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Lima GDS, Pedrobom JH, Suarez CA, Torres-Florez JP, Vidal LG, Domit C, Menegario AA. Bioaccumulation of trace elements in marine mammals: New data and transplacental transfer on threatened species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174854. [PMID: 39032751 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Coastal areas are affected by urban, industrial and agriculture pollutants runoff, wastewater and stormwater discharges, making this environment the final repository of chemical contaminants. These contaminants have the potential to spread out to the entire food chain, impacting marine life and the quality of their habitat. In this aspect, the concept of marine mammals as bioindicators provides an approach to the degree of contamination in the environment and to the identification and management of multiple sources of contaminants. The present study analyzed several elements like As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in liver tissue from two dolphin species: Sotalia guianensis, a near-threatened species, and the vulnerable Pontoporia blainvillei. In the study, we also investigated if dolphins (population) recorded using the heaviest urban areas have higher concentrations of contaminants in their tissues. Dolphin samples (n = 40 S. guianensis; n = 97 P. blainvillei) were collected by daily monitoring carried out by Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), from stranded individuals found in São Paulo state. The Spearman's rank correlation showed distinct correlations in the accumulation of trace elements by both species, indicating different sources of exposure to the elements studied or distinct biochemical processes between species. Interspecific and intraspecific variations were observed, possibly related to the individual distribution and feeding habits. Correlations were observed between age and concentrations of trace elements, positive for Cd, Hg and Mo. Finally, our findings indicate high levels of Cu, Zn, and concentrations of As, V and Hg in fetuses, in particular, an analysis was performed on a fetus found inside a stranded individual, indicating placental transfer as the first route of exposure for some elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Dos Santos Lima
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Geosciences and Environment, Institute of Geosciences and Exact Sciences (IGCE), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Jorge Henrique Pedrobom
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil; Nova Analitica Company, Diadema, SP 09941-202, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alfredo Suarez
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Juan Pablo Torres-Florez
- Department of Marine Research, Fujairah Research Centre, Sakamkam Road, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates; Centro Ballena Azul / Blue Whale Center, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Lara Gama Vidal
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Pontal do Paraná, PR 83255-000, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Coastal and Oceanic Systems (PGSISCO), Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Pontal do Paraná, PR 83255-000, Brazil
| | - Camila Domit
- Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Pontal do Paraná, PR 83255-000, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Coastal and Oceanic Systems (PGSISCO), Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Pontal do Paraná, PR 83255-000, Brazil
| | - Amauri Antonio Menegario
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Geosciences and Environment, Institute of Geosciences and Exact Sciences (IGCE), Rio Claro, SP 13506-900, Brazil.
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Feyrer LJ, Stanistreet JE, Moors-Murphy HB. Navigating the unknown: assessing anthropogenic threats to beaked whales, family Ziphiidae. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:240058. [PMID: 38633351 PMCID: PMC11021932 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.240058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively evaluates the impacts of anthropogenic threats on beaked whales (Ziphiidae)-a taxonomic group characterized by cryptic biology, deep dives and remote offshore habitat, which have challenged direct scientific observation. By synthesizing information published in peer-reviewed studies and grey literature, we identified available evidence of impacts across 14 threats for each Ziphiidae species. Threats were assessed based on their pathways of effects on individuals, revealing many gaps in scientific understanding of the risks faced by beaked whales. By applying a comprehensive taxon-level analysis, we found evidence that all beaked whale species are affected by multiple stressors, with climate change, entanglement and plastic pollution being the most common threats documented across beaked whale species. Threats assessed as having a serious impact on individuals included whaling, military sonar, entanglement, depredation, vessel strikes, plastics and oil spills. This review emphasizes the urgent need for targeted research to address a range of uncertainties, including cumulative and population-level impacts. Understanding the evidence and pathways of the effects of stressors on individuals can support future assessments, guide practical mitigation strategies and advance current understanding of anthropogenic impacts on rare and elusive marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Feyrer
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, Nova ScotiaB2Y 4A2, Canada
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova ScotiaB3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Joy E. Stanistreet
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, Nova ScotiaB2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Hilary B. Moors-Murphy
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, Nova ScotiaB2Y 4A2, Canada
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Gomes PR, Pestana IA, de Almeida MG, de Rezende CE. The Paraíba do Sul River Basin and its coastal area as a study model of the mercury cycle: A meta-analytical review of three decades of research. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132442. [PMID: 37683351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) Basin is a crucial drainage basin in Southeast Brazil, being the most industrialized and densely populated region in the country. Over the last three decades, the basin has been the subject of numerous studies due to its long history of mercury (Hg) contamination. This makes the PSR Basin an excellent model to evaluate Hg cycling, which is a priority for signatory countries of the Minamata Convention, which includes Brazil. This review compiled data on Hg from five environmental compartments (animals, plants, sediment, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and water), three different sectors (upper, middle, and lower) and five different ecosystems (reservoir, mangrove, fluvial, estuarine, and coastal) from 60 published studies, aiming to understand the Hg cycling through meta-analyses. The highest concentrations of Hg were observed in the upper and middle sectors of the basin, which are areas with high industrialization and urbanization levels. Among the evaluated ecosystems, hydropower reservoirs showed the highest medians and were also frequent in the upper and middle portions of the PSR basin. Over the years, all environmental compartments showed a decline in Hg concentrations due to the implementation of federal and state environmental policies. The main source of Hg for the basin was Hg-rich soils from past activities (such as artisanal small-scale gold mining and the use of organomercurial fungicides in sugarcane plantations). These results can assist decision-makers in the management of the basin's ecosystems and can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing the Minamata Convention in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipe Ribeiro Gomes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Inácio Abreu Pestana
