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Bowen KR, Kurle CM. Effects of pre-treatment, historical age, and sample characteristics on the stable isotope analyses of killer whale (Orcinus orca) bone. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2024; 38:e9874. [PMID: 39089821 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stable isotope analysis of bone provides insight into animal foraging and allows for ecological reconstructions over time, however pre-treatment is required to isolate collagen. Pre-treatments typically consist of demineralization to remove inorganic components and/or lipid extraction to remove fats, but these protocols can differentially affect stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values depending on the chemicals, tissues, and/or species involved. Species-specific methodologies create a standard for comparability across studies and enhance understanding of collagen isolation from modern cetacean bone. METHODS Elemental analyzers coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometers were used to measure the δ13C and δ15N values of powdered killer whale (Orcinus orca) bone that was intact (control) or subjected to one of three experimental conditions: demineralized, lipid-extracted, and both demineralized and lipid-extracted. Additionally, C:N ratios were evaluated as a proxy for collagen purity. Lastly, correlations were examined between control C:N ratios vs. historical age and control C:N ratios vs. sample characteristics. RESULTS No significant differences in the δ15N values were observed for any of the experimental protocols. However, the δ13C values were significantly increased by all three experimental protocols: demineralization, lipid extraction, and both treatments combined. The most influential protocol was both demineralization and lipid extraction. Measures of the C:N ratios were also significantly lowered by demineralization and both treatments combined, indicating the material was closer to pure collagen after the treatments. Collagen purity as indicated via C:N ratio was not correlated with historical age nor sample characteristics. CONCLUSIONS If only the δ15N values from killer whale bone are of interest for analysis, no pre-treatment seems necessary. If the δ13C values are of interest, samples should be both demineralized and lipid-extracted. As historical age and specimen characteristics are not correlated with sample contamination, all samples can be treated equally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Bowen
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn M Kurle
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Ivanova ES, Belova MA, Rumiantseva OY, Zudilova AA, Kopylov DS, Borisov MY, Komov VT. Effects of lipid extraction on stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in muscles of freshwater fish. ISOTOPES IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH STUDIES 2024; 60:162-173. [PMID: 38353149 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2024.2317379] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The extraction of lipids by the Folch method from the muscles of all the fish studied led to statistically significant differences in the values of δ15N. At the same time, lipid extraction led to a statistically significant increase in δ13C in pike and roach, and to a statistically insignificant decrease in δ13C in perch and bream. Thus, lipid extraction cannot serve as a universal method of sample preparation for the analysis of the isotopic composition of carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) in fish muscles. The differences between the δ13C values in the samples before and after lipid extraction were statistically investigated by different models. It is shown that mathematical correction method models can be used, but the results are depending on the fish types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena S Ivanova
- Department of Biology, Cherepovets State University, Cherepovets, Russia
| | - Maria A Belova
- Department of Biology, Cherepovets State University, Cherepovets, Russia
| | | | - Alena A Zudilova
- Department of Biology, Cherepovets State University, Cherepovets, Russia
| | - Dmitry S Kopylov
- Department of Biology, Cherepovets State University, Cherepovets, Russia
- Borissiak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Michael Y Borisov
- Vologda Branch of the Federal State Budget Scientific Institution «Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography», Vologda, Russia
| | - Viktor T Komov
- Department of Biology, Cherepovets State University, Cherepovets, Russia
- Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters, Russian Academy of Sciences, Borok, Russia
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3
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van Oordt F, Cuba A, Choy ES, Elliott JE, Elliott KH. Amino acid-specific isotopes reveal changing five-dimensional niche segregation in Pacific seabirds over 50 years. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7899. [PMID: 38570566 PMCID: PMC10991557 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57339-w] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hutchison's niche theory suggests that coexisting competing species occupy non-overlapping hypervolumes, which are theoretical spaces encompassing more than three dimensions, within an n-dimensional space. The analysis of multiple stable isotopes can be used to test these ideas where each isotope can be considered a dimension of niche space. These hypervolumes may change over time in response to variation in behaviour or habitat, within or among species, consequently changing the niche space itself. Here, we use isotopic values of carbon and nitrogen of ten amino acids, as well as sulphur isotopic values, to produce multi-isotope models to examine niche segregation among an assemblage of five coexisting seabird species (ancient murrelet Synthliboramphus antiquus, double-crested cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus, Leach's storm-petrel Oceanodrama leucorhoa, rhinoceros auklet Cerorhinca monocerata, pelagic cormorant Phalacrocorax pelagicus) that inhabit coastal British Columbia. When only one or two isotope dimensions were considered, the five species overlapped considerably, but segregation increased in more dimensions, but often in complex ways. Thus, each of the five species occupied their own isotopic hypervolume (niche), but that became apparent only when factoring the increased information from sulphur and amino acid specific isotope values, rather than just relying on proxies of δ15N and δ13C alone. For cormorants, there was reduction of niche size for both species consistent with a decline in their dominant prey, Pacific herring Clupea pallasii, from 1970 to 2006. Consistent with niche theory, cormorant species showed segregation across time, with the double-crested demonstrating a marked change in diet in response to prey shifts in a higher dimensional space. In brief, incorporating multiple isotopes (sulfur, PC1 of δ15N [baselines], PC2 of δ15N [trophic position], PC1 and PC2 of δ13C) metrics allowed us to infer changes and differences in food web topology that were not apparent from classic carbon-nitrogen biplots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis van Oordt
- Department of Natural Resources Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.
