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Cáceres-Saez I, Santos-Neto E, Cassini G, Manhães B, Rodrigues Dos Santos S, de Oliveira-Ferreira N, Cappozzo L, Lailson Brito J. The Commerson's dolphin as Subantarctic sentinel of POPs: insights into the pollutant status in one of the southernmost coastal areas of the globe. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124737. [PMID: 39153539 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are halogenated contaminants found globally. Cetaceans are impacted by these pollutants, and nowadays, it is essential to understand their presence to mitigate their impacts. This study aimed to establish baseline levels of POPs in the blubber of Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) within the Subantarctic ecosystem. A wide range of POPs concentrations were measured among individuals: ΣPCBs from 289.5 to 15264 ng. g-1 lw and ΣDDTs from 540.4 to 17657 ng. g-1 lw. Levels of HCB and mirex ranged from 48 to 1703.7 ng. g-1 lw and 5.1 to 1917.4 ng. g-1 lw, respectively. The predominant POPs were mid- to high molecular weight PCBs (hexa-PCBs), consistent with other findings in cetaceans of the southern hemisphere. The mean ratio of ΣDDT/ΣPCB was 0.44, with p,p'-DDE/ΣDDT at 0.56, indicating p,p'-DDE as the dominant DDT isomer. Furthermore, differences in POP concentrations were observed based on sexual maturity, with mature males exhibiting higher levels of ƩPCBs, HCB, ƩDDT, and mirex. Age and total body length of animals were strongly correlated with POP concentrations. Our study provides valuable insights into the pollutant status of POPs in the Subantarctic population of Commerson's dolphins inhabiting the southernmost coastal regions of South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Cáceres-Saez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Elitieri Santos-Neto
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524 (20550-013), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guillermo Cassini
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bárbara Manhães
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524 (20550-013), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Samara Rodrigues Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524 (20550-013), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nara de Oliveira-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524 (20550-013), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luis Cappozzo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia, Avenida Ángel Gallardo 470 (C1405DJR), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José Lailson Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores, Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524 (20550-013), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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2
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Romero MB, Polizzi PS, Chiodi L, Dolagaratz A, Gerpe M. Legacy and emerging contaminants in marine mammals from Argentina. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167561. [PMID: 37802361 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167561] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are recognized sentinels of ecosystem health. They are susceptible to the accumulation and biomagnification of pollutants, which constitute one of the greatest threats to their survival. Legacy, such as organochlorine pesticides, and emerging contaminants, like microplastics and pharmaceuticals, may have effects on marine mammals' health at individual and population levels. Therefore, the evaluation of the risks associated with pollutants in this group is of great importance. The aim of this review is to provide information on the occurrence of legacy and emerging contaminants in marine mammals that inhabit Argentine waters. Also, to identify knowledge gaps and suggest best practices for future research. Reports of legacy contaminants referring to organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls were found in five species of cetaceans and two of pinnipeds. With respect to emerging pollutants, the presence of plastics was only evaluated in three species. Reported data was from at least a decade ago. Therefore, it is necessary to update existing information and conduct continuous monitoring to assess temporary trends in pollutants. All the studies were carried out in the province of Buenos Aires and Northern Patagonia indicating a knowledge gap in the southern zone of the Argentine Sea. In addition, pollutants of global environmental concern that have not been studied in Argentina are discussed. Future studies should fill these gaps and a greater effort to understand the relationships between pollutants and their effects on marine mammals is suggested. This issue will make it possible to determine thresholds for all the substances and species evaluated in order to carry out more detailed risk assessments and make decisions for the conservation of marine mammals in Argentine waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Romero
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - P S Polizzi
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - L Chiodi
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - A Dolagaratz
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - M Gerpe
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Funes 3350, CC7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina
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3
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Williams RS, Brownlow A, Baillie A, Barber JL, Barnett J, Davison NJ, Deaville R, ten Doeschate M, Murphy S, Penrose R, Perkins M, Spiro S, Williams R, Jepson PD, Curnick DJ, Jobling S. Spatiotemporal Trends Spanning Three Decades Show Toxic Levels of Chemical Contaminants in Marine Mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20736-20749. [PMID: 38011905 PMCID: PMC10720377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite their ban and restriction under the 2001 Stockholm Convention, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are still widespread and pervasive in the environment. Releases of these toxic and bioaccumulative chemicals are ongoing, and their contribution to population declines of marine mammals is of global concern. To safeguard their survival, it is of paramount importance to understand the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Using one of the world's largest marine mammals strandings data sets, we