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Gomes de Almeida
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo de Rezende
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000 - Parque Califórnia - CEP: 28013-602, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Plön S, Roussouw N, Uren R, Naidoo K, Siebert U, Cliff G, Bouwman H. Elements in muscle tissue of three dolphin species from the east coast of South Africa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114707. [PMID: 36860028 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We investigated elemental concentrations in muscle tissue of three species of dolphins incidentally bycaught off the KwaZulu-Natal coastline, South Africa. Thirty-six major, minor and trace elements were analysed in Indian Ocean humpback dolphin Sousa plumbea (n = 36), Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin Tursiops aduncus (n = 32) and the Common dolphin Delphinus delphis (n = 8). Significant differences in concentration between the three species were observed for 11 elements (cadmium, iron, manganese, sodium, platinum, antimony, selenium, strontium, uranium, vanadium and zinc). Mercury concentrations (maximum 29 mg/kg dry mass) were generally higher than those reported for coastal dolphin species found elsewhere. Our results reflect a combination of species differences in habitat, feeding ecology, age, and possibly species physiology and exposure to pollution levels. This study confirms the high organic pollutant concentrations documented previously for these species from the same location, and provides a well-founded case for the need to reduce pollutant sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Plön
- Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE), Port Elizabeth, South Africa; Medical Virology, Institute of Pathology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
| | - N Roussouw
- Bayworld Centre for Research and Education (BCRE), Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - R Uren
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - K Naidoo
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB), Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa
| | - U Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - G Cliff
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB), Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa; School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - H Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Sedak M, Bilandžić N, Đokić M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M. Body burdens and distribution of mercury and selenium in bottlenose, striped and Risso's dolphins along the Adriatic coast: A 20-year retrospective. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114298. [PMID: 36356340 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Top marine predators present high mercury concentrations in their tissues due to biomagnification in the marine food chain. This study reports mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) status, and the Hg:Se molar ratio assessment in bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus). Total Hg and Se concentrations were determined in muscle, liver, kidney, lung, spleen, adipose tissue and skin collected from 186 specimens stranded in the Croatian part of Adriatic Sea from 1995 to 2014. Total Hg concentrations in tissue samples ranged from 0.001 in the spleen to 2238 mg/kg wet weight in liver. Se concentrations in dolphin samples ranged from 0.010 to 2916 mg/kg ww. Minimum Se concentration was found in muscle and maximum Se concentration were found in liver of bottlenose dolphin. Hg and Se levels in Risso's dolphins showed higher concentrations in all tissues in comparison to bottlenose and striped dolphins. Significant and positive correlations were observed between age and Hg concentrations (P < 0.05). In 66.6 % of Risso's, 15.3 % of bottlenose dolphins and one stranded striped dolphin in this study, the hepatic concentration of Hg exceeded the higher toxic thresholds (400 mg/kg w.w.) previously defined as evidence of liver damage in marine mammals. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of Risso's dolphin was 0.670. The liver of adult bottlenose dolphins showed expected values (0.870), while the liver of young dolphins had a high ratio (0.750), non-specific for the age group. The Hg:Se molar ratio in the liver of striped dolphins was 0.390, which is lower than the literature values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Sedak
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Nina Bilandžić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Đokić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Ruiz-Hernández IM, Nouri MZ, Kozuch M, Denslow ND, Díaz-Gamboa RE, Rodríguez-Canul R, Collí-Dulá RC. Trace element and lipidomic analysis of bottlenose dolphin blubber from the Yucatan coast: Lipid composition relationships. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134353. [PMID: 35314180 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are found in coastal and estuarine ecosystems where they are in continuous contact with multiple abiotic and biotic stressors in the environment. Due to their role as predators, they can bioaccumulate contaminants and are considered sentinel organisms for monitoring the health of coastal marine ecosystems. The northern zonal coast of the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico has a high incidence of anthropogenic activities. The principal objectives of this study were two-fold: 1) to determine the presence of trace metals and their correlation with lipids in bottlenose dolphin blubber, and 2) to use a lipidomics approach to characterize their biological responses. Levels of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Pb) were analyzed using ICP-MS and lipids were measured using a targeted lipidomics approach with LC-MS/MS. Spearman correlation analysis was used to identify associations between lipids and trace elements. The influences of gender, stranding codes, presence of stomach content, growth stages and body length were also analyzed. Blubber lipid composition was dominated by triacylglycerols (TAG). Our results demonstrated the presence of heavy-metal elements such as Cd and As, which were correlated with different lipid species, mainly the ceramides and glycerophospholipids, respectively. Organisms with Cd showed lower concentrations of ceramides (CER, HCER and DCER), TAG and cholesteryl esters (CE). Trace elements Cr, Co, As and Cd increased proportionately with body length. This study provides a novel insight of lipidomic characterization and correlations with trace elements in the bottlenose dolphin which might contribute to having a better understanding of the physiological functions and the risks that anthropogenic activities can bring to sentinel organisms from coastal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ixchel M Ruiz-Hernández
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida. Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico.
| | - Mohammad-Zaman Nouri
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology. University of Florida. PO Box 110885. 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Marianne Kozuch
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology. University of Florida. PO Box 110885. 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Nancy D Denslow
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology. University of Florida. PO Box 110885. 2187 Mowry Road. Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Raúl E Díaz-Gamboa
- Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Departamento de Biología Marina, Mérida, Yucatán, 97000, Mexico.
