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Sun X, Guo L, Luo D, Yu RQ, Yu X, Liang Y, Liu Z, Wu Y. Long-term increase in mortality of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Estuary following anthropic activities: Evidence from the stranded dolphin mortality analysis from 2003 to 2017. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119526. [PMID: 35623568 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119526] [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] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
With the dramatic increase in anthropogenic threats to the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), the population size of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) has significantly decreased over the past decade. To understand the impact and potential risks of intense human activities on these dolphins, factors related to the mortality of humpback dolphins in the PRE were investigated by a detailed examination of 343 dolphin specimens stranded during 2003-2017. There was a significant (p < 0.01) increasing trend for humpback dolphin stranding, reflecting the accelerating rate of the population decline. A large proportion of strandings (35.88%) were neonates. A low recruitment rate implies slow population growth, and hence, limited capacity to resist anthropogenic stress. The most commonly diagnosed causes of death were vessel collision and net entanglement. The concentrations of trace metals, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and most of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the dolphin samples were greater than those previously reported in cetaceans globally. Furthermore, Cu, PCB77, PCB169, PCB81, PCB37, and PFASs (excluding PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHxDA, and PFODA) were the major pollutants accumulated in neonates. 67% of PCB, 78% of Cu, and 100% of perfluorooctane sulfonate concentrations in the neonates exceeded the threshold for toxicological effects in marine mammals, suggesting that these compounds could be important factors contributing to the low survival rate of calves in this area. This study revealed that vessel transportation, fishing activities, and pollutant bioaccumulation are the three major causes of humpback dolphin mortality in the PRE. These results highlight the need for more efforts to restrict anthropogenic activities, especially vessel traffic, the catching of these marine animals and fishing, and pollutant discharge, in order to prevent vulnerable species from continuous population decline and further extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Sun
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Lang Guo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Dingyu Luo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, 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, TX, United States
| | - Xinjian Yu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yuqin Liang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China.
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Xie Q, Yu RQ, Yu R, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wu Y. Historic changes of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in juvenile and adult cetaceans from the Pearl River estuary from 2003 to 2020. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149512. [PMID: 34391148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as a type of legacy persistent organic pollutants, pose significant health threats to wildlife. However, long-term residue changes and profiles of PCBs in cetaceans have not been extensively studied in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), an important marine mammal area in China. Here, the body burdens, spatiotemporal trends, and health risks of 21 chlorobiphenyl congeners (∑21CBs) were analyzed in blubber samples collected from twelve cetacean species (n = 172) in the PRE from 2003 to 2020. Our results revealed medium levels of PCBs (316-96,233 ng g-1 lipid) compared to those reported for cetaceans elsewhere (70-370,000 ng g-1 lipid). Clear differences in PCB distribution patterns between inshore and offshore cetaceans and between odontocetes and mysticetes were also found. Both the coastal Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) displayed similarly fine-scale spatial distribution patterns of PCBs, suggesting that the two cetaceans could serve as bioindicators of PCB pollution in the PRE. Additionally, both cetaceans exhibited decreasing trends in their blubber PCB concentrations over the past 20 years, likely reflecting the effective regulation of PCBs in the PRE Delta. Nevertheless, the relatively high and stable PCB-toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels detected in calf humpback dolphins during the sampling period suggested that the calves are still under the stresses of high PCB-related health risks. Our results highlight the need for more efforts to eliminate PCB contamination to prevent these cetaceans from continuous population decline and further extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang 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 Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - 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 Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhenhua Wang
- The Engineering Technology Research Center of Characteristic Medicinal Plants of Fujian, College of Life Sciences, Ningde Normal University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - 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 Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - 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 Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China.
