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Barratclough A, Ferguson SH, Lydersen C, Thomas PO, Kovacs KM. A Review of Circumpolar Arctic Marine Mammal Health-A Call to Action in a Time of Rapid Environmental Change. Pathogens 2023; 12:937. [PMID: 37513784 PMCID: PMC10385039 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The impacts of climate change on the health of marine mammals are increasingly being recognised. Given the rapid rate of environmental change in the Arctic, the potential ramifications on the health of marine mammals in this region are a particular concern. There are eleven endemic Arctic marine mammal species (AMMs) comprising three cetaceans, seven pinnipeds, and the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). All of these species are dependent on sea ice for survival, particularly those requiring ice for breeding. As air and water temperatures increase, additional species previously non-resident in Arctic waters are extending their ranges northward, leading to greater species overlaps and a concomitant increased risk of disease transmission. In this study, we review the literature documenting disease presence in Arctic marine mammals to understand the current causes of morbidity and mortality in these species and forecast future disease issues. Our review highlights potential pathogen occurrence in a changing Arctic environment, discussing surveillance methods for 35 specific pathogens, identifying risk factors associated with these diseases, as well as making recommendations for future monitoring for emerging pathogens. Several of the pathogens discussed have the potential to cause unusual mortality events in AMMs. Brucella, morbillivirus, influenza A virus, and Toxoplasma gondii are all of concern, particularly with the relative naivety of the immune systems of endemic Arctic species. There is a clear need for increased surveillance to understand baseline disease levels and address the gravity of the predicted impacts of climate change on marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Barratclough
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Steven H. Ferguson
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada;
| | - Christian Lydersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
| | - Peter O. Thomas
- Marine Mammal Commission, 4340 East-West Highway, Room 700, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA;
| | - Kit M. Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; (C.L.); (K.M.K.)
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Lippold A, Harju M, Aars J, Blévin P, Bytingsvik J, Gabrielsen GW, Kovacs KM, Lyche JL, Lydersen C, Rikardsen AH, Routti H. Occurrence of emerging brominated flame retardants and organophosphate esters in marine wildlife from the Norwegian Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 315:120395. [PMID: 36228858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To understand the exposure and potential sources of emerging brominated flame retardants (EBFR) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) in marine wildlife from the Norwegian Arctic, we investigated concentrations of EBFRs in 157 tissue samples from nine species of marine vertebrates and OPEs in 34 samples from three whale species. The samples, collected from a wide range of species with contrasting areal use and diets, included blubber of blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, white whales, killer whales, walruses and ringed seals and adipose tissue and plasma from polar bears, as well as adipose tissue from glaucous gulls. Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) ranged from <0.61 to 164 and < 0.8-41 ng/g lipid weight, respectively, in blue whales and fin whales. All other EBRFs and OPEs were below the detection limit or detected only at low concentration. In addition to the baseline information on the occurrence of EBFRs and OPEs in marine wildlife from the Arctic, we provide an in-depth discussion regarding potential sources of the detected compounds. This information is important for future monitoring and management of EBFRs and OPEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lippold
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | - Mikael Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway.
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3
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A new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serological diagnosis of seal parapoxvirus infection in marine mammals. J Vet Res 2022; 66:43-52. [PMID: 35582482 PMCID: PMC8959681 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2022-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Seal parapoxvirus (SPPV) infection has been reported among pinnipeds in aquaria in Japan; however, its seroprevalence is unknown. Therefore, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for serological diagnosis of SPPV infection. Material and Methods The gene encoding the major envelope protein of SPPV was cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pAcGFP1-N1, which encodes the green fluorescence protein (GFP), thereby producing a fusion protein (Env-GFP). Parental and cloned vector DNA was independently transfected into cultured seal cells for the expression of GFP and Env-GFP. The wells of an ELISA plate were coated with either GFP- or Env-GFP-transfected cell lysates. The light absorbance of each serum sample was adjusted by subtracting the absorbance of GFP-coated wells from that of Env-GFP-coated wells. Sera from two spotted seals (Phoca largha), six beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), three Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), and ten bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from an aquarium in Japan were examined using the ELISA. Results Positive reactions were not observed, except in one preserved sample collected ten years ago from a naturally SPPV-infected spotted seal. Conclusion The established ELISA could be useful in screening marine mammal sera for anti-SPPV antibodies.