combine published and unpublished data to examine pollutant concentrations in 11 species that stranded along the coast of Great Britain to quantify spatiotemporal trends over three decades and identify species and regions where pollutants pose the greatest threat. We find that although levels of pollutants have decreased overall, there is significant spatial and taxonomic heterogeneity such that pollutants remain a threat to biodiversity in several species and regions. Of individuals sampled within the most recent five years (2014-2018), 48% of individuals exhibited a concentration known to exceed toxic thresholds. Notably, pollutant concentrations are highest in long-lived, apex odontocetes (e.g., killer whales (Orcinus orca), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris)) and were significantly higher in animals that stranded on more industrialized coastlines. At the present concentrations, POPs are likely to be significantly impacting marine mammal health. We conclude that more effective international elimination and mitigation strategies are urgently needed to address this critical issue for the global ocean health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie S. Williams
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Department
of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, 99-105 Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- School
of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical,
Veterinary & Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrew Baillie
- The
Natural
History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan L. Barber
- Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - James Barnett
- Environment
and Sustainability Institute, University
of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Falmouth, Cornwall TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Davison
- School
of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical,
Veterinary & Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United
Kingdom
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Mariel ten Doeschate
- School
of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical,
Veterinary & Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United
Kingdom
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine
and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Science, School
of Science and Computing, Galway-Mayo Institute
of Technology, Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Rod Penrose
- Marine
Environmental Monitoring, Penwalk, Llechryd, Cardigan, Ceredigion SA43 2PS, United
Kingdom
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Spiro
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Williams
- Cornwall
Wildlife Trust, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DJ, United Kingdom
| | - Paul D. Jepson
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Curnick
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Jobling
- Department
of Life Sciences, Institute of Health, Medicine and Environments, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
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4
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Reiter EB, Escher BI, Rojo-Nieto E, Nolte H, Siebert U, Jahnke A. Characterizing the marine mammal exposome by iceberg modeling, linking chemical analysis and in vitro bioassays. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1802-1816. [PMID: 37132588 PMCID: PMC10647987 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00033h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study complements work on mixture effects measured with in vitro bioassays of passive equilibrium sampling extracts using the silicone polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in organs from marine mammals with chemical profiling. Blubber, liver, kidney and brain tissues of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), ringed seal (Phoca hispida) and orca (Orcinus orca) from the North and Baltic Seas were investigated. We analyzed 117 chemicals including legacy and emerging contaminants using gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry and quantified 70 of those chemicals in at least one sample. No systematic differences between the organs were found. Only for single compounds a clear distribution pattern was observed. For example, 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, enzacamene and etofenprox were mainly detected in blubber, whereas tonalide and the hexachlorocyclohexanes were more often found in liver. Furthermore, we compared the chemical profiling with the bioanalytical results using an iceberg mixture model, evaluating how much of the biological effect could be explained by the analyzed chemicals. The mixture effect predicted from the quantified chemical concentrations explained 0.014-83% of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor activating effect (AhR-CALUX), but less than 0.13% for the activation of the oxidative stress response (AREc32) and peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPARγ). The quantified chemicals also explained between 0.044-45% of the cytotoxic effect measured with the AhR-CALUX. The largest fraction of the observed effect was explained for the orca, which was the individuum with the highest chemical burden. This study underlines that chemical analysis and bioassays are complementary to comprehensively characterize the mixture exposome of marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva B Reiter
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Beate I Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elisa Rojo-Nieto
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Hannah Nolte
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, 25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany
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5