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Guo L, Zhang X, Luo D, Yu RQ, Xie Q, Wu Y. Population-level effects of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure on highly vulnerable Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins from their largest habitat. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117544. [PMID: 34119862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-related risks have been reported at the cellular, organ, and individual levels in some marine mammals, studies quantifying the PCB-associated population-level effects are limited. Here, we combined chemical analysis and individual-based model simulation to investigate the impact of PCBs on the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (sub)population from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). An annual PCB accumulation rate of 0.29 ± 0.07 mg/kg lipid per year was estimated based on the measured age-specific male data as males continue to accumulate PCBs throughout their lifetime, without depurating contaminant loads. Using the Taiwan Strait dolphin population with low PCBs as a baseline, we compare our model simulations in PRE population to estimate relative population impacts of PCBs and other stressors. When using the current vital rates of the PRE dolphins which have been affected by PCBs and other stressors (e.g., underwater noise, prey limitation, etc.), our simulations revealed a substantial decline (8.1%) in the annual population growth rate (λ) of PRE metapopulation compared to baseline over the next 100 years. At the estimated PCB accumulation rate, the PCB-mediated effects on calf survival and immunity would cause a slight decline (0.9%) in λ relative to baseline. Our findings suggest a relatively limited impact of PCBs on the long-term survival of PRE dolphins among all stressors. However, it should be noted that even under model simulations where dietary PCBs were eliminated, humpback dolphins would still need a long time to reduce their PCB burdens to a relatively "safe" level through biological cycling. Considering that the baseline vital rates might also have been affected by PCBs and other stressors, our results are considered relative rather than absolute. This study provides a starting point for quantifying population-level consequences of contaminant exposure on humpback dolphins, although more efforts are needed to perfect this type of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Guo
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Dingyu Luo
- 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, TX, USA
| | - Qiang 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
| | - 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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Zhang X, Zhan F, Yu RQ, Sun X, Wu Y. Bioaccumulation of legacy organic contaminants in pregnant Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis): Unique features on the transplacental transfer. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 785:147287. [PMID: 33933771 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The placental transfer and congener composition of organic contaminants (OCs) in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins have been little studied. In the present study, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and 28 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were analyzed in muscle, lung, liver, kidney, and blubber tissues from three mother-fetus pairs of this species stranded along the Pearl River Estuary, China. For PCBs, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, and hepta-chlorobenzene congeners were dominant in all the analyzed samples. Among them, hexachlorobenzene congeners showed the highest level in most dolphin mother-fetus tissue samples. The concentrations of PCBs and OCPs in adult females were higher in the detoxification organs (liver and kidneys) than in the muscles and lungs, whereas muscle tissues in fetuses generally exhibited higher PCBs and OCPs levels than the livers and kidneys. The most abundant PAHs in the four tissues were those with lower molecular weights, which were also the most water-soluble and bioavailable. Negative correlations between the octanol/water partition coefficients (log KOW) and the fetus/mother ratios for PCB congeners revealed that the transfer of PCBs may be determined by their lipid solubility. OCPs and PCBs with low molecular weights and low log KOW values would be more likely to accumulate in the dolphin liver, lung, kidney and muscle tissues. Furthermore, OCs with low molecular weights and low log KOW values were more concentrated in the fetal blubber, lung, and liver tissues than in their respective mothers. The ubiquitous existence of OCs in the mother-fetus pairs strongly suggested that these contaminants could pass through the placenta and partition in fetal tissue. The high transfer efficiency of PAHs and PCBs indicated that the placenta might not be an efficient barrier for these pollutants. PCBs levels in both mother and fetus dolphins could cause immunosuppression.
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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, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Fengping Zhan
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial, Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, United States
| | - Xian Sun
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial, Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial, Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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5
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Choi M, Lee IS. Decreases in Concentrations and Human Dietary Intakes of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Korean Seafood Between 2005 and 2017. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 81:199-209. [PMID: 34081169 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in 23 seafood species widely consumed by the Korean population in the periods of 2005-2007, 2010-2011, and 2015-2017. The Σ82PCB (sum of 82 PCB congeners) and Σ19PBDE (sum of 19 PBDE congeners) concentrations in the seafood samples of 2015-2017 were 0.06-6.69 ng/g wet weight and 0.01-1.60 ng/g wet weight, respectively. The Σ82PCB and Σ19PBDE concentrations in the samples were significantly correlated. Elevated PCB and PBDE concentrations were found in fatty fish, such as herring, mackerel, and tuna. The current human intakes of PCBs and PBDEs were much lower than the tolerable daily intake or lowest observed adverse effect level. The levels and human dietary intakes of PCBs and PBDEs in the 2015-2017 survey showed decreases of 17-73% and 57-86%, respectively, compared with those in 2005-2007 and 2010-2011 surveys. This indicates that global bans on PCBs and PBDEs have been effective, and their levels and human exposure to them have been gradually declining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyu Choi
- South Sea Fisheries Institute, National Institute of Fisheries Science (NIFS), Yeo-Su, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Seok Lee
- Southeast Sea Fisheries Institute, NIFS, Tong-Yeong, Republic of Korea.
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Lin Y, Yu X, Huang L, Sanganyado E, Bi R, Li P, Liu W. Risk assessment of potentially toxic elements accumulated in fish to Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the South China Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 761:143256. [PMID: 33172644 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) reside in shallow coastal waters where they are exposed to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through dietary intake. We quantitatively assessed the risk posed by eight PTEs to the health of S. chinensis by determining their concentration in 13 fish species. The fish species represented the primary prey of S. chinensis in the South China Sea. Zn and Mn were the most dominant elements in fish at all sampling locations with concentrations ranges of 19.93-67.63 mg kg -1 dry weight (dw) and 1.52-68.2 mg kg -1 dw, respectively. The highest Zn concentration in fish was found in Coilia mystus (72.65 mg kg-1 dw) followed by Liza carinatus (62.57 mg kg-1 dw). At Jiangmen, Zn concentration was significantly lower in benthopelagic fish than in pelagic fish (p < 0.05, one-way ANOVA), while no significant difference was observed in other metals. The health risk posed by dietary intake assessed using the toxicity reference value showed that PTEs did not significant health risk to S. chinensis. In contrast, the risk quotient (RQ) based on reference doses ranged from 2.17 to 54.63 in prey fish that were contaminated with Zn and Cr indicating a potential health risk to S. chinensis in the South China Sea. The number of PTEs that posed a health risk varied between sites with seven out of eight PTEs above threshold at Jiangmen and six out of eight at Zhanjiang and Qinzhou. This study showed fish niche and location may influence the health risk posed by consumption of PTE-contaminated fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lin
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Yu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China
| | - Linlin Huang
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China.
| | - Ran Bi
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Ping Li
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China.