| | - Rossanna Rodríguez-Canul
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida. Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico.
| | - Reyna C Collí-Dulá
- Departamento de Recursos del Mar, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida. Antigua Carretera a Progreso km 6. Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán, 97310, Mexico; CONACYT, CONACYT, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Jota Baptista C, Seixas F, Gonzalo-Orden JM, Oliveira PA. Biomonitoring metals and metalloids in wild mammals: invasive versus non-invasive sampling. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:18398-18407. [PMID: 35032272 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18658-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal and metalloid pollution is a matter of concern in animal, human and environmental health (One Health) and also in wildlife conservation worldwide. Studying wild mammals in toxicology has been contributing significantly to our knowledge, namely to find out the most critical regions, to understand bioaccumulation and biomagnification phenomena or to evaluate their toxic effects. However, not all the animal tissues and organs provide the same information or should be interpreted in the same way. The best sample to use will depend on the objectives and conditions of the study. This review aims to compare invasive and non-invasive samples to biomonitor heavy metals, providing a brief resume of their advantages, limitations and examples of use. Further research, using a wider range of mammalian species, is required to establish what information can be obtained in biomonitoring studies that use non-invasive samples (such as hair, faeces and parasites) and/or invasive samples (such as blood, liver, kidney, bone and other organs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Jota Baptista
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal.
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), University of León, 24071, Leon, Spain.
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Veterinary and Animal Research Center (CECAV), AL4Animals, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | | | - Paula A Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
- Centre for Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal
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McCormack MA, Jackson BP, Dutton J. Relationship between mercury and selenium concentrations in tissues from stranded odontocetes in the northern Gulf of Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:141350. [PMID: 33370896 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Odontocetes are apex predators that, despite accumulating mercury (Hg) to high concentrations in their tissues, show few signs of Hg toxicity. One method of Hg detoxification in odontocetes includes the sequestering of Hg in toxicologically inert mercury selenide (HgSe) compounds. To explore the tissue-specific accumulation of Hg and Se and the potential protective role of Se against Hg toxicity, we measured the concentrations of total mercury (THg) and selenium (Se) in multiple tissues from 11 species of odontocetes that stranded along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast [Florida (FL) and Louisiana (LA)]. Tissues were collected primarily from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus; n = 93); however, individuals from species in the following 8 genera were also sampled: Feresa (n = 1), Globicephala (n = 1), Grampus (n = 2), Kogia (n = 5), Mesoplodon (n = 1), Peponocephala (n = 4), Stenella (n = 9), and Steno (n = 1). In all species, mean THg concentrations were greatest in the liver and lowest in the blubber, lung, or skin. In contrast, in most species, mean Se concentrations were greatest in the liver, lung, or skin, and lowest in the blubber. For all species combined, Se:Hg molar ratios decreased with increasing THg concentration in the blubber, kidney, liver, lung, and skin following an exponential decay relationship. In bottlenose dolphins, THg concentrations in the kidney, liver, and lung were significantly greater in FL dolphins compared to LA dolphins. On average, in bottlenose dolphins, Se:Hg molar ratios were approximately 1:1 in the liver and >1:1 in blubber, kidney, lung, and skin, suggesting that Se likely protects against Hg toxicity. However, more research is necessary to understand the variation in Hg accumulation within and among species and to assess how Hg, in combination with other environmental stressors, influences odontocete population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan A McCormack
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
| | - Brian P Jackson
- Department of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Jessica Dutton
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA.
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Prata JC, da Costa JP, Lopes I, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Environmental status of (micro)plastics contamination in Portugal. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 200:110753. [PMID: 32450440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Plastics and microplastics are ubiquitous contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. This critical review is the first attempt at analyzing sources, concentration, impacts and solutions of (micro)plastic litter in Portugal based on all currently available literature. We found that, besides sea-based sources (e.g. shipping, fishing), 5717 t of mismanaged waste and 4.1 trillion microplastics from wastewater, mostly from untreated wastewater, are released to the environment every year. The highest concentrations are found in the North, Center and Lisbon regions, mostly comprised of consumer products, fishing gear and microplastics (<5 mm), especially fragments and pellets. This contamination has resulted in ingestion of plastics by organisms, including mussels, fishes, birds and turtles. Thus, every Portuguese citizen may consume 1440 microplastics a year based on the consumption of mollusks. Awareness campaigns, improvements in waste management and reductions in the release of untreated wastewater are recommended measures to reduce plastic pollution in Portugal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana C Prata
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - João P da Costa
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Isabel Lopes
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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10
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Monteiro SS, Bozzetti M, Torres J, Tavares AS, Ferreira M, Pereira AT, Sá S, Araújo H, Bastos-Santos J, Oliveira I, Vingada JV, Eira C. Striped dolphins as trace element biomonitoring tools in oceanic waters: Accounting for health-related variables. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 699:134410. [PMID: 31678876 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, monitoring contaminant concentrations and their effects in the marine environment is required under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD, 2008/56/EC). The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is the most abundant small cetacean species in Portuguese oceanic waters, representing a potential biomonitoring tool of contaminant levels in offshore waters. Concentrations of nine trace elements were evaluated by ICP-MS in kidney, liver and muscle samples of 31 striped dolphins stranded in the Portuguese continental coast. The mean renal Cd concentration was high (19.3 μg.g-1 wet weight, range 0.1-69.3 μg.g-1 wet weight) comparing to striped dolphins from other locations. Therefore, the present study reports a possibly concerning level of Cd in the oceanic food chain in Portuguese offshore areas. This study also aimed at evaluating potential relationships between trace element concentrations and striped dolphins' biological and health-related variables. Individual length was related with some of the trace element concentrations detected in striped dolphins. Indeed, Cd, Hg and Se bioaccumulated in larger animals, whereas the reverse was observed for Mn and Zn. Striped dolphins with high parasite burdens showed higher levels of Hg, while animals showing gross pathologies presented higher concentrations of Cd and Se. This study reported relationships between trace element concentrations and health-related variables for the first time in striped dolphins and it also provided information on the relative contamination status of Portuguese oceanic waters in comparison to other regions in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia S Monteiro
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Márcia Bozzetti
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jordi Torres
- Secció de Parasitologia, Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana S Tavares
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CBMA, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Andreia T Pereira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Sara Sá
