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Schaap I, Buedenbender L, Johann S, Hollert H, Dogruer G. Impact of chemical pollution on threatened marine mammals: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132203. [PMID: 37567134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals, due to their long life span, key position in the food web, and large lipid deposits, often face significant health risks from accumulating contaminants. This systematic review examines published literature on pollutant-induced adverse health effects in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red-listed marine mammal species. Thereby, identifying gaps in literature across different extinction risk categories, spatial distribution and climatic zones of studied habitats, commonly used methodologies, researched pollutants, and mechanisms from cellular to population levels. Our findings reveal a lower availability of exposure-effect data for higher extinction risk species (critically endangered 16%, endangered 15%, vulnerable 66%), highlighting the need for more research. For many threatened species in the Southern Hemisphere pollutant-effect relationships are not established. Non-destructively sampled tissues, like blood or skin, are commonly measured for exposure assessment. The most studied pollutants are POPs (31%), metals (30%), and pesticides (17%). Research on mixture toxicity is scarce while pollution-effect studies primarily focus on molecular and cellular levels. Bridging the gap between molecular data and higher-level effects is crucial, with computational approaches offering a high potential through in vitro to in vivo extrapolation using (toxico-)kinetic modelling. This could aid in population-level risk assessment for threatened marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Schaap
- Farm Technology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University, 6708PB Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Larissa Buedenbender
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Sarah Johann
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology & Environmental Toxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department Environmental Media Related Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gulsah Dogruer
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen Research, 1976CP IJmuiden, the Netherlands
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Zhang X, Yu R, Xie Y, Yu RQ, Wu Y. Organotins Remain a Serious Threat to the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins in the Pearl River Estuary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:13046-13057. [PMID: 36031938 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c02780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals often accumulate high levels of environmental contaminants, even those that are globally regulated regarding usage, raising concerns about their health status. Here, we conducted the first investigation of tissue distribution, spatiotemporal trends, and potential risks of six organotin compounds (OTs) in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (n = 101) from the northern South China Sea during 2003-2021. We detected the highest level of hepatic triphenyltin in these humpback dolphins compared with the results reported in cetaceans globally, and the liver accumulated the highest OT concentrations than other analyzed tissues. Despite the downward trend of butyltins in humpback dolphins after the global ban on the use of OTs as antifouling paints, levels of phenyltins have continued to increase over the past 20 years, suggesting that the other applications of phenyltins in South China remain prevalent. In vitro and in vivo analyses revealed that tissue-relevant doses of OTs could induce agonistic effects on the dolphin peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ as a master regulator of lipid homeostasis and altered the dolphin fatty acid profiles. Our results highlight the lipid-disrupting effects of current OT exposure in humpback dolphins and emphasize the need for further efforts to eliminate OT contamination in South China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyang Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Ronglan Yu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yanqing Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas 75799, United States
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
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Song JY, Kitamura SI, Oh MJ, Nakayama K. Heavy oil exposure suppresses antiviral activities in Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus infected with viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 124:201-207. [PMID: 35378310 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A combined treatment of heavy oil (HO) exposure and virus infection induces increased mortality in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). In this study, we addressed how HO exposure affects the immune system, especially antiviral activities, in Japanese flounder. The fish were infected with viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), followed by exposure to HO. We analyzed virus titers in the heart and mRNA expression in the kidney of surviving fish. The virus titers in fish exposed to heavy oil were higher than the threshold for onset. The results suggest that HO exposure may allow the replication of VHSV, leading to higher mortality in the co-treated group. Gene-expression profiling demonstrated that the expression of antiviral-activity-related genes, such as those for interferon and apoptosis induction, were lower in the co-treated group than in the group with VHSV infection only. These results helped explain the high virus titers in fish treated with both stressors. Thus, interferon production in the virus-infected cells and apoptosis induction by natural killer cells worked normally in the VHSV-infected fish without HO exposure, but these antiviral activities were slightly suppressed by HO exposure, possibly leading to extensive viral replication in the host cells and the occurrence of VHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Young Song
- Pathology Division, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Busan, 46083, South Korea
| | - Shin-Ichi Kitamura
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan
| | - Myung-Joo Oh
- Department of Aqualife Medicine, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, South Korea
| | - Kei Nakayama
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama, 790-8577, Japan.
