unlikely to compensate (there was no association with body condition). More otters with empty stomachs were found over time. Otter sex, body length, and age-class were important biotic predictors of the prey species found, and season, region, and distance from the coast were important abiotic predictors.Our study is unique in its multivariate nature, broad spatial scale, and long-term dataset. Inclusion of biotic data allowed us to reveal important differences in costs and benefits of different prey types, and differences between demographic subsets of the population, overlaid on spatial and temporal variation. Such complexities in otter diet are likely to be paralleled in other predators, and detailed characterization of diet should not be overlooked in efforts to conserve wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gareth Parry
- Gloucestershire Wildlife TrustThe Conservation CentreGloucesterUK
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12
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Hwang JH, Kannan K, Evans TJ, Iwata H, Kim EY. Assessment of Risks of Dioxins for Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Effects in Polar Bear ( Ursus maritimus) by in Vitro and in Silico Approaches. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:1770-1781. [PMID: 31841312 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) populations accumulate dioxins and related compounds (DRCs) at levels that are of health concern. The toxicities of DRCs are primarily mediated via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway. To evaluate the sensitivity and responses to DRCs in polar bears, we assessed the activation potencies of polar bear-specific AHR (pbAHR) by DRCs through in vitro and in silico approaches. In vitro assays showed that the pbAHR was as sensitive to DRCs as C3H/lpr mouse AHR, which is well-known to be highly sensitive to DRCs. Comparison of pbAHR transactivation potencies indicated that TCDF, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, and BaP exhibited high induction equivalency factors (IEFs). Considering the accumulation levels of DRCs in polar bears, PCB126 was found to be the most active inducer of pbAHR. The in vitro transactivation potencies of ligands of pbAHR showed a significant relationship with in silico ligand docking energies in a pbAHR homology model. The protein ligand interaction fingerprint (PLIF) analysis showed different interaction patterns depending on the ligands. Several amino acids which are highly conserved among mammals may be involved in species-specific responses via backbone interactions with neighboring amino acid residues which are specific to pbAHR. We document high susceptibility of polar bears to DRCs, through a mechanistic approach, for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hee Hwang
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science and Department of Biology , Kyung Hee University , Seoul 130-701 , Korea
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center , New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza , P.O. Box 509, Albany , New York 12201-0509 , United States
| | - Thomas J Evans
- United States Fish and Wildlife Service , Office of Subsistence Management , Anchorage , Alaska 99503 , United States
| | - Hisato Iwata
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES) , Ehime University , Matsuyama 790-8577 , Japan
| | - Eun-Young Kim
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science and Department of Biology , Kyung Hee University , Seoul 130-701 , Korea
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13
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Zhan F, Yu X, Zhang X, Chen L, Sun X, Yu RQ, Wu Y. Tissue distribution of organic contaminants in stranded pregnant sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus) from the Huizhou coast of the South China Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 144:181-188. [PMID: 31179986 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Twelve persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in 11 tissue samples from a pregnant sperm whale stranded on the Huizhou coast of the South China Sea, China, in March 2017. POPs were found to be more concentrated in the irrigated tissues such as placenta, ovary, mammary gland, and liver than the less irrigated tissues such as epidermis. High POP levels detected in the placenta might result in abnormal hormone secretion in the placenta, which would affect the unborn offspring. We hypothesized that ovary is potentially vulnerable to the exposure of higher contaminant levels. The PAH concentrations were higher in the lung than in other tissues, which suggest that PAH levels in the lung were breath-dependent in the sperm whale. The concentrations of POPs except PAHs in the sperm whale blubber were lower than those in the same species in the Northern Hemisphere and were comparable to or lower than those in the same species in the Southern Hemisphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengping Zhan
- Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering (Guangdong, Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xinjian Yu
- Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering (Guangdong, Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering (Guangdong, Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Laiguo Chen
- Urban Environment and Ecology Research Center, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences (SCIES), Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Xian Sun
- Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering (Guangdong, Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USA
| | - Yuping Wu
- Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering (Guangdong, Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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14
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Routti H, Atwood TC, Bechshoft T, Boltunov A, Ciesielski TM, Desforges JP, Dietz R, Gabrielsen GW, Jenssen BM, Letcher RJ, McKinney MA, Morris AD, Rigét FF, Sonne C, Styrishave B, Tartu S. State of knowledge on current exposure, fate and potential health effects of contaminants in polar bears from the circumpolar Arctic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 664:1063-1083. [PMID: 30901781 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is among the Arctic species exposed to the highest concentrations of long-range transported bioaccumulative contaminants, such as halogenated organic compounds and mercury. Contaminant exposure is considered to be one of the largest threats to polar bears after the loss of their Arctic sea ice habitat due to climate change. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of current exposure, fate, and potential health effects of contaminants in polar bears from the circumpolar Arctic required by the Circumpolar Action Plan for polar bear conservation. Overall results suggest that legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including polychlorinated biphenyls, chlordanes and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), followed by other perfluoroalkyl compounds (e.g. carboxylic acids, PFCAs) and brominated flame retardants, are still the main compounds in polar bears. Concentrations of several legacy POPs that have been banned for decades in most parts of the world have generally declined in polar bears. Current spatial trends of contaminants vary widely between compounds and recent studies suggest increased concentrations of both POPs and PFCAs in certain subpopulations. Correlative field studies, supported by in vitro studies, suggest that contaminant exposure disrupts circulating levels of thyroid hormones and lipid metabolism, and alters neurochemistry in polar bears. Additionally, field and in vitro studies and risk assessments indicate the potential for adverse impacts to polar bear immune functions from exposure to certain contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Todd C Atwood
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Thea Bechshoft
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Andrei Boltunov
- Marine Mammal Research and Expedition Center, 36 Nahimovskiy pr., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Arctic Technology, University Centre in Svalbard, PO Box 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Heath Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Adam D Morris
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Heath Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology and Drug Metabolism Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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15
