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Rasmussen SL, Roslev P, Nielsen JL, Pertoldi C, Vorkamp K. Pesticides in the population of European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) in Denmark. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1436965. [PMID: 39183753 PMCID: PMC11341479 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1436965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) inhabit most of Denmark, except for a few smaller islands. Research from other European countries has shown that the hedgehog populations are in decline. The exposure to chemicals might contribute to this development, although their role is currently unknown. Our research studied the occurrence of 19 selected pesticides in the Danish hedgehog population as well as factors potentially explaining the levels of chemicals detected. We analysed 115 liver samples obtained from dead hedgehogs in 2016 for seven rodenticides, four insecticides and eight herbicides commonly used in Denmark at the time of sampling, applying a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method. Detection frequencies varied between 0.9% for fluroxypyr and trans-permethrin and 79% for bromadiolone. Rodenticides, insecticides and herbicides were detected in 84, 43, and 50% of the samples, respectively. The compounds most frequently detected included the insecticide imidacloprid (35%), the herbicide metamitron (29%) and the rodenticide bromadiolone (79%). Individual concentrations varied between non-detected to >2 μg/g. A total of 79% of the 115 hedgehogs contained more than one detectable pesticide, with up to nine of the 19 compounds detected in one individual. The detection frequencies were found to differ significantly between the Eastern and Western part of Denmark for difenacoum, difethialone and imidacloprid. However, no associations were found with sex, age, habitat type or the prevalence of mecC-MRSA and endoparasites in the hedgehogs tested. Whether or not the pesticide levels detected carry a health risk for the hedgehogs remains unknown as no adverse effect levels have yet been established for European hedgehogs for single compounds or pesticide mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Abingdon, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Roslev
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Lund Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Aalborg Zoo, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
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Rasmussen SL, Pertoldi C, Roslev P, Vorkamp K, Nielsen JL. A Review of the Occurrence of Metals and Xenobiotics in European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:232. [PMID: 38254401 PMCID: PMC10812797 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Monitoring data from several European countries indicate that European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) populations are declining, and research exploring the causes of the decline, including exposure to potentially harmful xenobiotics and metals, may inform conservation initiatives to protect this species in the wild. Hedgehogs are ground-dwelling mammals, feeding on a range of insects, slugs, snails, and earthworms, as well as eggs, live vertebrates, and carrion, including carcasses of apex predator species representing higher levels of the food chain. Consequently, hedgehogs come into close contact with contaminants present in their habitats and prey. This review investigated the studies available on the subject of the occurrence of metals and organic xenobiotics in hedgehogs. This study found that a vast range of different pesticides; persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including organochlorine compounds and brominated flame retardants (BFRs); as well as toxic heavy metals could be detected. Some compounds occurred in lethal concentrations, and some were associated with a potential adverse effect on hedgehog health and survival. Due to their ecology, combined with the opportunity to apply non-invasive sampling techniques using spines as sampling material, we suggest that the European hedgehog is a relevant bioindicator species for monitoring the exposure of terrestrial wildlife to potential toxicants in urban and rural environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, St. Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3JA, UK
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
- Aalborg Zoo, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Peter Roslev
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark;
| | - Jeppe Lund Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (C.P.); (P.R.); (J.L.N.)
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3
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da Silva J, Taniguchi S, Colabuono FI, Leonel J, Rosa LD, Secchi ER, Borges JCG, Siciliano S, Acevedo J, Aguayo-Lobo A, Baldassin P, Montone RC, Lourenço RA. Mobilization of persistent organic pollutants in humpback whales: Insights from feeding areas in the Antarctic peninsula and Strait of Magellan to migration, breeding, and calving grounds along the Brazilian coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115448. [PMID: 37647799 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115448] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Southern Hemisphere Megaptera novaeangliae undertake the longest migration, which reflect their exposure to lipophilic contaminants. To assess these changes, persistent organic pollutants were analyzed in blubber samples of humpback whales from three regions: the Antarctic Peninsula (n = 46), the Strait of Magellan, Chile (n = 22), and the Brazilian coast (n = 38). The similarity in PCB and HCB levels between individuals from feeding grounds and breeding grounds suggests contamination during feeding. The whales around the Antarctic Peninsula exhibited a predominance of tetrachlorobiphenyl PCBs. Whales feeding in the Strait of Magellan showed a slight prevalence of 5Cl biphenyls, likely due to their consumption of subantarctic krill species as well as small fishes potentially contaminated by industrial activities in Chile. The dominance of 5-6Cl congeners in whales in Brazil, may be attributed to the extreme physiological changes during fasting when whales utilize blubber reserves and metabolize lighter congeners, or transfer them to their calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josilene da Silva
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil.
| | - Satie Taniguchi
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana Leonel
- Departamento de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Luciano Dalla Rosa
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS 96203-000, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Resende Secchi
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS 96203-000, Brazil
| | - João Carlos Gomes Borges
- Fundação de Mamíferos Aquáticos, Estrada de Matapuã, 411, Anexo Chácara Anjo Gabriel, Mosqueiro, São Cristóvão, Sergipe 49100-000, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Monitoramento Ambiental, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Av. Santa Elisabete, 160, Rio Tinto, Paraíba 58297-000, Brazil
| | - Salvatore Siciliano
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública/Fiocruz, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jorge Acevedo
- Centro Regional de Estudios del Cuaternario de Fuego-Patagonia y Antártica (CEQUA), Punta Arenas, Chile
| | | | - Paula Baldassin
- Instituto BW para a Conservação e Medicina da Fauna Marinha, R. Profa. Suely Brasil Flores, 88. Praia Seca, Araruama, RJ 28972-765, Brazil
| | - Rosalinda Carmela Montone
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil
| | - Rafael André Lourenço
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, São Paulo, SP 05508-120, Brazil
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Leighton GRM, Bishop JM, Camarero PR, Mateo R, O'Riain MJ, Serieys LEK. Poisoned chalice: Use of transformed landscapes associated with increased persistent organic pollutant concentrations and potential immune effects for an adaptable carnivore. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153581. [PMID: 35104517 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife around cities bioaccumulate multiple harmful environmental pollutants associated with human activities. Exposure severity can vary based on foraging behaviour and habitat use, which can be examined to elucidate exposure pathways. Carnivores can play vital roles in ecosystem stability but are particularly vulnerable to bioaccumulation of pollutants. Understanding the spatial and dietary predictors of these contaminants can inform pollutant control, and carnivores, at the top of food webs, can act as useful indicator species. We test for exposure to toxic organochlorines (OCs), including dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in a medium-sized felid, the caracal (Caracal caracal), across the peri-urban and agricultural landscapes of the city of Cape Town, South Africa. Concentrations in both blood (n = 69) and adipose tissue (n = 25) were analysed along with detailed spatial, dietary, demographic, and physiological data to assess OC sources and exposure risk. The analysis revealed widespread exposure of Cape Town's caracals to organochlorines: detection rate was 100% for PCBs and 83% for DDTs in blood, and 100% for both compounds in adipose. Caracals using human-transformed areas, such as vineyards and areas with higher human population and electrical transformer density, as well as wetland areas, had higher organochlorine burdens. These landscapes were also highly selected foraging areas, suggesting caracals are drawn into areas that co-incidentally increase their risk of exposure to these pollutants. Further, biomagnification potential was higher in individuals feeding on higher trophic level prey and on exotic prey. These findings point to bioaccumulation of OC toxicants and widespread exposure across local food webs. Additionally, we report possible physiological effects of exposure, including elevated white blood cell and platelet count, suggesting a degree of immunological response that may increase disease susceptibility. Cape Town's urban fringes likely represent a source of toxic chemicals for wildlife and require focused attention and action to ensure persistence of this adaptable mesocarnivore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella R M Leighton
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Jacqueline M Bishop
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - M Justin O'Riain
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Laurel E K Serieys
- Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (iCWild), Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Cape Leopard Trust, Cape Town, South Africa; Panthera, NY, New York, USA
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5
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Pouch A, Zaborska A, Dąbrowska AM, Pazdro K. Bioaccumulation of PCBs, HCB and PAHs in the summer plankton from West Spitsbergen fjords. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 177:113488. [PMID: 35276612 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and twelve polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in plankton collected in summer from different Arctic fjords (Hornsund, Kongsfjorden, Adventfjorden). The levels of all target contaminants in arctic protists have been analyzed for the first time. This is also the first report on PAH levels in arctic fjords zooplankton. ∑7 PCB, HCB and ∑12 PAH concentrations were up to 3.58 ng/g w.w., 0.28 ng/g w.w. and 249 ng/g w.w., respectively. Among the zooplankton species, the highest concentrations of the most analyzed contaminants were detected in Themisto abyssorum. This could be explained by the predatory feeding strategy of this species. The importance of diet was confirmed by the low concentrations of contaminants detected in the herbivorous copepod Calanus spp. Depending on contaminant, bioaccumulation occurred in 50 to 100% studied cases. Studies have shown significant biomagnification of PCBs and PAHs in zooplankton predator-prey pairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pouch
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland.
| | - Agata Zaborska
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - Anna Maria Dąbrowska
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
| | - Ksenia Pazdro
- Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland
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6
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Layshock JA, Webb MAH, Langness OP, Garza JC, Heironimus LB, Gundersen D. Organochlorine and Metal Contaminants in the Blood Plasma of Green Sturgeon Caught in Washington Coastal Estuaries. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 82:82-94. [PMID: 34655301 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-021-00896-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive monitoring was used to evaluate the concentrations of 40 contaminants in the blood plasma of the North American Green Sturgeon Acipenser medirostris caught and released from three estuaries in Washington State. The highest contaminant concentrations were found in fish caught in the most urbanized sites. Few statistical differences were found when evaluating contaminant levels according to sex, maturation stage, or distinct population segments of Green Sturgeon. The results indicate that recent exposure to legacy contaminants was reflected in Green Sturgeon plasma. Aldrin, 4,4-DDE, α-HCH, copper, and selenium were the most frequently detected contaminants. This study also explored the challenges of assessing toxicity in threatened species using non-lethal approaches. There is currently a lack of environmental contaminant monitoring data in estuaries frequented by Green Sturgeon and limited plasma to tissue toxicity correlations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Layshock
- Environmental Science Program and Chemistry Department, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA
| | - Molly A H Webb
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bozeman Fish Technology Center, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Olaf P Langness
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ridgefield, WA, USA
| | - John Carlos Garza
- Fisheries Ecology Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service and University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | | | - Deke Gundersen
- Environmental Science Program and Chemistry Department, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA.