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Sun X, Zhan F, Yu RQ, Chen L, Wu Y. Bio-accumulation of organic contaminants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins: Preliminary unique features of the brain and testes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115511. [PMID: 32892017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
There is little information about the residue levels and congener composition of organic contaminants (OCs) in cetaceans. In the present study, we investigated the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the blubber, blood, brain and testes of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) stranded in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), China. The lowest blubber/tissue partition coefficients were found for sum hexachlorocyclohexanes (ΣHCHs) and ΣPAHs, while the highest were in ΣPCBs and sum dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (ΣDDTs), likely attributing to the octanol-water partition features. The low levels of OCs in brain and testes theoretically resulted from the blood-brain barrier, blood-testes barrier, contaminant molecule dimensions and unique lipid compositions in the brain and testes. Compared with other contaminants, the higher mean brain/blood and testes/blood partition coefficients found for mirex, heptachlor, dieldrin and endrin would increase the risks associated with exposure-related toxicity and the bioavailability of contaminants within these tissues. Observations also suggest that as lipid mobilizes from blubber, contaminants may redistribute, leading to elevated tissue (such as brain) concentrations. Therefore, dolphins with less blubber may be more susceptible to health risks. The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins living in PRE are at great risk due to variety of OCs in indirect contact with non-target organisms, affecting the health of animals (toxic effects and accumulation). Our findings contribute to the knowledge of the potential effects of OCs exposure on developmental neurotoxicity and reproductive damage in marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Sun
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Fengping Zhan
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, 75799, USA
| | - Laiguo Chen
- Urban Environment and Ecology Research Center, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences (SCIES), Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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Wan X, Li J, Cheng Z, Ao M, Tian R, McLaughlin RW, Zheng J, Wang D. The intestinal microbiome of an Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) stranded near the Pearl River Estuary, China. Integr Zool 2020; 16:287-299. [PMID: 32761739 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian intestinal microbiome is critical for host health and disease resistance. However, the cetacean intestinal microbiota remains relatively unexplored. By using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed intestinal bacterial samples from an Indo-pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) stranded near the Pearl River Estuary in China. The samples included 3 anatomical regions (foregut, midgut, and rectum) and 2 anatomical locations (content and mucus). Our analyses revealed that the dolphin intestinal bacteria contained 139 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), dominated at the phyla level by Firmicutes (47.05% in the content; 94.77% in the mucus), followed by Bacteroidetes (23.63% in the content; 1.58% in the mucus) and Gammaproteobacteria (14.82% in the content; 2.05% in the mucus). The intestinal bacteria had a small core community (15 OTUs, accounting for 99.74% of the reads), some of which could be potentially pathogenic to both human and dolphins. As an alternative to sampling the dolphin intestinal bacteria, fecal sampling could be used. Additionally, function potentials such as, xenobiotics biodegradation, beta-lactam resistance, and human disease-related pathways, were detected in the dolphin intestinal bacteria. These findings provide the first baseline knowledge of the intestinal microbiome of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, which may offer new insights into cetacean conservation by using microbial surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Wan
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Li
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaolong Cheng
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Mengxue Ao
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Renmao Tian
- Institute for Environmental Genomics, Department of Microbiology and Plant Biology, School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA.,Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Bedford Park, Illinois, USA
| | - Richard William McLaughlin
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,General Studies, Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jinsong Zheng
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ding Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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9
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Shi J, Sanganyado E, Wang L, Li P, Li X, Liu W. Organic pollutants in sedimentary microplastics from eastern Guangdong: Spatial distribution and source identification. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 193:110356. [PMID: 32109581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics have a strong affinity for potentially toxic organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Since 2005, the International Pellet Watch used plastic pellets to monitor hydrophobic organic contaminants in marine environments. We examined the spatial distribution and sources of 16 PAHs and eight OCPs on microplastics (pellets, fragments, and foam) collected from eastern Guangdong beaches with the goal of evaluating the feasibility of exclusively using pellets in global monitoring of hydrophobic organic contaminants. The ∑PAH and ∑OCP concentrations ranged from 11.2 to 7710 ng g-1 and 2.2-1970 ng g-1, respectively. Although inter-site and regional differences were insignificant in fragments and foam, regional differences were observed in ∑OCP concentrations on pellets samples collected at the estuary mouth and the distributary (p < 0.05). No regional difference in ∑PAH concentration on microplastics was observed, except between fragments from the remote beach and those from the distributary (p = 0.015) and the estuary mouth (p = 0.015). The compositional profiles of PAHs revealed that PAHs with 2-4 rings were more dominant than those with >4 rings. Considering low molecular weight PAHs are less hydrophobic and more toxic; the results suggest low molecular weight PAHs may pose a significant risk to marine organisms. This study shows that the International Pellet Watch could offer critical data on source and transport of microplastic-associated OCPs but may overlook critical vehicles of PAHs in coastal environments such as foam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Lisi Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Ping Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, China.