| | | | - Emily S Choy
- Biology Department, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resources Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
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Elliott JE, Kesic R, Lee SL, Elliott KH. Temporal trends (1968-2019) of legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in seabird eggs from the northeast Pacific: Is it finally twilight for old POPs? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160084. [PMID: 36368377 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are known to persist in the marine environment; however, whether concentrations of these POPs have decreased or stabilized from Canada's Pacific coast in recent years is unclear. Here, we examined temporal trends of various legacy POPs in the eggs of five seabird species; two cormorants (Nannopterum auritum and Urile pelagicus), an auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata), a murrelet (Synthliboramphus antiquus), and a storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous), sampled 1968 to 2019 from 23 colonies along the Pacific coast of British Columbia, Canada. The contaminant profile in the eggs of all species and sampling years was dominated by ΣPCBs, followed by ΣDDT (mostly p,p'-DDE), ΣHCH (β-HCH), ΣCHLOR (oxychlordane), and ΣCBz (HCB). ΣOC and ΣPCB concentrations were generally higher in double-crested cormorant eggs than in the other four species. The majority of legacy POPs are either significantly declining (e.g. p,p'-DDE, HCB, HE, oxychlordane, ΣPCBs) or showing no directional change over time (ΣMirex) in the eggs of our monitoring species. Contaminants such as α-HCH, cis- and trans-chlordane, p,p'-DDT, dieldrin, and octachlorostyrene also showed evidence of downward trends, largely influenced by non-detect values during more recent sampling periods. Increasing trends were observed for β-HCH in the eggs of some species; however, mean concentrations eventually returned to early 2000 levels by the end of the study period. Although bulk δ15N and δ13C egg values varied interannually, compound-specific amino acid analyses suggested no major changes in trophic position or baseline food web signature. Temporal trends observed here were comparable to those found in other seabird species and pelagic food webs. As most legacy POPs in our data set were at very low levels in recent years, we support the general consensus that it is indeed the twilight years for old POPs, and we attribute these declines largely to voluntary regulations and international restrictions on the production and use of these compounds, and thus their release into the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, 5421 Robertson Rd, Delta, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Robert Kesic
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, 5421 Robertson Rd, Delta, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Sandi L Lee
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health Division, 5421 Robertson Rd, Delta, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Bustnes JO, Bårdsen BJ, Herzke D, Bangjord G, Bollinger E, Bourgeon S, Schulz R, Fritsch C, Eulaers I. The impact of climate sensitive factors on the exposure to organohalogenated contaminants in an aquatic bird exploiting both marine and freshwater habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:157667. [PMID: 35907551 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157667] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To assess how climate-sensitive factors may affect the exposure to organochlorines (OCs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), we monitored concentrations in eggs of the common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) over two decades (1999-2019) in central Norway. The goldeneye alternates between marine and freshwater habitats and is sensitive to climate variation, especially due to alterations in ice conditions which may affect feeding conditions. We assessed how biological factors such as diet (stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N), the onset of egg laying, and physical characteristics such as winter climate (North Atlantic Oscillation: NAOw) influenced exposure. We predicted compounds to show different temporal trends depending on whether they were still in production (i.e. some PFASs) or have been banned (i.e. legacy OCs and some PFASs). Therefore, we controlled for potential temporal trends in all analyses. There were declining trends for α- and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), oxychlordane, cis-chlordane, cis-nonachlor, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p.p'-DDT) and less persistent polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (e.g. PCB101). In contrast, the dominant compounds, such as p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and persistent PCB congeners, were stable, whereas hexachlorobenzene (HCB) increased over time. Most OCs were positively related to δ15N, suggesting higher exposure in birds feeding at upper trophic levels. Chlordanes and HCB were positively associated with δ13C, indicating traces of marine input for these compounds, whereas the relationships to most PCBs were negative. Among PFASs, perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) declined. Most PFASs were positively associated with δ13C, whereas there were no associations with δ15N. Egg laying date was positively associated to perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), suggesting that some of the PFAS load originated from the wintering locations. Although NAOw had little impact on the exposure to organohalogenated contaminants, factors sensitive to climate change, especially diet, were associated with the exposure to OHCs in goldeneyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), The Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Bård-Jørgen Bårdsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), The Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), The Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway; The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Eric Bollinger
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, DE-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ralf Schulz
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, DE-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Clementine Fritsch
- UMR Chrono-environnement 6249 CNRS - University of Franche-Comté, F-25030 Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Norwegian Polar Institute, The Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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Carboni S, Dezeure J, Cowlishaw G, Huchard E, Marshall HH. Stable isotopes reveal the effects of maternal rank and infant age on weaning dynamics in wild chacma baboons. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Riverón S, Raoult V, Slip DJ, Harcourt RG. Lipid extraction has tissue-dependent effects on isotopic values (δ 34 S, δ 13 C, and δ 15 N) from different marine predators. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2022; 36:e9346. [PMID: 35737589 PMCID: PMC9539579 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The use of sulfur isotopes to study trophic ecology in marine ecosystems has increased in the past decade. Unlike other commonly used isotopes (e.g., carbon), sulfur can better discriminate benthic and pelagic productivity. However, how lipid extraction affects sulfur isotopic values has not been assessed, despite its frequent use to remove lipid effects on δ13 C values. METHODS We used white muscle and liver samples from two species of sharks and skin samples from two species of pinnipeds (sea lion and fur seal) to assess the effects of lipid extraction on stable isotope values for δ34 S, δ13 C, and δ15 N. Isotopic values were determined using a continuous flow-isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to an elemental analyzer. RESULTS Lipid extraction significantly decreased δ34 S values in shark tissues, more so for liver than muscle (-4.6 ± 0.9‰ vs -0.8 ± 0.3‰, average change), with nearly no change in their standard deviations. Lipid extraction did not affect δ34 S values from pinniped skin samples (0.2 ± 0.8‰, average change). After lipid extraction, consistent increases in δ13 C values (0.2‰-7.3‰) were detected as expected, especially in tissue with high lipid content (C:N >4). After lipid extraction, significant increases in δ15 N values (0.5‰-1.4‰) were found in shark muscle and liver tissues. For pinniped skin samples, δ15 N values were not significantly lower after lipid extraction (-0.4‰ to -0.1‰). CONCLUSIONS Lipid extraction did not have a strong impact on δ34 S values of shark muscle and pinniped skin (≤1‰). However, our results suggest it is essential to consider the effects of lipid extraction when interpreting results from δ34 S values of shark liver tissue, as they significantly depleted values relative to bulk tissue (~5‰). This may reflect selective removal of sulfolipids and glutathione present in higher concentrations in the liver than in muscle and skin and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Riverón
- Marine Predator Research Group, School of Natural SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Vincent Raoult
- School of Environmental and Life SciencesUniversity of NewcastleOurimbahNew South WalesAustralia
- Marine Ecology GroupSchool of Natural SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David J. Slip
- Marine Predator Research Group, School of Natural SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Taronga Institute of Science and LearningTaronga Conservation Society AustraliaSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Robert G. Harcourt
- Marine Predator Research Group, School of Natural SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Hinton B, Stockin KA, Bury SJ, Peters KJ, Betty EL. Isotopic Niche Analysis of Long-Finned Pilot Whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) in Aotearoa New Zealand Waters. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101414. [PMID: 36290319 PMCID: PMC9598128 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Isotopic niche analyses can elucidate a species’ foraging ecology. Using isotopic values of δ13C, δ15N and δ34S, the isotopic niche of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas edwardii) in Aotearoa New Zealand was investigated for animals that stranded in six different events across two locations between 2009 and 2017. Generalised additive models revealed that stranding event was a stronger predictor for δ13C and δ15N values than body length, sex, or reproductive status, indicating that spatiotemporal differences explained isotopic variation of G. m. edwardii in New Zealand waters better than ontogenetic factors. Abstract The quantification of a species’ trophic niche is important to understand the species ecology and its interactions with the ecosystem it resides in. Despite the high frequency of long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas edwardii) strandings on the Aotearoa New Zealand coast, their trophic niche remains poorly understood. To assess the isotopic niche of G. m. edwardii within New Zealand, ontogenetic (sex, total body length, age, maturity status, reproductive group) and spatiotemporal (stranding location, stranding event, and stranding year) variation were investigated. Stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were examined from skin samples of 125 G. m. edwardii (67 females and 58 males) collected at mass-stranding events at Onetahua Farewell Spit in 2009 (n = 20), 2011 (n = 20), 2014 (n = 27) and 2017 (n = 20) and at Rakiura Stewart Island in 2010 (n = 19) and 2011 (n = 19). Variations in δ34S values were examined for a subset of 36 individuals. General additive models revealed that stranding event was the strongest predictor for δ13C and δ15N values, whilst sex was the strongest predictor of δ34S isotopic values. Although similar within years, δ13C values were lower in 2014 and 2017 compared to all other years. Furthermore, δ15N values were higher within Farewell Spit 2017 compared to any other stranding event. This suggests that the individuals stranded in Farewell Spit in 2017 may have been feeding at a higher trophic level, or that the nitrogen baseline may have been higher in 2017 than in other years. Spatiotemporal differences explained isotopic variation of G. m. edwardii in New Zealand waters better than ontogenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Hinton
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (E.L.B.)
| | - Karen A. Stockin
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - Sarah J. Bury
- Environmental Isotopes and Molecular Biology Group, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington 6021, New Zealand
| | - Katharina J. Peters
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- School of Earth and Environment, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
- Evolutionary Genetics Group, Department of Anthropology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Global Ecology, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Emma L. Betty
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (E.L.B.)