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Dietz R, Desforges JP, Gustavson K, Rigét FF, Born EW, Letcher RJ, Sonne C. Immunologic, reproductive, and carcinogenic risk assessment from POP exposure in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) during 1983-2013. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 118:169-178. [PMID: 29883763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are among the world's highest trophic level marine predators and as such have some of the highest tissue concentrations of organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) among Arctic biota. In this paper we present the results of a three decade (1983-2013) risk assessment of OHC exposure and effects on reproduction, immunity, and cancer (genotoxicity) in polar bears from Central East Greenland. Risk of adverse effects are evaluated using a risk quotient (RQ) approach with derivation from measured OHC concentrations in polar bear tissue and critical body residues (CBR) extrapolated for polar bears using physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling (PBPK). The additive RQs for all OHCs in polar bears were above the threshold for all effect categories (RQ > 1) in every year, suggesting this population has been at significant and continuous risk of contaminant-mediated effects for over three decades. RQs peaked in 1983 (RQ > 58) and again in 2013 (RQ > 50) after a period of decline. These trends follow ΣPCB levels during that time, and contributed almost all of the risk to immune, reproductive, and carcinogenic effects (71-99% of total RQ). The recent spike in RQs suggests a major shift in polar bear contaminant exposure from climate related changes in food composition and hereby the increased risk of adverse health effects. In the context of lifetime exposure ΣPCB and PFOS levels showed the interactive importance of year of birth, age, and emission history. In conclusion, the results indicate that East Greenland polar bears have been exposed to OHC levels over the period of 1983-2013 that potentially and continuously affected individual and theoretically also population health, with a peaking risk in the more recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Erik W Born
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, Nuuk DK-3900, Greenland
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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16
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Villa S, Migliorati S, Monti GS, Holoubek I, Vighi M. Risk of POP mixtures on the Arctic food chain. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:1181-1192. [PMID: 28054401 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of the Arctic ecosystem to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) was assessed through a review of literature data. Concentrations of 19 chemicals or congeneric groups were estimated for the highest levels of the Arctic food chain (Arctic cod, ringed seals, and polar bears). The ecotoxicological risk for seals, bears, and bear cubs was estimated by applying the concentration addition (CA) concept. The risk of POP mixtures was very low in seals. By contrast, the risk was 2 orders of magnitude higher than the risk threshold for adult polar bears and even more (3 orders of magnitude above the threshold) for bear cubs fed with contaminated milk. Based on the temporal trends available for many of the chemicals, the temporal trend of the mixture risk for bear cubs was calculated. Relative to the 1980s, a decrease in risk from the POP mixture is evident, mainly because of international control measures. However, the composition of the mixture substantially changes, and the contribution of new POPs (particularly perfluorooctane sulfonate) increases. These results support the effectiveness of control measures, such as those promulgated in the Stockholm Convention, as well as the urgent need for their implementation for new and emerging POPs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1181-1192. © 2017 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Villa
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Sonia Migliorati
- Department of Economics, Management, and Statistics, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianna Serafina Monti
- Department of Economics, Management, and Statistics, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Ivan Holoubek
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment (RECETOX), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marco Vighi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milano Bicocca, Milano, Italy
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Water (IMDEA Water), Madrid, Spain
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17
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Torres P, Tristão da Cunha R, Micaelo C, Rodrigues ADS. Bioaccumulation of metals and PCBs in Raja clavata. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 573:1021-1030. [PMID: 27607905 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to assess stable isotopes profiles, metals concentration and PCBs in Raja clavata muscle and liver, according to sex and size, and to elucidate its suitability as a Mid-Atlantic biomonitor. The results reflected bioaccumulation and suggested biomagnification processes for As and Hg in muscle tissue. Cd, Cu and Zn were detected in high amounts in liver, Cr, Mn and Rb were relatively stable and low, Pb was not detected and Sr was present in muscle at high levels, decreasing with length. Hg and Se were strongly correlated, suggesting a mitigation role. Both tissues presented low concentrations of PCBs, especially the dioxin-like congeners, although always higher in liver and not correlated with size. None of these contaminants exceed EU legislated limits. However, they need to be monitored given study area's location, volcanic nature and the expected increase of anthropogenic activity related to future prospective mining activities and the establishment of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between Europe and the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Torres
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores - Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-801 Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal.
| | - Regina Tristão da Cunha
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Pólo dos Açores - Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, Rua Mãe de Deus, 58, 9500-801 Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
| | - Cristina Micaelo
- IPMA, Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere, Avenida Brasília, 1446-009 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Armindo Dos Santos Rodrigues
- CVARG, Centro de Vulcanologia e Avaliação de Riscos Geológicos, - Departamento de Biologia, Universidade dos Açores, Apartado 1422, 9501-801 Ponta Delgada, Açores, Portugal
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Nuijten RJM, Hendriks AJ, Jenssen BM, Schipper AM. Circumpolar contaminant concentrations in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and potential population-level effects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:50-57. [PMID: 27450999 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.021] [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: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) currently receive much attention in the context of global climate change. However, there are other stressors that might threaten the viability of polar bear populations as well, such as exposure to anthropogenic pollutants. Lipophilic organic compounds bio-accumulate and bio-magnify in the food chain, leading to high concentrations at the level of top-predators. In Arctic wildlife, including the polar bear, various adverse health effects have been related to internal concentrations of commercially used anthropogenic chemicals like PCB and DDT. The extent to which these individual health effects are associated to population-level effects is, however, unknown. In this study we assembled data on adipose tissue concentrations of ∑PCB, ∑DDT, dieldrin and ∑PBDE in individual polar bears from peer-reviewed scientific literature. Data were available for 14 out of the 19 subpopulations. We found that internal concentrations of these contaminants exceed threshold values for adverse individual health effects in several subpopulations. In an exploratory regression analysis we identified a clear negative correlation between polar bear population density and sub-population specific contaminant concentrations in adipose tissue. The results suggest that adverse health effects of contaminants in individual polar bears may scale up to population-level consequences. Our study highlights the need to consider contaminant exposure along with other threats in polar bear population viability analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J M Nuijten
