1
|
Polizzi P, Romero MB, Chiodi Boudet L, Dolagaratz Carricavur A, Gerpe M. What do small cetaceans tell us about trace elements pollution on the Argentinean coast? Franciscana dolphin as a biomonitor. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167428. [PMID: 37793446 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167428] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements (TEs) constitute the oldest emerging pollutants globally, most occur from natural sources, but a few are derived from anthropogenic sources. Marine mammals are considered bioindicators of ecosystem contamination. The aims of this review is compile reports on essential and nonessential TEs occurrence in small cetaceans from Argentinean waters; and to review the existing information on the concentration of TEs in the Franciscana dolphin, a biomonitor species of the Argentine coastal marine ecosystem. We searched reports where levels of TEs were present in small cetaceans from and eight species were analysed: Pontoporia blainvillei, Tursiops truncatus gephyreus, Kogia breviceps, Delphinus delphis, Lagenorhynchus obscurus, Lagenodelphis hasei, Cephaloryhchus commersonii and Ziphius cavirostris. Essential TEs like Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Mo, Se, As, Au, Ag, Sn, and nonessential TE as Pb, Cd, Hg, As was considered. The reports compiled in this article analysed kidney, liver, muscle and occasionally brain, skin, lung and spleen, covering a temporal range of 30 years, from 1982 to 2016. Of data analysis, we identify knowledge gaps, species of small cetaceans for which the concentration of trace metals is not yet known and areas on the Argentine coast where there are no reports that analyse them. The most recent information corresponds to the 2010 decade, and in those subsequent publications, the samples were taken at that time. This emphasizes the importance of reviewing this data, in order to compare old and new datasets, create contamination timelines and evaluate possible increases or decreases of contaminants in different study areas. The information recopilated will serve as valuable baselines to detect the future impact of increasing human, even natural, activities on marine ecosystems in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Polizzi
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3250, CC1260, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - M B Romero
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3250, CC1260, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - L Chiodi Boudet
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3250, CC1260, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - A Dolagaratz Carricavur
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3250, CC1260, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - M Gerpe
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3250, CC1260, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lemaire J, Brischoux F, Marquis O, Mangione R, Caut S, Brault-Favrou M, Churlaud C, Bustamante P. Relationships between stable isotopes and trace element concentrations in the crocodilian community of French Guiana. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155846. [PMID: 35561901 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155846] [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: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements in the blood of crocodilians and the factors that influence their concentrations are overall poorly documented. However, determination of influencing factors is crucial to assess the relevance of caimans as bioindicators of environmental contamination, and potential toxicological impact of trace elements on these reptiles. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of 14 trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Mn, Ni, Se, V, and Zn) in the blood of four French Guiana caiman species (the Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus [n = 34], the Black Caiman Melanosuchus niger [n = 25], the Dwarf Caiman Paleosuchus palpebrosus [n = 5] and the Smooth-fronted Caiman Paleosuchus trigonatus [n = 20]) from 8 different sites, and further investigated the influence of individual body size and stable isotopes as proxies of foraging habitat and trophic position on trace element concentrations. Trophic position was identified to be an important factor influencing trace element concentrations in the four caiman species and explained interspecific variations. These findings highlight the need to consider trophic ecology when crocodilians are used as bioindicators of trace element contamination in environmental studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Lemaire
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France; Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France.