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7
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Anh HQ, Watanabe I, Minh TB, Takahashi S. Unintentionally produced polychlorinated biphenyls in pigments: An updated review on their formation, emission sources, contamination status, and toxic effects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142504. [PMID: 33035974 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The formation, emission, environmental occurrence, and potential adverse effects of unintentionally produced polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in pigments are reviewed, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date picture on these pollutants. PCBs are typically formed during manufacturing of organic pigments that involve chlorinated intermediates and reaction solvents, rather than those of inorganic pigments. Concentrations and profiles of PCBs vary greatly among pigment types and producers, with total PCB levels ranging from lower than detection limits to several hundred ppm; major components can be low-chlorinated (e.g., CB-11) or high-chlorinated congeners (e.g., CB-209). Pigment-derived PCBs can be released into the environment through different steps including pigment production, application, and disposal. They can contaminate atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems, and then affect organisms living there. This situation garners scientific and public attention to nonlegacy emissions of PCBs and suggests the need for appropriate monitoring, management, and abatement strategies regarding these pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Quoc Anh
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam.
| | - Isao Watanabe
- Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment (CATE), Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan
| | - Tu Binh Minh
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, 19 Le Thanh Tong, Hanoi 100000, Viet Nam
| | - Shin Takahashi
- Center of Advanced Technology for the Environment (CATE), Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, 3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan.
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8
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Herst PM, Aars J, Joly Beauparlant C, Bodein A, Dalvai M, Gagné D, Droit A, Bailey JL, Routti H. Adipose Tissue Transcriptome Is Related to Pollutant Exposure in Polar Bear Mother-Cub Pairs from Svalbard, Norway. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:11365-11375. [PMID: 32808525 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Being at the food chain apex, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are highly contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Females transfer POPs to their offspring through gestation and lactation; therefore, young cubs present higher POPs concentrations than their mothers. Recent studies suggest that POPs affect the lipid metabolism in female polar bears; however, the mechanisms and impact on their offspring remain unknown. Here, we hypothesized that exposure to POPs differentially alters genome-wide gene transcription in the adipose tissue from mother polar bears and their cubs, highlighting molecular differences in response between adults and young. Adipose tissue biopsies were collected from 13 adult female polar bears and their twin cubs in Svalbard, Norway, in April 2011, 2012, and 2013. Total RNA extracted from biopsies was subjected to next-generation RNA sequencing. Plasma concentrations of summed polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in mothers ranged from 897 to 13620 ng/g wet weight and were associated with altered adipose tissue gene expression in both mothers and cubs. In mothers, 2502 and 2586 genes in total were positively and negatively, respectively, correlated to POP exposure, whereas in cubs, 2585 positively and 1690 negatively genes. Between mothers and cubs, 743 positively and negatively genes overlapped between mothers and cubs suggesting partially shared molecular responses to ΣPOPs. ΣPOP-associated genes were involved in numerous metabolic pathways in mothers and cubs, indicating that POP exposure alters the energy metabolism, which, in turn, may be linked to metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline M Herst
- Department of Animal Sciences, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Charles Joly Beauparlant
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Antoine Bodein
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mathieu Dalvai
- Department of Animal Sciences, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Dominic Gagné
- Department of Animal Sciences, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Janice L Bailey
- Department of Animal Sciences, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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Dominique M, Letcher RJ, Rutter A, Langlois VS. Comparative review of the distribution and burden of contaminants in the body of polar bears. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:32456-32466. [PMID: 32556983 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Historical (or legacy) contaminants, such as metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs; e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls) have been measured in circumpolar subpopulations of polar bears, especially from Hudson Bay, East Greenland, and Svalbard, but substantially less is currently known about new and/or emerging contaminants such as polychlorinated naphthalenes, current-use pesticides, organotins, and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is an apex Arctic predator that accumulates high levels of bioaccumulative POPs and mercury (Hg), but there is currently no comprehensive profiling of the present knowledge on contaminants in tissue and body compartments in polar bears. Based on current literature reports and data, and including archived museum samples (as far back as the 1300s) and up to 2018, the aim of this review is to utilize available data to examine the comparative distribution and burden of mainly lipophilic contaminants in kidney, liver, fat, and other body compartments, such as milk, blood, and brain. Highlight outcomes from this review include the following: (1) the kidneys are one of the most important tissue depots of contaminants in polar bears; (2) there is a critical lack of data concerning the presence of metals of concern (other than Hg); and (3) there currently are no data available on the concentrations of many newer and emerging contaminants, such as PACs, which is especially relevant given the increasing oil and gas development in regions, such as the Beaufort Sea (Canada). Additionally, given the vulnerability of polar bear populations worldwide, there is a need to develop non-invasive approaches to monitor contaminant exposure in polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Dominique
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Allison Rutter
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie S Langlois
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Ecotoxicogenomics and Endocrine Disruption, Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), 490, rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC, G1K 9A9, Canada.
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10
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Malarvannan G, Poma G, Covaci A. Interspecies comparison of the residue levels and profiles of persistent organic pollutants in terrestrial top predators. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109187. [PMID: 32006764 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Serum samples from three species of living terrestrial top predators were analysed for six groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), chlordane compounds (CHLs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The study included three carnivore species: lion (Panthera leo), hyena (Hyena brunnea) and cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). All samples were collected from healthy living animals between 2004 and 2005. Most of the samples (wild lions (n = 50) and hyenas (n = 11)) were collected from various locations within the Kruger National Park and Addo National Park (South Africa), while captive lions (n = 6) and cheetahs (n = 3) were collected from the Antwerp Zoo (Belgium). In general, relatively low levels of POPs were found in the studied species, varying widely within species and locations. Median concentrations of POPs were higher in captive lions (PCBs: 505 pg/mL; DDTs: 270 pg/mL; HCHs: 72 pg/mL; HCB: 34 pg/mL; CHLs: 24 pg/mL; PBDEs: 8 pg/mL) compared to wild lions (DDTs: 274 pg/mL; HCHs: 44 pg/mL; CHLs: 7.9 pg/mL; PCBs: 2.1 pg/mL; HCB: < LOQ; PBDEs: < LOQ). In the wild animals, POPs accumulated in the following order: DDTs > HCHs > CHLs > HCB > PCBs > PBDEs, while in the captive animals, the order was: PCBs > DDTs > CHLs > HCHs > HCB > PBDEs, suggesting differences in the diet of these animals. Furthermore, wild hyena contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) median levels of POPs compared to wild lions, possibly reflecting differences in metabolic capacity and/or feeding habits, together with an uneven distribution of POPs in the area where the animals lived. No previous data are available to compare for similar terrestrial top predators, such as lion, hyena and cheetah. To our knowledge, this is first study on POPs in these three species. The low POP levels found in this study were several orders of magnitude lower than those for other carnivore species, such as polar bears, grizzly bears, brown bears and wolves worldwide. The present study has revealed the need for expanding research and monitoring on occurrence, levels and disposition of POPs in the top predators of the terrestrial environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindan Malarvannan
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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11