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Radboud University (RU), NL-6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 7608 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - A J Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Radboud University (RU), NL-6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, The University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - A M Schipper
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Radboud University (RU), NL-6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, PO Box 303, 3720 AH Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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19
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Lin Z, Gehring R, Mochel JP, Lavé T, Riviere JE. Mathematical modeling and simulation in animal health – Part
II
: principles, methods, applications, and value of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling in veterinary medicine and food safety assessment. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2016; 39:421-38. [DOI: 10.1111/jvp.12311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Z. Lin
- Institute of Computational Comparative Medicine (ICCM) Department of Anatomy and Physiology College of Veterinary Medicine Kansas State University Manhattan KS USA
| | - R. Gehring
- Institute of Computational Comparative Medicine (ICCM) Department of Anatomy and Physiology College of Veterinary Medicine Kansas State University Manhattan KS USA
| | - J. P. Mochel
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel Switzerland
| | - T. Lavé
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Basel Switzerland
| | - J. E. Riviere
- Institute of Computational Comparative Medicine (ICCM) Department of Anatomy and Physiology College of Veterinary Medicine Kansas State University Manhattan KS USA
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Sonne C, Gustavson K, Eulaers I, Desforges JP, Letcher RJ, Rigét FF, Styrishave B, Dietz R. Risk evaluation of the Arctic environmental POP exposure based on critical body residue and critical daily dose using captive Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) as surrogate species. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 88:221-227. [PMID: 26773392 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The risk from POP (persistent organic pollutant) exposure and subsequent reproductive, immunotoxic and liver histopathological effects was evaluated in a classical parallel trial on Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) fed contaminated minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) blubber. First the critical body residues (CBRs) were estimated using the physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for seven POP compounds based on rat critical daily doses (CDDs). These were then compared with the actual daily oral POP doses (DD) and body residues (BR) in the sledge dogs by calculating risk quotients (RQDD: DD/CDD; RQBR: BR/CBR; ≥1 indicates risk). The results showed that risk quotients for reproductive, immunotoxic and liver histopathological effects were significantly lowest in the control group (p<0.01) while risk quotients based on daily doses (RQDD) were significantly lower than RQs based on body residues (RQBR) (all p<0.01). RQBR in the exposed group ranged from 1.0-12 for reproductive and immunotoxic effects while those for liver histopathological effects ranged from 0.7-3.0. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and chlordanes were the dominant driver behind high immune and reproductive RQs while dieldrin was the most important factor behind RQs for liver histopathology. Principal component analyses and Spearman rank correlation analyses showed that complement and cellular immune parameters were significantly negative correlated with RQBR (all p<0.05) while logistic regression showed that RQDD had a significant effect on the number of born cups (p=0.03). No significantly relations were found between RQs and hormone concentrations, number of gestations, antibody titres or liver histopathology. These results confirm previous studies showing that POP exposure negatively impacts steroid hormones, various immune parameters, as well as liver histopathology in sledge dogs. It is also clear that RQBR is the best reflector of health effects from POP exposure and that it is especially accurate in predicting immune and reproductive effects. We recommend that PBPK modelled (CBR) and RQBR should be used in the assessment of POP exposure and health effects in Arctic top predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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Pavlova V, Grimm V, Dietz R, Sonne C, Vorkamp K, Rigét FF, Letcher RJ, Gustavson K, Desforges JP, Nabe-Nielsen J. Modeling Population-Level Consequences of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure in East Greenland Polar Bears. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:143-54. [PMID: 26289812 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0203-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can cause endocrine disruption, cancer, immunosuppression, or reproductive failure in animals. We used an individual-based model to explore whether and how PCB-associated reproductive failure could affect the dynamics of a hypothetical polar bear (Ursus maritimus) population exposed to PCBs to the same degree as the East Greenland subpopulation. Dose-response data from experimental studies on a surrogate species, the mink (Mustela vision), were used in the absence of similar data for polar bears. Two alternative types of reproductive failure in relation to maternal sum-PCB concentrations were considered: increased abortion rate and increased cub mortality. We found that the quantitative impact of PCB-induced reproductive failure on population growth rate depended largely on the actual type of reproductive failure involved. Critical potencies of the dose-response relationship for decreasing the population growth rate were established for both modeled types of reproductive failure. Comparing the model predictions of the age-dependent trend of sum-PCBs concentrations in females with actual field measurements from East Greenland indicated that it was unlikely that PCB exposure caused a high incidence of abortions in the subpopulation. However, on the basis of this analysis, it could not be excluded that PCB exposure contributes to higher cub mortality. Our results highlight the necessity for further research on the possible influence of PCBs on polar bear reproduction regarding their physiological pathway. This includes determining the exact cause of reproductive failure, i.e., in utero exposure versus lactational exposure of offspring; the timing of offspring death; and establishing the most relevant reference metrics for the dose-response relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Pavlova
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Maulbeerallee 2, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Toxicokinetics of perfluorooctane sulfonate in rabbits under environmentally realistic exposure conditions and comparative assessment between mammals and birds. Toxicol Lett 2016; 241:200-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Weijs L, Zaccaroni A. Toxicology of Marine Mammals: New Developments and Opportunities. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:1-8. [PMID: 26499130 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
It is widely recognized that marine mammals are exposed to a wide variety of pollutants, with a weight of evidence indicating impacts on their health. Since hundreds of new chemicals enter the global market every year,the methods, approaches and technologies used to characterize pollution levels or impacts are also in a constant state of flux. However, legal and ethical constraints often limit the type and extent of toxicological research being carried out in marine mammals. Nevertheless, new and emerging in vivo, in vitro as well as in silico research opportunities abound in the field of marine mammal toxicology. In the application of findings to population-, species-, or habitat-related risk assessments, the identification of causal relationships which inform source apportionment is important. This, in turn, is informed by a comprehensive understanding of contaminant classes, profiles and fate overspace and time. Such considerations figure prominently in the design and interpretation of marine mammal (eco)-toxicology research. This mini-review attempts to follow the evolution behind marine mammal toxicology until now,highlight some of the research that has been done and suggest opportunities for future research. This Special Issue will showcase new developments in marine mammal toxicology, approaches for exposure-effect research in risk assessment as well as future opportunities.