| | - François Brischoux
- Centre d'Études Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Oliver Marquis
- Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Parc Zoologique de Paris, 53 avenue de Saint Maurice, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Rosanna Mangione
- Division of Behavioural Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Wohlenstrasse 50a, CH-3032 Hinterkappelen, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Caut
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), Departamento de Etologia y Conservation de La Biodiversidad - Estacion Biologica de Doñana - C/Americo Vespucio, S/n (Isla de La Cartuja), E-41092 Sevilla, Spain; ANIMAVEG Conservation, 58 Avenue Du Président Salvador Allende, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Carine Churlaud
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Damseaux F, Siebert U, Pomeroy P, Lepoint G, Das K. Habitat and resource segregation of two sympatric seals in the North Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 764:142842. [PMID: 33342563 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The study of ecological niche segregation in sympatric species is essential to understand ecosystem functioning and its response to potential changes. In the North Sea, sympatric grey and harbour seals may present competition for food resources sustained by intense fishing activities and recent increase of seal populations. In order to coexist and reduce inter-specific competition, sympatric species must segregate at least one aspect of their ecological niches: temporal, spatial or resource segregation. We aim to study the foraging resources and foraging distributions of grey seals and harbour seals and the potential competition between these species in the North Sea. Therefore, we analysed stable isotopic composition of C, N and S (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S values), and the concentrations of Hg and Se in blood of harbour and grey seals from the North Sea. Blood samples were collected on 45 grey seals and 37 harbour seals sampled along German and Scottish coasts. Stable isotope ratios were performed with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to an N-C-S elemental analyser for automated analyses. Total mercury concentrations (T-Hg) were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and Se concentrations by ICP-MS. The multi-tracer approach shown spatial and resource partitioning within grey and harbour seal living along German and Scottish coasts. Data indicate 1) the offshore foraging distribution of grey seals as reflected by the lower δ15N values and T-Hg concentrations and higher Se concentrations and 2) the inshore foraging distribution of harbour seals because of higher δ15N values and T-Hg concentrations and lower Se concentrations. The SIAR mixing model revealed 3) a more selective diet of grey seals compared to harbour seals and 4) the importance of sandeels in grey seal diet reflected by their high δ34S values. Lastly, diet ellipse overlaps between grey seals and harbour seals sampled along the German coasts suggested 5) a potential sharing of food resources, possibly due to the increase number of grey seals number in this area during the foraging season - all year except breeding and moulting periods. The multi-tracer approach of this study provides a more robust discrimination among diet resources and spatial foraging distributions of grey seals and harbour seals in the North Sea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- France Damseaux
- Freshwater and Oceanic sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Patrick Pomeroy
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, East Sands, University of St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Gilles Lepoint
- Freshwater and Oceanic sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Laboratory of Oceanology, University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Binkowski LJ, Fort J, Brault-Favrou M, Gallien F, Le Guillou G, Chastel O, Bustamante P. Foraging ecology drives mercury contamination in chick gulls from the English Channel. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 267:128622. [PMID: 33162157 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128622] [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: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although mercury (Hg) occurs naturally, human activity is currently the greatest source of release and the ocean receives Hg inputs by rivers and atmospheric deposition. Seabirds including chicks serve as valuable bioindicators of Hg contamination, reflecting local contamination around the colony. This study investigates the ecological drivers (trophic position and foraging habitat) influencing Hg concentrations in blood and feathers of chicks of three sympatric marine gull species. Chicks were sampled between 2015 and 2017 in the Seine Estuary, one of the most Hg contaminated rivers in Europe, and in the Normand-Breton Gulf (the Chausey Islands), 200 km west, as a reference site with limited contaminant inputs. The trophic status of the chicks was evaluated based on the relative abundance of stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S). There was a tight correlation between Hg concentrations, as well as the abundance of stable isotopes, in blood and feathers. Great black-backed gull had the highest blood Hg concentrations of the species (1.80 ± 0.92 μg⋅g-1 dry weight (dw)); the Lesser black-backed gull had intermediate concentrations (0.61 ± 0.18 μg⋅g-1 dw); and the European herring gull had the lowest (0.37 ± 0.26 μg⋅g-1 dw). Individuals with the highest trophic position showed consistently the highest Hg concentrations. The positive relationship between Hg concentrations and the feeding habitat (marine vs terrestrial) indicated that the main source of Hg for gulls in the English Channel is marine prey. This exposure led to relatively high Hg concentrations in Great black-backed gull, which may produce toxic effects to individuals with potential consequences for their populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz J Binkowski
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Krakow, Podchorazych 2, 30-084 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Maud Brault-Favrou
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Fabrice Gallien
- Groupe Ornithologique Normand, 181 Rue d'Auge, 14000 Caen, France
| | | | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (CEBC), UMR 7372 CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS - La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 Rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Machovsky-Capuska GE, von Haeften G, Romero MA, Rodríguez DH, Gerpe MS. Linking cadmium and mercury accumulation to nutritional intake in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from Patagonia, Argentina. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114480. [PMID: 32283460 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114480] [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: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bioaccumulation of Hg and Cd from food is a complex ecological process that has been oversimplified in the past. Common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) provide a powerful model to biomonitor metal concentrations in marine environments worldwide. We combined proportions-based nutritional geometry with metal analysis, stomach content analysis and the proximate composition of prey, to yield novel insights into the accumulation of Hg and Cd. Our analysis showed an age-related accumulation trend for Cd and Hg in kidney and liver, with highest concentrations found at 18 years of age. When viewed through the lens of nutritional ecology, Argentine anchovy (58.1 Mass %) and South American long-finned squid (22.7 Mass %), provided most of the dietary intake of protein (P) and lipids (L) (P:L ratio = 2.6:1.0) and also represented the main source for Cd and Hg levels accumulated in their bodies. This study presents unprecedented evidence on metal accumulation in relation to age and nutritional intake in a marine predator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M Alejandra Romero
- Centro de Investigación Aplicada y Transferencia Tecnológica en Recursos Marinos "Almirante Storni", Güemes 1030, San Antonio Oeste, 8520, Rio Negro, Argentina; Escuela Superior de Ciencias Marinas, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, San Martín 247, San Antonio Oeste, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Diego H Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CONICET, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, B7602AYL, Argentina; Laboratorio de Mamíferos Marinos, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Marcela S Gerpe
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, CONICET, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata, B7602AYL, Argentina; Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología, Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Martínez-López E, Peñalver J, Escriña A, Lara L, Gens MJ, María Dolores E, Alcaraz A, García-Fernández AJ. Trace metals in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Murcia coastline, Mediterranean Sea, during the period 2009-2015. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 229:580-588. [PMID: 31100629 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.04.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) concentrations in internal tissues of 72 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Murcia Region (Mediterranean coastline) have been investigated for the first time. Hg showed the highest concentration, followed by Se, Cd, As and Pb. In general, the levels of metal found in this study were similar to those described in similar studies in the Mediterranean Sea. However, in some adult specimens, Hg liver concentrations were related with toxic effects in cetacean. A significant correlation was observed with age, likewise between Se and Hg and Cd in tissues, which agree with detoxify effect attributed to Se through inert complex formation. Molar ratio Hg:Se in liver was close to 1:1 in some specimens, which would indicate overload of the Hg-Se detoxify function and compromised health. These results could contribute to a better knowledge of the distribution of these persistent pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Spain.
