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Symon TE, Murillo-Cisneros DA, Hernández-Camacho CJ, O'Hara TM, Taylor RJ, Rosado-Berrios CA, Vázquez-Medina JP, Zenteno-Savín T. Mercury and selenium concentrations in lanugo of free-ranging California sea lions in the southern Gulf of California, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115712. [PMID: 37922756 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115712] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury ([THg]) and selenium ([TSe]) concentrations were determined in California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) lanugo from the Gulf of California in 2021 and 2022. Relationships with sex, morphometrics, and year were evaluated. Following toxicological thresholds of concern for piscivorous mammals, most pups had a [THg] < 10 ppm, one pup (2021) had a [THg] > 20 ppm, no pups had a [THg] > 30 ppm. Females had significantly higher [TSe] than males; sex did not influence [THg]. [THg] and [TSe] in 2022 were significantly higher in the general population and male cohorts compared to 2021. Significant negative correlations were observed between [THg], [TSe], and morphometrics (2021). These results indicate that, compared to other pinniped species, regional California sea lions may have a decreased likelihood of experiencing Hg-related adverse health effects. Year-related changes in element concentrations suggest continued monitoring of this population to assess pinniped, environmental, and potentially, human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- T E Symon
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S. C (CIBNOR), 23096 La Paz, Mexico.
| | - D A Murillo-Cisneros
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S. C (CIBNOR), 23096 La Paz, Mexico.
| | - C J Hernández-Camacho
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 23096 La Paz, Mexico.
| | - T M O'Hara
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843, United States of America.
| | - R J Taylor
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843, United States of America.
| | - C A Rosado-Berrios
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843, United States of America.
| | - J P Vázquez-Medina
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, 94720 Berkeley, United States of America.
| | - T Zenteno-Savín
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S. C (CIBNOR), 23096 La Paz, Mexico.
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Sedak M, Bilandžić N, Đokić M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M. Body burdens and distribution of mercury and selenium in bottlenose, striped and Risso's dolphins along the Adriatic coast: A 20-year retrospective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114298. [PMID: 36356340 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Top marine predators present high mercury concentrations in their tissues due to biomagnification in the marine food chain. This study reports mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) status, and the Hg:Se molar ratio assessment in bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus). Total Hg and Se concentrations were determined in muscle, liver, kidney, lung, spleen, adipose tissue and skin collected from 186 specimens stranded in the Croatian part of Adriatic Sea from 1995 to 2014. Total Hg concentrations in tissue samples ranged from 0.001 in the spleen to 2238 mg/kg wet weight in liver. Se concentrations in dolphin samples ranged from 0.010 to 2916 mg/kg ww. Minimum Se concentration was found in muscle and maximum Se concentration were found in liver of bottlenose dolphin. Hg and Se levels in Risso's dolphins showed higher concentrations in all tissues in comparison to bottlenose and striped dolphins. Significant and positive correlations were observed between age and Hg concentrations (P < 0.05). In 66.6 % of Risso's, 15.3 % of bottlenose dolphins and one stranded striped dolphin in this study, the hepatic concentration of Hg exceeded the higher toxic thresholds (400 mg/kg w.w.) previously defined as evidence of liver damage in marine mammals. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of Risso's dolphin was 0.670. The liver of adult bottlenose dolphins showed expected values (0.870), while the liver of young dolphins had a high ratio (0.750), non-specific for the age group. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of striped dolphins was 0.390, which is lower than the literature values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Sedak
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Nina Bilandžić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Đokić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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3
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Fernández-Robledo A, Lares ML, Schramm-Urrutia Y. Trace metal concentrations in California sea lions from rookeries exposed to different levels of coastal urbanization in Baja California, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114163. [PMID: 36182783 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of total mercury, total selenium, and cadmium ([THg], [TSe], [Cd]) were determined in hair of California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pups from four islands of the Gulf of California and the Baja California Pacific coast (NG, CG, NP, and CP) to identify geographical differences and the effect of Se against Hg toxicity (TSe:THg molar ratio). THg displayed a strong north-south trend for both ecoregions, while TSe presented a significantly high concentration only for CG. TSe:THg molar ratios decreased when [THg] increased, with the lowest ratios presenting in NG pups, in which [THg] exceeded toxicological thresholds of concern. [Cd] presented similar values at all study sites except CG, which presented the lowest level. The present study shows that proximity to urbanized coastal areas has a strong influence on [THg] in pups, while [TSe] and [Cd] are probably more related to the physiological requirements of the species, and environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fernández-Robledo
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Km. 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada 22860, Baja California, Mexico
| | - M L Lares
- Departamento de Oceanografía Biológica, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, Km. 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada 22860, Baja California, Mexico.