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Li MY, Gao XN, Ma JY, Elsheikha HM, Cong W. A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the global prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild marine mammals and associations with epidemiological variables. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1213-e1230. [PMID: 35195942 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection in wild marine mammals is a growing problem and is associated with adverse impacts on marine animal health and public health. This systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression estimates the global prevalence of T. gondii infection in wild marine mammals and analyzes the association between T. gondii infection and epidemiological variables. PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data databases were searched until 30 May 2021. Eighty-four studies (n = 14,931 wild marine mammals from 15 families) were identified from literature. The overall pooled prevalence of T. gondii infection was 22.44% (3,848/14,931; 95% confidence interval (CI): 17.29% - 8.04%). The prevalence in adult animals 21.88% (798/3119; 95% CI: 13.40 -31.59) was higher than in the younger age groups. North America had a higher prevalence 29.92% (2756/9243; 95% CI: 21.77 - 38.77) compared with other continents. At the country level, the highest prevalence was found in Spain 44.26% (19/88; 95%CI: 5.21 - 88.54). Regarding climatic variables, the highest prevalence was found in areas with a mean annual temperature >20°C 36.28% (171/562; 95% CI: 6.36 - 73.61) and areas with an annual precipitation >800 mm 26.92% (1341/5042; 95% CI: 18.20 - 36.59). The subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that study-level covariates, including age, country, continent, and mean temperature, partly explained the between-study heterogeneity. Further studies are needed to investigate the source of terrestrial to aquatic dissemination of T. gondii oocysts, the fate of this parasite in marine habitat and its effects on wild marine mammals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Yao Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
| | - Xiao-Nan Gao
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
| | - Jun-Yang Ma
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Wei Cong
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong, 264209, PR China
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Carlsson P, Singdahl-Larsen C, Lusher AL. Understanding the occurrence and fate of microplastics in coastal Arctic ecosystems: The case of surface waters, sediments and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148308. [PMID: 34153762 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic ecosystem receives contaminants transported through complex environmental pathways - such as atmospheric, riverine and oceanographic transport, as well as local infrastructure. A holistic approach is required to assess the impact that plastic pollution may have on the Arctic, especially with regard to the unseen microplastics. This study presents data on microplastics in the Arctic fjords of western Svalbard, by addressing the ecological consequences of their presence in coastal surface waters and sediment, and through non-invasive approaches by sampling faeces from an apex predator, the benthic feeder walrus (Odobenus rosmarus). Sample locations were chosen to represent coastal areas with different degrees of anthropogenic pollution and geographical features (e.g., varying glacial coverage of catchment area, winter ice cover, traffic, visitors), while also relevant feeding grounds for walrus. Microplastics in surface water and sediments ranged between <LOD (limit of detection)-3.5 particles/m3 and <LOD-26 particles/kg dry weight, respectively. This study shows that microplastics may also enter the Arctic food web as the microplastic concentration in walrus faeces were estimated at an average of 34 particles/kg. Polyester was identified by Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) as the most common plastic polymer (58% in water, 31% in walrus), while fibres were the most common shape (65% water, 71% in sediment, 70% walrus). There was no significant difference in microplastic occurrence between water samples from populated or remote fjords, suggesting that microplastics are a ubiquitous contaminant which is available for interaction with Arctic marine animals even at distances from settlements. The present study contributes to our understanding of microplastics in the remote Arctic ecosystem. It also identifies the potential of non-invasive sampling methods for investigating Arctic pinnipeds. This approach will need further development and standardisation before utilisation to monitor plastic pollution in other marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernilla Carlsson
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Framsenteret, Hjalmar Johansens gate 14, 9007 Tromsø, Norway; University Centre of the Westfjords, Suðurgata 12, 400 Ísafjörður, Iceland
| | | | - Amy L Lusher
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349, Oslo, Norway; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway.