| | - J Peñalver
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Escriña
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - L Lara
- "El Valle" Wildlife Recovery Center (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M J Gens
- "El Valle" Wildlife Recovery Center (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - E María Dolores
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Alcaraz
- Agrarian and Animal Health Laboratory (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A J García-Fernández
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
As, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Cd Concentrations and Bioaccumulation in the Dugong Dugong dugon and Manatee Trichechus manatus: A Review of Body Burdens and Distribution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16030404. [PMID: 30708981 PMCID: PMC6388294 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The death of dozens of manatees Trichechus manatus recently in Tabasco, Mexico, has captured international attention. Speculation about possible causes include water and food contamination by metals. Although federal authorities have ruled out water chemical pollution, the cause of these deaths is still awaiting conclusive laboratory results. Present work seeks to summarize information currently available on non-essential metals and those of great toxicological relevance in Sirenia (dugongs and manatees), highlighting its body distribution, presence in blood, and its relationship with their geographical distribution, gender and age, whenever possible. This paper focuses on the five elements: As, Cr, Hg, Pb and Cd, which are commonly considered as threats for marine mammals and reported in Sirenia. Some of these metals (Cr and Cd) were thought to be related to the recent deaths in Tabasco. All five elements are accumulated by Sirenia at different levels. Metal presence is associated to their diet but does not necessarily imply adverse effects for dugongs and manatees. Toxicological aspects and the human consumption risk in case of any illegal or traditional consumption in some cultures are discussed. Important toxicological research areas that need to be addressed are highlighted.
Collapse
|
8
|
Cáceres-Saez I, Haro D, Blank O, Aguayo Lobo A, Dougnac C, Arredondo C, Cappozzo HL, Guevara SR. High status of mercury and selenium in false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens, Owen 1846) stranded on Southern South America: A possible toxicological concern? CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 199:637-646. [PMID: 29462769 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The study was carried out to determine Hg and Se concentrations in false killer whales stranded on the Estrecho de Magallanes, Chile, South America. Tissue samples of five mature specimens were analyzed (two females and three males). Mean Hg concentration in liver 1068 (234) μg g-1 dry weight (DW) (standard deviation in parenthesis) was markedly higher than those in kidney 272 (152) μg g-1 DW, lung 423 (325) μg g-1 DW, spleen 725 (696) μg g-1 DW, muscle 118 (94) μg g-1 DW and testicle 18.0 (2.8) μg g-1 DW. Mean Se concentration in liver, 398 (75) μg g-1 DW, was higher than those in kidney 162 (69) μg g-1 DW, lung 128 (84) μg g-1 DW, spleen 268 (245) μg g-1 DW, muscle 47 (38) μg g-1 DW and testicle 25.4 (2.1) μg g-1 DW. Positive correlations were found between Hg and Se molar concentrations in muscle, lung, spleen and kidney. Molar ratio of Se/Hg in liver, lung and muscle were <1, but those in kidney and testicle were markedly >1 suggesting a Se protection against Hg toxicity. In all the examined specimens Hg values exceeded the toxic thresholds defined for hepatic damage in marine mammals, with Se/Hg molar ratios below 1 implying limited protective action of Se. Generally, our results showed that individuals are carrying a significant burden, reflecting a high exposure to this toxic metal. This constitutes the first report on Hg and Se levels for a large subantarctic odontocete in South America region, providing insights into their contamination status and with information to the understanding of possible impacts on wild populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Cáceres-Saez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Daniela Haro
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecología Isotópica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; Centro Bahía Lomas, Universidad Santo Tomas, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Olivia Blank
- Clínica Veterinaria Timaukel y Centro de Rehabilitación de Aves Leñadura (CRAL), José Pithon 01316, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Anelio Aguayo Lobo
- Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH), Plaza Muñoz Gamero 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Catherine Dougnac
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristóbal Arredondo
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Av. Santa Rosa 11735, La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - H Luis Cappozzo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio Ribeiro Guevara
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Av E. Bustillo km 9.500, Bariloche, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mapunda EC, Othman OC, Akwilapo LD, Bouwman H, Mwevura H. Concentrations of metallic elements in kidney, liver, and lung tissue of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin Tursiops aduncus from coastal waters of Zanzibar, Tanzania. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 122:483-487. [PMID: 28662978 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.06.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of metallic elements in kidney, liver and lung tissues of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus from coastal waters of Zanzibar were determined using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy. Cadmium, chromium, copper, and zinc were quantifiable in all tissues at concentration ranges of 0.10-150, 0.08-3.2, 1.1-88 and 14-210μg/g dry mass, respectively. Copper and zinc was significantly higher in liver, and females had significantly higher Cd in liver, and chromium in lung. Generally, T. aduncus dolphins from coastal waters around Zanzibar carry low concentrations of metals compared with dolphins from other areas. Cadmium increased significantly with age in kidney and lung. Copper decreased significantly with age in liver, probably due to foetal metallothionein. This study supplied baseline data against which future trends in marine mammals in the Indian Ocean, the world's third largest, can be assessed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edgar C Mapunda