| | - Y Schramm-Urrutia
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3917, Fraccionamiento Playitas, 22860 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
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4
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Puchades L, Gallego-Rios SE, Di Marzio A, Martínez-López E. Trace elements in blood of Baltic gray seal pups (Halichoerus grypus) from the Gulf of Riga and their relationship with biochemical and clinical parameters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113973. [PMID: 35908491 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements are pollutants of both natural and anthropogenic origin which can influence negatively on ecosystem and wildlife health. We evaluated trace element in blood samples of gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) stranded in the Gulf of Riga and their influence on their health status through hematological and biochemical profiles. Zn showed the highest levels followed by Cu > Se > Pb > THg > As. Cr and Cd were not detected. Most trace element levels were generally comparable to those reported in seal species; however, high Pb values were observed in those sample showing detectable concentrations (<0.046-257.6 μg/kg ww). Significant positive correlations were found between trace elements concentrations and various biochemical parameters, including Se-ASAT, Se:Hg-ASAT, Cu-TP, Cu-ALB, CuCa, Zn-ALAT, ZN-LDH, ZnP, Zn-Segment neutrophils, and Pb-CK. Nevertheless, most relationships were not strong enough (p > 0.04) to assume a toxicological implication. Despite its limitations, this information could serve as the baseline for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Puchades
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - S E Gallego-Rios
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; Pollution Diagnostics and Control Group (GDCON), School of the Environment, Faculty of Engineering, University Research Campus (SIU), University of Antioquia (U de A), Calle 70 No. 52-21, Medellin, Colombia
| | - A Di Marzio
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; Rigas Nacionalais Zoologiskais Darzs (Riga Zoo), Meza prospekts 1, LV-1014 Riga, Latvia
| | - E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
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Trukhanova IS, Andrievskaya EM, Alekseev VA, Sokolovskaya MV. Trace elements in Ladoga ringed seal (Pusa hispida ladogensis) hair. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113896. [PMID: 35797813 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hair samples of two adults, eight molted pups, and four newborn Ladoga ringed seals Pusa hispida ladogensis found stranded ashore on Lake Ladoga, North-West Russia, in 2020-2021, were analyzed for concentrations of trace elements, including toxic heavy metals. Al had the highest median concentration (9.25 μg/g, range 1.26-262 μg/g) among toxic elements, followed by Hg (8.84 μg/g, range 2-12.75 μg/g), and Pb (0.16 μg/g, range 0.04-2 μg/g). The Cd concentration in lanugo compared with adult hair of young-of-the-year was significantly lower, suggesting a barrier effect of the placenta for Cd transport to the fetus. The concentrations of Co, Cr, and Zn were higher before the molt, demonstrating the role of lanugo shedding in the excretion of these metals. The concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, and Cu were significantly lower than in the 1990s, and lead and copper continued to decline further after the 2000s. Based on available reference trace element levels in other seal species, we found little evidence of substantially elevated levels or deficiencies in Ladoga seals. Nevertheless, since imbalance of trace elements due to contamination can cause physiological disorders, future trace element monitoring in the Ladoga seal is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina S Trukhanova
- North Pacific Wildlife Consulting LLC, 3202 NE 185th St, Seattle, WA 98155, USA.
| | - Elena M Andrievskaya
- Marine Mammal Conservation Aid Fund "Baltic Ringed Seal Friends Fund", Solnechnoe, Kolkhoznaya st., 12, St Petersburg, 197739, Russia
| | - Vyacheslav A Alekseev
- Marine Mammal Conservation Aid Fund "Baltic Ringed Seal Friends Fund", Solnechnoe, Kolkhoznaya st., 12, St Petersburg, 197739, Russia
| | - Maria V Sokolovskaya
- Palace of Children's (Youth) Creativity of the Frunzensky District, Budapeshtskaya st., 30, bldg. 2, St Petersburg 192071, Russia
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Murillo-Cisneros DA, McHuron EA, Zenteno-Savín T, Castellini JM, Field CL, O'Hara TM. Fetal mercury concentrations in central California Pacific harbor seals: Associated drivers and outcomes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 820:153246. [PMID: 35065116 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153246] [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: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a well-known toxicant in wildlife and humans. High total Hg concentrations ([THg]) have been reported in central California harbor seals Phoca vitulina richardii. We evaluated the effects of presence/absence of early natal coat (lanugo), year (2012 to 2017), sex, stranding location, and trophic ecology (ẟ13C and ẟ15N values) on hair [THg] along coastal central California. Also examined were [THg] effects on growth rates of pups in rehabilitation and probability of release (e.g., successful rehabilitation). The [THg] ranged from 0.46-81.98 mg kg-1 dw, and ẟ15N and ẟ13C ranged from 13.6-21.5‰, and -17.2 to -13.0‰, respectively. Stranding location, year, and presence of lanugo coat were important factors explaining variation in [THg]. Seals from Sonoma and San Mateo County had higher [THg] than other locations. Seals with full or partial lanugo coat had lower [THg]. Seals from 2016 and 2017 had higher [THg] than those from 2015. Hair [THg] exceeded lower and upper toxicological thresholds (>20 mg kg-1 by year (5.88% to 23.53%); >30 mg kg-1 (0% to 12.31%)) with a pronounced increase from 2015 to 2016. Pups in 2017 had significantly higher odds ratio of [THg] above 20 mg kg-1 than pups of 2015, and pups in 2016 had significantly higher odds ratio than those from 2013 and 2015 (similar when using 30 mg kg-1). Pups in Sonoma County had the highest odds ratio for [THg] in lanugo above 20 mg kg-1. ẟ15N values were higher in 2015-2017, particularly relative to 2014, probably associated with the El Niño event. The [THg] was not a good predictor for probability of release and mass-specific growth rates in captivity. Further investigation of temporal trends of [THg] in harbor seals is warranted given the relatively high percentage of samples exceeding threshold values, particularly in the most recent sampling years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Murillo-Cisneros
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. Planeación Ambiental y Conservación, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur C.P. 23096, Mexico
| | - Elizabeth A McHuron
- Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, University of Washington, 3737 Brooklyn Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98195-5672, USA
| | - Tania Zenteno-Savín
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. Planeación Ambiental y Conservación, Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, Baja California Sur C.P. 23096, Mexico.
| | - J Margaret Castellini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 Koyokuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA
| | - Cara L Field
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - Todd M O'Hara
- Bilingual Laboratory of Toxicology, Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Kennedy SN, Keogh M, Levin M, Castellini JM, Lian M, Fadely BS, Rea LD, O'Hara TM. Regional variations and relationships among cytokine profiles, white blood cell counts, and blood mercury concentrations in Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 775:144894. [PMID: 33631572 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Steller sea lion (SSL) population west of 144°W longitude experienced a significant population decline. While there appears to be a stable or increasing population trend in rookeries in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Southeast Alaska (SEA), some rookeries within the Aleutian Islands (AI) have failed to recover. Previous studies found regional differences in whole blood total mercury concentrations ([THg]) showing more than 20% of AI pups had [THg] above critical thresholds for increased risk of immunological effects and other adverse outcomes. Measurements of immune cell-signaling proteins can be used to evaluate the immune status of marine mammals in relation to [THg]. We compared serum cytokine and chemokine concentrations in pups among regions (AI, eastern GOA, SEA), and examined associations among cytokines, chemokines, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and [THg]. Considering liver is an important target organ for mercury and immune protein synthesis we additionally examined the relationship of [THg] with liver-related enzymes serum aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). We observed regional differences in cytokine and chemokine measurements and immune protein associations. There was a positive association between total WBC counts and [THg] in AI pups, whereas a negative association between lymphocytes and [THg] in SEA pups. These findings may indicate regional variation in proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells, differences in immune system development, and/or a difference in antigenic stimuli. No associations between [THg] and cytokines, chemokines, AST or ALT were found. Observed regional differences in cytokine and chemokine milieu during gestational and early development in SSL pups could lead to an imbalance in cell differentiation that could impact immunological resiliency in juvenile and adult life stages. We report concentration ranges of a suite of cytokines and chemokines which may prove to be a useful metric for ecotoxicology and risk assessment studies in SSLs and other wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie N Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA; Harvard Medical School and Division of Gastroenterology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mandy Keogh
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Juneau, AK, USA.