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Hélder Araújo
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Jorge Bastos-Santos
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - Isabel Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - José V Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CBMA, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
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11
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McCormack MA, Battaglia F, McFee WE, Dutton J. Mercury concentrations in blubber and skin from stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) along the Florida and Louisiana coasts (Gulf of Mexico, USA) in relation to biological variables. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 180:108886. [PMID: 31708171 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108886] [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: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to their long life-span and top trophic position, odontocetes can accumulate high concentrations of mercury (Hg) in their tissues. This study measured the concentration of total Hg (THg) in the blubber and skin of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that stranded along the Florida (FL) panhandle and Louisiana (LA) coasts and investigated the relationship between total Hg (THg) concentration and sex, body length, age, stranding location, diet/trophic position (δ13C and δ15N, respectively), and foraging habitat (δ34S). Additionally, we compared models using body length and age as explanatory variables to determine which was a better predictor of THg concentration. In both tissues, sex was not an influential predictor of THg concentration and there was a positive relationship between body length/age and THg concentration (p < 0.001). Florida dolphins had greater mean blubber and skin THg concentrations compared to LA dolphins (p < 0.001). There was a modest improvement in model fit when age was used in place of body length. δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S differed between stranding locations and together with age were significant predictors of THg concentrations (R2 = 0.52, P < 0.001). Florida dolphins were δ13C enriched compared to LA dolphins (p < 0.001) and THg concentrations were positively correlated with δ13C (R2 = 0.22, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrate spatial variability in THg concentrations from stranded bottlenose dolphins from the northern Gulf of Mexico; however, future research is required to understand how fine-scale population structuring of dolphins within FL and LA impacts THg concentrations, particularly among inshore (bay, sound, and estuary) stocks and between inshore and offshore stocks, as variations in biotic and abiotic conditions can influence both stable isotope ratios and THg concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan A McCormack
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| | - Francesca Battaglia
- Department of Marine Science, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC, 29528, USA.
| | - Wayne E McFee
- National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, SC, 29412, USA.
| | - Jessica Dutton
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, Aquatic Station, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
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Xiong X, Qian Z, Mei Z, Wu J, Hao Y, Wang K, Wu C, Wang D. Trace elements accumulation in the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) - A threat to the endangered freshwater cetacean. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:797-804. [PMID: 31195287 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
As a freshwater cetacean with a population of only approximately 1000 individuals, the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) is threatened by water pollution. However, studies of contaminants accumulated in the Yangtze finless porpoise remain limited. In this study, concentrations of 11 trace elements in different tissues sampled from 38 Yangtze finless porpoise individuals were determined. The elements V, Ni, Zn, and Pb were mostly accumulated in the epidermis, Cr, Mn, Cu, Se, and Hg were mostly accumulated in the liver, while As and Cd were mostly accumulated in the blubber and kidney, respectively. The results show that trace elements concentrations in the epidermis do not reliably indicate concentrations in internal tissues of the Yangtze finless porpoises. Positive correlations between different trace elements concentrations in tissues with the highest concentrations suggested the similar mechanism of metabolism or uptake pathway of those elements. Concentrations of As, Se, Cd, Hg, and Pb in the tissues with the highest concentrations were significantly positively correlated with the body length. Furthermore, significantly higher trace elements concentrations were measured in the reproductive organs of females (ovaries) than males (testis). However, no significant difference of trace elements concentrations between habitats was found. In consideration of higher Hg and Cd level in Yangtze finless porpoises compared to other small cetaceans, the potential risk of Hg (in particular) and Cd toxicity to Yangtze finless porpoises needs further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhengyi Qian
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Zhigang Mei
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Wuhan Institute for Drug and Medical Device Control, Wuhan 430075, China
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kexiong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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13
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Martínez-López E, Peñalver J, Lara L, García-Fernández AJ. Hg and Se in Organs of Three Cetacean Species from the Murcia Coastline (Mediterranean Sea). BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 103:521-527. [PMID: 31473774 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-019-02697-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We determinated Hg and Se concentrations in liver, kidney, brain, lung and muscle of five bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), four common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) and four Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) stranded along the Murcia coast, Southeast Spain, in order to evaluate the risk of Hg toxicity. Hg concentrations showed similar concentrations to other individuals in the Mediterranean Sea with the same length in the same period. We observed a positive correlation of Hg and Se in liver (r = 0.948, p < 0.001) and kidney (r = 0.939; p = 0.001) and ratio the Se/Hg molar was higher than 1 in most cases. Our results suggest that the protective effects of Se against Hg toxicity occur in cetaceans. However, we detected levels of Hg described as responsible liver damage and neurotoxicological effects so other tools, as biochemical markers, should be included. Besides, more studies are needed to evaluate the risk of Hg exposure in dolphins from Murcia coastline.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
| | - J Peñalver
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (CARM), Murcia, Spain
| | - L Lara
- "El Valle" Wildlife Recovery Center (CARM), Murcia, Spain
| | - A J García-Fernández
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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14
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Martínez-López E, Peñalver J, Escriña A, Lara L, Gens MJ, María Dolores E, Alcaraz A, García-Fernández AJ. Trace metals in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded along the Murcia coastline, Mediterranean Sea, during the period 2009-2015. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 229:580-588. [PMID: 31100629 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.04.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se) and arsenic (As) concentrations in internal tissues of 72 striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from Murcia Region (Mediterranean coastline) have been investigated for the first time. Hg showed the highest concentration, followed by Se, Cd, As and Pb. In general, the levels of metal found in this study were similar to those described in similar studies in the Mediterranean Sea. However, in some adult specimens, Hg liver concentrations were related with toxic effects in cetacean. A significant correlation was observed with age, likewise between Se and Hg and Cd in tissues, which agree with detoxify effect attributed to Se through inert complex formation. Molar ratio Hg:Se in liver was close to 1:1 in some specimens, which would indicate overload of the Hg-Se detoxify function and compromised health. These results could contribute to a better knowledge of the distribution of these persistent pollutants in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Spain.