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Othman C Othman
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Leonard D Akwilapo
- Chemistry Department, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35061, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hindrik Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, P Bag X 6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
| | - Haji Mwevura
- Department of Natural Science, State University of Zanzibar, P.O. Box:146, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gui D, Yu RQ, Karczmarski L, Ding Y, Zhang H, Sun Y, Zhang M, Wu Y. Spatiotemporal Trends of Heavy Metals in Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the Western Pearl River Estuary, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:1848-1858. [PMID: 28075564 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b05566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the spatiotemporal trends of the concentrations of 11 heavy metals (HMs) in the liver and kidney of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from western Pearl River Estuary (PRE) during 2004-2015. The hepatic levels of Cr, As, and Cu in these dolphins were among the highest reported for cetaceans globally, and the levels of Zn, Cu, and Hg were sufficiently high to cause toxicological effects in some of the animals. Between same age-sex groups, dolphins from Lingdingyang were significantly more contaminated with Hg, Se, and V than those from the West-four region, while the opposite was true for Cd. Generalized additive mixed models showed that most metals had significant but dissimilar temporal trends over a 10-year period. The concentrations of Cu and Zn increased significantly in recent years, corresponding to the high input of these metals in the region. Body-length-adjusted Cd levels peaked in 2012, accompanied by the highest annual number of dolphin stranding events. In contrast to the significant decrease in HM levels in the dolphins in Hong Kong waters (the eastern reaches of the PRE), the elevated metal exposure in the western PRE raises serious concerns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duan Gui
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, 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, Texas 75799, United States
| | - Leszek Karczmarski
- The Swire Institute of Marine Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong , Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Yulong Ding
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, 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
| | - Haifei Zhang
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, 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
| | - Yong Sun
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, 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
| | - Mei Zhang
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, 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
| | - Yuping Wu
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, 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
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Godoy-Vitorino F, Rodriguez-Hilario A, Alves AL, Gonçalves F, Cabrera-Colon B, Mesquita CS, Soares-Castro P, Ferreira M, Marçalo A, Vingada J, Eira C, Santos PM. The microbiome of a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in Portugal. Res Microbiol 2016; 168:85-93. [PMID: 27615066 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases with epizootic consequences have not been fully studied in marine mammals. Presently, the unprecedented depth of sequencing, made available by high-throughput approaches, allows detailed comparisons of the microbiome in health and disease. This is the first report of the striped dolphin microbiome in different body sites. Samples from one striped female edematous dolphin were acquired from a variety of body niches, including the blowhole, oral cavity, oral mucosa, tongue, stomach, intestines and genital mucosa. Detailed 16S rRNA analysis of over half a million sequences identified 235 OTUs. Beta diversity analyses indicated that microbial communities vary in structure and cluster by sample origin. Pathogenic, Gram-negative, facultative and obligate anaerobic taxa were significantly detected, including Cetobacterium, Fusobacterium and Ureaplasma. Phocoenobacter and Arcobacter dominated the oral-type samples, while Cardiobacteriaceae and Vibrio were associated with the blowhole and Photobacterium were abundant in the gut. We report for the first time the association of Epulopiscium with a marine mammal gut. The striped dolphin microbiota shows variation in structure and diversity according to the organ type. The high dominance of Gram-negative anaerobic pathogens evidences a cetacean microbiome affected by human-related bacteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Godoy-Vitorino
- Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, P.O. Box 191293, 00919-1293 San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Arnold Rodriguez-Hilario
- Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, P.O. Box 191293, 00919-1293 San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Ana Luísa Alves
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Filipa Gonçalves
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Beatriz Cabrera-Colon
- Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, P.O. Box 191293, 00919-1293 San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Cristina Sousa Mesquita
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Soares-Castro
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal; Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal.