| | - Milton Levin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
| | - J Margaret Castellini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - Marianne Lian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - Brian S Fadely
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Lorrie D Rea
- Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA.
| | - Todd M O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA; Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Lian M, Field CL, van Wijngaarden E, Rios C, Castellini JM, Greig DJ, Rea LD, Coleman DJ, Thomson CE, Gulland FMD, O'Hara TM. Assessment of clinical outcomes associated with mercury concentrations in harbor seal pups (Phoca vitulina richardii) in central California. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 758:143686. [PMID: 33279198 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143686] [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: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Monomethyl mercury (MeHg+) from the diet can cause mild to severe neurotoxicosis in fish-eating mammals. Chronic and low-level in utero exposure also can be neurotoxic, as documented in laboratory animal studies and epidemiologic investigations. In free-ranging animals, it is challenging to study low-level exposure related neurotoxicosis, and few studies have investigated the relationship between mercury (Hg) and adverse outcomes in wild populations. Relative to Hg concentrations on admission we evaluated different types of behaviors for 267 Pacific harbor seal (HS; Phoca vitulina richardii) pups at The Marine Mammal Center from 2015 to 2019 during rehabilitation after stranding and maternal separation. Admitted HS pups underwent a clinical exam; including sex and weight determination, and hair (partly lanugo grown in utero) and blood samples were collected for total Hg concentration ([THg]) determination. All pups were monitored weekly (behavior assessments included response to tactile stimulation, movement, swimming, interactions with other seals, hand feeding, and feeding independently), and days in rehabilitation and survival were recorded. There was a significant negative correlation between [THg] and responses to tactile stimulation and movements, measured in both hair and whole blood (p < 0.05). This relationship was found both during the intensive care unit (ICU) stage, and during the pool stage of rehabilitation. Additionally, there was a significant association between greater [THg] and number of days spent in rehabilitation, although there was no relationship between [THg] and survival. There was a significant sex difference, with greater [THg] in female pups, which contrasts with previously published findings in juvenile and adult harbor seals. Our findings support small, but significant associations between gestational THg exposure and clinical effects for tactile sensory response and movement, and longer rehabilitation durations for HS pups, although there was considerable variability among animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lian
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 Koyokuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 900 Yukon Dr Rm. 194, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6160, USA.
| | - Cara L Field
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - Edwin van Wijngaarden
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Carlos Rios
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - J Margaret Castellini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 Koyokuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA
| | - Denise J Greig
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - Lorrie D Rea
- Water and Environmental Research Center, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1764 Tanana Loop, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Denver J Coleman
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - Christine E Thomson
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 Koyokuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA; Animal Referral Hospital Brisbane, Sinnamon Park, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Frances M D Gulland
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA
| | - Todd M O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 2141 Koyokuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA; Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Gismondi E, Daneels L, Damseaux F, Lehnert K, Siebert U, Das K. Preliminary study of oxidative stress biomarkers and trace elements in North Sea Harbour Seals. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 163:111905. [PMID: 33360729 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111905] [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: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This preliminary study investigated the potential correlations between trace elements (mercury, zinc, cadmium, copper, selenium, lead, nickel, chromium, lithium and vanadium) concentrations, measured in red blood cells, and oxidative stress biomarkers (total thiols, total glutathione, total and selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidases, triglycerides, malondialdehyde) assessed in the respective serum, in males and females P. vitulina, sampled in the Wadden Sea in spring and autumn 2015. Only concentrations of total mercury and zinc showed significant differences by sex, and only lipid peroxidation was different by season. Moreover, significant positive and negative correlations were observed between biomarkers (triglycerides, thiols, malondialdehyde, glutathione) and trace element concentrations (copper, lead, mercury, nickel, zinc). These findings suggest that the studied biomarkers could be useful for the assessment of oxidative stress in harbour seals exposed to trace elements, but further research with larger sample sizes is needed to better understand their specific associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Gismondi
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LEAE), Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), University of Liège B6c, 11 allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| | - Lucienne Daneels
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LEAE), Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), University of Liège B6c, 11 allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium; Laboratory of Oceanology, Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - France Damseaux
- Laboratory of Oceanology, Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Krishna Das
- Laboratory of Oceanology, Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of ReSearch (FOCUS), University of Liège B6c, 11 Allée du 6 Août, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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Manhães BMR, Santos-Neto EB, Tovar LR, Guari EB, Flach L, Kasper D, Galvão PMA, Malm O, Gonçalves RA, Bisi TL, Azevedo AF, Lailson-Brito J. Changes in mercury distribution and its body burden in delphinids affected by a morbillivirus infection: Evidences of methylmercury intoxication in Guiana dolphin. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128286. [PMID: 33297230 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
An unusual mortality event (UME) attributed to morbillivirus infection was identified in two Guiana dolphin populations from the Southeastern Brazilian coast. The aim of this study was to characterize total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) bioaccumulation and body burden in Guiana dolphins from Sepetiba Bay (RJ) collected before (n = 61) and during the UME (n = 20). Significantly lower Se concentrations were found in the livers of individuals collected during the UME (Mann-Whitney test; p = 0.03), probably due to impairment of the detoxification process in the liver. There were differences in THg and Se concentrations in the organs and tissues of individuals (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.05), but not MeHg (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.07). For THg, the liver showed the higher concentrations and differed among organs and tissues analyzed such as blubber (Tukey's test for unequal N; p = 0.003). For Se concentrations, the skin and kidney presented the higher concentrations and varied among other tissues/organs, like muscle (Tukey's test for unequal N; p = 0.02). Differences in body burdens were observed among specimens collected previously and during the UME probably due to the remobilization and transport of the muscle-stored MeHg to other tissues/organs. This abrupt input of MeHg into the bloodstream may cause serious health damage. Indeed, evidences of methylmercury intoxication was observed in Guiana dolphins in Sepetiba Bay. In conclusion, bioaccumulation patterns, the detoxification process and body burden were affected by morbillivirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M R Manhães