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Warner NA, Sagerup K, Kristoffersen S, Herzke D, Gabrielsen GW, Jenssen BM. Snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivealis) as bio-indicators for exposure differences to legacy and emerging persistent organic pollutants from the Arctic terrestrial environment on Svalbard. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 667:638-647. [PMID: 30833262 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.351] [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: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Eggs of snow buntings (Plectrophenax nivealis) were applied as a bio-indicator to examine differences in exposure to legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and perflouroalkyl subtances (PFAS) from the terrestrial environment surrounding the settlements of Longyearbyen, Barentsburg and Pyramiden on Svalbard, Norway. Significantly higher concentrations of summed polychlorinated biphenyls (sumPCB7) in eggs collected from Barentsburg (2980 ng/g lipid weight (lw)) and Pyramiden (3860 ng/g lw) compared to Longyearbyen (96 ng/g lw) are attributed to local sources of PCBs within these settlements. Similar findings were observed for p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) where higher median concentrations observed in Pyramiden (173 ng/g lw) and Barentsburg (75 ng/g lw) compared to Longyearbyen (48 ng/g lw) may be influenced by guano inputs from breeding seabird populations, although other point sources cannot be ruled out. Concentrations of perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and several perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in snow bunting eggs were found to be statistically higher in the populated settlements of Longyearbyen and Barentsburg compared to the abandoned Pyramiden. Narrow foraging ranges of snow buntings during breeding season was useful in assessing point sources of exposure for PCBs and PFAS at particular sites with extreme differences observed between nest locations. SumPCB7 concentrations ranged from 2 μg/g ww to below detection limits between nest sites located less than a kilometer from each other in Pyramiden. Similar findings were observed in Longyearbyen, where several PFCAs ranged from 2 to 55 times higher between nest sites with similar spatial distances. These findings indicate that snow buntings can be a useful bio-indicator offering high spatial resolution for contaminant source apportionment in terrestrial environments on Svalbard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Warner
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | - Siv Kristoffersen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Geir W Gabrielsen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, University Center in Svalbard, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, University Center in Svalbard, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
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12
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Routti H, Atwood TC, Bechshoft T, Boltunov A, Ciesielski TM, Desforges JP, Dietz R, Gabrielsen GW, Jenssen BM, Letcher RJ, McKinney MA, Morris AD, Rigét FF, Sonne C, Styrishave B, Tartu S. State of knowledge on current exposure, fate and potential health effects of contaminants in polar bears from the circumpolar Arctic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 664:1063-1083. [PMID: 30901781 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is among the Arctic species exposed to the highest concentrations of long-range transported bioaccumulative contaminants, such as halogenated organic compounds and mercury. Contaminant exposure is considered to be one of the largest threats to polar bears after the loss of their Arctic sea ice habitat due to climate change. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of current exposure, fate, and potential health effects of contaminants in polar bears from the circumpolar Arctic required by the Circumpolar Action Plan for polar bear conservation. Overall results suggest that legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including polychlorinated biphenyls, chlordanes and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), followed by other perfluoroalkyl compounds (e.g. carboxylic acids, PFCAs) and brominated flame retardants, are still the main compounds in polar bears. Concentrations of several legacy POPs that have been banned for decades in most parts of the world have generally declined in polar bears. Current spatial trends of contaminants vary widely between compounds and recent studies suggest increased concentrations of both POPs and PFCAs in certain subpopulations. Correlative field studies, supported by in vitro studies, suggest that contaminant exposure disrupts circulating levels of thyroid hormones and lipid metabolism, and alters neurochemistry in polar bears. Additionally, field and in vitro studies and risk assessments indicate the potential for adverse impacts to polar bear immune functions from exposure to certain contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Todd C Atwood
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Thea Bechshoft
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Andrei Boltunov
- Marine Mammal Research and Expedition Center, 36 Nahimovskiy pr., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Arctic Technology, University Centre in Svalbard, PO Box 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Heath Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Adam D Morris
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Heath Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology and Drug Metabolism Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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13
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Lippold A, Bourgeon S, Aars J, Andersen M, Polder A, Lyche JL, Bytingsvik J, Jenssen BM, Derocher AE, Welker JM, Routti H. Temporal Trends of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Barents Sea Polar Bears ( Ursus maritimus) in Relation to Changes in Feeding Habits and Body Condition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:984-995. [PMID: 30548071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Temporal trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs: PCBs, OH-PCBs, p, p'-DDE, HCB, β-HCH, oxychlordane, BDE-47, and 153) in relation to changes in feeding habits and body condition in adult female polar bears ( Ursus maritimus) from the Barents Sea subpopulation were examined over 20 years (1997-2017). All 306 samples were collected in the spring (April). Both stable isotope values of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) from red blood cells declined over time, with a steeper trend for δ13C between 2012 and 2017, indicating a decreasing intake of marine and high trophic level prey items. Body condition, based on morphometric measurements, had a nonsignificant decreasing tendency between 1997 and 2005, and increased significantly between 2005 and 2017. Plasma concentrations of BDE-153 and β-HCH did not significantly change over time, whereas concentrations of Σ4PCB, Σ5OH-PCB, BDE-47, and oxychlordane declined linearly. Concentrations of p, p'-DDE and HCB, however, declined until 2012 and 2009, respectively, and increased thereafter. Changes in feeding habits and body condition did not significantly affect POP trends. The study indicates that changes in diet and body condition were not the primary driver of POPs in polar bears, but were controlled in large part by primary and/or secondary emissions of POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lippold
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
- The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) , Tromsø 9019 , Norway
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) , Tromsø 9019 , Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | | | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) , Oslo 0454 , Norway
| | - Jan Ludvig Lyche
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) , Oslo 0454 , Norway
| | - Jenny Bytingsvik
- Akvaplan-niva AS , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Trondheim 7491 , Norway
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Trondheim 7491 , Norway
| | | | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) , Anchorage 99508 , United States
- University of Oulu , Oulu 90014 , Finland
- University of the Arctic
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
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14
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Ciesielski TM, Sonne C, Ormbostad I, Aars J, Lie E, Bytingsvik J, Jenssen BM. Effects of biometrics, location and persistent organic pollutants on blood clinical-chemical parameters in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard, Norway. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 165:387-399. [PMID: 29860211 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, blood clinical-chemical parameters (BCCPs) were analysed in 20 female and 18 male Svalbard polar bears (Ursus maritimus) captured in spring 2007. The aim was to study how age, body condition (BC), biometrics, plasma lipid content and geographical location may confound the relationship between persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including PCBs, HCB, chlordanes, DDTs, HCHs, mirex and OH-PCBs and the concentrations of 12 specific BCCPs (hematocrit [HCT], hemoglobin [HB], aspartate aminotransferase [ASAT], alanine aminotransferase [ALAT], γ-glutamyltransferase [GGT], creatine kinase [CK], triglycerides [TG], cholesterol [CHOL], high-density lipoprotein [HDL], creatinine (CREA], urea, potassium (K]), and to investigate if any of these BCCPs may be applied as potential biomarkers for POP exposure in polar bears. Initial PCA and O-PLS modelling showed that age, lipids, BC and geographical location (longitude and latitude) were important parameters explaining BCCPs in females. Following subsequent partial correlation analyses correcting for age and lipids, multiple POPs in females were still significantly correlated with HCT and HDL (all p < 0.05). In males, age, BM, BC and longitude were important parameters explaining BCCPs. Following partial correlation analyses correcting for age, biometrics, lipids and longitude in males, multiple POPs were significantly correlated with HCT, ASAT, GGT and CHOL (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, several confounding parameters has to be taken into account when studying the relations between BCCPs and POPs in polar bears. When correcting for these, in particular HCT may be used as a simple cost-efficient biomarker of POP exposure in polar bears. Furthermore, decreasing HDL concentrations and increasing CHOL concentration with increasing POP concentrations may indicate responses related to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. We therefore suggest to further study POP exposure and lipidome response to increase knowledge of the risk of cardiometabolic syndrome in polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Maciej Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, POBox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Ingunn Ormbostad
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Elisabeth Lie
- Norwegian Institute for Water research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jenny Bytingsvik
- Akvaplan-niva AS, Fram Centre - High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, Hjalmar Johansens Gate 14, 9007 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Frederiksborgvej 399, POBox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Arctic Technology, The University Centre in Svarbard, POBox 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway.
