1
|
Bargagli R, Rota E. Mediterranean Marine Mammals: Possible Future Trends and Threats Due to Mercury Contamination and Interaction with Other Environmental Stressors. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2386. [PMID: 39199920 PMCID: PMC11350842 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite decreasing anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emissions in Europe and the banning and restriction of many persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention, Mediterranean marine mammals still have one of the highest body burdens of persistent pollutants in the world. Moreover, the Mediterranean basin is one of the most sensitive to climate change, with likely changes in the biogeochemical cycle and bioavailability of Hg, primary productivity, and the length and composition of pelagic food webs. The availability of food resources for marine mammals is also affected by widespread overfishing and the increasing number of alien species colonizing the basin. After reporting the most recent findings on the biogeochemical cycle of Hg in the Mediterranean Sea and the physico-chemical and bio-ecological factors determining its exceptional bioaccumulation in odontocetes, this review discusses possible future changes in the bioavailability of the metal. Recent ocean-atmosphere-land models predict that in mid-latitude seas, water warming (which in the Mediterranean is 20% faster than the global average) is likely to decrease the solubility of Hg and favor the escape of the metal to the atmosphere. However, the basin has been affected for thousands of years by natural and anthropogenic inputs of metals and climate change with sea level rise (3.6 ± 0.3 mm year-1 in the last two decades), and the frequency of extreme weather events will likely remobilize a large amount of legacy Hg from soils, riverine, and coastal sediments. Moreover, possible changes in pelagic food webs and food availability could determine dietary shifts and lower growth rates in Mediterranean cetaceans, increasing their Hg body burden. Although, in adulthood, many marine mammals have evolved the ability to detoxify monomethylmercury (MMHg) and store the metal in the liver and other organs as insoluble HgSe crystals, in Mediterranean populations more exposed to the metal, this process can deplete the biological pool of Se, increasing their susceptibility to infectious diseases and autoimmune disorders. Mediterranean mammals are also among the most exposed in the world to legacy POPs, micro- and nanoplastics, and contaminants of emerging interest. Concomitant exposure to these synthetic chemicals may pose a much more serious threat than the Se depletion. Unfortunately, as shown by the literature data summarized in this review, the most exposed populations are those living in the NW basin, the main feeding and reproductive area for most Mediterranean cetaceans, declared a sanctuary for their protection since 2002. Thus, while emphasizing the adoption of all available approaches to mitigate anthropogenic pressure with fishing and maritime traffic, it is recommended to direct future research efforts towards the assessment of possible biological effects, at the individual and population levels, of chronic and simultaneous exposure to Hg, legacy POPs, contaminants of emerging interest, and microplastics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Emilia Rota
- Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Luo D, Guo Y, Liu Z, Guo L, Wang H, Tang X, Xu Z, Wu Y, Sun X. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure Induces Adverse Effects on the Population Dynamics of the Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9102-9112. [PMID: 38752859 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c00618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Cetaceans play a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological equilibrium of ocean ecosystems. However, their populations are under global threat from environmental contaminants. Various high levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been detected in cetaceans from the South China Sea, such as the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), suggesting potential health risks, while the impacts of endocrine disruptors on the dolphin population remain unclear. This study aims to synthesize the population dynamics of the humpback dolphins in the PRE and their profiles of EDC contaminants from 2005 to 2019, investigating the potential role of EDCs in the population dynamics of humpback dolphins. Our comprehensive analysis indicates a sustained decline in the PRE humpback dolphin population, posing a significant risk of extinction. Variations in sex hormones induced by EDC exposure could potentially impact birth rates, further contributing to the population decline. Anthropogenic activities consistently emerge as the most significant stressor, ranking highest in importance. Conventional EDCs demonstrate more pronounced impacts on the population compared to emerging compounds. Among the conventional pollutants, DDTs take precedence, followed by zinc and chromium. The most impactful emerging EDCs are identified as alkylphenols. Notably, as the profile of EDCs changes, the significance of conventional pollutants may give way to emerging EDCs, presenting a continued challenge to the viability of the humpback dolphin population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Yongwei 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
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, 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, 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
| | - Hongri Wang
- 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
| | - Xikai Tang
- 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
| | - Zhuo Xu
- 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
| | - Xian Sun