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas (Biofísica), Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - E B Santos-Neto
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L R Tovar
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - E B Guari
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L Flach
- Instituto Boto Cinza, Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro, Av. Do Canal, 141, Brasilinha, CEP 23860-000, Itacuruçá, Mangaratiba, RJ, Brazil
| | - D Kasper
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Sala G0-61, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - P M A Galvão
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Sala G0-61, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - O Malm
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373 Sala G0-61, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - R A Gonçalves
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Catolica Do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Marquês de São Vicente 225, CEP 22451-900, Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - T L Bisi
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - A F Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - J Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores ''Prof(a). Izabel Gurgel'' (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Sala 4002, CEP 20550-013, Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas (Biofísica), Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, CEP 21941-902, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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11
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Rea LD, Castellini JM, Avery JP, Fadely BS, Burkanov VN, Rehberg MJ, O'Hara TM. Regional variations and drivers of mercury and selenium concentrations in Steller sea lions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 744:140787. [PMID: 32717470 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140787] [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: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) can be neurotoxic to mammals and impact reproduction, whereas selenium (Se) is an important antioxidant known to ameliorate some adverse effects of Hg. Total Hg concentrations ([THg]) were measured in lanugo (pelage grown in utero) of 812 Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups across Alaska and Russia to assess fetal exposure during late gestation. The molar ratio of total Se to THg (TSe:THg) was determined in whole blood collected from 291 pups. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen were measured in sections of vibrissae (whiskers, n = 498) and in lanugo (n = 480) of pups grown during late gestation to track diet variations among adult females that can drive Hg and Se exposure during this critical fetal development period. Lanugo [THg] ranged from 1.4 to 73.7 μg/g dry weight with the lowest median [THg] in Southeast Alaska. Pups from the Western Aleutian Islands had higher median lanugo [THg] than pups from other metapopulations in Alaska. Over 25% of pups in the Western Aleutian Islands had [THg] above published risk thresholds (20 μg/g) for other mammals. Whole blood molar TSe:THg was significantly lower in the Western Aleutian Islands and in some parts of the Central Aleutian Islands with higher molar ratios found in the Eastern Aleutian Islands and Central Gulf of Alaska. This suggests a limitation on potential protective functions of Se in the western regions with the highest relative [THg]. The Central Aleutian Island pups with [THg] over 20 μg/g had higher δ15N ratios than pups with lower [THg] suggesting dams consuming higher trophic level prey is a key driver for Hg exposure. However, regional differences likely reflect variability in diet of the dam during gestation and in Hg food web dynamics between oceanic regimes east and west of key passes in the Aleutian Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Rea
- Institute of Northern Engineering, Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA; Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Anchorage, AK 99518, USA.
| | - J M Castellini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.
| | - J P Avery
- Institute of Northern Engineering, Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.
| | - B S Fadely
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA 98115, USA.
| | - V N Burkanov
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Seattle, WA 98115, USA; Kamchatka Branch of the Pacific Geographical Institute, Far East Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 6 Partizanskaya Street, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky 683000, Russia.
| | - M J Rehberg
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Anchorage, AK 99518, USA.
| | - T M O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA; Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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12
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Chételat J, Ackerman JT, Eagles-Smith CA, Hebert CE. Methylmercury exposure in wildlife: A review of the ecological and physiological processes affecting contaminant concentrations and their interpretation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 711:135117. [PMID: 31831233 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) can result in detrimental health effects in wildlife. With advances in ecological indicators and analytical techniques for measurement of MeHg in a variety of tissues, numerous processes have been identified that can influence MeHg concentrations in wildlife. This review presents a synthesis of theoretical principals and applied information for measuring MeHg exposure and interpreting MeHg concentrations in wildlife. Mercury concentrations in wildlife are the net result of ecological processes influencing dietary exposure combined with physiological processes that regulate assimilation, transformation, and elimination. Therefore, consideration of both physiological and ecological processes should be integrated when formulating biomonitoring strategies. Ecological indicators, particularly stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, compound-specific stable isotopes, and fatty acids, can be effective tools to evaluate dietary MeHg exposure. Animal species differ in their physiological capacity for MeHg elimination, and animal tissues can be inert or physiologically active, act as sites of storage, transformation, or excretion of MeHg, and vary in the timing of MeHg exposure they represent. Biological influences such as age, sex, maternal transfer, and growth or fasting are also relevant for interpretation of tissue MeHg concentrations. Wildlife tissues that represent current or near-term bioaccumulation and in which MeHg is the predominant mercury species (such as blood and eggs) are most effective for biomonitoring ecosystems and understanding landscape drivers of MeHg exposure. Further research is suggested to critically evaluate the use of keratinized external tissues to measure MeHg bioaccumulation, particularly for less-well studied wildlife such as reptiles and terrestrial mammals. Suggested methods are provided to effectively use wildlife for quantifying patterns and drivers of MeHg bioaccumulation over time and space, as well as for assessing the potential risk and toxicological effects of MeHg on wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, United States