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Sham RCT, Tao LSR, Mak YKY, Yau JKC, Wai TC, Ho KKY, Zhou GJ, Li Y, Wang X, Leung KMY. Occurrence and trophic magnification profile of triphenyltin compounds in marine mammals and their corresponding food webs. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 137:105567. [PMID: 32087482 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of triphenyltin (TPT) compounds, a highly toxic antifouling biocide, has been documented in marine environments and organisms all over the world. While some studies showed that marine mammals can be used as sentinel organisms to evaluate the pollution status of emerging contaminants in the environment because of their long lifespans and high trophic levels, information regarding the contamination status of TPT in marine mammal species has been limited over the past decade. More importantly, the primary bioaccumulation pathway of TPT in these long-lived apex predators and the corresponding marine food web is still uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contamination statuses of TPT in two marine mammal species, namely the finless porpoise and the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, and assess the trophic magnification potential of TPT along the food webs of these two species, using stable isotope analysis, and chemical analysis with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that TPT is the predominant residue in majority of the analyzed individuals of two marine mammals, with concentrations ranging from 426.2 to 3476.6 ng/g wet weight in their muscle tissues. Our results also demonstrated an exponential increase in the concentration of TPT along the marine food web, indicating that trophic magnification occurs in the respective food webs of the two marine mammals. The range of trophic magnification factors of TPT in the food webs of finless porpoise and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin was 2.51-3.47 and 2.45-3.39, respectively. These results suggest that high trophic organisms may be more vulnerable to the exposure of TPT-contaminated environments due to the high trophic magnification potential, and thus ecological risk of these compounds ought to be assessed with the consideration of their bioaccumulation potentials in these marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronia Chung-Tin Sham
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Lily Shi Ru Tao
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yanny King Yan Mak
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jason Kin Chung Yau
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Tak Cheung Wai
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Kevin King Yan Ho
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Guang-Jie Zhou
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yongyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of the Environment & Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Kenneth Mei Yee Leung
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Stem Leydig cell regeneration in the adult rat testis is inhibited after a short-term triphenyltin exposure. Toxicol Lett 2019; 306:80-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 01/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Ge F, Zheng W, Bao S, Wu K, Xiang S, Chen W, Chen X, Mo J, Zhou S, Wang Y, Lian Q, Ge RS. In utero exposure to triphenyltin disrupts rat fetal testis development. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 211:1043-1053. [PMID: 30223319 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Triphenyltin is an organotin that is widely used as an anti-fouling agent and may have endocrine-disrupting effects. The objective of the current study was to investigate effects of triphenyltin on the development of rat fetal testis. Female pregnant Sprague Dawley dams were gavaged daily with triphenyltin (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg body weight/day) from gestational day 12 to day 21. Triphenyltin dose-dependently decreased serum testosterone levels (0.971 ± 0.072 and 0.972 ± 0.231 ng/ml at 1 and 2 mg/kg, respectively) from control level (2.099 ± 0.351 ng/ml). Triphenyltin at 1 and 2 mg/kg doses also induced fetal Leydig cell aggregation, decreased fetal Leydig cell size and cytoplasmic size. Triphenyltin decreased the expression levels of Lhcgr, Scarb1, Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Insl3, Fshr, Pdgfa, and Sox9 by 0.5 mg/kg dose and above. However, triphenyltin did not affect Leydig and Sertoli cell numbers. In conclusion, the current study indicated that in utero exposure of triphenyltin disrupted fetal Leydig and Sertoli cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Wenwen Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Suhao Bao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Keyang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Saiqiong Xiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Wanwan Chen
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Xiuxiu Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Jiaying Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Songyi Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China
| | - Qingquan Lian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325027, China.