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu Y, Wang Q, Ma L, Jin L, Zhang K, Tao D, Wang WX, Lam PKS, Ruan Y. Identification of key features relating to the coexistence mechanisms of trace elements and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine mammals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108099. [PMID: 37481952 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Organic and inorganic substances coexist in the livers of marine mammals and may correlate with one another; however, their coexistence mechanisms and relevant key features remain largely unknown. In this study, temporal variations (2011-2021) in the concentrations of nine trace elements and 19 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the livers of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) were investigated. Interannual Cd in dolphins increased significantly whereas Pb concentrations decreased over the past decade (p < 0.05). Interannual levels of seven and four PFASs in dolphins and porpoises decreased significantly with time (p < 0.05). By further extending the timescale to 1993-2021, the sensitivity of trace elements to annual change further increased, whereas the sensitivity of PFASs remained relatively stable. Cu levels, similar to the majority of PFASs, were negatively correlated with the body length of the studied cetaceans, which led to positive correlations of Cu with six long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, perfluorodecane sulfonic acid, and perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonic acid. The concentrations of trace elements in the cetacean liver were closely correlated with cetacean sex, species, and body length, whereas PFAS concentration was responsive to time-related features such as stranded season and year. By further employing a machine learning method, we demonstrated that body length and a time-related factor (year) played a crucial role in predicting the concentrations of certain trace elements and PFASs, respectively, particularly Cu and perfluoroheptanoic acid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Lan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Linjie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Macau Environmental Research Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, 999078, Macau Special Administrative Region
| | - Danyang Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Wen-Xiong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Paul K S Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Department of Science, School of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Yuefei Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Malcolm EG, Coleman SE, Smith EM, Cooke ME, Rice Jeff H, Ellick RM, Volker KM. The potential use of skin and liver as biomarkers to estimate mercury in the brain, kidney, and muscle of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114903. [PMID: 37062130 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
For marine cetaceans, Hg biomagnification can negatively affect neurological, hepatic, renal, and immune functions. To evaluate the use of biomarkers for Hg in dolphins, multiple tissues were analyzed from 127 stranded common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the estuarine and oceanic waters of Virginia, USA. Twenty-two percent of liver Hg concentrations exceeded the published observed effect level for liver abnormalities, and 26 % of cerebrum samples exceeded the published threshold for neurochemical changes, suggesting that Hg may have impacted dolphin health. Mercury tissue levels were similar to or lower than those reported from other locations (liver range: 1.4-943 μg/g-dw). Significant correlations were found between tissue types, indicating that skin or liver can be used as a biomarker to estimate the total Hg concentrations in the other tissue types (kidney, liver, cerebrum, cerebellum, pons). This is the first study to measure Hg concentrations in multiple brain regions of T. truncatus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Malcolm
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA.
| | - Sherie E Coleman
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Erin M Smith
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Matthew E Cooke
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Hannah Rice Jeff
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| | - Rachel M Ellick
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA
| | - Kristen M Volker
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Delgado-Suarez I, Lozano-Bilbao E, Hardisson A, Paz S, Gutiérrez ÁJ. Metal and trace element concentrations in cetaceans worldwide: A review. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115010. [PMID: 37167666 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
This bibliographical review is a compilation of different scientific publications that reported data on metal concentrations in the muscle tissue of different species of cetaceans from seas and oceans around the world. Forty-nine scientific articles were selected, published over a fifteen-year period (2006-2021) with data on heavy metals and trace elements. The different groups of cetaceans considered in this study generally presented low concentrations of Cd and Pb. The same cannot be said of Hg. The highest concentrations of Hg were found in the groups of false killer whales. Similarly, the use of these groups of cetaceans as bioindicators of metal contamination shows that the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most metallically contaminated areas in the world. This may be due to the closed nature of the Mediterranean Sea and to the fact that it is also a highly populated and industrialized area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Indira Delgado-Suarez
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Enrique Lozano-Bilbao
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Arturo Hardisson
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Soraya Paz
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Ángel J Gutiérrez
- Toxicology Area, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Toxicology, Legal and Forensic Medicine and Parasitology, University of La Laguna, 38200, La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Duan T, Feng J, Chang X, Li Y. Watershed health assessment using the coupled integrated multistatistic analyses and PSIR framework. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157523. [PMID: 35905965 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Quantitatively assessing watershed health under anthropogenic activities and management responses is important for the scientific planning and management of watersheds. The current research on watershed health assessments insufficiently reflects watershed scale information from different dimensions, which leads to the incomplete understanding of watersheds and thus the lack of systematic management. This study investigated the health status in the Chaohu Lake watershed (CLW) based on monthly sampling data at 46 river sites in 2018. Watershed health assessment comprehensively considered four dimensions including socioeconomic and natural pressures, nonpoint pollution export, river water quality and management responses with the pressure-state-impact-response (PSIR) framework. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and variance partitioning analysis (VPA) were integrated to further quantify the inter-relationships among the variables of each PSIR index. An obstacle degree model was applied to examine the factors of mainly affecting the status of watershed health. The results showed that phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment exports of CLW increased more and river water quality in CLW worsened due to socioeconomic and natural pressures. Water quality improvement effectively responds to increasing woodland and grassland. Compared with natural factors, phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment exports had closer relationships with the pressures from socioeconomic activities. Moreover, socioeconomic pressures explained more changes in phosphorus and nitrogen exports, while natural factors explained relatively more changes in sediment exports. Phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment exports and woodland and grassland coverage explained <35 % of the variation in river water quality. Additionally, the obstacle degrees of pressures and phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment exports were lower, and the obstacle degrees of river water quality and woodland and grassland coverage were higher in urban sub-watersheds, which was the opposite in agricultural sub-watersheds. This research provides a new evaluation framework of watershed health and its obstacle factors, which is crucial to improve watershed health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jiashen Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xuan Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yingxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100875, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Macro-elements K, Na, Cl, Mg, and Ca in body tissues of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) from the Southern Ocean. Polar Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-022-03012-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
10
|
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: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cáceres-Saez I, Haro D, Blank O, Aguayo-Lobo A, Dougnac C, Arredondo C, Cappozzo HL, Ribeiro Guevara S. Trace elements in subantarctic false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) tissues, including the skin as an offshore bioindicator. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:31746-31757. [PMID: 33609246 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12890-1] [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: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
On a global scale, cetaceans are recognized well indicators of marine ecosystem health. Trace elements accumulate in their bodies and potentially constitute a toxicological threat. Here, the concentrations of essential Se; unknown physiological elements Br, Rb, Cs, Ni, and Sr; and pollutants arsenic, Cd, Hg, and Ag were assessed in the skin of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) stranded at Estrecho de Magallanes, South America, and next, tissue comparisons and relationships between elemental concentrations in the skin and internal tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, lung, skeletal muscle, and testis) were assessed. Results showed elemental concentration variations among tissues. Selenium concentration was found to be higher in the liver 398 (75) μg g-1 dry weight (DW) (standard deviation in parenthesis), followed by skin. Rubidium and Br concentrations were higher in testis 7.92 (0.42) and 99.1 (5.4) μg g-1 DW, respectively, and Cs in muscle 0.36 (0.12) μg g-1 DW, while Ni concentrations range (<0.05-0.91 μg g-1 DW) did not show differences among tissues. Cadmium and arsenic were found to be higher in kidneys, 71.2 (17.6) and 2.54 (1.77) μg g-1 DW, respectively, while Hg was highest in the liver 1068 (234) μg g-1 DW. Concerning inter-tissue relationships, a positive skin-to-kidney and skin-to-muscle correlations were observed for Cs concentrations, and also Hg showed positive skin-to-spleen, skin-to-kidney, and skin-to-testis correlations, which support its use as potential offshore marine biomonitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Cáceres-Saez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Daniela Haro
- Centro Bahía Lomas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Avenida Costanera, 01834, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Olivia Blank
- Clínica Veterinaria Timaukel y Centro de Rehabilitación de Aves Leñadura (CRAL), José Pithon, 01316, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Anelio Aguayo-Lobo
- Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH), Plaza Muñoz Gamero, 1055, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | | | - Cristóbal Arredondo
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Balmaceda, 586, Punta Arenas, Chile
- Tarukari, Non-government Organization (no number), Santiago, Chile
| | - H Luis Cappozzo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio Ribeiro Guevara
- Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Av. Bustillo, 8500, Bariloche, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu L, Dong Y, Kong M, Zhou J, Zhao H, Tang Z, Zhang M, Wang Z. Insights into the long-term pollution trends and sources contributions in Lake Taihu, China using multi-statistic analyses models. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 242:125272. [PMID: 31896182 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Eutrophication pollution seriously threatens the sustainable development of Lake Taihu, China. In order to identify the primary parameters of water quality and the potential pollution sources, the water quality dataset of Lake Taihu (2010-2014) was analyzed with the water quality index (WQI) and multivariate statistical analysis methods. Principle component analysis/factor analysis (PCA/FA) and correlation analysis screened out five significant water quality indicators, i.e. potassium permanganate index (CODMn), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chloride ion (Cl-) and dissolved oxygen (DO), to represent the whole datasets and evaluate the water quality with WQI. Since northwestern of Lake Taihu was the most heavily polluted area, the parameters of the water quality were analyzed to further explore the potential sources and their contributions. Five potential pollution sources of northwestern lake were identified, and the contribution rate of each pollution source was calculated by the absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models. In brief, the PMF model was more suitable for pollution source apportionment of the northwestern lake, and the contribution rate was ranked as agricultural non-point source pollution (26.6%) > domestic sewage discharge (23.5%) > industrial wastewater discharge and atmospheric deposition (20.6%) > phytoplankton growth (16.0%) > rainfall or wind disturbance (13.4%). This study might provide useful information for the optimization of water quality management and pollution control strategies of Lake Taihu.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Liu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yongcheng Dong