| | - Ana Marçalo
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - José Vingada
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Eira
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Miguel Santos
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kehrig HA, Hauser-Davis RA, Seixas TG, Pinheiro AB, Di Beneditto APM. Mercury species, selenium, metallothioneins and glutathione in two dolphins from the southeastern Brazilian coast: Mercury detoxification and physiological differences in diving capacity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 213:785-792. [PMID: 27038210 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the concentration of trace elements, total mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) and mercury forms (MeHg, Hginorg and HgSe) in the vulnerable coastal dolphins Pontoporia blainvillei and Sotalia guianensis were appraised and compared, using metallothioneins (MT) and glutathione (GSH) as biomarkers for trace element exposure. The trace element concentrations varied between muscle and liver tissues, with liver of all dolphin specimens showing higher Hg and Se concentrations than those found in muscle. Hg, MeHg and Hginorg molar concentrations showed a clear increase with Se molar concentrations in the liver of both dolphins, and Se concentrations were higher than those of Hg on a molar basis. Se plays a relevant role in the detoxification of MeHg in the hepatic tissue of both dolphins, forming Hg-Se amorphous crystals in liver. In contrast, MT were involved in the detoxification process of Hginorg in liver. GSH levels in P. blainvillei and S. guianensis muscle tissue suggest that these dolphins have different diving capacities. Muscle Hg concentrations were associated to this tripeptide, which protects dolphin cells against Hg stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helena A Kehrig
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil; Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, IBCCF, Laboratório de Radioisótopos, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rachel A Hauser-Davis
- Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Biodiversidade Neotropical, 22290-240 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Tercia G Seixas
- Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, IBCCF, Laboratório de Radioisótopos, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | | | - Ana Paula M Di Beneditto
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ferreira M, Monteiro SS, Torres J, Oliveira I, Sequeira M, López A, Vingada J, Eira C. Biological variables and health status affecting inorganic element concentrations in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Portugal (western Iberian Peninsula). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 210:293-302. [PMID: 26803785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.01.027] [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: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The coastal preferences of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) intensify their exposure to human activities. The harbour porpoise Iberian population is presently very small and information about the threats it endures is vital for the conservation efforts that are being implemented to avoid local extinction. The present study explored the possible relation between the accumulation of trace elements by porpoises and their sex, body length, nutritional state, presence of parasites and gross pathologies. The concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) were evaluated in 42 porpoises stranded in Portugal between 2005 and 2013. Considering European waters, porpoises stranded in Portugal present the highest Hg concentrations and the lowest Cd concentrations, which may reflect dietary preferences and the geographic availability of these pollutants. While no effect of sex on trace element concentrations was detected, there was a positive relationship between porpoise body length and the concentration of Cd, Hg and Pb. Animals in worse nutritional condition showed higher levels of Zn. Harbour porpoises with high parasite burdens showed lower levels of Zn and As in all analysed tissues and also lower levels of renal Ni, while those showing gross pathologies presented higher Zn and Hg levels. This is the first data on the relationship between trace elements and health-related variables in porpoises from southern European Atlantic waters, providing valuable baseline information about the contamination status of this vulnerable population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia & CBMA, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Silvia S Monteiro
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Jordi Torres
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Microbiologia i Parasitologia Sanitàries, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marina Sequeira
- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), Avenida da República 16, 1050-191 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alfredo López
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños, Camiño do Ceán, 2, 36350 Nigrán Pontevedra, Spain
| | - José Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mahfouz C, Henry F, Courcot L, Pezeril S, Bouveroux T, Dabin W, Jauniaux T, Khalaf G, Amara R. Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded along the southern North Sea: an assessment through metallic contamination. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 133:266-273. [PMID: 24981825 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2014.06.006] [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: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the last few years, the southern North Sea has witnessed an increase in the number of stranded marine mammals, particularly the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). This species is subject to several potential threats such as exposure to contaminants, changes in food supply, marine traffic and fishery by-catch. The aims of this study were to investigate potential associations between contaminants and health status and to analyze spatial and temporal trends of metal concentrations in harbour porpoises. Selected trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Se, V and Zn) were measured in kidneys and livers of 105 harbour porpoises stranded along the southern North Sea (French and Belgian coasts from 2006 to 2013) and 27 stranded along the Bay of Biscay (French coast from 2009 to 2012). Porpoises that died from infectious disease displayed significant higher hepatic concentrations of Cd, Hg, Se and Zn compared to healthy porpoises that died from physical trauma. Adult porpoises displayed significant higher concentrations of Cd, Cr, Hg, Se and V in livers compared to juveniles. No spatial or temporal trends in metal concentrations were detected in our study. The results of the present study suggested that chemical contamination may represent one of many threats encountered by harbour porpoises, but it cannot explain alone the increase in the number of stranded individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Mahfouz
- University of Lille Nord de France, France; Université du Littoral, Laboratoire d׳Océanologie et de Géosciences, 32 Avenue Foch, BP 80, F-62930 Wimereux, France; CNRS, UMR 8187, F-62930 Wimereux, France; CNRS, National Centre for Marine Sciences, P.O. Box 534, Batroun, Lebanon.