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Dietz R, Gustavson K, Sonne C, Desforges JP, Rigét FF, Pavlova V, McKinney MA, Letcher RJ. Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic modelling of immune, reproductive and carcinogenic effects from contaminant exposure in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) across the Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 140:45-55. [PMID: 25825130 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) consume large quantities of seal blubber and other high trophic marine mammals and consequently have some of the highest tissue concentrations of organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) among Arctic biota. In the present paper we carried out a risk quotient (RQ) evaluation on OHC-exposed polar bears harvested from 1999 to 2008 and from 11 circumpolar subpopulations spanning from Alaska to Svalbard in order to evaluate the risk of OHC-mediated reproductive effects (embryotoxicity, teratogenicity), immunotoxicity and carcinogenicity (genotoxicity). This RQ evaluation was based on the Critical Body Residue (CBR) concept and a Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modelling (PBPK) approach using OHC concentrations measured in polar bear adipose or liver tissue. The range of OHC concentrations within polar bear populations were as follows for adipose, sum polychlorinated biphenyls ∑PCBs (1797-10,537 ng/g lw), sum methylsulphone-PCB ∑MeSO2-PCBs (110-672 ng/g lw), sum chlordanes ∑CHLs (765-3477 ng/g lw), α-hexachlorocyclohexane α-HCH (8.5-91.3 ng/g lw), β-hexachlorocyclohexane β-HCH (65.5-542 ng/g lw), sum chlorbenzenes ∑ClBzs (145-304 ng/g lw), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane ∑DDTs (31.5-206 ng/g lw), dieldrin (69-249 ng/g lw), polybrominated diphenyl ethers ∑PBDEs (4.6-78.4 ng/g lw). For liver, the perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) concentrations ranged from 231-2792 ng/g ww. The total additive RQ from all OHCs ranged from 4.3 in Alaska to 28.6 in East Greenland bears for effects on reproduction, immune health and carcinogenicity, highlighting the important result that the toxic effect threshold (i.e. RQ>1) was exceeded for all polar bear populations assessed. PCBs were the main contributors for all three effect categories, contributing from 70.6% to 94.3% of the total risk and a RQ between 3.8-22.5. ∑MeSO2-PCBs were the second highest effect contributor for reproductive and immunological effects (0.17<RQ<1.4), whereas PFOS was the second highest effect contributor for carcinogenic (genotoxic) effects (0.35<RQ<2.5). The results from this study corroborate and lend further support to previous assessments of the possible adverse health effects of exposure to known and measured OHCs in polar bears. We therefore suggest that Critical Daily Doses (CDD) should be investigated in "ex vivo" dose-response studies on polar bears to replace laboratory studies on rats (Rattus rattus) to reveal whether high RQs are maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Viola Pavlova
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0H3.
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Hassan Y, Shoeib T. Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and novel flame retardants in microenvironment dust from Egypt: an assessment of human exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 505:47-55. [PMID: 25306095 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.09.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
There are very few studies reporting concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel flame retardants (FRs) or non-PBDEs in Africa and the Middle East. The present work reported concentrations of fourteen PBDE congeners and eleven non-PBDE flame retardants in dust samples collected from homes (n=17), workplaces (n=9) and cars (n=5) in the greater Cairo region. The median ∑PBDE concentrations were 57, 425 and 1608 ng g(-1) in homes, workplaces and cars respectively. The highest PBDE levels were observed for BDE 209, with a median concentration of 40.2, 366 and 1540 ng g(-1) representing 70% to 95% of the total PBDEs in homes, workplaces and cars respectively. This is about 8 to 46 times greater than the median concentration of the pentaBDE (represented by the most abundant compounds in this formulation, ∑BDE 47, 99 and 100). In the case of non-PBDE flame retardants, a detection frequency between 52% and 100% was observed for several compounds including: hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), hexabromobenzene (HBB), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB), bis (2-ethyl-1-hexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), 1,2-bis (2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (TBPE), ally-2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (ATE) and Dechlorane Plus (DP). The ∑non-PBDE median concentrations were 8.30, 28.9 and 49.9 ng g(-1) in homes, workplaces and cars respectively with the highest level observed for HBCD in the three microenvironments. The detection of novel flame retardants in indoor environments may be due to their wide usage after the ban of the penta and octa BDE formulation. Results show the levels of PBDEs and non-PBDEs in Egyptian dust to be among the lowest levels reported from other countries. Different dust exposure scenarios using 5th percentile, median, 95th percentile and maximum levels were estimated for adult and children. The estimated dust intake results were several orders of magnitude lower than the oral reference dose values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Tamer Shoeib
- Department of Chemistry, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt; Centre for Analytical Science, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK.
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27
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Sonne C, Dyck M, Rigét FF, Beck Jensen JE, Hyldstrup L, Letcher RJ, Gustavson K, Gilbert MTP, Dietz R. Penile density and globally used chemicals in Canadian and Greenland polar bears. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 137:287-291. [PMID: 25601730 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Industrially produced chemicals have been a major environmental concern across our entire Globe since the onset of rapid industrial development around the early 1900. Many of the substances being used are known to be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and are also known to be long-range dispersed and to biomagnify to very high concentrations in the tissues of Arctic apex predators such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus). A major concern relating to EDCs is their effects on vital organ-tissues such as bone and it is possible that EDCs represent a more serious challenge to the species' survival than the more conventionally proposed prey reductions linked to climate change. We therefore analyzed penile bone mineral density (BMD) as a key phenotype for reproductive success in 279 polar bear samples born 1990-2000 representing eight polar bear subpopulations. Since EDC concentrations were not available from the same specimens, we compared BMD with published literature information on EDC concentrations. Latitudinal and longitudinal BMD and EDC gradients were clearly observed, with Western Hudson bears having the highest BMD and lowest EDCs, and North East Greenland polar bears carrying the lowest BMD and highest EDCs. A BMD vs. polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) regression analysis showed that BMD decreased as a function of the eight subpopulations' PCB concentrations and this relationship was close to being significant (p=0.10, R(2)=0.39). Risk quotient (RQ) estimation demonstrated that PCBs could be in a range that may lead to disruption of normal reproduction and development. It is therefore likely that EDCs directly affect development and bone density in polar bears. Canadian bears had in general the best health and the North East Greenland subpopulation being at the highest risk of having negative health effects. While reductions in BMD is in general unhealthy, reductions in penile BMD could lead to increased risk of species extinction because of mating and subsequent fertilization failure as a result of weak penile bones and risk of fractures. Based on this, future studies should assess how polar bear subpopulations respond upon EDC exposure since information and understanding about their circumpolar reproductive health is vital for future conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Markus Dyck
- Wildlife Management Division, Department of Environment, Government of Nunavut, PO Box 209, Igloolik NU X0A 0L0, Canada.
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | | | - Lars Hyldstrup
- University Hospital of Hvidovre, Kettegaards Allé 30, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark.