| | - J Peñalver
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Escriña
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - L Lara
- "El Valle" Wildlife Recovery Center (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - M J Gens
- "El Valle" Wildlife Recovery Center (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - E María Dolores
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A Alcaraz
- Agrarian and Animal Health Laboratory (CARM), 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - A J García-Fernández
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Spain
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15
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As, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Cd Concentrations and Bioaccumulation in the Dugong Dugong dugon and Manatee Trichechus manatus: A Review of Body Burdens and Distribution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16030404. [PMID: 30708981 PMCID: PMC6388294 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The death of dozens of manatees Trichechus manatus recently in Tabasco, Mexico, has captured international attention. Speculation about possible causes include water and food contamination by metals. Although federal authorities have ruled out water chemical pollution, the cause of these deaths is still awaiting conclusive laboratory results. Present work seeks to summarize information currently available on non-essential metals and those of great toxicological relevance in Sirenia (dugongs and manatees), highlighting its body distribution, presence in blood, and its relationship with their geographical distribution, gender and age, whenever possible. This paper focuses on the five elements: As, Cr, Hg, Pb and Cd, which are commonly considered as threats for marine mammals and reported in Sirenia. Some of these metals (Cr and Cd) were thought to be related to the recent deaths in Tabasco. All five elements are accumulated by Sirenia at different levels. Metal presence is associated to their diet but does not necessarily imply adverse effects for dugongs and manatees. Toxicological aspects and the human consumption risk in case of any illegal or traditional consumption in some cultures are discussed. Important toxicological research areas that need to be addressed are highlighted.
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16
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Đokić M, Bilandžić N, Sedak M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M, Bolanča T. Manganese Concentrations in Tissues and Skin of Three Dolphin Species Stranded in the Croatian Waters of the Adriatic Sea from 1995 to 2013. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 100:317-323. [PMID: 29243211 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-017-2233-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Manganese concentrations were determined in muscle, kidney, liver, spleen, lung and fat tissues and skin of three cetacean species, the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso's (Grampus griseus) dolphins, stranded along the Croatian Adriatic coast between 1995 and 2013. Mean ranges determined in tissues were (mg/kg, ww): muscle 0.23-0.27, liver 2.87-4.00, kidney 0.66-1.26, spleen 0.37-0.79, lung 0.18-0.57, skin 0.11-0.97, fat 0.06-0.42. The highest Mn mean levels in tissues were measured in species (mg/kg, ww): T. truncates lung 0.41, skin 0.97, fat 0.42; S. coeruleoalba muscle 0.26; G. griseus kidney 1.26, liver 4.00, spleen 0.64. Significant differences of Mn concentrations in the liver (p = 0.034), spleen (p = 0.037) and skin (p = 0.013) were found among the three dolphin species. Significant differences in Mn levels were found between young and adult T. truncates in kidney (p = 0.042), lung (p = 0.0040) and skin (p = 0.0034).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Đokić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nina Bilandžić
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marija Sedak
- Laboratory for Residue Control, Department of Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Savska cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Bolanča
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulićev trg 10, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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17
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Zhang X, Lin W, Yu RQ, Sun X, Ding Y, Chen H, Chen X, Wu Y. Tissue partition and risk assessments of trace elements in Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from the Pearl River Estuary coast, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 185:1197-1207. [PMID: 28772357 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.07.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the last few decades, an increased number of stranded marine mammals, particularly the Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides), were observed in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). As long-lived, apex predators vulnerable to bioaccumulation of contaminants, the tissue residue levels and health risk of trace elements (TEs) in N. phocaenoides from the PRE have been little studied. Eleven typical TEs distributed in skin, liver and kidney tissues were investigated from 25 specimens stranded along the PRE from 2007 to 2015 in the present study. It revealed that most TEs were highly accumulated in internal organs (liver and kidney), except for Zn with high residue levels in external skin. Compared with the TEs in prey items, the residue levels of Hg, Se, Zn, Cu, Cd and Cr in N. phocaenoides increased 4-618 times, indicating a potentially significant biomagnification. Sex-related differences of TE accumulation were not obvious, except for renal Mn, in which the females showed lower mean concentrations than males. Significantly positive correlations between body length and TE levels were found for Hg, Se and Cd. Results of the calculated risk quotients (RQ) suggested that the risks to N. phocaenoides from consumption of prey items were generally low, but further attentions should be paid to Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg and As due to the elevated RQ values. The concentrations of Hg, Cd and Se in the epidermis were positively correlated with the levels found in internal organs. Our investigation provides evidence to support the use of skin as one biomonitoring approach on Hg, Cd and Se contamination of internal tissues in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyang Zhang
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Wenzhi Lin
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USA.