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10
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Tang D, Liu X, He H, Cui Z, Gan H, Xia Z. Distribution, sources and ecological risks of organochlorine compounds (DDTs, HCHs and PCBs) in surface sediments from the Pearl River Estuary, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 152:110942. [PMID: 32479303 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Pearl River Estuary is an important sink of organochlorine compounds (OCs), and OC pollution levels in surface sediments remain largely unknown at present. We collected and analysed residual DDTs, HCHs and PCBs of 45 surface sediments from the Pearl River Estuary in 2017. The values of DDTs (1.83 to 6.98 ng·g-1) and HCHs (0.43 to 2.14 ng·g-1) were higher in the Humen outlet, and the values of PCBs (4.6 to 187.4 ng·g-1) were higher in the coastal areas of Shenzhen. The DDTs and HCHs have generally decreased while the PCBs have been rapidly increasing in recent decades. The DDTs might originate from technical DDT and dicofol. The major source of HCHs was lindane. The main potential sources of PCBs were increased industrial products, ship painting, E-waste disassembly, maricultural and agricultural pollution. The total PCBs and DDTs had medium ecological risks according to the sediment quality guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehao Tang
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China.
| | - Xingjian Liu
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Guangzhou 510301, China; Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, (ISEE, CAS), Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Haijun He
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Zhenang Cui
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Huayang Gan
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China
| | - Zhen Xia
- Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou 511458, China.
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11
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Ming Y, Jian J, Yu X, Wang J, Liu W. The genome resources for conservation of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, Sousa chinensis. Sci Data 2019; 6:68. [PMID: 31118413 PMCID: PMC6531461 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-019-0078-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), is a threatened marine mammal and belongs to the First Order of the National Key Protected Wild Aquatic Animals List in China. However, limited genomic information is available for studies of its population genetics and biological conservation. Here, we have assembled a genomic sequence of this species using a whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing strategy after a pilot low coverage genome survey. The total assembled genome size was 2.34 Gb: with a contig N50 of 67 kb and a scaffold N50 of 9 Mb (107.6-fold sequencing coverage). The S. chinensis genome contained 24,640 predicted protein-coding genes and had approximately 37% repeated sequences. The completeness of the genome assembly was evaluated by benchmarking universal single copy orthologous genes (BUSCOs): 94.3% of a total 4,104 expected mammalian genes were identified as complete, and 2.3% were identified as fragmented. This newly produced high-quality assembly and annotation of the genome will greatly promote the future studies of the genetic diversity, conservation and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Ming
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P.R. China
| | - Jianbo Jian
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P.R. China
| | - Xueying Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, Guangxi, 535011, P.R. China
| | - Jingzhen Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou, Guangxi, 535011, P.R. China.
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, 515063, P.R. China.
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12
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Zhu J, Yu X, Zhang Q, Li Y, Tan S, Li D, Yang Z, Wang J. Cetaceans and microplastics: First report of microplastic ingestion by a coastal delphinid, Sousa chinensis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 659:649-654. [PMID: 31096394 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the Anthropocene, marine microplastic debris has been rapidly increasing and interacting with wildlife. As apex predators, cetaceans have been proven to be ideal sentinel species to indicate ecosystem changes and umbrella and flagship species to help develop environmental management strategies. Here, we report the presence of microplastics in the intestines of Sousa chinensis for the first time, which highlights the potential impacts of microplastic pollution in coastal environments. Microplastics were detected in the intestinal contents of both adult and calf individuals, indicating that consumption of prey and unintentional ingestion are the potential pathways for microplastic accumulation in Sousa chinensis. The properties of the microplastics indicated that fibers, white and blue items, 1-5 mm items, and polyester were the predominant shapes, colors, sizes and plastic materials, respectively. More microplastics were detected in the foreguts and midguts than in the hindguts, which may be correlated with the specific intestinal structure of Sousa. This study indicates that coastal delphinids might suffer from microplastic pollution, even young calves. The sample size in this study is limited, whereas it's a starting point for assessing microplastics in the endangered coastal delphinid, Sousa. We suggest that assessments of the risks of microplastic consumption by cetaceans and the presence of microplastics in their habitats should be conducted at a global scale. Moreover, further works should be done to look for evidence of adverse effects of microplastics pollution on cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmin Zhu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, Guangxi, China
| | - Xueying Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, Guangxi, China
| | - Shudan Tan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, Guangxi, China
| | - Ding Li
- College of Environment Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, Guangxi, China
| | - Zongyao Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingzhen Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Disaster in the Beibu Gulf, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, Guangxi, China; College of Environment Science and Engineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541006, Guangxi, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, Guangxi, China.