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15
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Pavlova V, Nabe-Nielsen J, Dietz R, Sonne C, Grimm V. Allee effect in polar bears: a potential consequence of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2016.1883. [PMID: 27903868 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.1883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from East Greenland and Svalbard exhibited very high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the 1980s and 1990s. In Svalbard, slow population growth during that period was suspected to be linked to PCB contamination. In this case study, we explored how PCBs could have impacted polar bear population growth and/or male reproductive success in Svalbard during the mid-1990s by reducing the fertility of contaminated males. A dose-response relationship linking the effects of PCBs to male polar bear fertility was extrapolated from studies of the effects of PCBs on sperm quality in rodents. Based on this relationship, an individual-based model of bear interactions during the breeding season predicted fertilization success under alternative assumptions regarding male-male competition for females. Contamination reduced pregnancy rates by decreasing the availability of fertile males, thus triggering a mate-finding Allee effect, particularly when male-male competition for females was limited or when infertile males were able to compete with fertile males for females. Comparisons of our model predictions on age-dependent reproductive success of males with published empirical observations revealed that the low representation of 10-14-year-old males among breeding males documented in Svalbard in mid-1990s could have resulted from PCB contamination. We conclude that contamination-related male infertility may lead to a reduction in population growth via an Allee effect. The magnitude of the effect is largely dependent on the population-specific mating system. In eco-toxicological risk assessments, appropriate consideration should therefore be given to negative effects of contaminants on male fertility and male mating behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Pavlova
- Biology Centre of the AS CR, v.v.i., Institute of Hydrobiology, Na Sádkách 7, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic .,Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark.,Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark.,Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark.,Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark.,Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, Leipzig 04318, Germany
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16
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Ciesielski TM, Hansen IT, Bytingsvik J, Hansen M, Lie E, Aars J, Jenssen BM, Styrishave B. Relationships between POPs, biometrics and circulating steroids in male polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 230:598-608. [PMID: 28710978 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.06.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and biometric variables on circulating levels of steroid hormones (androgens, estrogens and progestagens) in male polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard, Norway (n = 23). Levels of pregnenolone (PRE), progesterone (PRO), androstenedione (AN), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone (TS), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (E1), 17α-estradiol (αE2) and 17β-estradiol (βE2) were quantified in polar bear serum by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), while POPs were measured in plasma. Subsequently, associations between hormone concentrations (9 steroids), POPs (21 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 8 OH-PCBs, 8 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and OCP metabolites, and 2 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) and biological variables (age, head length, body mass, girth, body condition index), capture date, location (latitude and longitude), lipid content and cholesterol levels were examined using principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) modelling. Average concentrations of androgens, estrogens and progestagens were in the range of 0.57-83.7 (0.57-12.4 for subadults, 1.02-83.7 for adults), 0.09-2.69 and 0.57-2.44 nmol/L, respectively. The steroid profiles suggest that sex steroids were mainly synthesized through the Δ-4 pathway in male polar bears. The ratio between androgens and estrogens significantly depended on sexual maturity with androgen/estrogen ratios being approximately 60 times higher in adult males than in subadult males. PCA plots and OPLS models indicated that TS was positively related to biometrics, such as body condition index in male polar bears. A negative relationship was also observed between POPs and DHT. Consequently, POPs and body condition may potentially affect the endocrinological function of steroids, including development of reproductive tissues and sex organs and the general condition of male polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ingunn Tjelta Hansen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jenny Bytingsvik
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin Hansen
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Lie
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, The University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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17
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Tartu S, Bourgeon S, Aars J, Andersen M, Polder A, Thiemann GW, Welker JM, Routti H. Sea ice-associated decline in body condition leads to increased concentrations of lipophilic pollutants in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard, Norway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 576:409-419. [PMID: 27794227 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Global climate changes are magnified in the Arctic and are having an especially dramatic effect on the spatial and temporal distribution and the thickness traits of sea ice. Decline of Arctic sea ice may lead to qualitative and/or quantitative changes in diet and reduced body condition (i.e. adipose tissue stores) of ice-associated apex predators such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus). This may further affect their tissue concentrations of lipophilic pollutants. We determined how variations in adipose tissue stores associated to both breeding status and spatial changes in sea ice conditions and diet influence concentrations and biotransformation of lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POPs). We collected 112 blood and fat samples from female polar bears (Ursus maritimus) of different breeding status (alone, with cubs of the year, or with yearlings) during two seasons (April and September) in 2012 and 2013 at three locations of Svalbard, Norway, with contrasted sea ice conditions. We inferred diet from nitrogen and carbon stable isotope ratios in red blood cells and fatty acid composition in adipose tissue. Relative to diet, body condition, which was negatively related to sea ice extent at both temporal and spatial scales, was the most important predictor for concentrations of POPs in plasma and fat, whereas diet showed a minor influence. Additionally, fatter females were more efficient at biotransforming PCBs than were leaner ones. Breeding status influenced the concentrations of less lipophilic compounds such as β-hexachlorocyclohexane, which were lower in females with yearlings, probably due to excretion into milk and subsequent offloading to young. In conclusion, our results indicate that declining sea ice indirectly leads to increased concentrations of lipophilic pollutants in polar bears mediated through reduced feeding opportunities and declining body condition rather than changes in diet composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway; UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Science, Campus Adamstua, Oslo, Norway; York University, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Biological Sciences, Anchorage, AK, USA; University Center in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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18
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Boyles E, Nielsen CK. Bioaccumulation of PCBs in a Wild North American Felid. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 98:71-75. [PMID: 27743039 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-016-1947-8] [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: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Organohalogenated compounds (OHCs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are of global concern due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulative potential, and adverse effects on humans and wildlife. We investigated the concentrations of PCBs in the liver tissues of bobcats (Lynx rufus) sampled in Illinois during 2013. Concentrations of ∑PCBs ranged from 76.4 to 3782 ng/g lw (median 562.97 ng/g lw). Male bobcats had significantly greater concentrations of PCBs than females (p = 0.04). Ours is one of the first studies to report PCBs in a wild North American felid. We suggest that bobcats can be used as a suitable bioindicator species to monitor organohalogen contamination in terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmarie Boyles
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory and Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
| | - Clayton K Nielsen
- Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory and Department of Forestry, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
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19
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Peterson MG, Peterson SH, Debier C, Covaci A, Dirtu AC, Malarvannan G, Crocker DE, Costa DP. Serum POP concentrations are highly predictive of inner blubber concentrations at two extremes of body condition in northern elephant seals. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:651-663. [PMID: 27503056 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.07.052] [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: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Long-lived, upper trophic level marine mammals are vulnerable to bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Internal tissues may accumulate and mobilize POP compounds at different rates related to the body condition of the animal and the chemical characteristics of individual POP compounds; however, collection of samples from multiple tissues is a major challenge to ecotoxicology studies of free-ranging marine mammals and the ability to predict POP concentrations in one tissue from another tissue remains rare. Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) forage on mesopelagic fish and squid for months at a time in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, interspersed with two periods of fasting on land, which results in dramatic seasonal fluctuations in body condition. Using northern elephant seals, we examined commonly studied tissues in mammalian toxicology to describe relationships and determine predictive equations among tissues for a suite of POP compounds, including ΣDDTs, ΣPCBs, Σchlordanes, and ΣPBDEs. We collected paired blubber (inner and outer) and blood serum samples from adult female and male seals in 2012 and 2013 at Año Nuevo State Reserve (California, USA). For females (N = 24), we sampled the same seals before (late in molting fast) and after (early in breeding fast) their approximately seven month foraging trip. For males, we sampled different seals before (N = 14) and after (N = 15) their approximately four month foraging trip. We observed strong relationships among tissues for many, but not all compounds. Serum POP concentrations were strong predictors of inner blubber POP concentrations for both females and males, while serum was a more consistent predictor of outer blubber for males than females. The ability to estimate POP blubber concentrations from serum, or vice versa, has the potential to enhance toxicological assessment and physiological modeling. Furthermore, predictive equations may illuminate commonalities or distinctions in bioaccumulation across marine mammal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Peterson
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3114, USA.
| | - Sarah H Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - Cathy Debier
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Croix du Sud 2/L7.05.08, 1348, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Center, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Alin C Dirtu
- Toxicological Center, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Chemistry, "Al. I. Cuza" University of Iasi, Carol I Bvd, No. 11, 700506, Iasi, Romania
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- Toxicological Center, Universiteit Antwerpen, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Daniel E Crocker
- Department of Biology, Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928, USA
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
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20
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Nuijten RJM, Hendriks AJ, Jenssen BM, Schipper AM. Circumpolar contaminant concentrations in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and potential population-level effects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 151:50-57. [PMID: 27450999 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) currently receive much attention in the context of global climate change. However, there are other stressors that might threaten the viability of polar bear populations as well, such as exposure to anthropogenic pollutants. Lipophilic organic compounds bio-accumulate and bio-magnify in the food chain, leading to high concentrations at the level of top-predators. In Arctic wildlife, including the polar bear, various adverse health effects have been related to internal concentrations of commercially used anthropogenic chemicals like PCB and DDT. The extent to which these individual health effects are associated to population-level effects is, however, unknown. In this study we assembled data on adipose tissue concentrations of ∑PCB, ∑DDT, dieldrin and ∑PBDE in individual polar bears from peer-reviewed scientific literature. Data were available for 14 out of the 19 subpopulations. We found that internal concentrations of these contaminants exceed threshold values for adverse individual health effects in several subpopulations. In an exploratory regression analysis we identified a clear negative correlation between polar bear population density and sub-population specific contaminant concentrations in adipose tissue. The results suggest that adverse health effects of contaminants in individual polar bears may scale up to population-level consequences. Our study highlights the need to consider contaminant exposure along with other threats in polar bear population viability analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J M Nuijten
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Radboud University (RU), NL-6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), 7608 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - A J Hendriks
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Radboud University (RU), NL-6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, The University Centre in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - A M Schipper
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Water and Wetland Research (IWWR), Radboud University (RU), NL-6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands; PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, PO Box 303, 3720 AH Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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21
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Rigét F, Vorkamp K, Bossi R, Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Dietz R. Twenty years of monitoring of persistent organic pollutants in Greenland biota. A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 217:114-23. [PMID: 26640153 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) is a working group under the Arctic Council with the aim to monitor and assess temporal trends of contaminants in Arctic ecosystems. The Greenland AMAP Core programme was established to contribute to this effort. The Core programme includes three main components; routine monitoring, retrospective studies and new POP screening studies. The programme is based on an adaptive approach, which has led to changes throughout the years. An overview of the temporal trends during the last two to three decades is presently given together with selected examples of different characteristic trends of POPs. The results show how tissue banked samples and retrospective studies has helped in establishing time-series of compounds of emerging concern. Lastly, the statistical power of the Greenlandic time-series is discussed. The lesson learned is that trend monitoring improves with samples over time, and only pays off after decades of data are generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Rigét
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - K Vorkamp
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Arctic Research Centre, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - R Bossi
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Arctic Research Centre, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - C Sonne
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - R J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - R Dietz
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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22