| | - Xian Sun
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yulong Ding
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Hailiang Chen
- Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Pearl River Estuary Chinese White Dolphin National Nature Reserve, Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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18
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Nicolau L, Monteiro SS, Pereira AT, Marçalo A, Ferreira M, Torres J, Vingada J, Eira C. Trace elements in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) stranded in mainland Portugal: Bioaccumulation and tissue distribution. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 179:120-126. [PMID: 28364647 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.03.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Pollution is among the most significant threats that endanger sea turtles worldwide. Waters off the Portuguese mainland are acknowledged as important feeding grounds for juvenile loggerheads. However, there is no data on trace element concentrations in marine turtles occurring in these waters. We present the first assessment of trace element concentrations in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) occurring off the coast of mainland Portugal. Also, we compare our results with those from other areas and discuss parameters that may affect element concentrations. Trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn) were determined in kidney, liver and muscle samples from 38 loggerheads stranded between 2011 and 2013. As was the only element with higher concentrations in muscle (14.78 μg g-1 ww) than in liver or kidney. Considering non-essential elements, Cd presented the highest concentrations in kidney (34.67 μg g-1) and liver (5.03 μg g-1). Only a weak positive link was found between renal Cd and turtle size. Inter-elemental correlations were observed in both liver and kidney tissues. Hepatic Hg values (0.30 ± 0.03 μg g-1) were higher than values reported in loggerheads in the Canary Islands but lower than in Mediterranean loggerheads. Cd concentrations in the present study were only exceeded by values found in turtles from the Pacific. Although many endogenous and exogenous parameters related with complex life cycle changes and wide geographic range may influence trace element accumulation, the concentrations of Cd are probably related to the importance of crustaceans in loggerhead diet in the Portuguese coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Nicolau
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Sílvia S Monteiro
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Andreia T Pereira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Marçalo
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jordi Torres
- Departament de Biología, Sanitat i Medi ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057, Braga, Portugal
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Rojo-Nieto E, Fernández-Maldonado C. Assessing trace elements in striped dolphins from the Strait of Gibraltar: Clues to link the bioaccumulation in the westernmost Mediterranean Sea area and nearest Atlantic Ocean. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 170:41-50. [PMID: 27974270 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Dolphins are considered sentinel species in the marine environment. The Strait of Gibraltar is the only passage between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, being the transitional region which connects these two basins and one of the most important routes of cetacean migration worldwide. In this work, eight trace elements (TE) were studied in 45 samples of liver, kidney and muscle, from 15 specimens stranded in this study area. The preliminary results show, among others, the patterns of distribution of the TE in the target organs studied, the influence of sex, length and developmental stage in these TE concentrations and the Se/Hg ratio. Subsequently, the results of TE concentrations in liver have being compared to previous data on S. coeruleoalba from the westernmost Mediterranean Sea and the nearest Atlantic Ocean. For some elements (e.g. for As), concentrations are similar to those obtained from Atlantic samples, despite in other cases (e.g. for Cd) results are lined up with those observed in Mediterranean studies. In addition, in the case of some TE (e.g. Se and Zn) the results are in the middle of those reported for both basins, reinforcing the idea of the Strait of Gibraltar being a transitional zone. Present study is the first research regarding this issue in this outstanding region, aiming to give insights of how this matchless area can help to link TE concentrations observed in these Atlantic and Mediterranean threatened species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rojo-Nieto
- Department of Environmental Technologies, Andalusian Center for Marine Science and Technology (CACYTMAR/INMAR), International Campus of Excellence of the Sea, University of Cádiz, Spain; Stranding-Supporting Network, DELPHIS - Ecologistas en Acción Cádiz, c/ San Alejandro s/n., Puerto Real, Spain.