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Ho KKY, Leung KMY. Population dynamics of the rock shell Reishia clavigera associated with different degrees of organotin contamination in Hong Kong. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 124:827-834. [PMID: 28238327 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Application of organotins in antifouling systems on ship hulls has been globally prohibited by the International Maritime Organization since September 2008. It is, therefore, anticipated that there is a recovery of imposex-affected gastropod populations worldwide. We studied the population dynamics of the rock shell Reishia clavigera in six locations around Hong Kong's coastal waters, covering different degrees of organotin contamination for 25months (2011-2013). Abundance and density of R. clavigera were higher in clean sites, while they tended to grow faster in polluted sites. Over time, we observed recruitments in clean sites while recruitments in polluted sites were limited. The results suggested that the lack of apparent recovery of the local R. clavigera populations was probably due to the prevalence of organotin contamination, especially triphenyltin, in this region. This study, therefore, calls for mitigation and long-term monitoring of organotin contamination in marine environments of Hong Kong and South China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Y Ho
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kenneth M Y Leung
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Simon F. S. Li Marine Science Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
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Nakayama K, Yamashita R, Kitamura SI. Use of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Aeromonas salmonicida for detection of immunomodulatory effects of chemicals on fish. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 124:710-713. [PMID: 28063699 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.12.060] [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: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To develop a test for assessing the immunomodulatory effects of chemical pollutants on fish, we evaluated the effects of dexamethasone on the natural host-pathogen interaction between common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Aeromonas salmonicida. Carp were exposed to 1mgL-1 dexamethasone for the entire experimental period. One week after the exposure test started, the exposed fish, as well as unexposed fish, were bath-infected with A. salmonicida. One hundred percent mortality was observed in bacteria-infected fish exposed to dexamethasone, whereas no infection-associated mortality was observed in infected fish in the absence of dexamethasone exposure. In a separate experiment, dexamethasone exposure significantly suppressed hemolytic complement activity in bacteria-infected fish. These results clearly indicate that exposure to a high concentration of dexamethasone suppressed the carp immune system and caused subsequent mortality. Thus, this proposed test method is likely to be useful for evaluating the immunomodulatory effects of chemicals in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nakayama
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Ryohei Yamashita
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Kitamura
- Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, 2-5 Bunkyo-cho, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
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Kitamura SI, Akizuki M, Song JY, Nakayama K. Tributyltin exposure increases mortality of nodavirus infected Japanese medaka Oryzias latipes larvae. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 124:835-838. [PMID: 28222863 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the effect of combined exposure to nodavirus infection and TBT on medaka (Oryzias latipes). Medaka larvae were infected by immersion in medium containing nodavirus at titers of 102.5, 103.5, or 104.5 TCID50/mL. Infected fish then were exposed to TBT at 0, 0.17, 0.52, 1.6, or 4.7μg/L. Of the 12 groups exposed to both stressors, the mortalities of 6 (102.5 TCID50/mL+0.52, 1.6, or 4.7μg/L, 103.5 TCID50/mL+4.7μg/L and 104.5 TCID50/mL+1.6 or 4.7μg/L) were significantly higher than that of each TBT control. Specifically, mortality was 46±5.5% in the group exposed to both 102.5 TCID50/mL virus and 0.52μg/L TBT, which represent the lowest observed effective dose and concentration, respectively, among the 6 groups with increased mortalities. Our results suggest that combined exposure to both stressors suppresses antiviral mechanisms in the fish, thus increasing mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichi Kitamura
- Centre for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan.
| | - Masaki Akizuki
- Centre for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
| | - Jun-Young Song
- Pathology Division, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute, Busan 619-902, Republic of Korea
| | - Kei Nakayama
- Centre for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan
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Ho KKY, Zhou GJ, Xu EGB, Wang X, Leung KMY. Long-Term Spatio-Temporal Trends of Organotin Contaminations in the Marine Environment of Hong Kong. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155632. [PMID: 27176721 PMCID: PMC4866715 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hong Kong imposed a partial restriction on application of organotin-based antifouling paints in 1992. Since September 2008, the International Maritime Organization prohibited the use of such antifouling systems on all sea-going vessels globally. Therefore, it is anticipated a gradual reduction of organotin contamination in Hong Kong's marine waters. Using the rock shell Reishia clavigera as a biomonitor, we evaluated the organotin contamination along Hong Kong's coastal waters over the past two decades (1990-2015). In 2010 and 2015, adult R. clavigera were examined for imposex status and analysed for tissue concentrations of six organotins. We consistently found 100% imposex incidence in female R. clavigera across all sites. Tissue triphenyltin (TPT) concentrations were high in most samples. A probabilistic risk assessment showed that there were over 69% of chance that local R. clavigera would be at risk due to exposure to phenyltins. Comparing with those of previous surveys (2004-2010), both imposex levels and tissue concentrations of organotins did not decline, while the ecological risks due to exposure to organotins were increasing. We also observed high concentrations of monobutyltin and TPT in seawater and sediment from locations with intense shipping activities and from stormwater or sewage discharge. Overall, organotins are still prevalent in Hong Kong's marine waters showing that the global convention alone may be inadequate in reducing organotin contamination in a busy international port like Hong Kong. Appropriate management actions should be taken to control the use and release of organotins in Hong Kong and South China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K. Y. Ho
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guang-Jie Zhou