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331, United States
| | - Craig E Hebert
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
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HAIR, WHOLE BLOOD, AND BLOOD-SOAKED CELLULOSE PAPER-BASED RISK ASSESSMENT OF MERCURY CONCENTRATIONS IN STRANDED CALIFORNIA PINNIPEDS. J Wildl Dis 2019. [DOI: 10.7589/2018-11-276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Kenney LA, Kaler RSA, Kissling ML, Bond AL, Eagles-Smith CA. Mercury concentrations in multiple tissues of Kittlitz's murrelets (Brachyramphus brevirostris). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 129:675-680. [PMID: 29100636 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.055] [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: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential, toxic metal that is distributed worldwide. Mercury biomagnifies in food webs and can threaten the health of top predators such as seabirds. The Kittlitz's murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris) is a seabird endemic to Alaska and the Russian Far East and is a species of conservation concern in the region. We determined Hg concentrations in eggshells, guano, blood, and feathers of Kittlitz's murrelets sampled from four locations in Alaska. Mercury concentrations in eggshells, guano, and blood were low compared to other seabird species. Mean Hg concentrations of breast feathers from Adak Island and Glacier Bay were significantly greater than those from Agattu Island or Icy Bay. Two Kittlitz's murrelets at Glacier Bay and one Kittlitz's murrelet at Adak Island had Hg concentrations above those associated with impaired reproduction in other bird species, and may merit further investigation as a potential threat to individuals and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alexander L Bond
- Ardenna Research, Potton, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2QA, United Kingdom
| | - Collin A Eagles-Smith
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Trukhin AM, Simokon MV. Mercury in organs of Pacific walruses (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) from the Bering Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:3360-3367. [PMID: 29151185 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0566-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) is still used as an important source of protein-rich food by indigenous peoples of Chukotka, Alaska, and other Arctic regions. Total mercury (THg) concentration was measured in eight internal organs of walruses. Samples were taken from 22 individuals (11 males and 11 females). Age of the animals ranged from 1 to 30 years. All the walruses were harvested by local hunters from the coastal waters off the Chukchi Peninsula (Russia) during the autumn of 2011. Total mercury concentration in the samples was determined by atomic absorption method. No statistically significant difference in the level of mercury was found between males and females. Mercury was detected in all the organs of the studied walruses. The highest total mercury concentration was recorded from excretory organs: liver and kidneys. The level of mercury in liver (mean = 1.87 μg/g, range = 0.05-5.87) was by an order of magnitude higher than in kidneys (mean = 0.54 μg/g, range = 0.09-1.64.); in kidneys, it was by an order of magnitude higher than in the rest of the organs. The analyzed organs can be arranged in the order of decreasing Hg concentration as follows: liver >> kidney >> muscle > spleen ≥ heart ≥ intestine > lung ≥ testis. The mercury concentration values in walruses from the coastal waters off the Chukchi Peninsula are lower than those obtained from walruses in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic. Our findings may provide a basis for the further long-term monitoring of the condition of the Pacific walrus population and pollution of the Arctic ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey M Trukhin
- V.I. Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute, FEB RAS, Baltiyskaya st., 43, Vladivostok, Russia, 690041.
| | - Mikhail V Simokon
- Pacific Research Fisheries Center, Shevchenko st., 4, Vladivostok, Russia, 690600
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Use of Blood-soaked Cellulose Filter Paper for Measuring Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes. J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:375-379. [PMID: 29369725 DOI: 10.7589/2017-08-202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We explored the use of filter paper soaked in whole blood for measuring carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotopes, often used in feeding ecology or diet studies, to better understand drivers of exposure to contaminants. Our results showed no statistically or biologically relevant differences in C and N stable isotope measures between our gold standard (whole blood with anticoagulant) and eluates from processed, blood-soaked filter paper. Our data supported the effectiveness of using filter paper for assessing C and N stable isotopes in blood to address feeding ecology and other uses. The ease of sampling and processing should allow blood-soaked filter paper to be used in sampling of live (e.g., captured, stranded) and lethally taken (e.g., hunter-killed) wild vertebrates.
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17
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Zhang X, Lin W, Yu RQ, Sun X, Ding Y, Chen H, Chen X, Wu Y. Tissue partition and risk assessments of trace elements in Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from the Pearl River Estuary coast, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 185:1197-1207. [PMID: 28772357 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.07.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the last few decades, an increased number of stranded marine mammals, particularly the Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides), were observed in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). As long-lived, apex predators vulnerable to bioaccumulation of contaminants, the tissue residue levels and health risk of trace elements (TEs) in N. phocaenoides from the PRE have been little studied. Eleven typical TEs distributed in skin, liver and kidney tissues were investigated from 25 specimens stranded along the PRE from 2007 to 2015 in the present study. It revealed that most TEs were highly accumulated in internal organs (liver and kidney), except for Zn with high residue levels in external skin. Compared with the TEs in prey items, the residue levels of Hg, Se, Zn, Cu, Cd and Cr in N. phocaenoides increased 4-618 times, indicating a potentially significant biomagnification. Sex-related differences of TE accumulation were not obvious, except for renal Mn, in which the females showed lower mean concentrations than males. Significantly positive correlations between body length and TE levels were found for Hg, Se and Cd. Results of the calculated risk quotients (RQ) suggested that the risks to N. phocaenoides from consumption of prey items were generally low, but further attentions should be paid to Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg and As due to the elevated RQ values. The concentrations of Hg, Cd and Se in the epidermis were positively correlated with the levels found in internal organs. Our investigation provides evidence to support the use of skin as one biomonitoring approach on Hg, Cd and Se contamination of internal tissues in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyang 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
| | - Wenzhi Lin
- 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, TX 75799, USA.
| | - Xian 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
| | - 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
| | - Hailiang Chen
- Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve, Zhuhai, 519000, 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.