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Costa H, Klein J, Breines EM, Nollens HH, Matassa K, Garron M, Duignan PJ, Schmitt T, Goldstein T, Tryland M. A Comparison of Parapoxviruses in North American Pinnipeds. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:653094. [PMID: 34079832 PMCID: PMC8165162 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.653094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parapoxviruses cause nodular lesions on the skin and mucosal membranes of pinnipeds and infections by these viruses have been documented worldwide. Seal parapoxvirus is currently classified as a tentative species of the Parapoxvirus genus. Tissue or swab samples were analyzed from 11 pinnipeds of different host species undergoing rehabilitation on the east and west coasts of the United States of America (USA) that were positive for parapoxvirus. The aim of the study was to compare parapoxvirus sequences of fragments of the B2L, DNA polymerase, GIF and viral interleukin-10 ortholog (vIL-10) genes and to examine the evolutionary relationship between viruses detected in different pinniped species and at different locations with other members of the Parapoxvirus genus, such as Orf virus (ORFV), Bovine papular stomatitis virus (BPSV) and Pseudocowpox virus (PCPV). The sequence analysis showed that the parapoxvirus sequences from the pinnipeds differed significantly from those found in terrestrial hosts and that they formed a separate cluster within the genus. Our results suggest that transmission of the same parapoxvirus strain is possible between different species, including between members of different families (phocids and otariids). Animals belonging to the same species but living in distant geographic locations presented genetically distant parapoxviruses. The findings of this study demonstrate that sealpox lesions in pinnipeds of different species are caused by viruses that belong to the Parapoxvirus genus but have significant genetic differences compared to the established virus species in terrestrial hosts, thus strongly supporting the classification of pinniped parapoxvirus as a new species of the genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Costa
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jörn Klein
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Notodden, Norway
| | - Eva M. Breines
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Keith Matassa
- Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance, Dana Point, CA, United States
| | - Mendy Garron
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office, Gloucester, MA, United States
| | | | - Todd Schmitt
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Tracey Goldstein
- One Health Institute and Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Morten Tryland
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Ankley GT, Cureton P, Hoke RA, Houde M, Kumar A, Kurias J, Lanno R, McCarthy C, Newsted J, Salice CJ, Sample BE, Sepúlveda MS, Steevens J, Valsecchi S. Assessing the Ecological Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Current State-of-the Science and a Proposed Path Forward. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:564-605. [PMID: 32897586 PMCID: PMC7984443 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large, heterogenous group of chemicals of potential concern to human health and the environment. Based on information for a few relatively well-understood PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate, there is ample basis to suspect that at least a subset can be considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic. However, data suitable for determining risks in either prospective or retrospective assessments are lacking for the majority of PFAS. In August 2019, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry sponsored a workshop that focused on the state-of-the-science supporting risk assessment of PFAS. The present review summarizes discussions concerning the ecotoxicology and ecological risks of PFAS. First, we summarize currently available information relevant to problem formulation/prioritization, exposure, and hazard/effects of PFAS in the context of regulatory and ecological risk assessment activities from around the world. We then describe critical gaps and uncertainties relative to ecological risk assessments for PFAS and propose approaches to address these needs. Recommendations include the development of more comprehensive monitoring programs to support exposure assessment, an emphasis on research to support the formulation of predictive models for bioaccumulation, and the development of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods to efficiently assess biological effects for potentially sensitive species/endpoints. Addressing needs associated with assessing the ecological risk of PFAS will require cross-disciplinary approaches that employ both conventional and new methods in an integrated, resource-effective manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:564-605. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald T. Ankley
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection AgencyDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | - Philippa Cureton
- Science and Risk Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, GatineauQuebecCanada
| | | | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, MontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation UrrbraeSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jessy Kurias
- Science and Risk Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, GatineauQuebecCanada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria S. Sepúlveda
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue UniversityWest LayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Jeffery Steevens
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research CenterColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Sara Valsecchi
- Water Research Institute, National Research CouncilBrugherioMonza and BrianzaItaly
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8
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Villanger GD, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Haug LS, Sabaredzovic A, Jenssen BM, Routti H. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from Svalbard - A comparison of concentrations in plasma sampled 15 years apart. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114497. [PMID: 32302893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate recent concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from Svalbard and compare them to concentrations found in white whales sampled from that same area 15 years ago. Plasma collected from live-captured white whales from two time periods (2013-2014, n = 9, and 1996-2001, n = 11) were analysed for 19 different PFASs. The 11 PFASs detected included seven C8-C14 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and three C6-C8 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) as well as perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA). Recent plasma concentrations (2013-2014) of the dominant PFAS in white whales, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; geometric mean = 22.8 ng/mL), was close to an order of magnitude lower than reported in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard. PFOS concentrations in white whales were about half the concentrations in harbour (Phoca vitulina) and ringed (Pusa hispida) seals, similar to hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) and higher than in walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) from that same area. From 1996 to 2001 to 2013-2014, plasma concentrations of PFOS decreased by 44%, whereas four C9-12 PFCAs and total PFCAs increased by 35-141%. These results follow a similar trend to what has been reported in other studies of Arctic marine mammals from Svalbard. The most dramatic change has been the decline of PFOS concentrations since 2000, corresponding to the production phase-out of PFOS and related compounds in many countries around the year 2000 and a global restriction on these substances in 2009. Still, the continued dominance of PFOS in white whales, and increasing concentration trends for several PFCAs, even though exposure is relatively low, calls for continued monitoring of concentrations of both PFCAs and PFSAs and investigation of biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro D Villanger
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | | | - Line S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Tartu S, Fisk AT, Götsch A, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Routti H. First assessment of pollutant exposure in two balaenopterid whale populations sampled in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 718:137327. [PMID: 32097839 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pollutant concentrations are poorly known for the largest animals on Earth, blue whales Balaenoptera musculus and fin whales Balaenoptera physalus. In this study, concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in blubber biopsies and stable isotope values for nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) were measured using skin biopsies for 18 blue whales and 12 fin whales sampled in waters surrounding the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. The samples were collected in summer during the period 2014-2018. POPs were dominated by DDTs, PCBs and toxaphenes, with median concentrations in blue/fin whales being 208/341, 127/275 and 133/233 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Linear models indicated that pollutant concentrations were 1.6-3 times higher in fin whales than in blue whales, which is likely related to the higher trophic positions of fin whales, as indicated by their higher δ15N. Lower δ13C in fin whales suggests that they feed at higher latitudes than blue whales; these values were not correlated with pollutant concentrations. Pollutant levels were approximately twice as high in males compared to females (intraspecifically), which indicates that females of these species offload pollutants to their offspring during gestation and lactation, similar to many other mammalian species. Pollutant concentrations in balaenopterid whales from Svalbard waters were generally much lower than in conspecific whales from the Mediterranean Sea or the Gulf of California, but higher than those in conspecifics from the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway
| | - Aaron T Fisk
- School of the Environment, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Arntraut Götsch
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway
| | | | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway.