| | - Françoise Henry
- University of Lille Nord de France, France; Université du Littoral, Laboratoire d׳Océanologie et de Géosciences, 32 Avenue Foch, BP 80, F-62930 Wimereux, France; CNRS, UMR 8187, F-62930 Wimereux, France
| | - Lucie Courcot
- University of Lille Nord de France, France; Université du Littoral, Laboratoire d׳Océanologie et de Géosciences, 32 Avenue Foch, BP 80, F-62930 Wimereux, France; CNRS, UMR 8187, F-62930 Wimereux, France
| | - Sylvain Pezeril
- Observatoire pour la Conservation et l׳Etude des Animaux et Milieux Marins- OCEAMM, F-59123 Zuydcoote, France
| | - Thibaut Bouveroux
- Observatoire pour la Conservation et l׳Etude des Animaux et Milieux Marins- OCEAMM, F-59123 Zuydcoote, France
| | - Willy Dabin
- Centre de Recherche sur les Mammiferes Marin, Institut du Littoral et de l׳Environnement, Port des minimes, Av. du Lazaret, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - Thierry Jauniaux
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, B43 Liège University, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Gaby Khalaf
- CNRS, National Centre for Marine Sciences, P.O. Box 534, Batroun, Lebanon
| | - Rachid Amara
- University of Lille Nord de France, France; Université du Littoral, Laboratoire d׳Océanologie et de Géosciences, 32 Avenue Foch, BP 80, F-62930 Wimereux, France; CNRS, UMR 8187, F-62930 Wimereux, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Méndez-Fernandez P, Webster L, Chouvelon T, Bustamante P, Ferreira M, González AF, López A, Moffat CF, Pierce GJ, Read FL, Russell M, Santos MB, Spitz J, Vingada JV, Caurant F. An assessment of contaminant concentrations in toothed whale species of the NW Iberian Peninsula: part II. Trace element concentrations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 484:206-217. [PMID: 24702724 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.03.001] [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] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn were investigated in the liver and kidney of the five most common toothed whales off the Northwest Iberian Peninsula (NWIP), specifically common dolphin, long-finned pilot whale, harbour porpoise, striped dolphin and bottlenose dolphin. Differences were observed in the bioaccumulation of the above elements between the five species. The differences are probably related to biological factors such as age and sex and/or to ecological factors specific to each species such as feeding habits or bioavailability of the various elements. However, no significant relationship was observed between element accumulation and sex. Pilot whale and striped dolphin showed the highest concentrations of renal Cd and the highest concentrations of hepatic Hg and Se, while bottlenose dolphin showed the highest concentrations of Hg in kidneys. An analysis of inter-elemental relationships showed strong positive correlations between Hg and Se in the five species, however most individuals have Hg:Se molar ratio less than 1:1 indicating an excess of Se compare to Hg. This result, probably reflect the high proportion of young animals in the sample available for this study and/or that these animals had a good health status. We also observed a positive correlation in striped dolphins between Cd and Cu and between Cd and Zn in kidneys. In addition, comparing with other studies world-wide, the element concentrations (Hg and Cd) found in Iberian toothed whales indicate that these populations are not specially threatened by Hg and Cd exposure in the area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Méndez-Fernandez
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France; Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamiferos Mariños (CEMMA), Apdo. 15, Pontevedra 36380, Spain; Centro de Biologia Molecuar e Ambiental (CBMA)/Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS), Dep. de Biologia, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal.