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18
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Zhang C, Deng Y, Lei Y, Zhao J, Wei W, Li Y. Effects of selenium on myocardial apoptosis by modifying the activity of mitochondrial STAT3 and regulating potassium channel expression. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:2201-2205. [PMID: 28962142 PMCID: PMC5609099 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of myocardial mitochondrial signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), succinate dehydrogenase activity and changes of potassium channel expression on cardiomyocyte apoptosis under low selenium conditions. Primary cultured cardiomyocytes from neonatal mice were divided into the non-toxic control group (0.1 µM sodium selenite) and low selenium treatment group (0.05 µM sodium selenite) according to different selenium concentrations. The expression of mitochondrial STAT3, p-STAT3, p-Kv1.2 potassium channel and apoptosis-related proteins, Bax and Bcl-2, were assessed by immunoblotting. Succinate dehydrogenase activity was measured by spectrophotometry. Flow cytometry was used to detect cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Low selenium treatment reduced the expression of p-STAT3, but did not affect the expression of STAT3. In addition, low selenium treatment reduced the activity of mitochondrial STAT3 and succinate dehydrogenase in cardiomyocytes, leading to injury of myocardial mitochondria. Compared with the control group, low selenium conditions reduced the activity of p-Kv1.2 and reduced the normal electrophysiological function of cardiomyocytes. In the low selenium-treated group, the expression of Bax protein increased, whereas the expression of Bcl-2 protein decreased. The apoptotic rate increased. In conclusion, selenium deficiency in cardiomyocytes leads to decreased potassium channel expression and decreased mitochondrial STAT3 activity and mitochondrial function, which in turn promotes the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjiang Zhang
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Yinzhi Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Yuhua Lei
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Jingbo Zhao
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Wen Wei
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
| | - Yuanhong Li
- Cardiovascular Disease Center, Central Hospital of Enshi Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, Hubei 445000, P.R. China
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Rojo-Nieto E, Fernández-Maldonado C. Assessing trace elements in striped dolphins from the Strait of Gibraltar: Clues to link the bioaccumulation in the westernmost Mediterranean Sea area and nearest Atlantic Ocean. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 170:41-50. [PMID: 27974270 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Dolphins are considered sentinel species in the marine environment. The Strait of Gibraltar is the only passage between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, being the transitional region which connects these two basins and one of the most important routes of cetacean migration worldwide. In this work, eight trace elements (TE) were studied in 45 samples of liver, kidney and muscle, from 15 specimens stranded in this study area. The preliminary results show, among others, the patterns of distribution of the TE in the target organs studied, the influence of sex, length and developmental stage in these TE concentrations and the Se/Hg ratio. Subsequently, the results of TE concentrations in liver have being compared to previous data on S. coeruleoalba from the westernmost Mediterranean Sea and the nearest Atlantic Ocean. For some elements (e.g. for As), concentrations are similar to those obtained from Atlantic samples, despite in other cases (e.g. for Cd) results are lined up with those observed in Mediterranean studies. In addition, in the case of some TE (e.g. Se and Zn) the results are in the middle of those reported for both basins, reinforcing the idea of the Strait of Gibraltar being a transitional zone. Present study is the first research regarding this issue in this outstanding region, aiming to give insights of how this matchless area can help to link TE concentrations observed in these Atlantic and Mediterranean threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rojo-Nieto
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Andalusian Center for Marine Science and Technology (CACYTMAR/INMAR), International Campus of Excellence of the Sea, University of Cádiz, Spain; Stranding-Supporting Network, DELPHIS - Ecologistas en Acción Cádiz, c/ San Alejandro s/n., Puerto Real, Spain.
| | - Carolina Fernández-Maldonado
- Center for the Management of the Marine Environment (CEGMA), Andalusian Agency for Environment and Water, (Andalusian Environmental and Spatial Planning Council), Avda. Johan Gütemberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain
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20
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Cyr A, Sergeant CJ, Lopez JA, O'Hara T. Assessing the influence of migration barriers and feeding ecology on total mercury concentrations in Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) from a glaciated and non-glaciated stream. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 580:710-718. [PMID: 27979620 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Assimilation of mercury (Hg) into food webs is directly influenced by ecological factors such as local habitat characteristics, species feeding behavior, and movement patterns. Total Hg concentrations ([THg]) in biota from Subarctic latitudes are driven both by broad spatial processes such as long-range atmospheric transport and more local influences such as biovectors and geology. Thus, even relatively pristine protected lands such as national parks are experiencing Hg accumulation. We analyzed [THg] and stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in 104 Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) collected from two rivers in southeastern Alaska, upstream and downstream of apparent anadromous migration barriers in watersheds with and without glacial coverage. To assess the potential magnitude of marine-derived THg returning to freshwater, we analyzed [THg] in ten adult pink salmon from each study system. There were no differences in Dolly Varden mean [THg] between sites after the data were standardized for fork length, but unadjusted [THg] varied relative to fish size and δ15N values. While previous studies generally show that [THg] increases with higher δ15N values, we found that Dolly Varden below migration barriers and foraging on salmon eggs had the highest δ15N values among all sampled individuals, but the lowest [THg]. Dolly Varden residing below anadromous barriers had δ13C values consistent with marine influence. Since salmon eggs typically have low [Hg], our results suggest that abundant salmon populations and the dietary subsidy they provide may reduce the annual exposure to [Hg] in egg-eating stream fishes such as Dolly Varden. In addition to identifying a suitable species for freshwater Hg monitoring in southeastern Alaska, our study more broadly implies that river characteristics, location within a river, fish size, and feeding ecology are important factors influencing Hg accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Cyr
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 905 N Koyukuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220, USA.
| | - Christopher J Sergeant
- National Park Service, Inventory and Monitoring Program, 3100 National Park Road, Juneau 99801, AK, USA
| | - Juan Andres Lopez
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 905 N Koyukuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220, USA; University of Alaska Museum of the North, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 907 Yukon Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6960, USA
| | - Todd O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 901 Koyukuk Dr, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7750, USA
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21
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Peterson SH, Ackerman JT, Costa DP. Marine foraging ecology influences mercury bioaccumulation in deep-diving northern elephant seals. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:rspb.2015.0710. [PMID: 26085591 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.0710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mercury contamination of oceans is prevalent worldwide and methylmercury concentrations in the mesopelagic zone (200-1000 m) are increasing more rapidly than in surface waters. Yet mercury bioaccumulation in mesopelagic predators has been understudied. Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) biannually travel thousands of kilometres to forage within coastal and open-ocean regions of the northeast Pacific Ocean. We coupled satellite telemetry, diving behaviour and stable isotopes (carbon and nitrogen) from 77 adult females, and showed that variability among individuals in foraging location, diving depth and δ(13)C values were correlated with mercury concentrations in blood and muscle. We identified three clusters of foraging strategies, and these resulted in substantially different mercury concentrations: (i) deeper-diving and offshore-foraging seals had the greatest mercury concentrations, (ii) shallower-diving and offshore-foraging seals had intermediate levels, and (iii) coastal and more northerly foraging seals had the lowest mercury concentrations. Additionally, mercury concentrations were lower at the end of the seven-month-long foraging trip (n = 31) than after the two-month- long post-breeding trip (n = 46). Our results indicate that foraging behaviour influences mercury exposure and mesopelagic predators foraging in the northeast Pacific Ocean may be at high risk for mercury bioaccumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA 95620, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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22