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10
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Blévin P, Aars J, Andersen M, Blanchet MA, Hanssen L, Herzke D, Jeffreys RM, Nordøy ES, Pinzone M, de la Vega C, Routti H. Pelagic vs Coastal-Key Drivers of Pollutant Levels in Barents Sea Polar Bears with Contrasted Space-Use Strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:985-995. [PMID: 31823610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b04626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the Barents Sea, pelagic and coastal polar bears are facing various ecological challenges that may explain the difference in their pollutant levels. We measured polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fat, and perfluoroalkyl substances in plasma in pelagic and coastal adult female polar bears with similar body condition. We studied polar bear feeding habits with bulk stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen. Nitrogen isotopes of amino acids were used to investigate their trophic position. We studied energy expenditure by estimating field metabolic rate using telemetry data. Annual home range size was determined, and spatial gradients in pollutants were explored using latitude and longitude centroid positions of polar bears. Pollutant levels were measured in harp seals from the Greenland Sea and White Sea-Barents Sea as a proxy for a West-East gradient of pollutants in polar bear prey. We showed that pelagic bears had higher pollutant loads than coastal bears because (1) they feed on a higher proportion of marine and higher trophic level prey, (2) they have higher energy requirements and higher prey consumption, (3) they forage in the marginal ice zones, and (4) they feed on prey located closer to pollutant emission sources/transport pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Blévin
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | - Magnus Andersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | | | - Linda Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | - Rachel M Jeffreys
- School of Environmental Science , University of Liverpool , Liverpool L69 7ZX , United Kingdom
| | | | - Marianna Pinzone
- Laboratory of Oceanology, Department of Biology, Ecology & Evolution , University of Liège , Liège B-4000 , Belgium
| | - Camille de la Vega
- School of Environmental Science , University of Liverpool , Liverpool L69 7ZX , United Kingdom
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
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Boltunov A, Semenova V, Samsonov D, Boltunov N, Nikiforov V. Persistent organic pollutants in the Pechora Sea walruses. Polar Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-019-02457-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Routti H, Diot B, Panti C, Duale N, Fossi MC, Harju M, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Scotter SE, Villanger GD, Bourgeon S. Contaminants in Atlantic walruses in Svalbard Part 2: Relationships with endocrine and immune systems. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 246:658-667. [PMID: 30611942 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals in the Barents Sea region have among the highest levels of contaminants recorded in the Arctic and the Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) is one of the most contaminated species within this region. We therefore investigated the relationships bewteen blubber concentrations of lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and plasma concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and markers of endocrine and immune functions in adult male Atlantic walruses (n = 38) from Svalbard, Norway. To do so, we assessed plasma concentrations of five forms of thyroid hormones and transcript levels of genes related to the endocrine and immune systems as endpoints; transcript levels of seven genes in blubber and 23 genes in blood cells were studied. Results indicated that plasma total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations and ratio of TT4 and reverse triiodothyronine decreased with increasing blubber concentrations of lipophilic POPs. Blood cell transcript levels of genes involved in the function of T and B cells (FC like receptors 2 and 5, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 and protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22) were increased with plasma PFAS concentrations. These results suggest that changes in thyroid and immune systems in adult male walruses are linked to current levels of contaminant exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway; University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Béatrice Diot
- UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Nur Duale
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Mikael Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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