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Center for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 5-7, DK-1350 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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Weijs L, Briels N, Adams DH, Lepoint G, Das K, Blust R, Covaci A. Bioaccumulation of organohalogenated compounds in sharks and rays from the southeastern USA. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 137:199-207. [PMID: 25569844 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.12.022] [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: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Organohalogenated compounds are widespread in the marine environment and can be a serious threat to organisms in all levels of aquatic food webs, including elasmobranch species. Information about the concentrations of POPs (persistent organic pollutants) and of MeO-PBDEs (methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers) in elasmobranchs is scarce and potential toxic effects are poorly understood. The aims of the present study were therefore to investigate the occurrence of multiple POP classes (PCBs, PBDEs, DDXs, HCB, CHLs) and of MeO-PBDEs in various elasmobranch species from different trophic levels in estuarine and marine waters of the southeastern United States. Overall, levels and patterns of PCBs, PBDEs, DDXs, HCB, CHLs and of MeO-PBDEs varied according to the species, maturity stage, gender and habitat type. The lowest levels of POPs were found in Atlantic stingrays and the highest levels were found in bull sharks. As both species are respectively near the bottom and at top of the trophic web, with juvenile bull sharks frequently feeding on Atlantic stingrays, these findings further suggest a bioaccumulation and biomagnification process with trophic position. MeO-PBDEs were not detected in Atlantic stingrays, but were found in all shark species. HCB was not found in Atlantic stingrays, bonnetheads or lemon sharks, but was detected in the majority of bull sharks examined. Comparison with previous studies suggests that Atlantic stingrays may be experiencing toxic effects of PCBs and DDXs on their immune system. However, the effect of these compounds on the health of shark species remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Weijs
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - Nathalie Briels
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium; Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, Realfagbygget, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Douglas H Adams
- Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, 1220 Prospect Ave., #285, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- Laboratory for Oceanology-MARE Center, University of Liège B6C, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Krishna Das
- Laboratory for Oceanology-MARE Center, University of Liège B6C, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Ronny Blust
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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Pavlova V, Nabe-Nielsen J, Dietz R, Svenning JC, Vorkamp K, Rigét FF, Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Grimm V. Field metabolic rate and PCB adipose tissue deposition efficiency in East Greenland polar bears derived from contaminant monitoring data. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104037. [PMID: 25101837 PMCID: PMC4125222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change will increasingly affect the natural habitat and diet of polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Understanding the energetic needs of polar bears is therefore important. We developed a theoretical method for estimating polar bear food consumption based on using the highly recalcitrant polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener, 2,2′,4,4′,55-hexaCB (CB153) in bear adipose tissue as an indicator of food intake. By comparing the CB153 tissue concentrations in wild polar bears with estimates from a purposely designed individual-based model, we identified the possible combinations of field metabolic rates (FMR) and CB153 deposition efficiencies in East Greenland polar bears. Our simulations indicate that if 30% of the CB153 consumed by polar bear individuals were deposited into their adipose tissue, the corresponding FMR would be only two times the basal metabolic rate. In contrast, if the modelled CB153 deposition efficiency were 10%, adult polar bears would require six times more energy than that needed to cover basal metabolism. This is considerably higher than what has been assumed for polar bears in previous studies though it is similar to FMRs found in other marine mammals. An implication of this result is that even relatively small reductions in future feeding opportunities could impact the survival of East Greenland polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Pavlova
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus, Denmark
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Section for Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Frank Farsø Rigét
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Section for Marine Mammal Research, Roskilde, Denmark
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Robert J. Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Volker Grimm
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Ecological Modelling, Leipzig, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam, Germany
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Sample BE, Schlekat C, Spurgeon DJ, Menzie C, Rauscher J, Adams B. Recommendations to improve wildlife exposure estimation for development of soil screening and cleanup values. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2014; 10:372-387. [PMID: 24039164 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
An integral component in the development of media-specific values for the ecological risk assessment of chemicals is the derivation of safe levels of exposure for wildlife. Although the derivation and subsequent application of these values can be used for screening purposes, there is a need to identify the threshold for effects when making remedial decisions during site-specific assessments. Methods for evaluation of wildlife exposure are included in the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) ecological soil screening levels (Eco-SSLs), registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals (REACH), and other risk-based soil assessment approaches. The goal of these approaches is to ensure that soil-associated contaminants do not pose a risk to wildlife that directly ingest soil, or to species that may be exposed to contaminants that persist in the food chain. These approaches incorporate broad assumptions in the exposure and effects assessments and in the risk characterization process. Consequently, thresholds for concluding risk are frequently very low with conclusions of risk possible when soil metal concentrations fall in the range of natural background. A workshop held in September, 2012 evaluated existing methods and explored recent science about factors to consider when establishing appropriate remedial goals for concentrations of metals in soils. A Foodweb Exposure Workgroup was organized to evaluate methods for quantifying exposure of wildlife to soil-associated metals through soil and food consumption and to provide recommendations for the development of ecological soil cleanup values (Eco-SCVs) that are both practical and scientifically defensible. The specific goals of this article are to review the current practices for quantifying exposure of wildlife to soil-associated contaminants via bioaccumulation and trophic transfer, to identify potential opportunities for refining and improving these exposure estimates, and finally, to make recommendations for application of these improved models to the development of site-specific remedial goals protective of wildlife. Although the focus is on metals contamination, many of the methods and tools discussed are also applicable to organic contaminants. The conclusion of this workgroup was that existing exposure estimation models are generally appropriate when fully expanded and that methods are generally available to develop more robust site-specific exposure estimates. Improved realism in site-specific wildlife Eco-SCVs could be achieved by obtaining more realistic estimates for diet composition, bioaccumulation, bioavailability and/or bioaccessibility, soil ingestion, spatial aspects of exposure, and target organ exposure. These components of wildlife exposure estimation should be developed on a site-, species-, and analyte-specific basis to the extent that the expense for their derivation is justified by the value they add to Eco-SCV development.