| | - Carolina Fernández-Maldonado
- Center for the Management of the Marine Environment (CEGMA), Andalusian Agency for Environment and Water, (Andalusian Environmental and Spatial Planning Council), Avda. Johan Gütemberg 1, Isla de la Cartuja, Sevilla, Spain
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20
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Formigaro C, Karamanlidis AA, Dendrinos P, Marsili L, Silvi M, Zaccaroni A. Trace element concentrations in the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 576:528-537. [PMID: 27810742 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.142] [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: 09/03/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world. The biggest sub-population of the species survives in Greece, where understanding the effects of pollution on the survival of the species has been identified as a national research and conservation priority. From 1990 to 2013 we collected tissue samples from 59 deceased monk seals in order to: (i) Define the concentration of trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Cr, Ni) in three different matrices (i.e., blubber, liver and kidney), (ii) Determine whether differences in trace element concentrations are age- or gender-related, (iii) Evaluate the potential effects of these pollutants. The study recorded differences in trace element concentrations among matrices, but in general, trace element exposure in Mediterranean monk seals in Greece was low and within the non-acutely toxic levels for Pinnipeds. Only arsenic concentrations were at the upper limit of the normal range observed in other marine mammals (0.69±0.55mg/kg w.w. in blubber, 0.79±0.62mg/kg w.w. in liver and 0.79±0.59mg/kg w.w. in kidney). We recorded also exceptionally high Hg concentrations in a single adult female (24.88mg/kg w.w.). Age- and gender-related differences were also recorded and were due to various biological, ecological and chemical factors. Based on the results of the study, potentially adverse effects on the immune and endocrine system of the Mediterranean monk seal from some pollutants (e.g., As, Cd, Se, Ni, Cr) cannot be ruled out, which may expose the Mediterranean seal population in Greece to epizootics and stochastic phenomena of mass mortality. It is therefore of utmost importance that pollutant monitoring becomes an integral component of the standard monitoring protocol of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal in the eastern Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Formigaro
- Large Pelagic Vertebrate Group, Department Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico (FC), Italy
| | - Alexandros A Karamanlidis
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Solomou Str. 18, 10682 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Dendrinos
- MOm/Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal, Solomou Str. 18, 10682 Athens, Greece
| | - Letizia Marsili
- Department of Environment, Earth and Physical Sciences, University of Siena, via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena (SI), Italy
| | - Marina Silvi
- Large Pelagic Vertebrate Group, Department Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico (FC), Italy
| | - Annalisa Zaccaroni
- Large Pelagic Vertebrate Group, Department Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico (FC), Italy.
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21
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Monteiro SS, Pereira AT, Costa É, Torres J, Oliveira I, Bastos-Santos J, Araújo H, Ferreira M, Vingada J, Eira C. Bioaccumulation of trace element concentrations in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from Portugal. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 113:400-407. [PMID: 27769556 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.033] [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: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) is one of the most abundant species in Atlantic Iberia, representing a potentially important tool to assess the bioaccumulation of trace elements in the Iberian marine ecosystem. Nine elements (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) were evaluated in 36 dolphins stranded in continental Portugal. Dolphins had increasing Hg concentrations (16.72μg·g-1 ww, liver) compared with previous studies in Atlantic Iberia, whereas Cd concentrations (2.26μg·g-1 ww, kidney) fell within reported ranges. The concentrations of some trace elements (including Cd and Hg) presented positive relationships with dolphin length, presence of parasites and gross pathologies. Common dolphins may help biomonitoring more offshore Atlantic Iberian areas in future studies, which would otherwise be difficult to assess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia S Monteiro
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Andreia T Pereira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Élia Costa
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jordi Torres
- Departament de Biología, Sanitat i Medi ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, sn, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Oliveira
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jorge Bastos-Santos
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Spain; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Portugal
| | - Helder Araújo
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Spain; Campus do Mar, International Campus of Excellence, Portugal
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - José Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro Biologia Molecular e Ambiental (CBMA), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Departmento de Biologia & Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (CESAM), Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade do Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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22
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Baptista G, Kehrig HA, Di Beneditto APM, Hauser-Davis RA, Almeida MG, Rezende CE, Siciliano S, de Moura JF, Moreira I. Mercury, selenium and stable isotopes in four small cetaceans from the Southeastern Brazilian coast: Influence of feeding strategy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:1298-1307. [PMID: 27593348 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.08.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Dolphins are good bioindicators of the contamination status of marine ecosystems, since their dietary and habitat plasticity in both coastal and offshore ecotypes provide information on the trace elements levels originated from natural and anthropogenic sources. In this context, this study aimed to investigate provides mercury (Hg), selenium (Se) levels, trophic ecology and feeding environments of four small cetaceans (Tursiops truncatus, Steno bredanensis, Sotalia guianensis and Pontoporia blainvillei) inhabiting the central-northern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. For the latter, δ15N and δ13C stable isotopes were used as indicators in this regard. Stable isotope values indicate that the four studied species have distinctive foraging habitats, coastal and least coastal, and occupy different trophic positions. The significant relationship found between muscle Hg and δ15N suggests that individual foraging preference remains relatively constant for the studied dolphin species over extended periods. The individual prey size and species are probably responsible for the differences found in Hg and Se concentrations in muscle tissue among all dolphin species. The vulnerable small coastal cetacean, P. blainvillei, which feeds on small teleost fish and squid, presented the lowest muscular Hg concentrations (less than 3.5 μg g-1 dry wt.). Meanwhile, S. bredanensis is more likely to uptake large amounts of trace elements among the four dolphin species, due to its feeding habits mainly being large offshore fish that accumulate high amounts of trace elements in organs and tissues. Differences found between Hg concentrations in fetus-mother pairs were much higher in S. guianensis than in P. blainvillei, suggesting that maternal contribution of Hg via placenta was more significant for the former.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilberto Baptista
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22453-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Helena A Kehrig
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Ana Paula M Di Beneditto
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Rachel A Hauser-Davis
- Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas - Biodiversidade Neotropical, 22290-240, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo G Almeida
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Carlos E Rezende
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil.
| | - Salvatore Siciliano
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Pavilhão Mourisco - sala 122, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil.
| | - Jailson F de Moura
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology - ZMT, Bremen, 28359, Germany.