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13
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Rajput IR, Xiao Z, Yajing S, Yaqoob S, Sanganyado E, Ying H, Fei Y, Liu W. Establishment of pantropic spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) fibroblast cell line and potential influence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) on cytokines response. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 203:1-9. [PMID: 30064049 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the aquatic environment is an issue of major concern which may be a cause of increasing prevalence and severity of diseases in marine mammals. Although, cell culture model development and in vitro investigation approach is a prime need of time to progress immunotoxic research on aquatic mammals. In this study, we stablished fibroblast cell line (pantropic spotted dolphin) to assess the potential effects of PBDEs on cytokines response. Cells were grown in 6 well cell culture plate and complete media (DMEM and Ham's F12 nutrient mixture, fetal bovine serum, antibiotic and essential amino acids) was provided. The primary culture of (PSP-LWH) cells identification was achieved by vimentin (gene and protein) expressions. Karyotyping revealed pantropic spotted dolphin chromosomes 20 pairs with XX. Transfection was achieved by SV40 LT antigen and transfected cells were expended for passages. Stability of cell line was confirmed at various passages intervals using RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence methods. After confirmation, cell line was exposed to BDE-47 (250 ng/ml), BDE-100 (250 ng/ml) and BDE-209 (1000 ng/ml), with control group (PBS), positive control DMSO (0.1%) and negative control LPS (500 ng/ml) for 24 h. The ELISA results showed significant increase in IL-6 in BDE- 100 and BDE-209 while IL-1β and IL-8 were found higher in BDE-47 and BDE-100. TNFα and IL-10 secretion was noted higher in control and positive control groups. Altogether, these results emphasize importance of transfected (PSP-LWHT) cell line in aquatic research and potential effects of PBDEs on fibroblast provides evident to understand immune modulating effects of PBDEs in marine mammals. The impact of PBDEs on dolphin's fibroblast cells immune response and altered cytokine response have been presented for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Rashid Rajput
- Marine Biology Institute, College of Science Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China; Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan.
| | - Ziyang Xiao
- Marine Biology Institute, College of Science Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Sun Yajing
- Marine Biology Institute, College of Science Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Summra Yaqoob
- Marine Biology Institute, College of Science Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Marine Biology Institute, College of Science Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Huang Ying
- Marine Biology Institute, College of Science Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yu Fei
- Marine Biology Institute, College of Science Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Marine Biology Institute, College of Science Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, PR China.
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14
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Sanganyado E, Rajput IR, Liu W. Bioaccumulation of organic pollutants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin: A review on current knowledge and future prospects. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:111-125. [PMID: 29477865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) are chronically exposed to organic pollutants since they inhabit shallow coastal waters that are often impacted by anthropogenic activities. The aim of this review was to evaluate existing knowledge on the occurrence of organic pollutants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, identify knowledge gaps, and offer recommendations for future research directions. We discussed the trends in the bioaccumulation of organic pollutants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins focusing on sources, physicochemical properties, and usage patterns. Furthermore, we examined factors that influence bioaccumulation such as gender, age, dietary intake and tissue-specific distribution. Studies on bioaccumulation in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin remain scarce, despite high concentrations above 13,000 ng/g lw we previously detected for PFOS, ∑PBDE and chlorinated paraffins. The maximum concentration of organochlorines detected was 157,000 ng/g wt. Furthermore, variations in bioaccumulation were shown to be caused by factors such as usage patterns and physicochemical properties of the pollutant. However, restrictions in sampling inhibit investigations on exposure pathway and toxicity of organic pollutants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. We proposed the use of biopsy sampling, predictive bioaccumulation and toxicity modeling, and monitoring other emerging contaminants such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals for future health risk assessment on this critically endangered marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Sanganyado
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Imran Rashid Rajput
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenhua Liu
- Marine Biology Institute, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong Province, China.
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C. Hughes
- Centre for Integrative Conservation; Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Menglun Jinghong 666303 China
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16
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Weijs L, Vijayasarathy S, Villa CA, Neugebauer F, Meager JJ, Gaus C. Screening of organic and metal contaminants in Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) inhabiting an urbanised embayment. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 151:253-262. [PMID: 26945241 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.02.082] [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: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
As a marine mammal species that inhabits shallow nearshore waters, humpback dolphins are likely exposed to a wide range of pollutants from adjacent land-based activities. Increased mortality rates of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) in waters off a major urbanised centre triggered investigations into the threats to these species, including their contaminant exposure. The present study utilised archived tissues from 6 stranded animals to screen for a range of pollutants (PCDD/Fs, PBDEs, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, PAHs, organotins, essential and non-essential elements) to inform future biopsy based biomonitoring strategies. Concentrations of PCBs and DDXs in blubber of some of these animals were remarkably high, at levels near or above toxicological thresholds associated with immune- and reproductive toxicity or population declines in other marine mammals. PBDEs, PAHs, HCB, organotins, 'drins' as well as other organic pesticides were not detected, or present at relatively low concentrations. Profiles of elements were similar in epidermis compared to other tissues, and apart from some exceptions (e.g. Fe, Cr, Co, Cu) their concentrations fell within 25th-75th percentiles of cetacean baselines in four of the five animals. Non-essential elements (Al, V, Pb, Ba, Ni, Cd) were notably elevated in one specimen which may have experienced poor health or nutritional status. These data provide a first insight into the contaminant status of a rare and poorly studied population inhabiting an urbanised area. The results highlight a need for future biomonitoring of live populations, and inform on priorities in the typically limited blubber and skin sample volumes obtained through biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Weijs
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
| | - Soumini Vijayasarathy
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia
| | - C Alexander Villa
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia
| | | | - Justin J Meager
- Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Caroline Gaus
- National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (ENTOX), The University of Queensland, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, QLD 4108, Australia.