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Power A, White P, McHugh B, McGovern E, Murphy S, Berrow S, Schlingermann M, Gately C, Tannian M, Newton S, Crowley D, O'Hea L, Boyle B, O'Connor I. Legacy and emerging contaminants in common guillemot Uria aalge eggs in Ireland and Wales. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 283:131161. [PMID: 34144293 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131161] [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: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Guillemot eggs from multiple Irish colonies and one Welsh colony were analysed for legacy pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other organochlorine compounds (OCs), as well as metals. Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were measured in eggs to understand the influence of diet on contaminant levels detected. Wide-scope target and suspect screening techniques were used on a single guillemot egg, providing novel information on contaminants of emerging concern. Stable isotope ratio analysis showed that guillemots from Great Saltee Island and Lambay Island (Ireland's east coast) had a similar carbon source (δ13C) and fed at similar trophic levels (δ15N), pollutant levels were higher in eggs from Lambay Island near Dublin, Ireland's industrialised capital city. Guillemot eggs from Aughris Head (Atlantic west coast of Ireland), and Skomer Island (Wales) had differing isotopic niches to other colonies. Egg samples from Aughris Head had the lowest levels of pollutants in this study (with the exception of mercury) and amongst the lowest levels reported worldwide. In contrast, Skomer Island had the highest level of pollutants with higher concentrations of Σ16PCB, Σ6PBDE and HCB than Irish colonies, most likely a result of its proximity to historically industrial areas. Levels of PCBs, p,p' -DDE and mercury in guillemot eggs have decreased over time according to this study, in concurrence with worldwide trends. Levels of pollutants in guillemot eggs, in this study, fall below existing thresholds for adverse effects in other species, with the exception of mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Power
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland; Marine Institute, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland.
| | - Philip White
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland
| | - Simon Berrow
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland
| | - Moira Schlingermann
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland
| | - Cillian Gately
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Linda O'Hea
- Marine Institute, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Brian Boyle
- Marine Institute, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Ian O'Connor
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Galway, Ireland
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Cecchetti M, Crowley SL, Goodwin CED, Cole H, McDonald J, Bearhop S, McDonald RA. Contributions of wild and provisioned foods to the diets of domestic cats that depredate wild animals. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cecchetti
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Sarah L. Crowley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Cecily E. D. Goodwin
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Holly Cole
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Jennifer McDonald
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Stuart Bearhop
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
| | - Robbie A. McDonald
- Environment and Sustainability Institute University of Exeter Penryn Campus Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE UK
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Pereyra PER, Hallwass G, Poesch M, Silvano RAM. ‘Taking Fishers’ Knowledge to the Lab’: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Understand Fish Trophic Relationships in the Brazilian Amazon. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.723026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophic levels can be applied to describe the ecological role of organisms in food webs and assess changes in ecosystems. Stable isotopes analysis can assist in the understanding of trophic interactions and use of food resources by aquatic organisms. The local ecological knowledge (LEK) of fishers can be an alternative to advance understanding about fish trophic interactions and to construct aquatic food webs, especially in regions lacking research capacity. The objectives of this study are: to calculate the trophic levels of six fish species important to fishing by combining data from stable isotopes analysis and fishers’ LEK in two clear water rivers (Tapajós and Tocantins) in the Brazilian Amazon; to compare the trophic levels of these fish between the two methods (stable isotopes analysis and LEK) and the two rivers; and to develop diagrams representing the trophic webs of the main fish prey and predators based on fisher’s LEK. The fish species studied were Pescada (Plagioscion squamosissimus), Tucunaré (Cichla pinima), Piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus), Aracu (Leporinus fasciatus), Charuto (Hemiodus unimaculatus), and Jaraqui (Semaprochilodus spp.). A total of 98 interviews and 63 samples for stable isotopes analysis were carried out in both rivers. The average fish trophic levels did not differ between the stable isotopes analysis and the LEK in the Tapajós, nor in the Tocantins Rivers. The overall trophic level of the studied fish species obtained through the LEK did not differ from data obtained through the stable isotopes analysis in both rivers, except for the Aracu in the Tapajós River. The main food items consumed by the fish according to fishers’ LEK did agree with fish diets as described in the biological literature. Fishers provided useful information on fish predators and feeding habits of endangered species, such as river dolphin and river otter. Collaboration with fishers through LEK studies can be a viable approach to produce reliable data on fish trophic ecology to improve fisheries management and species conservation in tropical freshwater environments and other regions with data limitations.
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Power A, White P, McHugh B, Berrow S, McKeown A, Crowley D, Newton S, McGovern E, Murphy S, O'Connor I. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seabird eggs in Ireland. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 170:112636. [PMID: 34153853 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Seabird eggs are considered a favourable matrix for monitoring marine pollutants and are widely used as higher trophic level indicators. Concentrations of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Σ15PAH) were determined in the eggs of four piscivorous seabirds in Ireland from multiple colonies for the first time, Common Guillemot Uria aalge, Northern Gannet Morus bassanus, Common Tern Sterna hirundo and Arctic Tern S. paradisaea. PAH concentrations were generally lower than levels detected in eggs from other seabird studies and considerably lower than concentrations associated with no adverse effect in the eggs of domestic avian species. This study indicates potential site and species differences in PAH concentrations. Baseline data of PAHs in a range of seabird species from this study may provide an important reference point should a major pollution event occur in European waters, such as an oil spill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Power
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland; Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland.