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Sonne C, Gustavson K, Rigét FF, Dietz R, Krüger T, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling of POPs in Greenlanders. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2014; 64:91-97. [PMID: 24382481 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/08/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the potential health impact in the Arctic far from the emission sources have been highlighted in numerous studies. As a supplement to human POP biomonitoring studies, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was set up to estimate the fate of POPs in Greenlandic Inuit's liver, blood, muscle and adipose tissue following long-term exposure to traditional Greenlandic diet. The PBPK model described metabolism, excretion and POP accumulation on the basis of their physicochemical properties and metabolic rates in the organisms. Basic correlations between chemically analyzed blood POP concentrations and calculated daily POP intake from food questionnaire of 118 middle age (18-35years) Greenlandic Inuits from four cities in West Greenland (Qaanaaq: n=40; Qeqertarsuaq: n=36; Nuuk: n=20; Narsaq: n=22) taken during 2003 to 2006 were analyzed. The dietary items included were polar bear, caribou, musk oxen, several marine species such as whales, seals, bird and fish as well as imported food. The contaminant concentrations of the dietary items as well as their chemical properties, uptake, biotransformation and excretion allowed us to estimate the POP concentration in liver, blood, muscle and adipose tissue following long-term exposure to the traditional Greenlandic diet using the PBPK model. Significant correlations were found between chemically analyzed POP blood concentrations and calculated daily intake of POPs for Qeqertarsuaq, Nuuk and Narsaq Inuit but not for the northernmost settlement Qaanaaq, probably because the highest blood POP level was found in this district which might mask the interview-based POP calculations. Despite the large variation in circulating blood POP concentrations, the PBPK model predicted blood concentrations of a factor 2-3 within the actual measured values. Moreover, the PBPK model showed that estimated blood POP concentration increased significantly after consumption of meals. For individuals who had a high internal burden of POPs accumulated over years, the estimated blood levels were less influenced by recent meal intake. The model results also indicated that of the POPs accumulated in the body the concentrations were highest for CB-153 (oxychlordane: 0.6%; DDE and CB-99: 2.9%; HCB: 4.4%; CB-153: 34.5%). Furthermore, the model also estimated a significant internal body POP burden even several years after the mentioned dietetic shift and that contaminant accumulation was 2-6 folds faster than the decay after a shift to a diet low in contaminants. Using the PBPK model approach, we seek to improve the knowledge on contaminant body burden in humans of the Arctic. However, it should be noted that calculations of daily POP intake may be subject to considerable uncertainty due to imprecise information from the dietary interview. Based on these results we suggest that PBPK modeling is implemented as a tool in future human health exposure and effect assessments in Greenland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Tanja Krüger
- Department of Public Health, Centre for Arctic Health, Aarhus University, Denmark
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Kefeni KK, Okonkwo JO, Botha BM. Concentrations of polybromobiphenyls and polybromodiphenyl ethers in home dust: relevance to socio-economic status and human exposure rate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 470-471:1250-1256. [PMID: 24252199 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.10.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study reports on the levels of all major polybromobiphenyls (PBBs) and polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in 31 home dust samples collected in Pretoria, South Africa. Low concentrations of PBB and PBDE congeners were detected in 21 and 7 samples, respectively. The Σ10PBDEs concentration ranged from <0.3 to 234 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) of dust with a median of 18.3 ng g(-1) dw. No significant differences in the total concentration of PBDEs were observed among three socio-economic categories considered. The overall daily intake of PBDEs via ingestion of dust was estimated for children and adults using median concentrations of Σ10PBDEs. Accordingly, for children and adults the exposure rate values are 0.96 and 0.38 ng day(-1), respectively. In addition, the estimated daily dust ingestion exposure rate doses for children and adults with respect to BDE-47 and BDE-99 were by far lower than the reference dose values. It can, therefore, be said that South Africans living in Pretoria are exposed to low concentrations of PBDEs from home environment dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kebede K Kefeni
- Environmental Chemistry Research Group, Department of Environmental, Water & Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Jonathan O Okonkwo
- Environmental Chemistry Research Group, Department of Environmental, Water & Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ben M Botha
- Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, South Africa
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Weijs L, Tibax D, Roach AC, Manning TM, Chapman JC, Edge K, Blust R, Covaci A. Assessing levels of halogenated organic compounds in mass-stranded long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) from Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 461-462:117-125. [PMID: 23714247 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.04.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Pollution is a threat to the health of marine mammals worldwide. Mass-strandings are poorly understood, but often involve pilot whales. However, there is limited information regarding pollution in long-finned pilot whales from Australia. Consequently, the profiles and levels of several pollutant classes were investigated in blubber of Tasmanian long-finned pilot whales. DDX levels were highest in all groups, followed by PCBs or MeO-PBDEs and lowest for PBDEs. The concentrations of all pollutants decreased with age in males. This is at least partly due to the growth dilution effect although it might also be caused by decreasing levels of PCBs, PBDEs, DDXs, HCB and CHLs in the environment. Fetus/mother ratios of higher chlorinated PCBs increased with the duration of pregnancy suggesting a preference for offloading via gestation rather than through lactation. Overall, the highest pollutant levels were found in the youngest animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Weijs
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
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34
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Acute effects of TCDD administration: special emphasis on testicular and sperm mitochondrial function. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s2305-0500(13)60091-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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35
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Bechshøft TØ, Rigét FF, Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Muir DCG, Novak MA, Henchey E, Meyer JS, Eulaers I, Jaspers VLB, Eens M, Covaci A, Dietz R. Measuring environmental stress in East Greenland polar bears, 1892-1927 and 1988-2009: what does hair cortisol tell us? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 45:15-21. [PMID: 22572112 PMCID: PMC3366040 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Revised: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/07/2012] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Hair sampled from 96 East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) over the periods 1892-1927 and 1988-2009 was analyzed for cortisol as a proxy to investigate temporal patterns of environmental stress. Cortisol concentration was independent of sex and age, and was found at significantly higher (p<0.001) concentrations in historical hair samples (1892-1927; n=8) relative to recent ones (1988-2009; n=88). In addition, there was a linear time trend in cortisol concentration of the recent samples (p<0.01), with an annual decrease of 2.7%. The recent hair samples were also analyzed for major bioaccumulative, persistent organic pollutants (POPs). There were no obvious POP related time trends or correlations between hair cortisol and hair POP concentrations. Thus, polar bear hair appears to be a relatively poor indicator of the animal's general POP load in adipose tissue. However, further investigations are warranted to explore the reasons for the temporal decrease found in the bears' hair cortisol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ø Bechshøft