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Veldhuis Kroeze EJB, van Elk CE, van de Bildt MWG, van Run PRWA, Foster G, Abou-Chakra N, Hare RK, Kuiken T. Infection with Pythium flevoense in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) as a novel cause of dermatitis in marine mammals. Vet Res 2023; 54:102. [PMID: 37919808 PMCID: PMC10623814 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01226-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The oomycete Pythium flevoense was diagnosed as the cause of dermatitis in a young adult female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that had been trapped in a pound net in a temperate saltwater environment. Disease from Pythium sp. infection-pythiosis-is infrequently diagnosed in humans, horses, dogs, cattle, and few other mammalian species. Pythiosis is typically associated with exposure to tropical or subtropical freshwater conditions, and typically caused by Pythium insidiosum. However, until now, pythiosis has been reported in neither marine mammals nor temperate saltwater conditions, and P. flevoense is not known as a cause of pythiosis in mammals. This porpoise developed generalised dermatitis despite treatment and euthanasia was necessary. Histopathological evaluation revealed a chronic active erosive dermatitis, with intralesional hyphae morphologically consistent with a Pythium sp. PCR analysis and sequencing of affected skin matched Pythium flevoense with a 100% similarity to the reference strain. Additional diagnostics excluded other pathogens. Based on this case report, P. flevoense needs to be considered as a mammalian pathogen. Furthermore, harbour porpoises and possibly other marine mammals may be at risk of infection with P. flevoense, and pythiosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of dermatitis in marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cornelis E van Elk
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marco W G van de Bildt
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter R W A van Run
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Nissrine Abou-Chakra
- Unit for Mycology, Department of Bacteria Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Krøger Hare
- Unit for Mycology, Department of Bacteria Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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6
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Williams RS, Brownlow A, Baillie A, Barber JL, Barnett J, Davison NJ, Deaville R, Ten Doeschate M, Penrose R, Perkins M, Williams R, Jepson PD, Lyashevska O, Murphy S. Evaluation of a marine mammal status and trends contaminants indicator for European waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161301. [PMID: 36592909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are vulnerable to the bioaccumulation, biomagnification and lactational transfer of specific types of pollutants, such as industrial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), due to their long-life spans, feeding at a high trophic level and unique fat stores that can serve as depots for these lipophilic contaminants. Currently, European countries are developing indicators for monitoring pollutants in the marine environment and assessing the state of biodiversity, requirements under both Regional Seas Conventions and European legislation. As sentinel species for marine ecosystem and human health, marine mammals can be employed to assess bioaccumulated contaminants otherwise below current analytical detection limits in water and lower trophic level marine biota. To aid the development of Regional Seas marine mammal contaminants indicators, as well as Member States obligations under descriptor 8 of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the current study aims to further develop appropriate methodological standards using data collected by the established UK marine mammal pollutant monitoring programme (1990 to 2017) to assess the trends and status of PCBs in harbour porpoises. Within this case study, temporal trends of PCB blubber concentration in juvenile harbour porpoises were analysed using multiple linear regression models and toxicity thresholds for the onset of physiological (reproductive and immunological) endpoints were applied to all sex-maturity groups. Mean PCB blubber concentrations were observed to decline in all harbour porpoise Assessment Units and OSPAR Assessment Areas in UK waters. However, a high proportion of animals were exposed to concentrations deemed to be a toxicological threat, though the relative proportion declined in most Assessment Units/Areas over the last 10 years of the assessment. Recommendations were made for improving the quality of the assessment going forward, including detailing monitoring requirements for the successful implementation of such an indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie S Williams
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Andrew Baillie
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, London, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - James Barnett
- Cornwall Marine Pathology Team, Fishers Well, Higher Brill, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5QG, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Mariel Ten Doeschate
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Rod Penrose
- Marine Environmental Monitoring, Penwalk, Llechryd, Cardigan SA43 2PS, Ceredigion, UK
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | | | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Olga Lyashevska
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway city, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway city, Ireland.
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7
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Hubai K, Kováts N, Sainnokhoi TA, Eck-Varanka B, Hoffer A, Tóth Á, Teke G. Phytotoxicity of particulate matter from controlled burning of different plastic waste types. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 109:852-858. [PMID: 35908223 PMCID: PMC9636295 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03581-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
According to careful estimations, open burning of plastic waste affects app. 2 billion people worldwide. While human health risks have become more and more obvious, much less information is available on the phytotoxicity of these emissions. In our study phytotoxicity of particulate matter samples generated during controlled combustion of different plastic waste types such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) was evaluated based on peroxidase levels. While different samples showed different concentration-effect relationship patterns, higher concentration(s) caused decreased peroxidase activities in each sample indicating serious damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Hubai
- Centre for Natural Sciences, University of Pannonia, Egyetem Str. 10, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Nora Kováts
- Centre for Natural Sciences, University of Pannonia, Egyetem Str. 10, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary.
- , 8200 Veszprém Egyetem Str. 10, Veszpr?m, Hungary.