| | - Philip White
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Brendan McHugh
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Simon Berrow
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Aaron McKeown
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Denis Crowley
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Evin McGovern
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Ian O'Connor
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland
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13
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Knudtzon NC, Thorstensen H, Ruus A, Helberg M, Bæk K, Enge EK, Borgå K. Maternal transfer and occurrence of siloxanes, chlorinated paraffins, metals, PFAS and legacy POPs in herring gulls (Larus argentatus) of different urban influence. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 152:106478. [PMID: 33770583 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Urban herring gulls (Larus argentatus) are exposed to contaminants from aquatic, terrestrial and anthropogenic sources. We aim to assess if differences in urbanisation affect ecological niche and contaminant concentrations in female herring gulls. Furthermore, we investigated maternal transfer from mothers to eggs for all the target compounds, including chlorinated paraffins (CPs) and cyclic volatile methyl siloxane (cVMSs), which to our knowledge have not been assessed in herring gulls previously. We compare concentrations of legacy and emerging contaminants and metals in blood and eggs between two herring gull colonies located 51 km apart, in the urban influenced Norwegian Oslofjord. While both colonies are within an urbanised area, the inner fjord is more so, as it is surrounded by Oslo, the capital and largest city in Norway Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen indicated a more marine ecological niche in the outer than the inner fjord colony, although with overlap. Persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations were similar in the inner and outer fjord colonies, while the short-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCP), which are recently added to the Stockholm convention and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) varied, with higher concentrations of SCCP and the cVMS decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) in females and eggs of the inner fjord colony. Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) concentrations were higher in the outer fjord colony, likely linked to releases from a point-source (airport and waste management facility with open access to food waste). In blood, chlorinated paraffins contributed most the total lipophilic contaminants (inner: 78%, outer: 56%), while polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the most abundant lipophilic contaminants in eggs (inner: 62%, outer: 46%). Dechloranes and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were detected in few samples. Maternal transfer, assessed by egg to blood ratios, of cVMSs were similar to the POPs with mean log ratio 0.39 (D5), while it was lower for SCCPs, with log ratios-0.77. Our results indicate comparable POP exposure of the herring gulls in the inner and outer Oslofjord, likely due to overlap in ecological niches between the colonies and wide distribution of POPs. The differences between the colonies in concentrations of PFAS, cVMS and CPs shows that point source exposures and urban influence may be more important than ecological niche for these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina C Knudtzon
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindernveien 31, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Helene Thorstensen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindernveien 31, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders Ruus
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindernveien 31, 0316 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalleen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Helberg
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindernveien 31, 0316 Oslo, Norway; Østfold University College, B R A Veien 4, 1757 Halden, Norway
| | - Kine Bæk
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalleen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen K Enge
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway
| | - Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Blindernveien 31, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
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14
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Power A, White P, McHugh B, Berrow S, Schlingermann M, McKeown A, Cabot D, Tannian M, Newton S, McGovern E, Murphy S, Crowley D, O'Hea L, Boyle B, O'Connor I. Persistent pollutants in fresh and abandoned eggs of Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) and Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) in Ireland. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 168:112400. [PMID: 33957494 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Higher levels of persistent pollutants (Σ16PCB, Σ6PBDE, ΣHCH, ΣDDT, ΣCHL) were detected in fresh eggs of Common Terns Sterna hirundo from Rockabill Island near Dublin (Ireland's industrialised capital city) compared to Common and Arctic Terns S. paradisaea from Ireland's west coast. Intra-clutch variation of pollutant levels in Common Terns was shown to be low, providing further evidence that random sampling of one egg may be an appropriate sampling strategy. Significant differences in pollutant concentrations were detected between fresh and abandoned eggs on Rockabill. However, abandoned eggs can still provide a useful approximation of pollutants in bird eggs if non-destructive sampling is preferred. Levels of p,p' -DDE in tern eggs have decreased over time according to this study, in concurrence with worldwide trends. Results in this study fall below toxicological thresholds for birds and OSPARs EcoQO thresholds set for Common Tern eggs, except for mercury and HCH in the west coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Power
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland; Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland.
| | - Philip White
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Brendan McHugh
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Simon Berrow
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Moira Schlingermann
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Aaron McKeown
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - David Cabot
- School of Biological Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | | | - Evin McGovern
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Denis Crowley
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Linda O'Hea
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Brian Boyle
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Ian O'Connor
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Co. Galway, Ireland
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15
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Elliott JE, Drever MC, Studholme KR, Silverthorn V, Miller AA, Elliott KH, Lee SL, Drouillard KG, Porter E, Idrissi AM, Crossin GT, Hipfner JM. Exposure to persistent organic pollutants is linked to over-wintering latitude in a Pacific seabird, the rhinoceros auklet, Cerorhinca monocerata. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 279:116928. [PMID: 33774363 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116928] [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: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds are wide-ranging organisms often used to track marine pollution, yet the effect of migration on exposure over the annual cycle is often unclear. We used solar geolocation loggers and stable isotope analysis to study the effects of post breeding dispersal and diet on persistent organic pollutant (POP) and mercury (Hg) burdens in rhinoceros auklets, Cerorhinca monocerata, breeding on islands along the Pacific Coast of Canada. Hg and four classes of POPs were measured in auklet eggs: organochlorine insecticides (OCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and perfluoralkyl substances (PFASs). Stable isotope values of adult breast feathers grown during winter were used in conjunction with geolocation to elucidate adult wintering latitude. Wintering latitude was the most consistent and significant predictor of some POP and of Hg concentrations in eggs. The magnitude and pattern of exposure varied by contaminant, with ∑PCBs, ∑PBDEs and DDE decreasing with wintering latitude, and mirex, perfluoro-n-tridecanoic acid, and Hg increasing with latitude. We suggest that concentrations of these contaminants in rhinoceros auklet eggs are influenced by variation in uptake at adult wintering locations related to anthropogenic inputs and oceanic and atmospheric transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Elliott
- Wildlife and Landscape Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada.