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Bechshoft T, Derocher AE, Richardson E, Lunn NJ, St Louis VL. Hair Mercury Concentrations in Western Hudson Bay Polar Bear Family Groups. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:5313-5319. [PMID: 27095340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury is one of the more toxic forms of mercury (Hg), the biomagnification of which is prevalent in the Arctic where apex predators such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus) can carry high loads. The maternal transfer of contaminants to offspring is a concern, as offspring may be particularly sensitive to the effects of environmental pollutants during early development. However, few studies of polar bears report on Hg in dependent young. We examined hair total Hg (THg) concentrations in 24 polar bear family groups in western Hudson Bay: mother, cub-of-the-year (COY), yearling, and 2 year old. THg concentrations increased with bear age, with COYs having lower concentrations than other offspring groups (p ≤ 0.008). Using AICc-based regression models, we found maternal THg to be positively related to body condition and litter size, while overall offspring THg was positively related to maternal body condition in addition to being dependent on the sex and age of the offspring. COY THg concentrations were positively related to maternal THg while also depending on the sex of the offspring. Considering our results, future studies in polar bear ecotoxicology are encouraged to include offspring of different ages and sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Bechshoft
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Andrew E Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Evan Richardson
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, University of Alberta , CW405, Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Lunn
- Wildlife Research Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, University of Alberta , CW405, Biological Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Vincent L St Louis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E9, Canada
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23
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Pavlova V, Grimm V, Dietz R, Sonne C, Vorkamp K, Rigét FF, Letcher RJ, Gustavson K, Desforges JP, Nabe-Nielsen J. Modeling Population-Level Consequences of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Exposure in East Greenland Polar Bears. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2016; 70:143-54. [PMID: 26289812 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0203-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can cause endocrine disruption, cancer, immunosuppression, or reproductive failure in animals. We used an individual-based model to explore whether and how PCB-associated reproductive failure could affect the dynamics of a hypothetical polar bear (Ursus maritimus) population exposed to PCBs to the same degree as the East Greenland subpopulation. Dose-response data from experimental studies on a surrogate species, the mink (Mustela vision), were used in the absence of similar data for polar bears. Two alternative types of reproductive failure in relation to maternal sum-PCB concentrations were considered: increased abortion rate and increased cub mortality. We found that the quantitative impact of PCB-induced reproductive failure on population growth rate depended largely on the actual type of reproductive failure involved. Critical potencies of the dose-response relationship for decreasing the population growth rate were established for both modeled types of reproductive failure. Comparing the model predictions of the age-dependent trend of sum-PCBs concentrations in females with actual field measurements from East Greenland indicated that it was unlikely that PCB exposure caused a high incidence of abortions in the subpopulation. However, on the basis of this analysis, it could not be excluded that PCB exposure contributes to higher cub mortality. Our results highlight the necessity for further research on the possible influence of PCBs on polar bear reproduction regarding their physiological pathway. This includes determining the exact cause of reproductive failure, i.e., in utero exposure versus lactational exposure of offspring; the timing of offspring death; and establishing the most relevant reference metrics for the dose-response relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Pavlova
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Volker Grimm
- Department of Ecological Modelling, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Maulbeerallee 2, 14469, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Kim Gustavson
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
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24
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Gonzalez ST, Remick D, Creton R, Colwill RM. Effects of embryonic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on anxiety-related behaviors in larval zebrafish. Neurotoxicology 2015; 53:93-101. [PMID: 26748073 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an excellent model system for assessing the effects of toxicant exposure on behavior and neurodevelopment. In the present study, we examined the effects of sub-chronic embryonic exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a ubiquitous anthropogenic pollutant, on anxiety-related behaviors. We found that exposure to the PCB mixture, Aroclor (A) 1254, from 2 to 26h post-fertilization (hpf) induced two statistically significant behavioral defects in larvae at 7 days post-fertilization (dpf). First, during 135min of free swimming, larvae that had been exposed to 2ppm, 5ppm or 10ppm A1254 exhibited enhanced thigmotaxis (edge preference) relative to control larvae. Second, during the immediately ensuing 15-min visual startle assay, the 5ppm and 10ppm PCB-exposed larvae reacted differently to a visual threat, a red 'bouncing' disk, relative to control larvae. These results are consistent with the anxiogenic and attention-disrupting effects of PCB exposure documented in children, monkeys and rodents and merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Gonzalez
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Dylan Remick
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Robbert Creton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Ruth M Colwill
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States.
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25
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van Beest FM, Aars J, Routti H, Lie E, Andersen M, Pavlova V, Sonne C, Nabe-Nielsen J, Dietz R. Spatiotemporal variation in home range size of female polar bears and correlations with individual contaminant load. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1876-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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26
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Herceg Romanić S, Klinčić D, Kljaković-Gašpić Z, Kusak J, Reljić S, Huber Đ. Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in wild terrestrial mammals from Croatia: Interspecies comparison of residue levels and compositions. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 137:52-58. [PMID: 26002287 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this pilot study, we investigated levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the adipose tissues of two free-ranging terrestrial carnivores from Croatia sampled in 2010 and 2011: the brown bear (Ursus arctos; N=32) and the grey wolf (Canis lupus; N=29). Concentrations of ∑OCPs and ΣPCBs ranged from 0.45 to 4.09 ng g(-1) lipid mass (lm) and from 0.93 to 8.52 ng g(-1) lm in brown bear, and from 1.18 to 5.67 ng g(-1) lm and 2.68 to 48.9 ng g(-1) lm in grey wolf adipose tissues, respectively. PCBs were dominant accounting for over 72% of total analyzed persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The sum of six indicator non-dioxin-like PCBs (Σ6IndNDL PCBs) made up 60-93% and 58-85% of the total congener concentrations in brown bears and wolves, respectively. Although the levels of the measured parameters were significantly higher in grey wolves than in bears, the contaminant profiles of the two species were similar, with γ-HCH, HCB, β-HCH and DDE as major OCP contaminants, and PCB-153>PCB-180≈PCB-170>PCB-138 as the dominant congeners. The sum of hexachlorocyclohexanes (ΣHCHs) and 8 toxicologically relevant dioxin-like PCBs (Σ8ToxDL PCBs) was higher in the males than in the females of the brown bear. Concentrations of ΣDDTs, HCB, ΣOCP, ΣPCBs, Σ6IndNDL PCBs, and toxicologically relevant non-dioxin-like PCBs (ΣToxNDL PCBs) were significantly positively correlated with lipid content in the grey wolf. Concentrations of OCPs and PCBs in brown bears and wolves from Croatia were low and normal for large terrestrial mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snježana Herceg Romanić
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Darija Klinčić
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zorana Kljaković-Gašpić
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Josip Kusak
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Slaven Reljić
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Đuro Huber
- Department of Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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27
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Gustavson L, Ciesielski TM, Bytingsvik J, Styrishave B, Hansen M, Lie E, Aars J, Jenssen BM. Hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls decrease circulating steroids in female polar bears (Ursus maritimus). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:191-201. [PMID: 25725300 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
As a top predator in the Arctic food chain, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are exposed to high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Because several of these compounds have been reported to alter endocrine pathways, such as the steroidogenesis, potential disruption of the sex steroid synthesis by POPs may cause implications for reproduction by interfering with ovulation, implantation and fertility. Blood samples were collected from 15 female polar bears in Svalbard (Norway) in April 2008. The concentrations of nine circulating steroid hormones; dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (AN), testosterone (TS), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (E1), 17α-estradiol (αE2), 17β-estradiol (βE2), pregnenolone (PRE) and progesterone (PRO) were determined. The aim of the study was to investigate associations among circulating levels of specific POP compounds and POP-metabolites (hydroxylated PCBs [OH-PCBs] and hydroxylated PBDEs [OH-PBDEs]), steroid hormones, biological and capture variables in female polar bears. Inverse correlations were found between circulating levels of PRE and AN, and circulating levels of OH-PCBs. There were no significant relationships between the steroid concentrations and other analyzed POPs or the variables capture date and capture location (latitude and longitude), lipid content, condition and body mass. Although statistical associations do not necessarily represent direct cause-effect relationships, the present study indicate that OH-PCBs may affect the circulating levels of AN and PRE in female polar bears and that OH-PCBs thus may interfere with the steroid homeostasis. Increase in PRO and a decrease in AN concentrations suggest that the enzyme CYP17 may be a potential target for OH-PCBs. In combination with natural stressors, ongoing climate change and contaminant exposure, it is possible that OH-PCBs may disturb the reproductive potential of polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gustavson
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Jenny Bytingsvik
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- University of Copenhagen, Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Hansen
- University of Copenhagen, Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Lie
- The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science (NVH), Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, P.O. Box 5003, Campus Adamstuen, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI), Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
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29
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Pedersen KE, Styrishave B, Sonne C, Dietz R, Jenssen BM. Accumulation and potential health effects of organohalogenated compounds in the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus)--a review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 502:510-516. [PMID: 25300015 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.09.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This review addresses biological effects of anthropogenic organohalogenated compounds in the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). When considering the current levels, spatial and tissue distributions of selected organic pollutants in arctic fox subpopulations, especially the Svalbard based populations accumulate high levels. The dominating contaminant groups are the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlordanes (CHLs), which reach high levels in adipose tissues, adrenals and liver. Recent controlled exposure studies on domesticated arctic fox and Greenland sledge dogs, show adverse health effects associated with OC concentrations lower than those measured in free-ranging populations. This indicates that especially populations at Svalbard may be at risk of experiencing OC related effects. The arctic fox as such may be an overlooked species in the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programs and it would add further information about pollution in the Arctic to include this species in the monitoring program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Eggers Pedersen
- Toxicology Laboratory, Section of Advanced Drug Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology Laboratory, Section of Advanced Drug Analysis, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, NO 7491 Trondheim, Norway; University Centre in Svalbard, Department of Arctic Technology, NO 9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
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30
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Beyer J, Petersen K, Song Y, Ruus A, Grung M, Bakke T, Tollefsen KE. Environmental risk assessment of combined effects in aquatic ecotoxicology: a discussion paper. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 96:81-91. [PMID: 24246633 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Environmental regulatory edicts within the EU, such as the regulatory framework for chemicals REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), the Water Framework Directive (WFD), and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) focus mainly on toxicity assessment of individual chemicals although the effect of contaminant mixtures is a matter of increasing concern. This discussion paper provides an overview of the field of combined effects in aquatic ecotoxicology and addresses some of the major challenges related to assessment of combined effects in connection with environmental risk assessment (ERA) and regulation. Potentials and obstacles related to different experimental, modelling and predictive ERA approaches are described. On-going ERA guideline and manual developments in Europe aiming to incorporate combined effects of contaminants, the use of different experimental approaches for providing combined effect data, the involvement of biomarkers to characterize Mode of Action and toxicity pathways and efforts to identify relevant risk scenarios related to combined effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonny Beyer
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research - NIVA, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; University of Stavanger, Department of Mathematics and Natural Science, N-4036 Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Karina Petersen
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research - NIVA, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - You Song
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research - NIVA, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences - UMB, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders Ruus
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research - NIVA, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Grung
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research - NIVA, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Torgeir Bakke
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research - NIVA, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Erik Tollefsen
- Norwegian Institute of Water Research - NIVA, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Life Sciences - UMB, N-0033 Oslo, Norway
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31
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Evaluation of Organochlorine Pesticides and Sex Steroids in Lower Niagara River Lake Sturgeon. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.3996/072013-jfwm-048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
As a long-lived, late-maturing species, lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens are vulnerable to the bioaccumulation of contaminants, which may impact reproductive physiology. The purpose of this study was to use a nondestructive method to investigate the relationship between endocrine-disrupting contaminants and sex steroids in lake sturgeon from the lower Niagara River. We screened blood plasma samples from lower Niagara River lake sturgeon (n = 63) during April and May of 2012 for concentrations of 17 organochlorine (OC) contaminants that may affect endocrine function, as well as for abnormal levels of sex steroids testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E2). We found detectable levels of two OC contaminants in the blood plasma of lake sturgeon, DDE (n = 21) and γ-BHC (n = 1). In both cases, plasma contaminant concentration was well below levels known to adversely affect sturgeon reproductive physiology. In addition, qualitative analysis of chromatographs from plasma extracts did not show the presence of other peaks that matched polychlorinated biphenyl standard peaks. Comparisons of plasma steroid levels with those of others from the literature gave no indication of endocrine disruption, though plasma T levels were notably high in the lower Niagara River population. We conclude that plasma OC levels are below threshold levels found in the scientific literature that would affect lake sturgeon reproductive physiology, and that it is unlikely that significant contaminant-mediated endocrine disruption is occurring in this population.