| | - Tsend-Ayush Sainnokhoi
- Centre for Natural Sciences, University of Pannonia, Egyetem Str. 10, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Bettina Eck-Varanka
- Centre for Natural Sciences, University of Pannonia, Egyetem Str. 10, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - András Hoffer
- University of Pannonia, MTA-PE Air Chemistry Research Group, Egyetem Str. 10, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Ádám Tóth
- University of Pannonia, MTA-PE Air Chemistry Research Group, Egyetem Str. 10, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Gábor Teke
- ELGOSCAR-2000 Environmental Technology and Water Management Ltd, 8184, Balatonfűzfő, Hungary
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8
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Sun X, Guo L, Luo D, Yu RQ, Yu X, Liang Y, Liu Z, Wu Y. Long-term increase in mortality of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in the Pearl River Estuary following anthropic activities: Evidence from the stranded dolphin mortality analysis from 2003 to 2017. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119526. [PMID: 35623568 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
With the dramatic increase in anthropogenic threats to the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), the population size of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) has significantly decreased over the past decade. To understand the impact and potential risks of intense human activities on these dolphins, factors related to the mortality of humpback dolphins in the PRE were investigated by a detailed examination of 343 dolphin specimens stranded during 2003-2017. There was a significant (p < 0.01) increasing trend for humpback dolphin stranding, reflecting the accelerating rate of the population decline. A large proportion of strandings (35.88%) were neonates. A low recruitment rate implies slow population growth, and hence, limited capacity to resist anthropogenic stress. The most commonly diagnosed causes of death were vessel collision and net entanglement. The concentrations of trace metals, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and most of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the dolphin samples were greater than those previously reported in cetaceans globally. Furthermore, Cu, PCB77, PCB169, PCB81, PCB37, and PFASs (excluding PFBA, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHxDA, and PFODA) were the major pollutants accumulated in neonates. 67% of PCB, 78% of Cu, and 100% of perfluorooctane sulfonate concentrations in the neonates exceeded the threshold for toxicological effects in marine mammals, suggesting that these compounds could be important factors contributing to the low survival rate of calves in this area. This study revealed that vessel transportation, fishing activities, and pollutant bioaccumulation are the three major causes of humpback dolphin mortality in the PRE. These results highlight the need for more efforts to restrict anthropogenic activities, especially vessel traffic, the catching of these marine animals and fishing, and pollutant discharge, in order to prevent vulnerable species from continuous population decline and further extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Sun
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Lang Guo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Dingyu Luo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, United States
| | - Xinjian Yu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Yuqin Liang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Zhiwei Liu
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China.
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9
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de Oliveira-Ferreira N, Manhães BMR, Santos-Neto EB, Rocha Y, Guari EB, Botta S, Colosio AC, Ramos HGC, Barbosa L, Cunha IAG, Bisi TL, Azevedo AF, Cunha HA, Lailson-Brito J. Franciscana dolphins, Pontoporia blainvillei, as environmental sentinels of the world's largest mining disaster: Temporal trends for organohalogen compounds and their consequences for an endangered population. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 306:119370. [PMID: 35526646 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
On November 5th, 2015, the Fundão dam collapsed in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, releasing millions of cubic meters of mud containing mining residue into the Doce River. Two weeks later, the mud arrived to the marine environment, triggering changes in franciscana dolphin habitat, Pontoporia blainvillei, from Franciscana Management Area Ia. This is an isolated population of the most endangered cetacean species in the South Atlantic Ocean. Organohalogen compounds (OHCs) may pose a threat to this endangered population because of their endocrine disrupting properties. Hence, this study sought to determine if there were differences in the bioaccumulation profile of OHC (PCBs, DDTs, Mirex, HCB, HCHs, PBDEs, PBEB, HBBZ and MeO-BDEs) in franciscana dolphins before and after dam collapse and to build a temporal trend. Blubber of 33 stranded individuals was collected in Espírito Santo state for organohalogen assessment between 2003 and 2019. Differences were found between franciscana dolphins collected prior to and after the disaster. Additionally, significant temporal trends for organochlorine pesticides and natural and anthropogenic organobromine were detected. The increase in pesticide concentrations after 2015 is suggestive of their reavailability in the environment. The decline in organobromine over time could be due to their debromination in the marine environment and alterations in the composition of their natural producers. PCBs remained stable during the period of the study. Our findings show an increase in endocrine disruptor concentrations, which is of great concern for this endangered population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nara de Oliveira-Ferreira
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Biofísica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Bárbara M R Manhães
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elitieri B Santos-Neto
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Yasmin Rocha
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emi B Guari
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Silvina Botta
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha (ECOMEGA), Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Avenida Itália s/n, 96203-900, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Adriana C Colosio
- Instituto Baleia Jubarte, Rua Barão do Rio Branco, 125, 45900-000, Caravelas, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Hernani G C Ramos
- Instituto Baleia Jubarte, Rua Barão do Rio Branco, 125, 45900-000, Caravelas, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Lupércio Barbosa
- Instituto ORCA), Rua Quinze de Novembro, 29101-055, Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Ian A G Cunha
- Instituto ORCA), Rua Quinze de Novembro, 29101-055, Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Tatiana L Bisi
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alexandre F Azevedo
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Haydée A Cunha
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Lailson-Brito