| | - Mark C Drever
- Wildlife and Landscape Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | | | - Veronica Silverthorn
- Wildlife and Landscape Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Aroha A Miller
- Wildlife and Landscape Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sandi L Lee
- Wildlife and Landscape Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | | | - Emily Porter
- Wildlife and Landscape Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Abde Miftah Idrissi
- Wildlife and Landscape Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - J Mark Hipfner
- Wildlife and Landscape Science, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
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16
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Hebert CE, Chételat J, Beck R, Dolgova S, Fordy K, Kirby P, Martin P, Rabesca M. Inter-annual variation of mercury in aquatic bird eggs and fish from a large subarctic lake under a warming climate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 766:144614. [PMID: 33421792 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144614] [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: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding changes in environmental mercury concentrations is important for assessing the risk to human and wildlife populations from this potent toxicant. Here, we use herring gull (Larus argentatus) eggs to evaluate temporal changes in total mercury (THg) availability from two locations on Great Slave Lake (GSL), Northwest Territories, Canada. Egg THg concentrations increased through time, but this change was due to shifts in gull diets. Stable nitrogen isotopes allowed adjustment of egg THg concentrations for dietary changes. Diet-adjusted egg THg concentrations showed no long-term trend. Consistent with that result, new statistical analysis of THg concentrations in three species of GSL fish showed minor or no temporal changes. Although a long-term trend was absent, inter-year differences in adjusted egg THg concentrations persisted. Contributions of environmental variables (i.e., river flow, lake level, air temperature, precipitation, and wildfire) to these differences were investigated. Egg THg concentrations were greater following years of lower lake levels and greater wildfire extent. Lake level could have affected mercury methylation. Increased wildfire could have enhanced terrestrial Hg releases to the atmosphere where it was transported long distances to GSL. Climate change may increase wildfire extent with impacts on Hg bioaccumulation in northern ecosystems. Egg Hg levels reported here are unlikely to pose health risks to gulls, but in light of ongoing environmental change, monitoring should continue. Our study emphasizes the importance of ancillary datasets in elucidating Hg trends; such information will be critical for evaluating the effectiveness of Hg mitigation strategies implemented as part of the Minamata Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E Hebert
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - John Chételat
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Roger Beck
- Fort Resolution Métis Council, Fort Resolution, NT X0E 0M0, Canada
| | - Svetlana Dolgova
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Kathleen Fordy
- Deninu Kųę́ First Nation, Fort Resolution, NT X0E 0M0, Canada
| | - Patrick Kirby
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Landscape Science and Technology Division, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Pamela Martin
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Burlington, ON L7R 4A6, Canada
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17
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Johnson KF, Davoren GK. Stable isotope analysis reveals that humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae) primarily consume capelin ( Mallotus villosus) in coastal Newfoundland, Canada. CAN J ZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2020-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
On the Newfoundland (Canada) foraging ground, humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski, 1781)) are found associated with a dominant forage fish species, capelin (Mallotus villosus (Müller, 1776)), that experienced a population collapse in the early 1990s and has not recovered. Our primary goal was to reconstruct dietary proportions of humpback whales on their summer foraging grounds off the northeast coast of Newfoundland during July–August 2016 and 2017 using a Bayesian stable isotope mixing model (MixSiar). Modelled dietary proportions were similar in both years, with capelin comprising ∼90% of the diet. However, both δ13C and δ15N in humpback whale skin differed significantly between years, resulting in minimal isotopic niche overlap (9%). Lipid-extracted and nonlipid-extracted skin samples were used to develop a lipid normalization equation: Δ13C = –3.184 + 1.011(C:N). Overall, findings suggest that capelin is the primary prey type of humpback whales in coastal Newfoundland, despite the continued collapsed state of the capelin population. Findings also reiterate that dietary reconstruction from stable isotope analysis of cetacean skin can be misinterpreted without concurrently sampled isotopic ratios of potential prey types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey F. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Gail K. Davoren
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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18
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Thorstensen H, Ruus A, Helberg M, Baek K, Enge EK, Borgå K. Common Eider and Herring Gull as Contaminant Indicators of Different Ecological Niches of an Urban Fjord System. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2021; 17:422-433. [PMID: 32926521 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds like gulls are common indicators in contaminant monitoring. The herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a generalist with a broad range of dietary sources, possibly introducing a weakness in its representativeness of aquatic contamination. To investigate the herring gull as an indicator of contamination in an urban-influenced fjord, the Norwegian Oslofjord, we compared concentrations of a range of lipophilic and protein-associated organohalogen contaminants (OHCs), Hg, and dietary markers in blood (n = 15), and eggs (n = 15) between the herring gull and the strict marine-feeding common eider (Somateria mollissima) in the breeding period of May 2017. Dietary markers showed that the herring gull was less representative of the marine food web than the common eider. We found higher concentrations of lipophilic OHCs (wet weight and lipid weight) and Hg (dry weight) in the blood of common eider (mean ± SE ∑PCB = 210 ± 126 ng/g ww, 60 600 ± 28 300 ng/g lw; mean Hg = 4.94 ± 0.438 ng/g dw) than of the herring gull (mean ± SE ∑PCB = 19.0 ± 15.6 ng/g ww, 1210 ± 1510 ng/g lw; mean Hg = 4.26 ± 0.438 ng/g dw). Eggs gave opposite results; higher wet weight and lipid weight OHC concentrations in the herring gull (mean ± SE ∑PCB = 257 ± 203 ng/g ww, 3240 ± 2610 ng/g lw) than the common eider (mean ± SE ∑PCB = 18.2 ± 20.8 ng/g ww, 101 ± 121 ng/g lw), resulting in higher OHC maternal transfer ratios in gulls than eiders. We suggest that the matrix differences are due to fasting during incubation in the common eider. We suggest that in urban areas, herring gull might not be representative as an indicator of marine contamination but rather urban contaminant exposure. The common eider is a better indicator of marine pollution in the Oslofjord. The results are influenced by the matrix choice, as breeding strategy affects lipid dynamics regarding the transfer of lipids and contaminants to eggs and remobilization of contaminants from lipids to blood during incubation, when blood is drawn from the mother. Our results illustrate the benefit of a multispecies approach for a thorough picture of contaminant status in urban marine ecosystems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:422-433. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders Ruus
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Marine Pollution, Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Helberg
- Department of Teacher Education, Østfold University College, Halden, Norway
| | - Kine Baek
- Section for Marine Pollution, Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Katrin Enge
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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19
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Elliott KH, Braune BM, Elliott JE. Beyond bulk δ 15N: Combining a suite of stable isotopic measures improves the resolution of the food webs mediating contaminant signals across space, time and communities. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 148:106370. [PMID: 33476789 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Top predators are used as indicators of contaminant trends across space and time. However, signals are integrated over complex food webs, and variation in diet may confound such signals. Trophic position, assessed by bulk δ15N, is widely used to infer the variation in diet relevant to contamination, yet a single variable cannot completely describe complex food webs. Thus, we examined relationships across three aquatic systems varying from a single species to a small food web using bulk values from four isotopes and 21 amino acid-specific values. Because variation in baseline ('source') δ15N can confound estimates of trophic position , we calculated trophic position from the difference between δ15Ntrophic (δ15N for amino acids that change with trophic position) and δ15Nsource (δ15N for amino acids that do not change with trophic position). Across all three systems, variation in δ15Nsource explained over half of the variation in bulk δ15N, and stable isotope values that reflected the base of the food web (δ13C, δ18O, δ34S) predicted contaminants as well or better than δ15N-which was supported by a meta-analysis of other studies. In ospreys feeding in lakes, variation in δ15Nsource across space created a spurious relationship between ΣDDT and apparent trophic position, and masked a relationship between ΣPCB and trophic position. In a seabird guild, changes in diet over time obscured temporal variation in contaminants over five decades. In Arctic fish and invertebrates, more accurate trophic magnification factors were calculated using δ15Ntrophic-source. Thus, (1) using δ15Ntrophic-source, instead of bulk δ15N, avoided incorrect conclusions and improved accuracy of trophic magnification factors necessary to assess risk to top predators; and (2) diet assessed with multiple spatial isotopes, rather than δ15N alone, was essential to understand patterns in contaminants across space, time and biological communities. Trophic position was most important for lipophilic 'legacy' contaminants (ΣDDT, ΣPCB) and habitat was most important for other contaminants (ΣPBDE, ΣPFAS, mercury). We argue that the use of amino acid-specific analysis of δ15N alongside 'non-trophic' isotopes should be a core feature of any study that examines the influence of trophic position on chemical pollution, as required for a chemical to be added to international conventions such as the Stockholm Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Birgit M Braune
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta V4K 3N2, Canada
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20
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Pereira MG, Lacorte S, Walker LA, Shore RF. Contrasting long term temporal trends in perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in eggs of the northern gannet (Morus bassanus) from two UK colonies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:141900. [PMID: 32916484 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141900] [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: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We compared long-term (1977 to 2014) trends in concentrations of PFAS in eggs of the marine sentinel species, the Northern gannet (Morus bassanus), from the Irish Sea (Ailsa Craig) and the North Sea (Bass Rock). Concentrations of eight perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and three perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs) were determined and we report the first dataset on PFAS in UK seabirds before and after the PFOS ban. There were no significant differences in ∑PFAS or ∑PFSAs between both colonies. The ∑PFSAs dominated the PFAS profile (>80%); PFOS accounted for the majority of the PFSAs (98-99%). In contrast, ∑PFCAs concentrations were slightly but significantly higher in eggs from Ailsa Craig than in those from Bass Rock. The most abundant PFCAs were perfluorotridecanoate (PFTriDA) and perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnA) which, together with PFOA, comprised around 90% of the ∑PFCAs. The ∑PFSAs and ∑PFCAs had very different temporal trends. ∑PFSAs concentrations in eggs from both colonies increased significantly in the earlier part of the study but later declined significantly, demonstrating the effectiveness of the phasing out of PFOS production in the 2000s. In contrast, ∑PFCAs concentrations in eggs were constant and low in the 1970s and 1980s, suggesting minimal environmental contamination, but residues subsequently increased significantly in both colonies until the end of the study. This increase appeared driven by rises in long chain compounds, namely the odd chain numbered PFTriDA and PFUnA. PFOA, had a very different temporal trend from the other dominant acids, with an earlier rise in concentrations followed by a decline in the last 15 years in Ailsa Craig; later temporal trends in Bass Rock eggs were unclear. Although eggs from both colonies contained relatively low concentrations of PFAS, the majority had PFOS residues that exceeded a suggested Predicted No Effect Concentration and ~ 10% of the eggs exceeded a suggested Lowest-Observable-Adverse-Effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Glória Pereira
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK.