| | - Lynda Webster
- Marine Scotland, Marine Laboratory, Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, United Kingdom
| | - Tiphaine Chouvelon
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
| | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Centro de Biologia Molecuar e Ambiental (CBMA)/Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS), Dep. de Biologia, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Angel F González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (C.S.I.C.), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Alfredo López
- Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamiferos Mariños (CEMMA), Apdo. 15, Pontevedra 36380, Spain
| | - Colin F Moffat
- Marine Scotland, Marine Laboratory, Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, United Kingdom
| | - Graham J Pierce
- Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, Main Street, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire AB41 6AA, UK; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Fiona L Read
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (C.S.I.C.), Eduardo Cabello 6, 36208 Vigo, Spain
| | - Marie Russell
- Marine Scotland, Marine Laboratory, Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, United Kingdom
| | - Maria B Santos
- Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, P.O. Box 1552, Vigo 36200, Spain
| | - Jérôme Spitz
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France; Marine Mammal Research Unit, Fisheries Centre, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - José V Vingada
- Centro de Biologia Molecuar e Ambiental (CBMA)/Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS), Dep. de Biologia, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga 4710-057, Portugal; Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Florence Caurant
- Littoral Environment et Sociétes (LIENSs), UMRi 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Aubail A, Méndez-Fernandez P, Bustamante P, Churlaud C, Ferreira M, Vingada JV, Caurant F. Use of skin and blubber tissues of small cetaceans to assess the trace element content of internal organs. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2013; 76:158-169. [PMID: 24064373 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In order to evaluate the use of biopsy samples as non-destructive tool for assessing trace element concentrations in small cetaceans, the concentrations of 14 trace elements were determined in skin, blubber, liver and kidneys of four species of small cetaceans (i.e. common dolphin Delphinus delphis, harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus and striped dolphin Stenella coeruleolba), stranded and/or by-caught along the NE Atlantic Ocean coast between 2001 and 2008. Only Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni and Zn were above the detection limit of the instruments and showed recoveries satisfactory enough to be interpreted. Among these trace elements, Hg was the only one showing a significant correlation between concentrations in and those in liver and kidneys. In consequence skin and blubber can only be used as non-invasive monitoring tissues to investigate Hg bioaccumulation in internal tissues for cetacean populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Aubail
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 01, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Law RJ, Barry J, Barber JL, Bersuder P, Deaville R, Reid RJ, Brownlow A, Penrose R, Barnett J, Loveridge J, Smith B, Jepson PD. Contaminants in cetaceans from UK waters: status as assessed within the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme from 1990 to 2008. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:1485-1494. [PMID: 22698668 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2012] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Since 1990, tissue samples from UK-stranded and -bycaught cetaceans have been available for study of contaminant burdens. These have been used to study spatial and temporal trends in concentrations in UK waters, and to investigate potential associations between contaminants and health status. We describe the current status of cetaceans (primarily harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena) in UK waters in relation to pollution. Concentrations of BDEs, HBCD, and the organochlorine pesticides are declining. In contrast, concentrations of CBs have plateaued following earlier reductions due to regulation of use, and further reductions are likely to take decades. Blubber PCB concentrations are still at toxicologically significant levels in many harbour porpoises and regularly occur at even higher levels in bottlenose dolphins and killer whales due to their higher trophic level in marine food chains. Further reductions in PCB inputs into the marine environment are needed to mitigate risk from PCB exposure in these species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Law
- Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kakuschke A, Valentine-Thon E, Griesel S, Fonfara S, Siebert U, Prange A. Are metal-induced hypersensitivities in harbor seals associated with liver function? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:1891-1894. [PMID: 21723569 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2010] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 05/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to metals is believed to affect marine mammal health adversely including immunosuppression or acute as well as chronic inflammatory processes leading to hypersensitivities or autoimmune diseases. Metal-specific hypersensitivities were found in several pinnipeds of the North Sea. However, hypersensitivity is a complex phenomenon whose characteristics are still not completely understood; in particular, effects on health are not well established. In the present study, we compared basic hematological and biochemical parameters of seals with and without metal-specific hypersensitivities. We found altered hematological parameters and liver enzyme patterns in seals with a metal-induced hypersensitivity, including a reduction in macrophages, an increase in lymphocytes, and elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase. These findings support the suggestion of a chronic influence of metal pollutants on the health of marine mammals of the North Sea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antje Kakuschke