- Laboratório de Mamíferos Aquáticos e Bioindicadores (MAQUA), Faculdade de Oceanografia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, 20550-013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, Biofísica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Avenida Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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10
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Causes of Death and Pathological Findings in Stranded Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Swedish Waters. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030369. [PMID: 35158692 PMCID: PMC8833703 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Disease factors and mortality etiologies of free ranging wild cetaceans such as the harbour porpoise (Phoceona phocoena) are difficult to study. However, stranded animals and carcasses can provide invaluable information on the health and biology of this species. Post-mortem examinations performed on 128 stranded harbour porpoises collected over 15 years from Swedish waters examined general health, disease findings and cause of death. The main cause of death was bycatch in fishing gear (31%, confirmed or suspected). Disease, most often pneumonia, was also a frequent cause of death (21%). Porpoise population health may mirror the overall health and stability of marine ecosystems and the effects of human activities on coastal environments. Monitoring health, diseases and causes of death of porpoises allows for identification of threats to these animals, to other animals, to humans and to the environment. Abstract Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are useful indicators of the health of their wild populations and marine ecosystems, yet their elusive nature makes studying them in their natural environment challenging. Stranded porpoises provide an excellent source of data to study the health and biology of these animals and identify causes of death, diseases and other threats. The aim of this study was to document pathology, and where possible, cause of death in porpoises from Swedish waters. Post-mortem examinations were performed on 128 stranded porpoises collected from 2006 to 2020. Overall, bycatch including definitive and probable cases was the most common cause of death (31.4%), followed by disease (21.3%), predominantly pneumonia. In adults, infectious disease was the most common cause of death. Bacteria with zoonotic potential such as Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Brucella sp. were documented for the first time in porpoises from Swedish waters, as was the porpoise-adapted group B Salmonella enterica ST416/ST417. Three of four deaths from non-infectious diseases involved parturition complications. Four cases of suspected predation were documented, but further analyses are required to confirm these findings. Our results are consistent with those from other regions in Europe and serve as a reference for future monitoring for changing patterns of health and disease of porpoises and their environments.
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Chen Y, Cai Y, Chen C, Li M, Lu L, Yu Z, Wang S, Fang L, Xu S. Aroclor 1254 induced inhibitory effects on osteoblast differentiation in murine MC3T3-E1 cells through oxidative stress. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:940624. [PMID: 36353240 PMCID: PMC9637744 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.940624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the osteotoxicity of polychlorinated biphenyls in murine osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, and to explore the underlying mechanism focused on oxidative stress. The cells were exposed to Aroclor 1254 at concentrations of 2.5-20 µmol/L, and then cell viability, oxidative stress, intracellular calcium concentration, osteocalcin content, and calcium nodules formation were measured. Aroclor 1254 reduced cell viability and induced overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species in a dose-dependent manner. Activity of superoxide dismutase was decreased, and malondialdehyde content was promoted after exposure. Moreover, inhibitory effects of Aroclor 1254 on calcium metabolism and mineralization of osteoblasts were observed, as indicated by reduction of the intracellular calcium concentration, osteocalcin content, and modules formation rate. The decreased expression of osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 further confirmed the impairment of Aroclor 1254 on calcium homeostasis and osteoblast differentiation. Addition of the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine partially restored the inhibitory effects on calcium metabolism and mineralization. In general, Aroclor 1254 exposure reduces calcium homeostasis, osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, and oxidative stress plays a vital role in the underlying molecular mechanism of osteotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (I), Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Cai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (I), Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunxiang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengting Li
- Department of Neurology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingdan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongxiang Yu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (I), Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuqiang Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (I), Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Fang, ; Shengming Xu,
| | - Shengming Xu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (I), Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Fang, ; Shengming Xu,
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12
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Dron J, Wafo E, Boissery P, Dhermain F, Bouchoucha M, Chamaret P, Lafitte D. Trends of banned pesticides and PCBs in different tissues of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) stranded in the Northwestern Mediterranean reflect changing contamination patterns. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113198. [PMID: 34875476 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although banned for years, organochlorine pesticides and PCBs continue to affect aquatic life, dolphins being particularly exposed. The concentrations of 31 PCB congeners, and 15 banned pesticides or metabolites were measured in 5 tissues of 68 striped dolphins stranded in the Northwestern Mediterranean coast in 2010-16. The results were compared to historical data (1988-2009) and, even though there is a slow decreasing trend, the levels in the 2010-2016 samples were still elevated based on common cetacean toxicological thresholds. A transition period in 2007-08, probably caused by a morbillivirus epizootic amplified the stranding, espacially of highly contaminated specimens. From 2010, higher proportions in parent compounds towards metabolites were observed yet again. These changing patterns were likely reflect the exposure of dolphins to the remobilization of pollutants from contaminated soils and sediments, with a prominent role of rivers. This should lead to an even slower decline of these contaminants that could last for decades, requiring new efforts to reduce their dispersal to aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Dron
- Institut Écocitoyen pour la Connaissance des Pollutions, Fos-sur-Mer, France.