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Diagnostics and Water Studies, CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lee A Walker
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Richard F Shore
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Library Avenue, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
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21
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Power A, White P, McHugh B, Berrow S, Schlingermann M, Tannian M, Newton S, McGovern E, Murphy S, Crowley D, O'Hea L, Boyle B, O'Connor I. Persistent pollutants in Northern Gannet Morus bassanus eggs in Ireland: Levels and colony differences. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115723. [PMID: 33070066 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115723] [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: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seabird eggs are considered a favourable matrix for monitoring marine pollutants and are widely used as higher trophic level indicators. Persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other organochlorine compounds (OCs) as well as metals have been shown to have deleterious impacts on seabirds. The Northern Gannet Morus bassanus is an avian sentinel; the largest breeding seabird in Ireland and an obligate piscivore. Gannet eggs were collected from two island colonies off the east coast of Ireland in locations with divergent history of industrialisation. Contaminant levels were measured and differences in concentrations between colonies compared. Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were measured in each egg to understand the influence of diet and trophic position on contaminant levels detected. Significantly higher levels of Σ14PCBs, Σ7PBDEs and total mercury were detected in Gannet eggs from Lambay Island near Dublin (Ireland's industrialised capital city) compared to Great Saltee Island. No differences were observed in levels of other OCs (HCB, ΣHCH, ΣCHL, ΣDDT) between the two colonies. Though Gannets travel significant distances when foraging for food, tracking studies have demonstrated that birds from proximal breeding colonies maintain exclusive feeding areas. Stable isotope ratio analysis in this study demonstrated that Gannets at both locations occupy similar dietary niches, indicating that dietary differences may not be the driver of differing contaminant levels between colonies. Levels of persistent pollutants in the Gannet eggs fall below most existing thresholds for adverse effects and are within internationally reported values. Recent population growth and range expansion of Gannets in Ireland suggest that persistent pollutants are not having an immediate impact on the Gannet population. This study will inform potential monitoring programmes that can help Ireland achieve good environmental status under the European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Power
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland; Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland.
| | - Philip White
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Brendan McHugh
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Simon Berrow
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Moira Schlingermann
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | - Evin McGovern
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Denis Crowley
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Linda O'Hea
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Brian Boyle
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Ian O'Connor
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
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Smith KJ, Trueman CN, France CAM, Peterson MJ. Evaluation of two lipid removal methods for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis in whale tissue. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2020; 34:e8851. [PMID: 32492222 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The presence of lipids in animal tissues can influence the interpretation of stable isotope data, particularly in lipid-rich tissues such as the skin and muscle of marine mammals. The traditionally employed chloroform-methanol delipidation protocol has the potential to alter δ15 N values in proteinaceous tissues. Our objective was to determine whether the use of cyclohexane could be an alternative extraction method, effectively removing lipids without altering δ15 N values. METHODS Kidney, liver, muscle, and skin samples were collected from beach-cast Sowerby's beaked whales (Mesoplodon bidens). Control subsamples were processed without delipidation extraction, and duplicate subsamples were extracted with either chloroform-methanol or cyclohexane. δ13 C, δ15 N, and C:N values were determined by continuous-flow elemental analysis isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Paired Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate the change in isotope ratios after extraction, and unpaired Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate differences in isotope ratios between extractions. RESULTS Use of cyclohexane is an effective delipidation technique for tissues with low and moderate lipid content. Chemical delipidation influenced δ15 N values; extracted samples generally showed an increase in δ15 N values which varied from 0.0‰ to 1.7‰. Chloroform-methanol extraction resulted in alterations to δ15 N values greater than the analytical precision for all analyzed tissues. Changes to δ15 N values after cyclohexane extraction were at or near the analytical precision for liver and muscle but greater than the analytical precision for kidney and skin. CONCLUSIONS We recommend processing duplicate subsamples for stable isotope analysis, one with and one without extraction, in order to obtain accurate values for each isotope ratio. Prolonged chemical extractions are not necessary to effectively remove lipids. When samples are limited, we suggest using cyclohexane for tissues with low or moderate lipid content, and chloroform-methanol for lipid-rich tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri J Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Clive N Trueman
- Ocean and Earth Science, University of Southampton, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, SO45 4PJ, UK
| | - Christine A M France
- Museum Conservation Institute, Smithsonian Institution, Suitland, MD, 20746, USA
| | - Markus J Peterson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
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Miller A, Elliott JE, Wilson LK, Elliott KH, Drouillard KG, Verreault J, Lee S, Idrissi A. Influence of overwinter distribution on exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in seabirds, ancient murrelets (Synthliboramphus antiquus), breeding on the Pacific coast of Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 259:113842. [PMID: 31926389 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the fate of both legacy and newer persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is an ongoing challenge. Top predators, including seabirds, are effective monitors of POPs because they forage over a range of marine habitats, integrating signals over space and time. However, migration patterns can make unravelling contaminant sources, and potentially assessments of the effectiveness of regulations, challenging if chemicals are acquired at distant sites. In 2014, we fitted geolocators on ancient murrelets (Synthliboramphus antiqueus) at four colonies on the Pacific Coast of Canada to obtain movement data throughout an annual cycle. All birds underwent a post-breeding moult in the Bering Sea. Around one-third then returned to overwinter on the British Columbia (BC) coast while the rest migrated to overwinter in waters along the north Asian coast. Such a stark difference in migration destination provided an opportunity to examine the influence of wintering location on contaminant signals. In summer 2015, we collected blood samples from returned geo-tagged birds and analyzed them for a suite of contaminants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), non-PBDE halogenated flame retardants, perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), organochlorines, and mercury. Feathers were also collected and analyzed for stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S). We found no significant differences in blood concentrations of any contaminant between murrelets from the two different overwinter areas, a result that indicates relatively rapid clearance of POPs accumulated during winter. Spatial variation in diet (i.e., δ13C) was associated with both BDE-47 and -99 concentrations. However, individual variation in trophic level had little influence on concentrations of any other examined contaminants. Thus, blood from these murrelets is a good indicator of recent, local contaminants, as most signals appear independent of overwintering location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroha Miller
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada.