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute for Coastal Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tolerance and the Trophic Transfer of Contaminants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1201/b10519-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
|
20
|
CHEN HB, HUANG L, Huang QY, LING XP, ZHU F, HUANG HQ. Selection and Identification of Differential Proteins of Liver Revealed with Proteomics in Achatina Fulica Under Induction of Cadmium. CHINESE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2040(08)60108-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
21
|
Fahrenholtz S, Griesel S, Pröfrock D, Kakuschke A. Essential and non-essential elements in tissues of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded on the coasts of the North and Baltic Seas between 2004–2006. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 11:1107-13. [DOI: 10.1039/b821504a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
22
|
Kakuschke A, Valentine-Thon E, Fonfara S, Kramer K, Prange A. Effects of methyl-, phenyl-, ethylmercury and mercurychlorid on immune cells of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). J Environ Sci (China) 2009; 21:1716-1721. [PMID: 20131603 DOI: 10.1016/s1001-0742(08)62478-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is present in the marine environment as a natural metal often enhanced through human activities. Depending on its chemical form, Hg can cause a wide range of immunotoxic effects. In this study, the influence of methyl-, ethyl- and phenylmercury as well as mercurychloride on immune functions was evaluated. Two parameters of cellular immunity, proliferation and mRNA cytokine expression of interleukin-2, -4, and transforming growth factor beta, were investigated in harbor seal lymphocytes after in vitro exposure to Hg compounds. While all Hg compounds had a suppressive effect on proliferation, differences between juvenile and adult seals were found. Lymphocytes from juveniles showed a higher susceptibility to the toxic effect compared to lymphocytes from adults. Furthermore, the degree of inhibition of proliferation varied among the four Hg compounds. The organic compounds seem to be more immunotoxic than the inorganic compound. Finally, for the cytokine expression of methylmercury-incubated lymphocytes, time-dependent changes were observed, but no dose-dependency was found. Marine mammals of the North Sea are burdened with Hg, and lymphocytes of harbor seals may be functionally impaired by this metal. The present in vitro study provides baseline information for future studies on the immunotoxic effects of Hg on cellular immunity of harbor seals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antje Kakuschke
- GKSS Research Center Institute for Coastal Research, Max-Planck-Strasse 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pierce GJ, Santos MB, Murphy S, Learmonth JA, Zuur AF, Rogan E, Bustamante P, Caurant F, Lahaye V, Ridoux V, Zegers BN, Mets A, Addink M, Smeenk C, Jauniaux T, Law RJ, Dabin W, López A, Alonso Farré JM, González AF, Guerra A, García-Hartmann M, Reid RJ, Moffat CF, Lockyer C, Boon JP. Bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants in female common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from western European seas: geographical trends, causal factors and effects on reproduction and mortality. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2008; 153:401-15. [PMID: 17905497 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2007] [Revised: 06/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/09/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in blubber of female common dolphins and harbour porpoises from the Atlantic coast of Europe were frequently above the threshold at which effects on reproduction could be expected, in 40% and 47% of cases respectively. This rose to 74% for porpoises from the southern North Sea. PCB concentrations were also high in southern North Sea fish. The average pregnancy rate recorded in porpoises (42%) in the study area was lower than in the western Atlantic but that in common dolphins (25%) was similar to that of the western Atlantic population. Porpoises that died from disease or parasitic infection had higher concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) than animals dying from other causes. Few of the common dolphins sampled had died from disease or parasitic infection. POP profiles in common dolphin blubber were related to individual feeding history while those in porpoises were more strongly related to condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G J Pierce
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lahaye V, Bustamante P, Dabin W, Churlaud C, Caurant F. Trace element levels in foetus-mother pairs of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded along the French coasts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2007; 33:1021-8. [PMID: 17628682 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2007.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2006] [Revised: 05/25/2007] [Accepted: 05/30/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Tissues of foetus-mother pairs of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded along the French coasts (Bay of Biscay and English Channel) were analysed for their Cd, Cu, Hg, Se and Zn contents. In the kidneys, foetal Cd levels were extremely low, and strong relationships between Cu and Zn suggested the involvement of metallothioneins since early foetal life. The results also indicated a limited maternal transfer of Hg during pregnancy since levels in the tissues of foetuses were below 1 microg g(-1) w.wt. However, hepatic Hg levels in foetuses increased with body length, and were also proportionate to maternal hepatic, renal and muscular Hg levels. Lastly, affinities between Hg and Se in tissues would participate in Hg neutralisation in both mothers--through tiemannite granules--and fetuses--through reduced glutathione--counteracting the toxic effects linked to the particularly high quantities of methyl-Hg to which marine mammals are naturally exposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Lahaye
- Centre de Recherche sur les Ecosystèmes Littoraux Anthropisés, UMR 6217 CNRS-IFREMER-Université de La Rochelle, Université de La Rochelle, 22 Avenue Michel Crépeau, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex, France
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|