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Box 358, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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36
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Weijs L, Covaci A, Yang RSH, Das K, Blust R. Computational toxicology: Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models (PBPK) for lifetime exposure and bioaccumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marine mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2012; 163:134-141. [PMID: 22325441 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Revised: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Due to migration of harbour porpoises towards more polluted areas like the North Sea and their sensitivity towards pollution, there is a need for proper conservation measures for this species. As a consequence, knowledge about the pollutant's kinetics is required. The present study is the first to investigate the kinetics of PBDEs in marine mammals using PBPK modeling as a non-destructive tool for describing the chemical's kinetics in a protected animal species. The models were developed and parameterized using data from the literature and Black Sea harbour porpoises through computer optimization. The predictability of these models in time was assessed by reverse dosimetry modeling using data from North Sea porpoises (1990-2008). From these predictions, PBDE 99 levels were found to decrease the fastest, followed by PBDE 153, 47 and 100. Results show that the PBPK models can be applied for harbour porpoises from different regions and also simulate time trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Weijs
- Laboratory for Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
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37
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Weijs L, Covaci A, Yang RS, Das K, Blust R. A non-invasive approach to study lifetime exposure and bioaccumulation of PCBs in protected marine mammals: PBPK modeling in harbor porpoises. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 256:136-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Arnot JA, Armitage JM, McCarty LS, Wania F, Cousins IT, Toose-Reid L. Toward a consistent evaluative framework for POP risk characterization. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:97-103. [PMID: 21053945 DOI: 10.1021/es102551d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of Annex E in the Stockholm Convention (SC) on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is to assess whether a chemical is likely, as a result of its long-range environmental transport, to lead to significant adverse human health or environmental effects, such that global action is warranted. To date, risk profiles for nominated POPs have not consistently selected assessment endpoints or completed mandated risk characterizations. An assessment endpoint hierarchy is proposed to facilitate risk characterization for the implementation of the SC. The framework is illustrated for a nominated POP, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), using three risk estimation methods. Based on current monitoring and toxicity data, the screening-level results indicate that humans and ecological receptors in remote regions such as the Arctic are unlikely to experience significant adverse effects (i.e., low risk) due to long-range environmental transport of HBCD. The results for birds are more uncertain than the results for fish and mammals due to the paucity of avian toxicity data. Risk characterization results for HBCD and for some listed POPs are compared to illustrate how the proposed methods can further assist decision-making and chemical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon A Arnot
- University of Toronto Scarborough, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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39
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Weijs L, van Elk C, Das K, Blust R, Covaci A. Persistent organic pollutants and methoxylated PBDEs in harbour porpoises from the North Sea from 1990 until 2008: Young wildlife at risk? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 409:228-237. [PMID: 20937522 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Revised: 09/17/2010] [Accepted: 09/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In the European North Sea, harbour porpoises are top predators with relatively long life spans and a limited capacity for metabolic biotransformation of contaminants compared to some other marine mammal species. As such, they are exposed to a mixture of persistent pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), DDT and metabolites (DDXs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and chlordanes (CHLs) that bioaccumulate in their tissues. We report here on the levels of persistent organic pollutants and of the naturally-produced methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs) in blubber, liver and kidney of harbour porpoise neonates (n=3), calves (n=15), juveniles (n=6) and adults (n=4) of the southern North Sea. Concentrations of almost all contaminant classes decrease slightly in all age groups over the period 1990-2008. For some classes (e.g. PCBs and DDXs) however, levels seem to increase little in harbour porpoise calves. In all animals, blubber had the highest concentrations, followed by liver and kidney, whereas liver and kidney were the preferred tissues for several compounds, such as octa- and deca-PCBs. Our data suggest that harbour porpoises calves are exposed to higher or comparable concentrations of POPs and of MeO-PBDEs and somewhat different patterns of selected POPs than adults, potentially placing them, and the entire population, at a disproportionate risk for exposure-related health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Weijs
- Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
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40
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Weijs L, Yang RSH, Covaci A, Das K, Blust R. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for lifetime exposure to PCB 153 in male and female harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena): model development and evaluation. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:7023-7030. [PMID: 20718467 DOI: 10.1021/es101688h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were developed for the most persistent polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB 153) in male and female harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) to elucidate processes such as uptake, distribution, and elimination. Due to its limited metabolic capacities, long life span, and top position in marine food chains, this species is highly sensitive to pollution. The models consist of 5 compartments, liver, blubber, kidney, brain, and a compartment which accounts for the rest of the body, all connected through blood. All physiological and biochemical parameters were extracted from the literature, except for the brain/blood partition coefficient and rate of excretion, which were both fitted to data sets used for validation of the models. These data sets were compiled from our own analyses performed with GC-MS on tissue samples of harbor porpoises. The intake of PCB 153 was from milk from birth to 4 months, and after weaning fish was the main food source. Overall, these models reveal that concentrations of PCB 153 in males increase with age but suggest that, as the animals grow older, metabolic transformation can be a possible pathway for elimination as well. In contrast, the model for females confirms that gestation and lactation are key processes for eliminating PCB 153 as body burdens decrease with age. These PBPK models are capable of simulating the bioaccumulation of PCB 153 during the entire life span of approximately 20 years of the harbor porpoises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Weijs
- Laboratory of Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium.