| | - Laurie K Wilson
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Jonathan Verreault
- Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Sandi Lee
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Abde Idrissi
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Hebert CE. The river runs through it: The Athabasca River delivers mercury to aquatic birds breeding far downstream. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0206192. [PMID: 30964870 PMCID: PMC6456287 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined factors contributing to temporal variability (2009–2017) in total mercury (THg) concentrations in aquatic bird eggs collected in the Peace-Athabasca Delta and Lake Athabasca in northern Alberta. Factors examined included year of egg collection, site of collection, bird species, bird diets, annual surface-mineable oil sands production, forest fires, and flow of the Athabasca River. Surface mining activities associated with Alberta’s Athabasca oil sands are situated north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, adjacent to the northward-flowing Athabasca River. Previous studies have found that oil sands industrial operations release mercury into the local (within ~50 km) environment. An information-theoretic approach revealed that the best model for explaining egg THg levels included Athabasca River flow, bird food source, and bird species. Variability in egg THg levels was partly a reflection of differences in food sources, e.g. proportions of aquatic versus terrestrial food in bird diets. Annual fluctuations in maximal flow of the Athabasca River were also important with eggs collected following years of high maximal flow exhibiting higher THg concentrations. Furthermore, eggs collected in years of high versus low flow differed in their stable Hg isotope composition with less mass-independent fraction of 199Hg and 201Hg in years of high flow. Riverine processes associated with suspended sediment were likely critical in regulating Hg availability to nesting birds. This study highlights the importance of the Athabasca River as a conduit for Hg transport to ecologically-sensitive downstream ecosystems such as the Peace-Athabasca Delta and Wood Buffalo National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Human activities that increase atmospheric Hg deposition to the Athabasca River watershed, or that enhance Hg releases to the river through erosion of Hg-bearing soils, will likely increase the availability of Hg to organisms inhabiting downstream areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E. Hebert
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
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25
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Anderson CM, Gilchrist HG, Ronconi RA, Shlepr KR, Clark DE, Weseloh DVC, Roberston GJ, Mallory ML. Winter home range and habitat selection differs among breeding populations of herring gulls in eastern North America. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2019; 7:8. [PMID: 30891245 PMCID: PMC6404351 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-019-0152-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognizing the factors influencing migratory individuals throughout their annual cycle is important for understanding the drivers of population dynamics. Previous studies have found that Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) in the Atlantic region have lower survival rates than those in the Great Lakes and the Arctic. One possible explanation for divergent survival rates among these populations is differences in their non-breeding habitats. METHODS We tracked Herring Gulls from five populations, breeding in the eastern Arctic, the Great Lakes, Newfoundland, Sable Island, and the Bay of Fundy. We assessed the extent of migratory connectivity between breeding and wintering sites, and tested if there were differences in home range size or habitat selection among these populations during the winter. RESULTS The tracked Herring Gulls had strong migratory connectivity between their breeding and wintering areas. We found that Herring Gulls from the Arctic spent most of the winter in marine habitats, while the other populations used a wider variety of habitats. However, the Newfoundland and Sable Island populations selected for urban habitats, and almost all individuals the specialized in urban habitats came from one of the three Atlantic populations. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that there could potentially be a link between urban habitat use during the winter and reduced adult survival in Atlantic Canada Herring Gulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M. Anderson
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Ave, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 Canada
| | - H. Grant Gilchrist
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6 Canada
| | - Robert A. Ronconi
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2N6 Canada
| | - Katherine R. Shlepr
- Atlantic Lab for Avian Research, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 4400, 10 Bailey Drive, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 Canada
| | - Daniel E. Clark
- Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA 01007 USA
| | - D. V. Chip Weseloh
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 4905 Dufferin Ave, Toronto, ON M3H 5T4 Canada
| | - Gregory J. Roberston
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6 Bruce Street, Mount Pearl, NL A1N 4T3 Canada
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, 33 Westwood Ave, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 Canada
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Góngora E, Braune BM, Elliott KH. Nitrogen and sulfur isotopes predict variation in mercury levels in Arctic seabird prey. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:907-914. [PMID: 30301115 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) biotransformation and biomagnification are processes that affect Hg burdens in wildlife. To interpret variation in Hg in seabird eggs, used as Hg bioindicators in the Arctic, it is important to understand how Hg biomagnifies through the food web. We evaluated the use of δ34S, along with other commonly used stable isotope signatures (δ15N and δ13C), for the determination of possible sources of Hg in an Arctic food web (56 individuals of 15 species of fish and invertebrates). Hg correlated with δ34S (R2 = 0.72). When the combined effects of δ34S and δ15N were considered in mixed-effects models, both δ34S and δ15N together described Hg patterns in Arctic food webs better than either isotope alone. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of δ34S to account for variation in Hg among marine animals and to study the possible underlying effects that MeHg production may have on Hg pathways in Arctic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Góngora
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - Birgit M Braune
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue H9X 3V9, Canada
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Champoux L, Boily M. Temporal trends of mercury and organohalogen contaminants in great blue heron eggs from the St. Lawrence River, Québec, Canada, 1991-2011, and relationships with tracers of feeding ecology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 609:1270-1285. [PMID: 28797142 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.07.223] [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: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Since 1991, great blue heron (Ardea herodias) eggs have been collected and analyzed for mercury (Hg), persistent organic contaminants (OCs), brominated and non-brominated flame retardants (FRs) as well as stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N. In the present study, temporal trends of contaminants were analyzed in eggs sampled in four regions along the St. Lawrence River (Quebec, Canada) and inland sites using new and previously published data. Most contaminants declined significantly over time in most regions. Globally, the highest annual change, -17.5%, was found for pp'-DDD, while the smallest annual decline, -0.54%, was observed for Hg. Concentrations of ΣDDT and ΣFR8 (sum of 8 congeners) decreased by -11.6% and -7.3%, respectively. Declines in ΣPCBs differed among regions, from -5.6% in the fluvial section to -14.7% in the inland region. The highest concentration of ΣFR8 was measured in eggs from Grande Ile in the fluvial section of the river in 1996 (2.39μg/g). Stable isotope ratios also showed temporal trends in some regions: δ13C decreased in the fluvial section and increased in Gulf region, while δ15N decreased in the fluvial section and increased in the upper estuary. Significant positive relationships were found between ΣDDT, ΣPCBs and ΣFRs and δ15N and δ13C in freshwater colonies, but not in estuarine or marine colonies. These results suggest that changes in trophic level and foraging areas over time were influential factors with respect to contaminant burden in great blue heron eggs in the fluvial section, but not in the other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Champoux
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, 801-1550 av d'Estimauville, Québec, Québec G1J 0C3, Canada.