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McHuron EA, Peterson SH, Ackerman JT, Melin SR, Harris JD, Costa DP. Effects of Age, Colony, and Sex on Mercury Concentrations in California Sea Lions. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:46-55. [PMID: 26259982 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0201-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We measured total mercury (THg) concentrations in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and examined how concentrations varied with age class, colony, and sex. Because Hg exposure is primarily via diet, we used nitrogen (δ (15)N) and carbon (δ (13)C) stable isotopes to determine if intraspecific differences in THg concentrations could be explained by feeding ecology. Blood and hair were collected from 21 adult females and 57 juveniles from three colonies in central and southern California (San Nicolas, San Miguel, and Año Nuevo Islands). Total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.31 μg g(-1) wet weight (ww) in blood and 0.74 to 21.00 μg g(-1) dry weight (dw) in hair. Adult females had greater mean THg concentrations than juveniles in blood (0.15 vs. 0.03 μg(-1) ww) and hair (10.10 vs. 3.25 μg(-1) dw). Age class differences in THg concentrations did not appear to be driven by trophic level or habitat type because there were no differences in δ (15)N or δ (13)C values between adults and juveniles. Total Hg concentrations in adult females were 54 % (blood) and 24 % (hair) greater in females from San Miguel than females from San Nicolas Island, which may have been because sea lions from the two islands foraged in different areas. For juveniles, we detected some differences in THg concentrations with colony and sex, although these were likely due to sampling effects and not ecological differences. Overall, THg concentrations in California sea lions were within the range documented for other marine mammals and were generally below toxicity benchmarks for fish-eating wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A McHuron
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
| | - Sarah H Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | - Sharon R Melin
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98155, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Harris
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98155, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
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23
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Peterson SH, McHuron EA, Kennedy SN, Ackerman JT, Rea LD, Castellini JM, O'Hara TM, Costa DP. Evaluating Hair as a Predictor of Blood Mercury: The Influence of Ontogenetic Phase and Life History in Pinnipeds. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:28-45. [PMID: 26149950 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0174-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) biomonitoring of pinnipeds increasingly utilizes nonlethally collected tissues such as hair and blood. The relationship between total Hg concentrations ([THg]) in these tissues is not well understood for marine mammals, but it can be important for interpretation of tissue concentrations with respect to ecotoxicology and biomonitoring. We examined [THg] in blood and hair in multiple age classes of four pinniped species. For each species, we used paired blood and hair samples to quantify the ability of [THg] in hair to predict [THg] in blood at the time of sampling and examined the influence of varying ontogenetic phases and life history of the sampled animals. Overall, we found that the relationship between [THg] in hair and blood was affected by factors including age class, weaning status, growth, and the time difference between hair growth and sample collection. Hair [THg] was moderately to strongly predictive of current blood [THg] for adult female Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), adult female California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and adult harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), whereas hair [THg] was poorly predictive or not predictive (different times of year) of blood [THg] for adult northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Within species, except for very young pups, hair [THg] was a weaker predictor of blood [THg] for prereproductive animals than for adults likely due to growth, variability in foraging behavior, and transitions between ontogenetic phases. Our results indicate that the relationship between hair [THg] and blood [THg] in pinnipeds is variable and that ontogenetic phase and life history should be considered when interpreting [THg] in these tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A McHuron
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
| | - Stephanie N Kennedy
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Fairbanks, AK, 99701, USA
- Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 757750, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
| | - Joshua T Ackerman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Dixon Field Station, 800 Business Park Drive, Suite D, Dixon, CA, 95620, USA
| | - Lorrie D Rea
- Institute of Northern Engineering, Water and Environmental Research Center, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 755910, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
| | - J Margaret Castellini
- Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 757750, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
| | - Todd M O'Hara
- Wildlife Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 757750, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060, USA
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24
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Noël M, Jeffries S, Lambourn DM, Telmer K, Macdonald R, Ross PS. Mercury Accumulation in Harbour Seals from the Northeastern Pacific Ocean: The Role of Transplacental Transfer, Lactation, Age and Location. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:56-66. [PMID: 26159879 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0193-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) bioaccumulates in the aquatic food chain in the form of methylmercury, a compound well known for its neurotoxicity. We analyzed total mercury (THg) in hair collected from 209 harbour seals captured at 10 sites in British Columbia (Canada) and Washington State (USA) between 2003 and 2010. In addition, laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) allowed for a highly refined analysis of THg accumulation over time by examining nine whiskers taken from 4- to 6-week-old pups. We estimate that THg concentrations in pups increased sharply at a point corresponding to mid- to late gestation of their time in utero (4.7 ± 0.8 and 6.6 ± 1.3 µg/g dry weight (dw), respectively), and then again at the onset of nursing (8.1 ± 1.3 µg/g dw). These abrupt changes highlight the importance of both pre- and post-natal THg transfer from the mother to the growing fetus and the newborn pup. While THg levels varied among sites, hair analyses from seals collected at the same site demonstrated the influence of age in THg accumulation with pups (5.3 ± 0.3 µg/g) and juveniles (4.5 ± 0.5 µg/g) having lower levels than those in adults (8.3 ± 0.8 µg/g). Our results revealed that 33 % of the pups sampled (n = 167) had THg levels that surpassed a mammalian hair threshold for neurochemical alterations. This study suggests that Hg could represent a health concern to marine wildlife, especially as atmospheric emissions of this toxic element from human activities in the Pacific Rim and worldwide continue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Noël
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P6, Canada
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Coastal Ocean Research Institute, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center, P.O. Box 3232, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X8, Canada
| | - Steven Jeffries
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 7801 Philips Road, Lakewood, WA, 98498, USA
| | - Dyanna M Lambourn
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 7801 Philips Road, Lakewood, WA, 98498, USA
| | - Kevin Telmer
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 3P6, Canada
- Artisanal Gold Council, 101-732 Cormorant St., Victoria, BC, V8W 4A5, Canada
| | - Robie Macdonald
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 6000, Sidney, BC, V8L 4B2, Canada
| | - Peter S Ross
- Ocean Pollution Research Program, Coastal Ocean Research Institute, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center, P.O. Box 3232, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X8, Canada.