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41
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Enevoldsen R, Juhler RK. Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in groundwater and aqueous soil extracts: using inline SPE-LC-MS/MS for screening and sorption characterisation of perfluorooctane sulphonate and related compounds. Anal Bioanal Chem 2010; 398:1161-72. [PMID: 20740279 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-010-4066-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2010] [Revised: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have been recognised as emerging pollutants of global relevance. A fully automated method with inline solid-phase extraction coupled to electrospray ionisation liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS) is presented and used for characterisation of soil adsorption and desorption for six PFCs: perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorobutane sulphonate (PFBS), and perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS). The method reduces sample turnaround time and solvent consumption and is suitable for low volume sampling. The only sample preparation necessary for water samples was sedimentation by centrifugation. The method has a total runtime of 21 min including inline sample cleanup (2 min for injection and SPE, 14 min for the chromatographic separation, 5 min for reconditioning). Negative AP-ESI with selective reaction monitoring (SRM) was used and the method was documented for quantification of the six environmentally important PFCs in subsoil matrix and related aqueous matrixes (groundwater and drainage water). Linearity was demonstrated in the range 5 to 2,500 ng/l and the LOD was between 2 and 8 ng/l in groundwater. Adsorption was characterised by linear Freundlich isotherms for all six compounds in two agricultural top soils (A horizon, sandy and clayey soil).Variability in sorption characteristics for soil types as well as compound properties were found, and correlation between the organic carbon normalised sorption coefficient (K (OC)) and PFC molecular weight was demonstrated. The K (d) values were in the range 0.1 to 33 (l/kg), and 0.3 to 65 (l/kg) for sorption and desorption respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Enevoldsen
- Department of Geochemistry, Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), Øster Voldgade 10, 1350K, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Letcher RJ, Bustnes JO, Dietz R, Jenssen BM, Jørgensen EH, Sonne C, Verreault J, Vijayan MM, Gabrielsen GW. Exposure and effects assessment of persistent organohalogen contaminants in arctic wildlife and fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:2995-3043. [PMID: 19910021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 477] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 10/08/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) encompass an array of anthropogenic organic and elemental substances and their degradation and metabolic byproducts that have been found in the tissues of exposed animals, especially POPs categorized as organohalogen contaminants (OHCs). OHCs have been of concern in the circumpolar arctic for decades. For example, as a consequence of bioaccumulation and in some cases biomagnification of legacy (e.g., chlorinated PCBs, DDTs and CHLs) and emerging (e.g., brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and in particular polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA) found in Arctic biota and humans. Of high concern are the potential biological effects of these contaminants in exposed Arctic wildlife and fish. As concluded in the last review in 2004 for the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) on the effects of POPs in Arctic wildlife, prior to 1997, biological effects data were minimal and insufficient at any level of biological organization. The present review summarizes recent studies on biological effects in relation to OHC exposure, and attempts to assess known tissue/body compartment concentration data in the context of possible threshold levels of effects to evaluate the risks. This review concentrates mainly on post-2002, new OHC effects data in Arctic wildlife and fish, and is largely based on recently available effects data for populations of several top trophic level species, including seabirds (e.g., glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus)), polar bears (Ursus maritimus), polar (Arctic) fox (Vulpes lagopus), and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), as well as semi-captive studies on sled dogs (Canis familiaris). Regardless, there remains a dearth of data on true contaminant exposure, cause-effect relationships with respect to these contaminant exposures in Arctic wildlife and fish. Indications of exposure effects are largely based on correlations between biomarker endpoints (e.g., biochemical processes related to the immune and endocrine system, pathological changes in tissues and reproduction and development) and tissue residue levels of OHCs (e.g., PCBs, DDTs, CHLs, PBDEs and in a few cases perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs)). Some exceptions include semi-field studies on comparative contaminant effects of control and exposed cohorts of captive Greenland sled dogs, and performance studies mimicking environmentally relevant PCB concentrations in Arctic charr. Recent tissue concentrations in several arctic marine mammal species and populations exceed a general threshold level of concern of 1 part-per-million (ppm), but a clear evidence of a POP/OHC-related stress in these populations remains to be confirmed. There remains minimal evidence that OHCs are having widespread effects on the health of Arctic organisms, with the possible exception of East Greenland and Svalbard polar bears and Svalbard glaucous gulls. However, the true (if any real) effects of POPs in Arctic wildlife have to be put into the context of other environmental, ecological and physiological stressors (both anthropogenic and natural) that render an overall complex picture. For instance, seasonal changes in food intake and corresponding cycles of fattening and emaciation seen in Arctic animals can modify contaminant tissue distribution and toxicokinetics (contaminant deposition, metabolism and depuration). Also, other factors, including impact of climate change (seasonal ice and temperature changes, and connection to food web changes, nutrition, etc. in exposed biota), disease, species invasion and the connection to disease resistance will impact toxicant exposure. Overall, further research and better understanding of POP/OHC impact on animal performance in Arctic biota are recommended. Regardless, it could be argued that Arctic wildlife and fish at the highest potential risk of POP/OHC exposure and mediated effects are East Greenland, Svalbard and (West and South) Hudson Bay polar bears, Alaskan and Northern Norway killer whales, several species of gulls and other seabirds from the Svalbard area, Northern Norway, East Greenland, the Kara Sea and/or the Canadian central high Arctic, East Greenland ringed seal and a few populations of Arctic charr and Greenland shark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Letcher
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology, Branch, Environment Canada, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Sonne C. Health effects from long-range transported contaminants in Arctic top predators: An integrated review based on studies of polar bears and relevant model species. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2010; 36:461-491. [PMID: 20398940 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 03/06/2010] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to provide a thorough overview of the health effects from the complexed biomagnified mixture of long-range transported industrial organochlorines (OCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and mercury (Hg) on polar bear (Ursus maritimus) health. Multiple scientific studies of polar bears indicate negative relationships between exposure to these contaminants and health parameters; however, these are all of a correlative nature and do not represent true cause-and-effects. Therefore, information from controlled studies of farmed Norwegian Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) and housed East and West Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) were included as supportive weight of evidence in the clarification of contaminant exposure and health effects in polar bears. The review showed that hormone and vitamin concentrations, liver, kidney and thyroid gland morphology as well as reproductive and immune systems of polar bears are likely to be influenced by contaminant exposure. Furthermore, exclusively based on polar bear contaminant studies, bone density reduction and neurochemical disruption and DNA hypomethylation of the brain stem seemed to occur. The range of tissue concentration, at which these alterations were observed in polar bears, were ca. 1-70,000 ng/g lw for OCs (blood plasma concentrations of some PCB metabolites even higher), ca. 1-1000 ng/g lw for PBDEs and for PFCs and Hg 114-3052 ng/g ww and 0.1-50 microg/g ww, respectively. Similar concentrations were found in farmed foxes and housed sledge dogs while the lack of dose response designs did not allow an estimation of threshold levels for oral exposure and accumulated tissue concentrations. Nor was it possible to pinpoint a specific group of contaminants being more important than others nor analyze their interactions. For East Greenland polar bears the corresponding daily SigmaOC and SigmaPBDE oral exposure was estimated to be 35 and 0.34 microg/kg body weight, respectively. Furthermore, PFC concentrations, at which population effect levels could occur, are likely to be reached around year 2012 for the East Greenland polar bear subpopulation if current increasing temporal trends continue. Such proposed reproductive population effects were supported by physiological based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling of critical body residues (CBR) with risk quotients >or=1 for SigmaPCB, dieldrin, SigmaPFC and SigmaOHC (organohalogen contaminant). The estimated daily TEQ for East Greenland polar bears and East Greenland sledge dogs were 32-281-folds above WHO SigmaTEQ guidelines for humans. Compared to human tolerable daily intake (TDI), these were exceeded for PCBs, dieldrin, chlordanes and SigmaHCH in East Greenland polar bears. Comparisons like these should be done with caution, but together with the CBR modelling and T-score estimations, these were the only available tools for polar bear risk evaluation. In conclusion, polar bears seem to be susceptible to contaminant induced stress that may have an overall sub-clinical impact on their health and population status via impacts on their immune and reproductive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Section for Contaminants, Effects and Marine Mammals, Department of Arctic Environment, National Environmental Research Institute, University of Aarhus, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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