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Hanbin Zhao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zhou Tang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Risk Assessment and Control on Chemical Process, School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- School of Environment Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Monteiro F, Lemos LS, de Moura JF, Rocha RCC, Moreira I, Di Beneditto AP, Kehrig HA, Bordon ICAC, Siciliano S, Saint'Pierre TD, Hauser-Davis RA. Subcellular metal distributions and metallothionein associations in rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) from Southeastern Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 146:263-273. [PMID: 31426156 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metals are subject to internal subcellular compartmentalization, altering their bioavailability. Thus, subcellular metal assessments are crucial in biomonitoring efforts. Metal distribution in three subcellular fractions (insoluble - ISF, thermolabile - TLF and thermostable - TSF) were determined by ICP-MS in Steno bredanensis specimens from Southeastern Brazil. Associations between metals, metallothionein (MT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also investigated. Differential metal-detoxification mechanisms were observed. MT detoxification was mostly noted for As, Cd, and Pb, while Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Se and Ti displayed lower MT-associations. Fe, Zn and Se, on the other hand, were poorly associated to MT, and mostly present in the ISF, indicating low bioavailability. This is the first report on subcellular Sn and Ti distribution in cetaceans and the first in this species in Brazil. Potential protective roles of essential metals against toxic elements are postulated. This study indicates that important biochemical detoxification information is obtained through subcellular fraction analyses in marine mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Monteiro
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Gávea, 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leila S Lemos
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública (ENSP), Fiocruz, Av. Brasil, 4.365 - Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jailson Fulgêncio de Moura
- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology - ZMT, Systems Ecology Group, Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Rafael Christian Chávez Rocha
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Gávea, 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabel Moreira
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Gávea, 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Di Beneditto
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Helena A Kehrig
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, 28013-602 Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabella C A C Bordon
- UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista, Campus do Litoral Paulista, Núcleo de Estudos em Poluição e Ecotoxicologia Aquática (NEPEA), Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n°, Parque Bitaru, CEP 11330-900 São Vicente, SP, Brazil
| | - Salvatore Siciliano
- Laboratório de Enterobactérias/IOC/Fiocruz, Pavilhão Rocha Lima, 3°. andar, Av. Brasil, 4.365 - Manguinhos, 21040-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tatiana D Saint'Pierre
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Gávea, 22453-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Av. Brasil, 4.365, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yu X, Yu RQ, Zhang X, Zhan F, Sun X, Wu Y. DDT exposure induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of skin fibroblasts from Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin via mitochondria dysfunction. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2019; 213:105229. [PMID: 31255889 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2019.105229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Although the global use of the 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl) ethane (p,p'-DDT) has been prohibited, its persistence in the environment has caused long-lasting exposure on marine mammals. Our previous studies revealed exceedingly high residue levels of DDTs in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the Pearl River Estuary region, China. However, the molecular mechanisms of p,p'-DDT toxicity on the dolphin are largely unknown. This study conducted the first cytotoxicity effect exploration of p,p'-DDT on the dolphin skin fibroblasts (ScSFs) to enhance the understanding of the cellular and molecular regulation impacts. ScSF cells were exposed to p,p'-DDT (28∼168 μM) for 24, 48 and 72 h. The exposure remarkably decreased viability of ScSF cells, possibly due to the synergetic effects of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via DNA damage and mitochondria dysfunction. The DNA damage and mitochondria dysfunction were likely triggered by an increase of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential, reduction in the cellular ATP levels, decreased expression of the genes CDK1, CDK4, cyclin B1, cyclin D1 and apoptosis regulator Bcl-2, release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9. Moreover, caspase inhibitor displayed protective activity against p,p'-DDT-induced apoptosis, indicating that caspases played a central role in p,p'-DDT-triggered apoptosis in the ScSF cells. We hypothesize apoptosis likely plays a minor role in cytocidal effects induced by p,p'-DDT exposure, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Overall, this research provides new evidence of the cytotoxic mechanisms underlying p,p'-DDT exposure on humpback dolphin skin cells, and suggests that p,p'-DDT contamination is one of key health concern issues for the protection of this marine mammal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinjian Yu
- 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
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- 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
| | - 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.