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17
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Jia K, Ding L, Zhang L, Zhang M, Yi M, Wu Y. In vitro assessment of environmental stress of persistent organic pollutants on the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. Toxicol In Vitro 2015; 30:529-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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18
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Karczmarski L, Huang SL, Or CKM, Gui D, Chan SCY, Lin W, Porter L, Wong WH, Zheng R, Ho YW, Chui SYS, Tiongson AJC, Mo Y, Chang WL, Kwok JHW, Tang RWK, Lee ATL, Yiu SW, Keith M, Gailey G, Wu Y. Humpback Dolphins in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta: Status, Threats and Conservation Challenges. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2015; 73:27-64. [PMID: 26790887 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In coastal waters of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) is thought to number approximately 2500 individuals. Given these figures, the putative PRD population may appear strong enough to resist demographic stochasticity and environmental pressures. However, living in close proximity to the world's busiest seaport/airport and several densely populated urban centres with major coastal infrastructural developments comes with challenges to the long-term survival of these animals. There are few other small cetacean populations that face the range and intensity of human-induced pressures as those present in the PRD and current protection measures are severely inadequate. Recent mark-recapture analyses of the animals in Hong Kong waters indicate that in the past two decades the population parameters have not been well understood, and spatial analyses show that only a very small proportion of the dolphins' key habitats are given any form of protection. All current marine protected areas within the PRD fail to meet a minimum habitat requirement that could facilitate the population's long-term persistence. Demographic models indicate a continuous decline of 2.5% per annum, a rate at which the population is likely to drop below the demographic threshold within two generations and lose 74% of the current numbers within the lifespan of three generations. In Hong Kong, the case of humpback dolphins represents a particularly explicit example of inadequate management where a complete revision of the fundamental approach to conservation management is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Karczmarski
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong.
| | - Shiang-Lin Huang
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Carmen K M Or
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Duan Gui
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Stephen C Y Chan
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Wenzhi Lin
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Lindsay Porter
- SMRU Asia Pacific, The University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Wai-Ho Wong
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Ruiqiang Zheng
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong; South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yuen-Wa Ho
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Scott Y S Chui
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Angelico Jose C Tiongson
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Yaqian Mo
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wei-Lun Chang
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - John H W Kwok
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Ricky W K Tang
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Andy T L Lee
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Sze-Wing Yiu
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong
| | - Mark Keith
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong; Centre for Wildlife Management, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Glenn Gailey
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Cape d'Aguilar, Shek O, Hong Kong; Cascadia Research Collective, Olympia, Washington, USA
| | - Yuping Wu
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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19
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Jefferson TA, Smith BD. Re-assessment of the Conservation Status of the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin (Sousa chinensis) Using the IUCN Red List Criteria. ADVANCES IN MARINE BIOLOGY 2015; 73:1-26. [PMID: 26790886 DOI: 10.1016/bs.amb.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The IUCN Red List designation of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) is re-assessed in light of its newly recognized taxonomic status (it has recently been separated into three species) and findings that humpback dolphins along the coast of Bangladesh, and possibly eastern India, are phylogenetically distinct from other members of the Sousa genus. Sousa chinensis is found in Southeast/South Asia (in both the Indian and Pacific oceans), from at least the southeastern Bay of Bengal east to central China, and then south to the Indo-Malay Archipelago. There are no global population estimates, and the sum of available abundance estimates add up to about 5700 individuals, although only a portion of the range has been covered by surveys. This species occurs in shallow (<30m deep), coastal waters of the tropics and subtropics, and feeds mainly on small fishes. It has a similar reproductive biology to other large dolphins, occurs mostly in small groups, and generally has individual movements of about 50-200km(2). Major threats throughout the range include entanglement in fishing nets (primarily gillnets) and habitat destruction/degradation, although in some more industrialized areas, vessel traffic, and environmental contamination from organochlorines are also serious issues. Conservation management is largely lacking in most parts of the species' range, although there has been significant (though still inadequate) attention in some parts of China (e.g. Hong Kong and adjacent areas, and Taiwan). Much greater efforts are needed toward conservation of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins to stop apparent declines, and to lower the species' extinction risk. Sousa chinensis meets the IUCN Red List requirements for Vulnerable (under criteria A4cd), with fisheries bycatch and habitat loss/degradation being the main pervasive threats.