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Elvis G. B. Xu
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science (Xiamen University), Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kenneth M. Y. Leung
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- The State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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11
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Krey A, Ostertag SK, Chan HM. Assessment of neurotoxic effects of mercury in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), ringed seals (Pusa hispida), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Canadian Arctic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 509-510:237-247. [PMID: 24958011 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.05.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are indicator species of the Arctic ecosystem and an integral component of the traditional Inuit diet. The potential neurotoxic effects of increased mercury (Hg) in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), ringed seals (Pusa hispida), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are not clear. We assessed the risk of Hg-associated neurotoxicity to these species by comparing their brain Hg concentrations with threshold concentrations for toxic endpoints detected in laboratory animals and field observations: clinical symptoms (>6.75 mg/kg wet weight (ww)), neuropathological signs (>4 mg/kg ww), neurochemical changes (>0.4 mg/kg ww), and neurobehavioral changes (>0.1mg/kg ww). The total Hg (THg) concentrations in the cerebellum and frontal lobe of ringed seals and polar bears were <0.5mg/kg ww, whereas the average concentration in beluga whale brain was >3mg/kg ww. Our results suggest that brain THg levels in polar bears are below levels that induce neurobehavioral effects as reported in the literature, while THg concentrations in ringed seals are within the range that elicit neurobehavioral effects and individual ringed seals exceed the threshold for neurochemical changes. The relatively high THg concentration in beluga whales exceeds all of the neurotoxicity thresholds assessed. High brain selenium (Se):Hg molar ratios were observed in all three species, suggesting that Se could protect the animals from Hg-associated neurotoxicity. This assessment was limited by several factors that influence neurotoxic effects in animals, including: animal species; form of Hg in the brain; and interactions with modifiers of Hg-associated toxicity, such as Se. Comparing brain Hg concentrations in wildlife with concentrations of appropriate laboratory studies can be used as a tool for risk characterization of the neurotoxic effects of Hg in Arctic marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Krey
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada.
| | - Sonja K Ostertag
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada.
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, 20 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
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12
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Law RJ. An overview of time trends in organic contaminant concentrations in marine mammals: going up or down? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 82:7-10. [PMID: 24703807 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In this article I review recent trends reported in the literature from 2008 to date for organic contaminant concentrations in marine mammal tissues worldwide, in order to get an idea of where we stand currently in relation to the control of hazardous substances. For many contaminants which have been subject to regulation regarding their production and use (e.g. organochlorine pesticides, PBDE and HBCD flame retardants, butyltins) trends are downwards. For perfluorinated compounds, trends are more mixed. For dioxins, furans and dioxin-like CBs, there are no recent data, for either concentrations or trends. For CBs overall, earlier downward trends in concentration in UK harbour porpoises following regulation beginning in the 1980s have stalled, and remain at toxicologically significant levels. This raises concerns for killer whales and bottlenose dolphins who, because of their larger size and greater bioaccumulation potential, have higher levels still, often far above accepted toxicological threshold values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Law
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
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Abstract
The obesogen hypothesis postulates the role of environmental chemical pollutants that disrupt homeostatic controls and adaptive mechanisms to promote adipose-dependent weight gain leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome complications. One of the most direct molecular mechanisms for coupling environmental chemical exposures to perturbed physiology invokes pollutants mimicking endogenous endocrine hormones or bioactive dietary signaling metabolites that serve as nuclear receptor ligands. The organotin pollutant tributyltin can exert toxicity through multiple mechanisms but most recently has been shown to bind, activate, and mediate RXR-PPARγ transcriptional regulation central to lipid metabolism and adipocyte biology. Data in support of long-term obesogenic effects on whole body adipose tissue are also reported. Organotins represent an important model test system for evaluating the impact and epidemiological significance of chemical insults as contributing factors for obesity and human metabolic health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Grün
- The Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.
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Law RJ, Bolam T, James D, Barry J, Deaville R, Reid RJ, Penrose R, Jepson PD. Butyltin compounds in liver of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the UK prior to and following the ban on the use of tributyltin in antifouling paints (1992-2005 & 2009). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2012; 64:2576-2580. [PMID: 22857710 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Liver butyltin concentrations (monobutyl, dibutyl and tributyltin (TBT)) in harbour porpoises (n=410) have been determined during 1992-2005, and again in 2009 following a ban on the use of tributyltin-based antifouling paints on ships. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of the regulation, which was implemented during 2003-2008. Since the ban was put in place summed butyltin concentrations have declined. Also, the percentage of animals in which TBT was detected has fallen sharply, indicating the cessation of fresh inputs. In 1992, 1993 and 1995, TBT was detected in 100% of samples analysed. In 2003-2005, once the implementation of the ban had begun, this fell to 61-72%, and in 2009, following the completion of the ban, had reduced to 4.3% (i.e. in only 1 of 23 samples analysed). Thus we conclude that the ban has proved effective in reducing TBT inputs to the seas from vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin J Law
- The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK.