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25
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García-Alvarez N, Fernández A, Boada LD, Zumbado M, Zaccaroni A, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Almunia J, Luzardo OP. Mercury and selenium status of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): A study in stranded animals on the Canary Islands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 536:489-498. [PMID: 26232758 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The mercury (Hg) level in the marine environment has tripled in recent decades, becoming a great concern because of its high toxic potential. This study reports Hg and selenium (Se) status, and the first Se/Hg molar ratio assessment in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the waters of the Canary Islands. Total Hg and Se concentrations were determined in the blubber and liver collected from 30 specimens stranded along the coasts of the archipelago from 1997 to 2013. The median values for total Hg in the blubber and liver were 80.83 and 223.77 μg g(-1) dry weight (dw), and the median levels for Se in both tissues were 7.29 and 68.63 μg g(-1) dw, respectively. Hg concentrations in the liver were lower than 100 μg g(-1) wet weight (ww), comparable to those obtained in bottlenose dolphins from the North Sea, the Western Atlantic Ocean and several locations in the Pacific Ocean. The Mediterranean Sea and South of Australia are the most contaminated areas for both elements in this cetacean species. In addition, it must be stressed that the levels of Hg and Se in the liver showed an increasing trend with the age of the animals. As expected, a strong positive correlation between Hg and Se was observed (rs=0.960). Surprisingly, both younger and older specimens had a Se/Hg molar ratio different from 1, suggesting that these individuals may be at greater toxicological risk for high concentrations of both elements or a deficiency of Se without a protective action against Hg toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia García-Alvarez
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Annalisa Zaccaroni
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Research Group on Large Pelagic Vertebrates, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico, FC, Italy
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Unit of Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Foundation, Camino Burgado, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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26
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Lyytikäinen M, Pätynen J, Hyvärinen H, Sipilä T, Kunnasranta M. Mercury and Selenium Balance in Endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal Depend on Age and Sex. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:11808-11816. [PMID: 26372071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The endangered Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) is exposed to relatively high concentrations of mercury (Hg) in freshwaters poor in selenium (Se), a known antagonist of Hg. The impact of age and sex on the bioaccumulation of Hg and Se was studied by analyzing liver, muscle, and hair samples from seals of different age groups. Adult females were found to accumulate significantly more Hg in the liver (with ca. 60% as HgSe), and less Hg in the muscles compared to adult males, which may be explained by accelerated metabolism during gestation and lactation. In adult seals, molar Se:Hg ratios in the muscles fall below one, which is considered a threshold for the emergence of adverse effects. As a result, Saimaa ringed seals may be at risk of developing health and reproductive problems. According to mass balance calculations, the pups are exposed to considerable amounts (μg/d) of mercury during gestation, although lactation is their main exposure route. In lanugo pups, Hg concentrates in the hair, and molting serves as a main detoxification route. For other age groups, demethylation followed by the formation of HgSe is the main detoxification route, and the demethylation capability develops in pups by the time of weaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merja Lyytikäinen
- Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland , P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Juuso Pätynen
- Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland , P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Heikki Hyvärinen
- Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland , P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | - Tero Sipilä
- Parks & Wildlife Finland of Metsähallitus , Akselinkatu 8, FIN-57130 Savonlinna, Finland
| | - Mervi Kunnasranta
- Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland , P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101 Joensuu, Finland
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27
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Cossaboon JM, Ganguli PM, Flegal AR. Mercury offloaded in Northern elephant seal hair affects coastal seawater surrounding rookery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:12058-62. [PMID: 26372960 PMCID: PMC4593100 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1506520112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potent neurotoxin that is biomagnified approximately 1-10 million-fold in aquatic carnivores such as the Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), whose excreta and molted pelage, in turn, constitute a source of environmental MeHg contamination at the base of marine food chains. The potential for this top-down contamination is greatest in coastal areas with productive marine ecosystems that provide ideal habitats for large marine mammal colonies that can number in the thousands. This recycling of MeHg was evidenced by comparing total mercury (HgT) and MeHg concentrations in seawater, and HgT in molted pelage of M. angustirostris, at the Año Nuevo State Reserve pinniped rookery with concentrations at neighboring coastal sites in Central California. Seawater MeHg concentrations around the rookery (average = 2.5 pM) were markedly higher than those at the comparison coastal sites (average = 0.30 pM), and were as high as 9.5 pM during the M. angustirostris molting season. As a consequence, excreta and molts from this marine mammal colony, and presumably other marine predator populations, constitute a major source of MeHg at the base of the local marine food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Cossaboon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, WIGS Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064;
| | - Priya M Ganguli
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, WIGS Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
| | - A Russell Flegal
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, WIGS Laboratory, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
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28
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Van Hoomissen S, Gulland FMD, Greig DJ, Castellini JM, O'Hara TM. Blood and Hair Mercury Concentrations in the Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) Pup: Associations with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. ECOHEALTH 2015; 12:490-500. [PMID: 25814195 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-015-1021-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Monomethylmercury (MeHg(+)) is an environmental pollutant, which at sufficiently high exposures, has induced neurotoxicosis in several animal species, including humans. Adverse neurological effects due to gestational exposure are of particular concern as MeHg(+) readily crosses the blood-brain and placental barriers. The degree to which environmental concentrations in marine prey affect free-living piscivorous wildlife, however, remains largely undetermined. We examined associations of gestational exposures to mercury on neurodevelopment and survival using hair and blood concentrations of total mercury ([THg]) in a stranded population of Pacific harbor seal pups from central California. A positive association was determined for the presence of abnormal neurological symptoms and increasing [THg] in blood (P = 0.04), but not hair. Neither hair nor blood [THg] was significantly associated with survival, or the neurodevelopmental milestone 'free-feeding', which was measured from the onset of hand-assisted feeding to the time at which pups were able to consume fish independently. Both hair and blood [THg] exceeded threshold values considered potentially toxic to humans and other mammalian wildlife species. The higher [THg] in blood associated with abnormal neurological symptoms may indicate an adverse effect of this pollutant on neurodevelopment in harbor seal pups. These data have broader implications with respect to human health and public policy as harbor seals and humans consume similar fish species, and it is possible that safeguard levels established for marine mammals could also extend to human populations that regularly consume fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samala Van Hoomissen
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE Mmc88, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- , 8601 Lincoln Blvd. #3317, Los Angeles, CA, 90045, USA.
| | - Frances M D Gulland
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA, 94965, USA
| | - Denise J Greig
- The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA, 94965, USA
| | - J Margaret Castellini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
| | - Todd M O'Hara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, 99775, USA
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