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20
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Sun RX, Luo XJ, Tan XX, Tang B, Li ZR, Mai BX. An eight year (2005-2013) temporal trend of halogenated organic pollutants in fish from the Pearl River Estuary, South China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 93:61-67. [PMID: 25769908 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dechlorane plus (DP), 2,3,5,6-tetrabromo-p-xylene (pTBX) and pentabromotoluene (PBT) were measured in baby croaker (Collichthys lucidus) and mullet (Osteomugil ophuyseni) collected in 2005 and 2013 from the Pearl River Estuary. DDTs, HCHs, PCBs, and PBDEs were detected in two fish species at concentrations of 150-8100, 1.4-120, 22-560, 2.2-280 ng/g lipid wt., respectively. The levels of these chemicals were significantly lower in 2013 than in 2005. The compositions for DDTs, HCHs, and PBDEs in 2013 differed from those in 2005, indicating source changes between the two sampling periods. DP, pTBX and PBT were detected at concentrations of ND-130 ng/g lipid wt. No clear temporal trends were found for these contaminants. Overall, these results indicated the effectiveness of regulations and source controls in substantively reducing inputs of these contaminants to the Pearl River Estuary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run-Xia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao-Xin Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Zong-Rui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Bi-Xian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, People's Republic of China
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Selective pressurized liquid extraction technique for halogenated organic pollutants in marine mammal blubber: A lipid-rich matrix. J Chromatogr A 2015; 1385:111-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.01.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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22
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Byard JL, Paulsen SC, Tjeerdema RS, Chiavelli D. DDT, chlordane, toxaphene and PCB residues in Newport Bay and Watershed: assessment of hazard to wildlife and human health. REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2015; 235:49-168. [PMID: 25376114 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-10861-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James L Byard
- , 11693 Phelps Hill Road, Nevada City, CA, 95959, USA,
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Gui D, Yu R, He X, Tu Q, Chen L, Wu Y. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the Pearl River Estuary, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2014; 114:106-113. [PMID: 25113190 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are apex predators in the Pearl River Estuary waters (PRE) of China. PCBs, DDTs and other organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (e.g., HCHs, HCB, mirex and dieldrin) were analysed in blubber samples of 45 dolphins and 10 prey fishes of S. chinensis collected from 2004 to 2013 in the PRE region to investigate the bioaccumulation and potential biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). DDTs were the most abundant residue in the dolphins, with an average of 6,2700 ng g(-1) wet weight (ww), followed by PCBs (average: 1,790 ng g(-1) ww) and other OCPs including ∑HCHs, mirex, endrin, ∑chlordanes, HCB, dieldrin, aldrin, heptachlor, and pentachlorobenzene. The concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in male dolphins significantly increased with age and length. In contrast, female dolphins did not show obvious bioaccumulation trends with age and body length, possibly due to the lactational and parturitional transfer of these compounds. Compared with the POP residues in the prey fishes, the concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs in the dolphin blubber increased by factors of 99, 212, and 5, respectively, whereas the residue levels of the other OCPs increased 2-185 times, indicating a potentially significant biomagnification in the top predators. The potential biomagnification factors calculated for most POPs were significantly higher than those in the cetacean species from other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Gui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Riqing Yu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0512, USA
| | - Xuan He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Qin Tu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Laiguo Chen
- Urban Environment and Ecology Research Center, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences (SCIES), Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, China.