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15
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Yi AX, Leung KMY, Lam MHW, Lee JS, Giesy JP. Review of measured concentrations of triphenyltin compounds in marine ecosystems and meta-analysis of their risks to humans and the environment. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 89:1015-1025. [PMID: 22704212 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.05.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The state of scientific knowledge regarding analytical methods, environmental fate, ecotoxicity and ecological risk of triphenyltin (TPT) compounds in marine ecosystems as well as their exposure and health hazard to humans was reviewed. Since the 1960s, TPT compounds have been commonly applied as biocides for diverse industrial and agricultural purposes. For instance, they are used as active ingredients in antifouling systems on marine vessels and mariculture facilities, and as fungicides in agriculture. Due to their intensive use, contamination of coastal waters by TPT and its products of transformation has become a worldwide problem. The proportion of quantified TPT to total phenyltin compounds in the marine environment provides evidence that TPT is photodegradable in water and sediment but resistant to biotransformation. Concentrations of TPT in marine biota are consistently greater than concentrations in water and sediment, which implies potential of TPT to bioaccumulate. TPT is toxic to both marine plants and animals. The predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) for TPT, as determined by use of the species sensitivity distribution approach, is 0.64 ng L(-1). In some parts of the world, concentrations of TPT in seawater exceed the PNEC, indicating that TPT can pose risks to marine life. Although there is negligible risk of TPT to average human consumers, TPT has been detected in blood of Finnish people and the concentration was greater in fishermen who ate more seafood. It is, therefore, advocated to initiate regular monitoring of TPT in blood and breast milk of populations that consume greater amounts of seafood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Xianliang Yi
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
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Choi M, Moon HB, Choi HG. Intake and potential health risk of butyltin compounds from seafood consumption in Korea. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2012; 62:333-340. [PMID: 21674223 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-011-9688-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of butyltin compounds (BTs) were determined in 47 species of seafood commonly consumed in Korea to investigate intakes of BTs from seafood consumption and the potential health risks to the Korean population. The concentrations of BTs (the sum of dibutyltin and tributyltin) in seafood ranged from less than the limit of detection to 96.3 ng/g wet weight, which are levels similar to those reported for other countries. The intake of BTs from seafood consumption by the general population was estimated to be 17.2 ng/kg body weight/day. Fish accounted for 50% of the total intakes of BT, and the next contributor was cephalopods (26%). The estimated intakes for males and females were 18.6 and 15.7 ng/ kg body weight/day, respectively. Among the age groups investigated, children (<2 years and 3-6 years) had higher intakes of BTs compared with adults. The estimated intake of BTs for Korean population groups was 5-8% of the tolerable daily intake of 250 ng/ kg body weight/day set by the European Food Safety Authority. Our results suggest that the Korean population is not expected to exceed the threshold value for adverse health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyu Choi
- Marine Environment Research Division, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), 152-1, Haean-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan 619-705, Republic of Korea.
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Choi M, Moon HB, An YR, Choi SG, Choi HG. Accumulation of butyltin compounds in cetaceans from Korean coastal waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2011; 62:1120-1123. [PMID: 21474154 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Revised: 03/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Data on the occurrence and accumulation profiles of butyltins (BTs), including tributyltin (TBT), in marine mammals are scarce. This is the first study to investigate residue levels and accumulation patterns of BTs in cetaceans from Korean coastal waters. The total concentrations of BTs (sum of mono- to tri-butyltins) in minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus capensis) ranged from 15.7 to 297 ng/g wet weight (mean: 100 ng/g wet weight) and from 59.0 to 412 ng/g wet weight (mean: 228 ng/g wet weight), respectively. Dibutyltin (DBT) accounted for 63% of the total BTs in all cetacean samples. Significant species-specific differences in BT concentrations, possibly due to the differences in their habitat and diet, were found between the two cetacean species. The concentrations of DBT and TBT in most cetacean samples exceeded the threshold value for cytotoxic effects in cetaceans, implying potentially adverse health risks from exposure to BTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyu Choi
- Marine Environment Research Division, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), 152-1, Haean-ro, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan 619-705, Republic of Korea.
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