| | - Emmanuel Wafo
- Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique, Faculté de Pharmacie de la Timone, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Boissery
- Agence de l'Eau, Rhône Méditerranée Corse, Agence de Marseille, France
| | - Frank Dhermain
- Miraceti - Connaissance et Conservation des Cétacés, Martigues, France
| | - Marc Bouchoucha
- Laboratoire Environnement Ressources Provence-Azur-Corse, IFREMER, La Seyne-sur-Mer, France
| | - Philippe Chamaret
- Institut Écocitoyen pour la Connaissance des Pollutions, Fos-sur-Mer, France
| | - Daniel Lafitte
- Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique, Faculté de Pharmacie de la Timone, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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13
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Xie Q, Yu RQ, Yu R, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wu Y. Historic changes of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in juvenile and adult cetaceans from the Pearl River estuary from 2003 to 2020. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149512. [PMID: 34391148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as a type of legacy persistent organic pollutants, pose significant health threats to wildlife. However, long-term residue changes and profiles of PCBs in cetaceans have not been extensively studied in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), an important marine mammal area in China. Here, the body burdens, spatiotemporal trends, and health risks of 21 chlorobiphenyl congeners (∑21CBs) were analyzed in blubber samples collected from twelve cetacean species (n = 172) in the PRE from 2003 to 2020. Our results revealed medium levels of PCBs (316-96,233 ng g-1 lipid) compared to those reported for cetaceans elsewhere (70-370,000 ng g-1 lipid). Clear differences in PCB distribution patterns between inshore and offshore cetaceans and between odontocetes and mysticetes were also found. Both the coastal Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) displayed similarly fine-scale spatial distribution patterns of PCBs, suggesting that the two cetaceans could serve as bioindicators of PCB pollution in the PRE. Additionally, both cetaceans exhibited decreasing trends in their blubber PCB concentrations over the past 20 years, likely reflecting the effective regulation of PCBs in the PRE Delta. Nevertheless, the relatively high and stable PCB-toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels detected in calf humpback dolphins during the sampling period suggested that the calves are still under the stresses of high PCB-related health risks. Our results highlight the need for more efforts to eliminate PCB contamination to prevent these cetaceans from continuous population decline and further extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Ronglan Yu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhenhua Wang
- The Engineering Technology Research Center of Characteristic Medicinal Plants of Fujian, College of Life Sciences, Ningde Normal University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China.
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14
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van den Heuvel-Greve MJ, van den Brink AM, Kotterman MJJ, Kwadijk CJAF, Geelhoed SCV, Murphy S, van den Broek J, Heesterbeek H, Gröne A, IJsseldijk LL. Polluted porpoises: Generational transfer of organic contaminants in harbour porpoises from the southern North Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148936. [PMID: 34328906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), bioaccumulate in marine ecosystems. Top predators contain high levels of POPs in their lipid-rich tissues, which may result in adverse effects on their reproductive, immune and endocrine functions. Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are among the smallest of cetaceans and live under high metabolic demand, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental pressures. Using samples from individuals of all maturity classes and sexes stranded along the southern North Sea (n = 121), we show the generational transfer of PCBs, PBDEs and HCB from adults to foetuses. Porpoise placentas contained 1.3-8.2 mg/kg lipid weight (lw) Sum-17PCB, <dl-0.08 mg/kg lw Sum-17PBDE and 0.14-0.16 mg/kg lw HCB, which were similar to concentrations in foetus blubber. Contaminant levels increased significantly after birth through suckling. Milk samples contained 0.20-33.8 mg/kg lw Sum-17PCB, 0.002-0.51 mg/kg lw Sum-17PBDE and 0.03-0.21 mg/kg lw HCB. Especially lower halogenated and more toxic contaminants were transferred to calves, exposing them to high levels of contaminants early in life. Of all animals included in this study, 38.5% had PCB concentrations exceeding a threshold level for negative health effects (>9 mg/kg lw). This was particularly true for adult males (92.3% >9 mg/kg lw), while adult females had relatively low PCB levels (10.5% >9 mg/kg lw) due to offloading. Nutritional stress led to higher offloading in the milk, causing a greater potential for toxicity in calves of nutritionally stressed females. No correlation between PCB concentration and parasite infestation was detected, although the probability of a porpoise dying due to infectious disease or debilitation increased with increasing PCB concentrations. Despite current regulations to reduce pollution, these results provide further evidence of potential health effects of POPs on harbour porpoises of the southern North Sea, which may consequently increase their susceptibility to other pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine J van den Heuvel-Greve
- Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 77, 4400 AB Yerseke, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Marine Animal Ecology, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - Steve C V Geelhoed
- Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 77, 4400 AB Yerseke, the Netherlands
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Galway, H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Jan van den Broek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Heesterbeek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke L IJsseldijk
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
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15
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Chen Y, Fu J, Ye T, Li X, Gao K, Xue Q, Lv J, Zhang A, Fu J. Occurrence, profiles, and ecotoxicity of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances and their alternatives in global apex predators: A critical review. J Environ Sci (China) 2021; 109:219-236. [PMID: 34607670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2021.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Certain poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exhibit significant bioaccumulation/biomagnification behaviors in ecosystems. PFASs, such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and related precursors, have elicited attention from both public and national regulatory agencies, which has resulted in worldwide restrictions on their production and use. Apex predators occupy the top trophic positions in ecosystems and are most affected by the biomagnification behavior of PFASs. Meanwhile, the long lifespans of apex predators also lead to the high body burden of PFASs. The high body burden of PFASs might be linked to adverse health effects and even pose a potential threat to their reproduction. As seen in previous reviews of PFASs, knowledge is lacking between the current stage of the PFAS body burden and related effects in apex predators. This review summarized PFAS occurrence in global apex predators, including information on the geographic distribution, levels, profiles, and tissue distribution, and discussed the trophic transfer and ecotoxicity of PFASs. In the case where legacy PFASs were restricted under international convention, the occurrence of novel PFASs, such as 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA) and perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS), in apex predators arose as an emerging issue. Future studies should develop an effective analytical method and focus on the toxicity and trophic transfer behavior of novel PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tong Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430010, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ke Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qiao Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jungang Lv
- Procuratoral Technology and Information Research Center, Supreme People's Procuratorate, Beijing 100144, China
| | - Aiqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430010, China.
| | - Jianjie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, Institute of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430010, China.
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16
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Guo L, Zhang X, Luo D, Yu RQ, Xie Q, Wu Y. Population-level effects of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure on highly vulnerable Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins from their largest habitat. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117544. [PMID: 34119862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
While polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-related risks have been reported at the cellular, organ, and individual levels in some marine mammals, studies quantifying the PCB-associated population-level effects are limited. Here, we combined chemical analysis and individual-based model simulation to investigate the impact of PCBs on the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (sub)population from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). An annual PCB accumulation rate of 0.29 ± 0.07 mg/kg lipid per year was estimated based on the measured age-specific male data as males continue to accumulate PCBs throughout their lifetime, without depurating contaminant loads. Using the Taiwan Strait dolphin population with low PCBs as a baseline, we compare our model simulations in PRE population to estimate relative population impacts of PCBs and other stressors. When using the current vital rates of the PRE dolphins which have been affected by PCBs and other stressors (e.g., underwater noise, prey limitation, etc.), our simulations revealed a substantial decline (8.1%) in the annual population growth rate (λ) of PRE metapopulation compared to baseline over the next 100 years. At the estimated PCB accumulation rate, the PCB-mediated effects on calf survival and immunity would cause a slight decline (0.9%) in λ relative to baseline. Our findings suggest a relatively limited impact of PCBs on the long-term survival of PRE dolphins among all stressors. However, it should be noted that even under model simulations where dietary PCBs were eliminated, humpback dolphins would still need a long time to reduce their PCB burdens to a relatively "safe" level through biological cycling. Considering that the baseline vital rates might also have been affected by PCBs and other stressors, our results are considered relative rather than absolute. This study provides a starting point for quantifying population-level consequences of contaminant exposure on humpback dolphins, although more efforts are needed to perfect this type of analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Guo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Dingyu Luo
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Qiang Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519082, China.