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32
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Krogenæs AK, Ropstad E, Gutleb AC, Hårdnes N, Berg V, Dahl E, Fowler PA. In utero exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of PCB 153 and PCB 118 disrupts fetal testis development in sheep. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:628-649. [PMID: 24754397 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.887426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are environmental pollutants linked to adverse health effects including endocrine disruption and disturbance of reproductive development. This study aimed to determine whether exposure of pregnant sheep to three different mixtures of PCB 153 and PCB 118 affected fetal testis development. Ewes were treated by oral gavage from mating until euthanasia (d 134), producing three groups of fetuses with distinct adipose tissue PCB levels: high PCB 153/low PCB 118 (n = 13), high PCB 118/low PCB 153 (n = 14), and low PCB 153/low PCB 118 (n = 14). Fetal testes and blood samples were collected for investigation of testosterone, testis morphology, and testis proteome. The body weight of the offspring was lower in the high PCB compared to the low PCB group, but there were no significant differences in testis weight between groups when corrected for body weight. PCB exposure did not markedly affect circulating testosterone. There were no significant differences between groups in number of seminiferous tubules, Sertoli cell only tubules, and ratio between relative areas of seminiferous tubules and interstitium. Two-dimensional (2D) gel-based proteomics was used to screen for proteomic alterations in the high exposed groups relative to low PCB 153/low PCB 118 group. Twenty-six significantly altered spots were identified by liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectroscopy (MS)/MS. Changes in protein regulation affected cellular processes as stress response, protein synthesis, and cytoskeleton regulation. The study demonstrates that in utero exposure to different environmental relevant PCB mixtures exerted subtle effects on developing fetal testis proteome but did not significantly disturb testis morphology and testosterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette K Krogenæs
- a Department of Production Animal Sciences , Norwegian School Veterinary Science , Oslo , Norway
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Kozak K, Polkowska Ż, Ruman M, Kozioł K, Namieśnik J. Analytical studies on the environmental state of the Svalbard Archipelago provide a critical source of information about anthropogenic global impact. Trends Analyt Chem 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2013.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Christensen JR, Yunker MB, MacDuffee M, Ross PS. Plant consumption by grizzly bears reduces biomagnification of salmon-derived polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and organochlorine pesticides. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2013; 32:995-1005. [PMID: 23401324 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study characterizes the uptake and loss of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) by sampling and analyzing their terrestrial and marine foods and fecal material from a remote coastal watershed in British Columbia, Canada. The authors estimate that grizzly bears consume 341 to 1,120 µg of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 3.9 to 33 µg of polybrominated diphenyl ethers daily in the fall when they have access to an abundant supply of returning salmon. The authors also estimate that POP elimination by grizzly bears through defecation is very low following salmon consumption (typically <2% of intake) but surprisingly high following plant consumption (>100% for PCBs and organochlorine pesticides). Excretion of individual POPs is largely driven by a combination of fugacity (differences between bear and food concentrations) and the digestibility of the food. The results of the present study are substantiated by a principal components analysis, which also demonstrates a strong role for log KOW in governing the excretion of different POPs in grizzly bears. Collectively, the present study's results reveal that grizzly bears experience a vegetation-associated drawdown of POPs previously acquired through the consumption of salmon, to such an extent that net biomagnification is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie R Christensen
- Institute of Ocean Sciences, Fisheries & Oceans Canada, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
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Zimmer KE, Kraugerud M, Aleksandersen M, Gutleb AC, Østby GC, Dahl E, Berg V, Skaare JU, Olsaker I, Ropstad E. Fetal adrenal development: comparing effects of combined exposures to PCB 118 and PCB 153 in a sheep model. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2013; 28:164-177. [PMID: 21544918 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2010] [Revised: 01/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of exposure to the ubiquitous contaminants polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the fetal adrenal cortex and on plasma cortisol using the domestic sheep (Ovis aries) as a model. Pregnant ewes were intendedly subjected to oral treatment with PCB 153 (98 μg/kg bw/day), PCB 118 (49 μg/kg bw/day) or the vehicle corn oil from mating until euthanasia on gestation day 134 (±0.25 SE). However, because of accidental cross-contamination occurring twice causing a mixed exposure scenario in all three groups, the focus of this paper is to compare three distinct groups of fetuses with different adipose tissue PCB levels (PCB 153high, PCB 118high and low, combined groups) rather than comparing animals exposed to single PCB congeners to those of a control group. When comparing endocrine and anatomical parameters from fetuses in the PCB 153high (n = 13) or PCB 118high (n = 14) groups with the low, combined group (n = 14), there was a significant decrease in fetal body weight (P < 0.05), plasma cortisol concentration (P < 0.001) and adrenal cortex thickness (P < 0.001). Furthermore, adrenal weight was decreased and plasma ACTH was increased only in the PCB 118high group. Expression of several genes encoding enzymes and receptors related to steroid hormone synthesis was also affected and mostly down-regulated in fetuses with high PCB tissue levels. In conclusion, we suggest that mono-and di-ortho PCBs were able to interfere with growth, adrenal development and cortisol production in the fetal sheep model. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E Zimmer
- Department of Basic Sciences and Aquatic Medicine, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Postboks 8146 Dep, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Persson S, Rotander A, van Bavel B, Brunström B, Bäcklin BM, Magnusson U. Influence of age, season, body condition and geographical area on concentrations of chlorinated and brominated contaminants in wild mink (Neovison vison) in Sweden. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 90:1664-1671. [PMID: 23141558 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2011] [Revised: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The wild mink has gained acceptance as a sentinel species in environmental monitoring. However, only limited data are available in the literature on factors driving variability in concentrations of organic pollutants in this species. This study characterizes the differences in contaminant concentrations in subcutaneous fat of male mink from four different areas in Sweden and demonstrates how age, season and body condition influence concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners (including methoxylated forms, MeO-PBDEs), as well as the pesticides dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), chlordane and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). The data were statistically treated using multiple regression and principal component analysis. The ∑PCB concentration and concentrations of PCB congeners 138, 156, 157, 180, 170/190, 189, 194, 206, 209 as well as PBDE 153/154 varied with age. Season had an influence on ∑PCB, PBDE 47 and PBDE 153/154 concentrations, as well as concentrations of most PCB congeners, with the exception of PCB 101, 110, 141 and 182/187. Lean mink had higher concentrations of most PCBs and PBDEs than mink with larger fat depots. The analyzed pesticides (DDE, oxychlordane, HCB) showed no systematic variation with season, age or body condition. The concentrations of MeO-PBDEs were generally low and 6MeO-PBDE 47 was the most commonly detected MeO-PBDE in mink from marine, brackish and freshwater areas. The results indicate that age, season and body condition are factors that may influence the concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs, and it is thus recommended to take these factors into account when analyzing mink exposure data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Persson
- Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Bytingsvik J, van Leeuwen SPJ, Hamers T, Swart K, Aars J, Lie E, Nilsen EME, Wiig O, Derocher AE, Jenssen BM. Perfluoroalkyl substances in polar bear mother-cub pairs: a comparative study based on plasma levels from 1998 and 2008. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 49:92-99. [PMID: 23010253 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are protein-binding blood-accumulating contaminants that may have detrimental toxicological effects on the early phases of mammalian development. To enable an evaluation of the potential health risks of PFAS exposure for polar bears (Ursus maritimus), an exposure assessment was made by examining plasma levels of PFASs in polar bear mothers in relation to their suckling cubs-of-the-year (~4 months old). Samples were collected at Svalbard in 1998 and 2008, and we investigated the between-year differences in levels of PFASs. Seven perfluorinated carboxylic acids (∑₇PFCAs: PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, and PFTrDA) and two perfluorinated sulfonic acids (∑₂PFSAs: PFHxS and PFOS) were detected in the majority of the mothers and cubs from both years. In mothers and cubs, most PFCAs were detected in higher concentrations in 2008 than in 1998. On the contrary, levels of PFOS were lower in 2008 than in 1998, while levels of PFHxS did not differ between the two sampling years. PFOS was the dominating compound in mothers and cubs both in 1998 and in 2008. Concentration of PFHpA did not differ between mothers and cubs, while concentrations of PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, PFTrDA, PFHxS, and PFOS were higher in mothers than in their cubs. Except from PFHpA, all compounds correlated significantly between mothers and their cubs. The mean cub to mother ratios ranged from 0.15 for PFNA to 1.69 for PFHpA. On average (mean±standard error of mean), the levels of ∑₇PFCAs and ∑₂PFSAs in cubs were 0.24±0.01 and 0.22±0.01 times the levels in their mothers, respectively. Although maternal transfer appears to be a substantial source of exposure for the cubs, the low cub to mother ratios indicate that maternal transfer of PFASs in polar bears is relatively low in comparison with hydrophobic contaminants (e.g. PCBs). Because the level of several PFASs in mothers and cubs from both sampling years exceeded the levels associated with health effects in humans, our findings raise concern on the potential health effects of PFASs in polar bears from Svalbard. Effort should be made to examine the potential health effects of PFASs in polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Bytingsvik
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology-NTNU, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Kraugerud M, Aleksandersen M, Nyengaard JR, Ostby GC, Gutleb AC, Dahl E, Berg V, Farstad W, Schweder T, Skaare JU, Ropstad E. In utero and lactational exposure to PCB 118 and PCB 153 alter ovarian follicular dynamics and GnRH-induced luteinizing hormone secretion in female lambs. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2012; 27:623-634. [PMID: 21344607 DOI: 10.1002/tox.20679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 11/04/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The effects of in utero and lactational exposure to two structurally different polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners on follicular dynamics and the pituitary-gonadal axis in female lambs were investigated. Pregnant ewes received corn oil, PCB 118, or PCB 153, and offspring was maintained until 60 days postpartum. Ovarian follicles were quantified using stereology. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured using radioimmunoassay before and after administration of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog. PCB 118 exposure increased numbers of transitional, secondary, and the sum of secondary, early antral, and antral (Σsecondary-antral) follicles, PCB 153 exposure only increased the number of primary follicles. GnRH-induced LH levels were significantly elevated in the PCB 153 exposure group. We conclude that PCB 153 and PCB 118 alter follicular dynamics in lambs and modulate the responsiveness of the pituitary gland to GnRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Kraugerud
- Department of Production Animal Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Postboks 8146 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway.