| | - Isabel Moreira
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22453-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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23
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Godoy-Vitorino F, Rodriguez-Hilario A, Alves AL, Gonçalves F, Cabrera-Colon B, Mesquita CS, Soares-Castro P, Ferreira M, Marçalo A, Vingada J, Eira C, Santos PM. The microbiome of a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in Portugal. Res Microbiol 2016; 168:85-93. [PMID: 27615066 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases with epizootic consequences have not been fully studied in marine mammals. Presently, the unprecedented depth of sequencing, made available by high-throughput approaches, allows detailed comparisons of the microbiome in health and disease. This is the first report of the striped dolphin microbiome in different body sites. Samples from one striped female edematous dolphin were acquired from a variety of body niches, including the blowhole, oral cavity, oral mucosa, tongue, stomach, intestines and genital mucosa. Detailed 16S rRNA analysis of over half a million sequences identified 235 OTUs. Beta diversity analyses indicated that microbial communities vary in structure and cluster by sample origin. Pathogenic, Gram-negative, facultative and obligate anaerobic taxa were significantly detected, including Cetobacterium, Fusobacterium and Ureaplasma. Phocoenobacter and Arcobacter dominated the oral-type samples, while Cardiobacteriaceae and Vibrio were associated with the blowhole and Photobacterium were abundant in the gut. We report for the first time the association of Epulopiscium with a marine mammal gut. The striped dolphin microbiota shows variation in structure and diversity according to the organ type. The high dominance of Gram-negative anaerobic pathogens evidences a cetacean microbiome affected by human-related bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Godoy-Vitorino
- Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, P.O. Box 191293, 00919-1293 San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Arnold Rodriguez-Hilario
- Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, P.O. Box 191293, 00919-1293 San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Ana Luísa Alves
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Filipa Gonçalves
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Beatriz Cabrera-Colon
- Microbial Ecology and Genomics Lab, Department of Natural Sciences, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus, P.O. Box 191293, 00919-1293 San Juan, Puerto Rico.
| | - Cristina Sousa Mesquita
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Soares-Castro
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Marisa Ferreira
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal; Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal.
| | - Ana Marçalo
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - José Vingada
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
| | - Catarina Eira
- Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), Quiaios Field Station, Apartado 16 EC Quiaios, 3081-101 Figueira da Foz, Portugal; Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Miguel Santos
- Department of Biology and Centre for Molecular and Environmental Biology (CBMA), University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-087 Braga, Portugal.
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24
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Bilandžić N, Đokić M, Sedak M, Đuras M, Gomerčić T, Benić M. Copper Levels in Tissues of Dolphins Tursiops truncatus, Stenella coeruleoalba and Grampus griseus from the Croatian Adriatic Coast. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 97:367-373. [PMID: 27246724 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1845-0] [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: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Copper concentrations were determined in muscle, liver, kidney, spleen and lung tissues of three dolphin species. Dolphins of Tursiops truncatus (young and adult), Stenella coeruleoalba and Grampus griseus were stranded along the Croatian coast. Concentrations in tissues of all three dolphin species were highest in the liver (4.92-16.5 μg/g) followed by kidney (2.85-5.29 μg/g). Similar levels were measured in muscle, spleen and lung in range 1.13-3.67 μg/g. Statistics analysis showed significant differences of Cu concentrations for muscle (p = 0.008), kidney (p = 0.04) and liver (p = 0.02) between the three dolphin species. Also, for all three species significant differences between tissue types of the same species were determined (p < 0.001, all). However, there were no significant differences in Cu levels of the same tissues between males and females within same species. Also, significant differences of body length and weight between three dolphin were found (p < 0.001, both).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bilandžić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Maja Đokić
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Sedak
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, Laboratory for Residue Control, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Savska Cesta 143, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Đuras
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Gomerčić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Miroslav Benić
- Laboratory for Mastitis and Raw Milk Quality, Department for Bacteriology and Parasitology, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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25
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Ferreira M, Monteiro SS, Torres J, Oliveira I, Sequeira M, López A, Vingada J, Eira C. Biological variables and health status affecting inorganic element concentrations in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Portugal (western Iberian Peninsula). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 210:293-302. [PMID: 26803785 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The coastal preferences of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) intensify their exposure to human activities. The harbour porpoise Iberian population is presently very small and information about the threats it endures is vital for the conservation efforts that are being implemented to avoid local extinction. The present study explored the possible relation between the accumulation of trace elements by porpoises and their sex, body length, nutritional state, presence of parasites and gross pathologies. The concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) were evaluated in 42 porpoises stranded in Portugal between 2005 and 2013. Considering European waters, porpoises stranded in Portugal present the highest Hg concentrations and the lowest Cd concentrations, which may reflect dietary preferences and the geographic availability of these pollutants. While no effect of sex on trace element concentrations was detected, there was a positive relationship between porpoise body length and the concentration of Cd, Hg and Pb. Animals in worse nutritional condition showed higher levels of Zn. Harbour porpoises with high parasite burdens showed lower levels of Zn and As in all analysed tissues and also lower levels of renal Ni, while those showing gross pathologies presented higher Zn and Hg levels. This is the first data on the relationship between trace elements and health-related variables in porpoises from southern European Atlantic waters, providing valuable baseline information about the contamination status of this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Ferreira
- Departamento de Biologia & CBMA, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Silvia S Monteiro
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Jordi Torres
- Laboratori de Parasitologia, Departament de Microbiologia i Parasitologia Sanitàries, Facultat de Farmàcia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, s/n, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Oliveira
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marina Sequeira
- Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), Avenida da República 16, 1050-191 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alfredo López
- Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños, Camiño do Ceán, 2, 36350 Nigrán Pontevedra, Spain
| | - José Vingada
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eira
- Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem, Universidade de Minho, Departamento de Biologia, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-047 Braga, Portugal; Departamento de Biologia & CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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