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17
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Segner H, Bailey C, Tafalla C, Bo J. Immunotoxicity of Xenobiotics in Fish: A Role for the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR)? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179460. [PMID: 34502366 PMCID: PMC8430475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of anthropogenic contaminants on the immune system of fishes is an issue of growing concern. An important xenobiotic receptor that mediates effects of chemicals, such as halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), is the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Fish toxicological research has focused on the role of this receptor in xenobiotic biotransformation as well as in causing developmental, cardiac, and reproductive toxicity. However, biomedical research has unraveled an important physiological role of the AhR in the immune system, what suggests that this receptor could be involved in immunotoxic effects of environmental contaminants. The aims of the present review are to critically discuss the available knowledge on (i) the expression and possible function of the AhR in the immune systems of teleost fishes; and (ii) the impact of AhR-activating xenobiotics on the immune systems of fish at the levels of immune gene expression, immune cell proliferation and immune cell function, immune pathology, and resistance to infectious disease. The existing information indicates that the AhR is expressed in the fish immune system, but currently, we have little understanding of its physiological role. Exposure to AhR-activating contaminants results in the modulation of numerous immune structural and functional parameters of fish. Despite the diversity of fish species studied and the experimental conditions investigated, the published findings rather uniformly point to immunosuppressive actions of xenobiotic AhR ligands in fish. These effects are often associated with increased disease susceptibility. The fact that fish populations from HAH- and PAH-contaminated environments suffer immune disturbances and elevated disease susceptibility highlights that the immunotoxic effects of AhR-activating xenobiotics bear environmental relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Segner
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Department of Pathobiology and Infectious Diseases, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Jun Bo
- Laboratory of Marine Biology and Ecology, Third Institute of Oceanography, Xiamen 361005, China
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18
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Williams RS, Curnick DJ, Brownlow A, Barber JL, Barnett J, Davison NJ, Deaville R, Ten Doeschate M, Perkins M, Jepson PD, Jobling S. Polychlorinated biphenyls are associated with reduced testes weights in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 150:106303. [PMID: 33454091 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are highly toxic and persistent aquatic pollutants that are known to bioaccumulate in a variety of marine mammals. They have been associated with reduced recruitment rates and population declines in multiple species. Evidence to date documents effects of PCB exposures on female reproduction, but few studies have investigated whether PCB exposure impacts male fertility. Using blubber tissue samples of 99 adult and 168 juvenile UK-stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) collected between 1991 and 2017, here we show that PCBs exposures are associated with reduced testes weights in adults with good body condition. In animals with poor body condition, however, the impact of PCBs on testes weights was reduced, conceivably due to testes weights being limited by nutritional stress. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between PCB contaminant burden and testes weights in cetaceans and represents a substantial advance in our understanding of the relationship between PCB exposures and male reproductive biology in cetaceans. As testes weight is a strong indicator of male fertility in seasonally breeding mammals, we suggest the inclusion of such effects in population level impact assessments involving PCB exposures. Given the re-emergent PCB threat our findings are globally significant, with potentially serious implications for long-lived mammals. We show that more effective PCB controls could have a substantial impact on the reproductive health of coastal cetacean species and that management actions may need to be escalated to ensure adequate protection of the most vulnerable cetacean populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie S Williams
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK; Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
| | - David J Curnick
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness IV2 4JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - James Barnett
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Falmouth, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness IV2 4JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Mariel Ten Doeschate
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness IV2 4JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Susan Jobling
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
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19
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Kean EF, Shore RF, Scholey G, Strachan R, Chadwick EA. Persistent pollutants exceed toxic thresholds in a freshwater top predator decades after legislative control. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 272:116415. [PMID: 33421660 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Declining emissions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), subject to international control under the Stockholm convention, are not consistently reflected in biotic samples. To assess spatial and temporal variation in organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in UK freshwaters, we analysed tissues of a sentinel predator, the Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra between 1992 and 2009. Past declines in otter populations have been linked to POPs and it is unclear whether otter recovery is hampered in any areas by their persistence. PCBs, DDT (and derivatives), dieldrin and HCB were detected in over 80% of 755 otter livers sampled. Concentrations of ∑PCB, ∑DDT and dieldrin in otter livers declined across the UK, but there was no significant time trend for ∑PCB-TEQ (WHO toxic equivalency, Van den Berg et al., 2006) or HCB. In general, higher concentrations were found in the midlands and eastern regions, and lowest concentrations in western regions. Concentrations of PCBs and HCB in otters increased near the coast, potentially reflecting higher pollutant levels in estuarine systems. Decades after legislative controls, concentrations of these legacy pollutants still pose a risk to otters and other freshwater predators, with spatially widespread exceedance of thresholds above which reproduction or survival has been reduced in related species.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Kean
- Cardiff University, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - R F Shore
- Deceased, formerly at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, UK
| | - G Scholey
- Environment Agency, Red Kite House, Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BD, UK
| | - R Strachan
- Deceased, formerly at Natural Resources Wales, UK
| | - E A Chadwick
- Cardiff University, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK.
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