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Bechshøft TØ, Sonne C, Dietz R, Born EW, Muir DCG, Letcher RJ, Novak MA, Henchey E, Meyer JS, Jenssen BM, Villanger GD. Associations between complex OHC mixtures and thyroid and cortisol hormone levels in East Greenland polar bears. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2012; 116:26-35. [PMID: 22575327 PMCID: PMC3366032 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2011] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The multivariate relationship between hair cortisol, whole blood thyroid hormones, and the complex mixtures of organohalogen contaminant (OHC) levels measured in subcutaneous adipose of 23 East Greenland polar bears (eight males and 15 females, all sampled between the years 1999 and 2001) was analyzed using projection to latent structure (PLS) regression modeling. In the resulting PLS model, most important variables with a negative influence on cortisol levels were particularly BDE-99, but also CB-180, -201, BDE-153, and CB-170/190. The most important variables with a positive influence on cortisol were CB-66/95, α-HCH, TT3, as well as heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, BDE-47, p,p'-DDD. Although statistical modeling does not necessarily fully explain biological cause-effect relationships, relationships indicate that (1) the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in East Greenland polar bears is likely to be affected by OHC-contaminants and (2) the association between OHCs and cortisol may be linked with the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ø Bechshøft
- University of Aarhus, Faculty of Science & Technology, Department of Bioscience, Roskilde, Denmark.
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Charpentier MJE, Barthes N, Proffit M, Bessière JM, Grison C. Critical thinking in the chemical ecology of mammalian communication: roadmap for future studies. Funct Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2012.01998.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicolas Barthes
- CEFE-CNRS UMR 5175; 1919; Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5; France
| | - Magali Proffit
- Chemical Ecology Group; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; 230 53; Alnarp; Sweden
| | | | - Claude Grison
- CEFE-CNRS UMR 5175; 1919; Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5; France
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Bytingsvik J, Lie E, Aars J, Derocher AE, Wiig Ø, Jenssen BM. PCBs and OH-PCBs in polar bear mother-cub pairs: a comparative study based on plasma levels in 1998 and 2008. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 417-418:117-128. [PMID: 22264925 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the plasma concentrations and prevalence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hydroxylated PCB-metabolites (OH-PCBs) in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) mothers (n=26) and their 4 months old cubs-of-the-year (n=38) from Svalbard to gain insight into the mother-cub transfer, biotransformation and to evaluate the health risk associated with the exposure to these contaminants. As samplings were performed in 1997/1998 and 2008, we further investigated the differences in levels and pattern of PCBs between the two sampling years. The plasma concentrations of Σ(21)PCBs (1997/1998: 5710 ± 3090 ng/g lipid weight [lw], 2008: 2560 ± 1500 ng/g lw) and Σ(6)OH-PCBs (1997/1998: 228 ± 60 ng/g wet weight [ww], 2008: 80 ± 38 ng/g ww) in mothers were significantly lower in 2008 compared to in 1997/1998. In cubs, the plasma concentrations of Σ(21)PCBs (1997/1998: 14680 ± 5350 ng/g lw, 2008: 6070 ± 2590 ng/g lw) and Σ(6)OH-PCBs (1997/1998: 98 ± 23 ng/g ww, 2008: 49 ± 21 ng/g ww) were also significantly lower in 2008 than in 1997/1998. Σ(21)PCBs in cubs was 2.7 ± 0.7 times higher than in their mothers. This is due to a significant maternal transfer of these contaminants. In contrast, Σ(6)OH-PCBs in cubs were approximately 0.53 ± 0.16 times the concentration in their mothers. This indicates a lower maternal transfer of OH-PCBs compared to PCBs. The majority of the metabolite/precursor-ratios were lower in cubs compared to mothers. This may indicate that cubs have a lower endogenous capacity to biotransform PCBs to OH-PCBs than polar bear mothers. Exposure to PCBs and OH-PCBs is a potential health risk for polar bears, and the levels of PCBs and OH-PCBs in cubs from 2008 were still above levels associated with health effects in humans and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Bytingsvik
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Biology, Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway.
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Pocar P, Fiandanese N, Secchi C, Berrini A, Fischer B, Schmidt JS, Schaedlich K, Rhind SM, Zhang Z, Borromeo V. Effects of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in CD-1 Mice: Reproductive Toxicity and Intergenerational Transmission. Toxicol Sci 2011; 126:213-26. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfr327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
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Mastromonaco GF, Houck ML, Bergfelt DR. Disorders of sexual development in wild and captive exotic animals. Sex Dev 2011; 6:84-95. [PMID: 22004948 DOI: 10.1159/000332203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are an increasing concern in both captive and free-ranging wildlife species. Partial or complete reduction in fertility that results from intersex conditions or gonadal dysgenesis is detrimental to the reproductive potential of wildlife populations, and consequently, to their long-term survival. Compared to the wealth of information available on humans and domestic species, a better understanding of the factors influencing sexual development in wildlife is essential for developing and improving population management or conservation plans. This review attempts to bring together the different facets of DSDs as studied in the fields of reproductive physiology, endocrinology, ecotoxicology, wildlife biology, and environmental health.
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Polkowska Ż, Cichała-Kamrowska K, Ruman M, Kozioł K, Krawczyk WE, Namieśnik J. Organic pollution in surface waters from the Fuglebekken basin in Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic. SENSORS 2011; 11:8910-29. [PMID: 22164112 PMCID: PMC3231491 DOI: 10.3390/s110908910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 09/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Fuglebekken basin is situated in the southern part of the island of Spitsbergen (Norwegian Arctic), on the Hornsund fjord (Wedel Jarlsberg Land). Surface water was collected from 24 tributaries (B1–B24) and from the main stream water in the Fuglebekken basin (25) between 10 July 2009 and 30 July 2009. The present investigation reveals the results of the analysis of these samples for their PAH and PCB content. Twelve of 16 PAHs and seven PCBs were determined in the surface waters from 24 tributaries and the main stream. Total PAH and PCB concentrations in the surface waters ranged from 4 to 600 ng/L and from 2 to 400 ng/L respectively. The highest concentrations of an individual PCB (138–308 ng/L and 123 ng/L) were found in samples from tributaries B9 and B5. The presence in the basin (thousands of kilometres distant from industrial centres) of PAHs and PCBs is testimony to the fact that these compounds are transported over vast distances with air masses and deposited in regions devoid of any human pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Polkowska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, The Chemical Faculty, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., Gdansk 80–233, Poland; E-Mails: (K.C.-K.); (J.N.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +48-58-347-2110; Fax: +48-58-347-2694
| | - Katarzyna Cichała-Kamrowska
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, The Chemical Faculty, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., Gdansk 80–233, Poland; E-Mails: (K.C.-K.); (J.N.)
| | - Marek Ruman
- Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia, 60 Będzińska St., Sosnowiec 41–200, Poland; E-Mails: (M.R.); (W.E.K.)
| | - Krystyna Kozioł
- Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Winter Street, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; E-Mail: (K.K.)
| | - Wiesława Ewa Krawczyk
- Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia, 60 Będzińska St., Sosnowiec 41–200, Poland; E-Mails: (M.R.); (W.E.K.)
| | - Jacek Namieśnik
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, The Chemical Faculty, Gdansk University of Technology, 11/12 Narutowicza St., Gdansk 80–233, Poland; E-Mails: (K.C.-K.); (J.N.)