| | - 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.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
As, Cr, Hg, Pb, and Cd Concentrations and Bioaccumulation in the Dugong Dugong dugon and Manatee Trichechus manatus: A Review of Body Burdens and Distribution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16030404. [PMID: 30708981 PMCID: PMC6388294 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16030404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The death of dozens of manatees Trichechus manatus recently in Tabasco, Mexico, has captured international attention. Speculation about possible causes include water and food contamination by metals. Although federal authorities have ruled out water chemical pollution, the cause of these deaths is still awaiting conclusive laboratory results. Present work seeks to summarize information currently available on non-essential metals and those of great toxicological relevance in Sirenia (dugongs and manatees), highlighting its body distribution, presence in blood, and its relationship with their geographical distribution, gender and age, whenever possible. This paper focuses on the five elements: As, Cr, Hg, Pb and Cd, which are commonly considered as threats for marine mammals and reported in Sirenia. Some of these metals (Cr and Cd) were thought to be related to the recent deaths in Tabasco. All five elements are accumulated by Sirenia at different levels. Metal presence is associated to their diet but does not necessarily imply adverse effects for dugongs and manatees. Toxicological aspects and the human consumption risk in case of any illegal or traditional consumption in some cultures are discussed. Important toxicological research areas that need to be addressed are highlighted.
Collapse
|
18
|
Yu X, Yu RQ, Gui D, Zhang X, Zhan F, Sun X, Wu Y. Hexavalent chromium induces oxidative stress and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in isolated skin fibroblasts of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 203:179-186. [PMID: 30153559 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The increasing gas emissions and industrial wastewater discharge of anthropogenic hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) have been growing health concerns to the high trophic level marine mammals. Our previous studies showed that Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis), stranded on the Pearl River Estuary region, contained exceedingly high levels of Cr in their skin-tissues. Unfortunately, the molecular toxic mechanisms on this mammal are absent, limiting our understanding of the eco-physiological impacts of Cr(VI) on dolphins. Thus, the cytotoxicity effects of Cr(VI) were analyzed on fibroblasts we isolated from the skin of S. chinensis (ScSF). This study showed that Cr(VI) markedly inhibited the viability of ScSF cells via induction of apoptosis accompanied by an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species and the population of G2/M arrest or apoptotic sub-G1 phase cells, up-regulation of p53, and activation of caspase-3. Further investigation on intracellular mechanisms indicated that Cr(VI) induced depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential in cells through regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) and pro-apoptotic (Bax) proteins, resulting in decrease of the ATP level, cytochrome c release from mitochondria into cytosol, and the activation of caspase-9. Furthermore, antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and vitamin C displayed chemoprotective activity against Cr(VI) via suppression of p53 expression, indicating that the Cr(VI)-induced cell death may be mediated by oxidative stress. Overall, these results provide insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of Cr(VI) in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin skin cells, offer experimental support for the proposed protective role of antioxidants in Cr(VI)-induced toxicity, and suggest that Cr(VI) contamination is one of key health concern issues for the protection of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinjian Yu
- 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
| | - Duan Gui
- 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
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- 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
| | - Fenping Zhan
- 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
| | - Xian Sun
- Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Yuping Wu
- Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| |
Collapse
|