| | - Yuping Wu
- 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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Gui D, Yu RQ, Sun Y, Chen L, Tu Q, Mo H, Wu Y. Mercury and selenium in stranded Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and implications for their trophic transfer in food chains. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110336. [PMID: 25310100 PMCID: PMC4195725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As top predators in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) of China, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are bioindicators for examining regional trends of environmental contaminants in the PRE. We examined samples from stranded S. chinensis in the PRE, collected since 2004, to study the distribution and fate of total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) in the major tissues, in individuals at different ages and their prey fishes from the PRE. This study also investigated the potential protective effects of Se against the toxicities of accumulated THg. Dolphin livers contained the highest concentrations of THg (32.34±58.98 µg g−1 dw) and Se (15.16±3.66 µg g−1 dw), which were significantly different from those found in kidneys and muscles, whereas the highest residue of MeHg (1.02±1.11 µg g−1 dw) was found in dolphin muscles. Concentrations of both THg and MeHg in the liver, kidney and muscle of dolphins showed a significantly positive correlation with age. The biomagnification factors (BMFs) of inorganic mercury (Hginorg) in dolphin livers (350×) and MeHg in muscles (18.7×) through the prey fishes were the highest among all three dolphin tissues, whereas the BMFs of Se were much lower in all dolphin tissues. The lower proportion of MeHg in THg and higher Se/THg ratios in tissues were demonstrated. Our studies suggested that S. chinensis might have the potential to detoxify Hg via the demethylation of MeHg and the formation of tiemannite (HgSe) in the liver and kidney. The lower threshold of hepatic THg concentrations for the equimolar accumulation of Se and Hg in S. chinensis suggests that this species has a greater sensitivity to THg concentrations than is found in striped dolphins and Dall’s porpoises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Gui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yong Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Laiguo Chen
- Urban Environment and Ecology Research Center, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences (SCIES), Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Tu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Mo
- South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Gui D, Yu R, He X, Tu Q, Wu Y. Tissue distribution and fate of persistent organic pollutants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins from the Pearl River Estuary, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 86:266-273. [PMID: 25066456 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Eleven persistent organic pollutant (POP) compounds including ∑PCBs, ∑DDTs, ∑HCHs, aldrin, mirex, endrin, ∑CHLs, dieldrin, HCB, heptachlor and pentachlorobenzene were measured in the kidney, liver, muscle, melon and other tissues of Sousa chinensis stranded on the western coast of the Pearl River Estuary in China during 2007-2013. For most parameters of POPs measured, melon tissues contained the highest mean concentrations with the exception of aldrin, which was higher in the kidney and liver tissues. The concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, heptachlor and endrin in the melon tissue exhibited significant correlations with body length, whereas PCBs and heptachlor also displayed significant regression with age. Our studies showed hepatic concentrations of ∑DDTs, ∑HCHs and mirex in S. chinensis were generally higher than those found in cetaceans from other geographic locations. The high levels of POP residues in the testis of one male dolphin suggested an increasing risk of infertility in the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Gui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Riqing Yu
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0512, USA
| | - Xuan He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Qin Tu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- 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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García-Álvarez N, Boada LD, Fernández A, Zumbado M, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Xuriach A, Almunia J, Camacho M, Luzardo OP. Assessment of the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine contaminants in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 100:48-56. [PMID: 24726510 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2014.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Revised: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 23 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the blubber and liver of 27 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) stranded along the Canary Islands coasts from 1997 to 2011. DDTs (mean of 60,960 and 445 ng/g lw., respectively) and PCBs (mean of 47,168 and 628 ng/g lw., respectively) were the predominant compounds in both tissues. Among PCBs the highly chlorinated PCB 180, 153 and 138 were the predominant congeners. We found a p,p'-DDE/∑DDTs ratio of 0.87 in blubber and 0.88 in liver, which is indicative of DDT ageing. All the samples showed detectable values of any of the 16 PAH studied. Phenanthrene was the most frequently detected and at the highest concentration. According to our results, concentrations of OCPs, and especially PCBs, are still at toxicologically relevant levels in blubber of bottlenose dolphins of this geographical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia García-Álvarez
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Zumbado
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Aina Xuriach
- Unit Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas, 35413 Arucas, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Javier Almunia
- Loro Parque Fundación, Avenida Loro Parque s/n, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife 38400, Spain
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, P.O. Box 550, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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Gui D, Jia K, Xia J, Yang L, Chen J, Wu Y, Yi M. De novo assembly of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin leucocyte transcriptome to identify putative genes involved in the aquatic adaptation and immune response. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72417. [PMID: 24015242 PMCID: PMC3756080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), a marine mammal species inhabited in the waters of Southeast Asia, South Africa and Australia, has attracted much attention because of the dramatic decline in population size in the past decades, which raises the concern of extinction. So far, this species is poorly characterized at molecular level due to little sequence information available in public databases. Recent advances in large-scale RNA sequencing provide an efficient approach to generate abundant sequences for functional genomic analyses in the species with un-sequenced genomes. Principal Findings We performed a de novo assembly of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin leucocyte transcriptome by Illumina sequencing. 108,751 high quality sequences from 47,840,388 paired-end reads were generated, and 48,868 and 46,587 unigenes were functionally annotated by BLAST search against the NCBI non-redundant and Swiss-Prot protein databases (E-value<10−5), respectively. In total, 16,467 unigenes were clustered into 25 functional categories by searching against the COG database, and BLAST2GO search assigned 37,976 unigenes to 61 GO terms. In addition, 36,345 unigenes were grouped into 258 KEGG pathways. We also identified 9,906 simple sequence repeats and 3,681 putative single nucleotide polymorphisms as potential molecular markers in our assembled sequences. A large number of unigenes were predicted to be involved in immune response, and many genes were predicted to be relevant to adaptive evolution and cetacean-specific traits. Conclusion This study represented the first transcriptome analysis of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, an endangered species. The de novo transcriptome analysis of the unique transcripts will provide valuable sequence information for discovery of new genes, characterization of gene expression, investigation of various pathways and adaptive evolution, as well as identification of genetic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Gui
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Kuntong Jia
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jia Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Lili Yang
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Jialin Chen
- Guang Dong Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve, Zhuhai, P. R. China
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (MY); (YW)
| | - Meisheng Yi
- School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (MY); (YW)
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