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Villanger GD, Jenssen BM, Fjeldberg RR, Letcher RJ, Muir DCG, Kirkegaard M, Sonne C, Dietz R. Exposure to mixtures of organohalogen contaminants and associative interactions with thyroid hormones in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2011; 37:694-708. [PMID: 21345491 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the multivariate relationships between adipose tissue residue levels of 48 individual organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) and circulating thyroid hormone (TH) levels in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from East Greenland (1999-2001, n=62), using projection to latent structure (PLS) regression for four groupings of polar bears; subadults (SubA), adult females with cubs (AdF_N), adult females without cubs (AdF_S) and adult males (AdM). In the resulting significant PLS models for SubA, AdF_N and AdF_S, some OHCs were especially important in explaining variations in circulating TH levels: polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE)-99, PBDE-100, PBDE-153, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-52, PCB-118, cis-nonachlor, trans-nonachlor, trichlorobenzene (TCB) and pentachlorobenzene (QCB), and both negative and positive relationships with THs were found. In addition, the models revealed that DDTs had a positive influence on total 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (TT3) in AdF_S, and that a group of 17 higher chlorinated ortho-PCBs had a positive influence on total 3,5,3',5'-tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine, TT4) in AdF_N. TH levels in AdM seemed less influenced by OHCs because of non-significant PLS models. TH levels were also influenced by biological factors such as age, sex, body size, lipid content of adipose tissue and sampling date. When controlling for biological variables, the major relationships from the PLS models for SubA, AdF_N and AdF_S were found significant in partial correlations. The most important OHCs that influenced TH levels in the significant PLS models may potentially act through similar mechanisms on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, suggesting that both combined effects by dose and response addition and perhaps synergistic potentiation may be a possibility in these polar bears. Statistical associations are not evidence per se of biological cause-effect relationships. Still, the results of the present study indicate that OHCs may affect circulating TH levels in East Greenland polar bears, adding to the "weight of evidence" suggesting that OHCs might interfere with thyroid homeostasis in polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro D Villanger
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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McKinney MA, Stirling I, Lunn NJ, Peacock E, Letcher RJ. The role of diet on long-term concentration and pattern trends of brominated and chlorinated contaminants in western Hudson Bay polar bears, 1991-2007. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:6210-6222. [PMID: 20870269 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Revised: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue was sampled from the western Hudson Bay (WHB) subpopulation of polar bears at intervals from 1991 to 2007 to examine temporal trends of PCB and OCP levels both on an individual and sum-(∑-)contaminant basis. We also determined levels and temporal trends of emerging polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and other current-use brominated flame retardants. Over the 17-year period, ∑DDT (and p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT) decreased (-8.4%/year); α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) decreased (-11%/year); β-HCH increased (+8.3%/year); and ∑PCB and ∑chlordane (CHL), both contaminants at highest concentrations in all years (>1ppm), showed no distinct trends even when compared to previous data for this subpopulation dating back to 1968. Some of the less persistent PCB congeners decreased significantly (-1.6%/year to -6.3%/year), whereas CB153 levels tended to increase (+3.3%/year). Parent CHLs (c-nonachlor, t-nonachlor) declined, whereas non-monotonic trends were detected for metabolites (heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane). ∑chlorobenzene, octachlorostyrene, ∑mirex, ∑MeSO(2)-PCB and dieldrin did not significantly change. Increasing ∑PBDE levels (+13%/year) matched increases in the four consistently detected congeners, BDE47, BDE99, BDE100 and BDE153. Although no trend was observed, total-(α)-HBCD was only detected post-2000. Levels of the highest concentration brominated contaminant, BB153, showed no temporal change. As long-term ecosystem changes affecting contaminant levels may also affect contaminant patterns, we examined the influence of year (i.e., aging or "weathering" of the contaminant pattern), dietary tracers (carbon stable isotope ratios, fatty acid patterns) and biological (age/sex) group on congener/metabolite profiles. Patterns of PCBs, CHLs and PBDEs were correlated with dietary tracers and biological group, but only PCB and CHL patterns were correlated with year. DDT patterns were not associated with any explanatory variables, possibly related to local DDT sources. Contaminant pattern trends may be useful in distinguishing the possible role of ecological/diet changes on contaminant burdens from expected dynamics due to atmospheric sources and weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A McKinney
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, Carleton University (Raven Road), Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada.
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Sonne C, Larsen HJS, Kirkegaard M, Letcher RJ, Dietz R. Trans-generational and neonatal humoral immune responses in West Greenland sledge dogs (Canis familiaris) exposed to organohalogenated environmental contaminants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:5801-5807. [PMID: 20832100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.07.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2010] [Revised: 07/19/2010] [Accepted: 07/30/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Previous investigations in the Arctic have suggested OHC (organohalogen contaminant) induced immune toxic effects on e.g. polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We therefore studied the dietary impact from minke whale blubber (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and OHCs, on the humoral immunity of 7 captive West Greenland sledge dog (Canis familiaris) bitches and their 4 pups constituting a sentinel model species for polar bears. A control group was composed of 8 bitches and their 5 pups all fed pork (Suis scrofa) fat. The study included serum IgG measurements (bitches and pups) and specific immune responses towards tetanus toxoid (bitches) and diphtheria toxoid (pups) as well as influenza virus (pups). The analyses showed that IgG concentrations were non-significantly lowest in exposed bitches and pups (t-test: all p>0.05). In addition, significant lower antibody response was detected in exposed pups immunized with influenza virus at age 3 months (t-test: both p<0.05). No clear group differences were found for tetanus toxoid in bitches and diphtheria toxoid in pups. The results suggest that the humoral immune system of sledge dogs may be suppressed by the dietary blubber composition of OHCs and polyunsaturated fatty acids while a larger follow-up study is recommended in order to investigate this relationship further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Section for Contaminants, Effects and Marine Mammals, Department of Arctic Environment, National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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Jaspers VLB, Dietz R, Sonne C, Letcher RJ, Eens M, Neels H, Born EW, Covaci A. A screening of persistent organohalogenated contaminants in hair of East Greenland polar bears. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:5613-5618. [PMID: 20800875 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In this pilot study, we report on levels of persistent organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs) in hair of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from East Greenland sampled between 1999 and 2001. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the validation of polar bear hair as a non-invasive matrix representative of concentrations and profiles in internal organs and blood plasma. Because of low sample weights (13-140mg), only major bioaccumulative OHCs were detected above the limit of quantification: five polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (CB 99, 138, 153, 170 and 180), one polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congener (BDE 47), oxychlordane, trans-nonachlor and β-hexachlorocyclohexane. The PCB profile in hair was similar to that of internal tissues (i.e. adipose, liver, brain and blood), with CB 153 and 180 as the major congeners in all matrices. A gender difference was found for concentrations in hair relative to concentrations in internal tissues. Females (n=6) were found to display negative correlations, while males (n=5) showed positive correlations, although p-values were not found significant. These negative correlations in females may reflect seasonal OHC mobilisation from periphery adipose tissue due to, for example, lactation and fasting. The lack of significance in most correlations may be due to small sample sizes and seasonal variability of concentrations in soft tissues. Further research with larger sample weights and sizes is therefore necessary to draw more definitive conclusions on the usefulness of hair for biomonitoring OHCs in polar bears and other fur mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Erikstad KE, Moum T, Bustnes JO, Reiertsen TK. High levels of organochlorines may affect hatching sex ratio and hatchling body mass in arctic glaucous gulls. Funct Ecol 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2010.01771.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Einar Erikstad
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Department of Arctic Ecology, The Polar Environmental Centre, N‐9286 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Truls Moum
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Bodø University College, N‐8049 Bodø, Norway
| | - Jan O. Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Department of Arctic Ecology, The Polar Environmental Centre, N‐9286 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tone K. Reiertsen
- Department of Natural Sciences, Tromsø University Museum, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
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Dhananjayan V, Muralidharan S. Levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in blood plasma of various species of birds from India. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2010; 85:129-136. [PMID: 20571760 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-010-0045-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in blood plasma of 13 species of birds collected from Ahmedabad, India. Among the various OCPs determined, HCHs and its isomers had higher contribution to the total OCPs. Concentration of summation operatorHCHs varied from 11.4 ng/mL in White ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus to 286 ng/mL in Sarus Crane Grus antigone, while summation operatorDDT ranged between 19 ng/mL in Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa and 147 ng/mL in Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala. p,p'-DDE was accounted for more than 50% of total DDT in many of the samples analysed. However, a p,p'-DDT to p,p'-DDE ratio higher than one obtained for many species of birds indicates the recent use of DDT in this study region. The concentrations of cyclodiene insecticides, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin and total endosulfan ranged from 15.8 to 296.2 ng/mL, below detectable level to 15 and 41.1-153.2 ng/mL, respectively. The pattern of total OCP load generally occurred in the following order: granivores < insectivores < omnivores < piscivores < carnivores. Although, the organochlorine residues detected in blood plasma of birds are not indicative of toxicity, the presence of residues in birds over the years (2005-2007) indicates continued exposure to organochlorine compounds. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to facilitate the early identification of risks to the survival of a species.
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