| | - Monique Boily
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
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28
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Champoux L, Rail JF, Lavoie RA. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and flame retardants in northern gannet (Morus bassanus) eggs from Bonaventure Island, Gulf of St. Lawrence, 1994-2014. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 222:600-608. [PMID: 28069368 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.055] [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: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) eggs from Bonaventure Island, Québec, Canada, were collected to monitor concentrations of contaminants. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs) and non-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in eggs from 2004 and 2009, and several brominated and nonbrominated flame retardants (FRs) were measured every 2-5 years in eggs from 1994 to 2014. The sum (Σ) concentrations of PCDDs/Fs were significantly lower in 2009 relative to 2004, but the total toxic equivalent concentrations for PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs showed no significant differences (196 ng/kg wet weight (ww) in 2004 and 220 ng/kg ww in 2009). The mean ΣFR concentrations decreased significantly between 1994 and 2014, from 58 ng/g ww to 19 ng/g ww. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) was the principal nonbrominated FR detected in gannet eggs and ranged from <1.0 ng/g ww to 6.9 ng/g ww. The PCDD/F and nonortho PCB profiles were dominated by 2,3,7,8- tetrachloro-dibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF; from 26.2 ng/g ww to 34.8 ng/kg ww) and PCB-77 (from 1580 ng/g ww to 2650 ng/kg ww), respectively. Although the values of both ecological tracer stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) showed differences among the years, no temporal trends were observed, which indicates relatively stable adults' diet and foraging area over this time period. The trends over time in concentrations of the studied contaminants likely reflect a decrease in environmental contamination. The mean 2012 eggshell thickness was 10% lower than the pre-DDT value and corresponded to a year of poor reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Champoux
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Quebec, Quebec, G1J 0C3, Canada.
| | - Jean-François Rail
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Quebec, Quebec, G1J 0C3, Canada.
| | - Raphael A Lavoie
- Biology Department, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Elliott KH, Elliott JE. Origin of Sulfur in Diet Drives Spatial and Temporal Mercury Trends in Seabird Eggs From Pacific Canada 1968-2015. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:13380-13386. [PMID: 27993060 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b05458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a neurotoxin that can be particularly harmful to top predators because it biomagnifies through the food web. Due to variation in the food web structure, variation in Hg exposure in predators may represent variation in diet rather than Hg availability. We measured Hg in eggs from six seabird species (N = 537) over 47 years. In contrast to expectation, storm-petrels feeding partially on invertebrates had the highest Hg burden while herons feeding on large fish had the lowest Hg burden. A multiple regression showed that Hg correlated with δ34S (R2 = 0.86) rather than trophic level (δ15N of "trophic" amino acids). Sulfate-rich environments (high δ34S) have sulfate-reducing bacteria that produce methylmercury. Variation in Hg within and among seabirds near the top of the food web was associated with variation in δ34S at the base of the food web more so than trophic position within the food web. Hg levels in seabirds only changed over time for those species where δ34S also varied in tandem; after accounting for diet (δ34S), there was no variation in Hg levels. Variation in Hg in seabirds across space and time was associated with the origin of sulfur in the diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University , Ste Anne-de-Bellevue Quebec, Canada H9X 3 V9
| | - John E Elliott
- Science & Technology Branch, Environment Canada , Delta British Columbia, Canada V4K 3N2
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Tatsch ACC, Secchi ER, Botta S. Effects of acidification, lipid removal and mathematical normalization on carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions in beaked whale (Ziphiidae) bone. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2016; 30:460-466. [PMID: 26754138 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The analysis of stable isotopes in tissues such as teeth and bones has been used to study long-term trophic ecology and habitat use in marine mammals. However, carbon isotope ratios (δ(13) C values) can be altered by the presence of (12) C-rich lipids and carbonates. Lipid extraction and acidification are common treatments used to remove these compounds. The impact of lipids and carbonates on carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ(15) N values), however, varies among tissues and/or species, requiring taxon-specific protocols to be developed. METHODS The effects of lipid extraction and acidification and their interaction on carbon and nitrogen isotope values were studied for beaked whale (Ziphiidae) bone samples. δ(13) C and δ(15) N values were determined in quadruplicate samples: control, lipid-extracted, acidified and lipid-extracted followed by acidification. Samples were analyzed by means of elemental analysis isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the efficiency of five mathematical models developed for estimating lipid-normalized δ(13) C values from untreated δ(13) C values was tested. RESULTS Significant increases in δ(13) C values were observed after lipid extraction. No significant changes in δ(13) C values were found in acidified samples. An interaction between both treatments was demonstrated for δ(13) C but not for δ(15) N values. No change was observed in δ(15) N values for lipid-extracted and/or acidified samples. Although all tested models presented good predictive power to estimate lipid-free δ(13) C values, linear models performed best. CONCLUSIONS Given the observed changes in δ(13) C values after lipid extraction, we recommend a priori lipid extraction or a posteriori lipid normalization, through simple linear models, for beaked whale bones. Furthermore, acidification seems to be an unnecessary step before stable isotope analysis, at least for bone samples of ziphiids. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina C Tatsch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha - ECOMEGA, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Eduardo R Secchi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha - ECOMEGA, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Silvina Botta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Oceanografia Biológica, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Megafauna Marinha - ECOMEGA, Instituto de Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, 96203-900, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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Li Y, Zhang Y, Hussey NE, Dai X. Urea and lipid extraction treatment effects on δ(15)N and δ(13)C values in pelagic sharks. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2016; 30:1-8. [PMID: 26661965 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stable isotope analysis (SIA) provides a powerful tool to investigate diverse ecological questions for marine species, but standardized values are required for comparative assessments. For elasmobranchs, their unique osmoregulatory strategy involves retention of (15)N-depleted urea in body tissues and this may bias δ(15)N values. This may be a particular problem for large predatory species, where δ(15)N discrimination between predator and consumed prey can be small. METHODS We evaluated three treatments (deionized water rinsing [DW], chloroform/methanol [LE] and combined chloroform/methanol and deionized water rinsing [LE+DW]) applied to white muscle tissue of 125 individuals from seven pelagic shark species to (i) assess urea and lipid effects on stable isotope values determined by IRMS and (ii) investigate mathematical normalization of these values. RESULTS For all species examined, the δ(15)N values and C:N ratios increased significantly following all three treatments, identifying that urea removal is required prior to SIA of pelagic sharks. The more marked change in δ(15)N values following DW (1.3 ± 0.4‰) and LE+DW (1.2 ± 0.6‰) than following LE alone (0.7 ± 0.4‰) indicated that water rinsing was more effective at removing urea. The DW and LE+DW treatments lowered the %N values, resulting in an increase in C:N ratios from the unexpected low values of <2.6 in bulk samples to ~3.1 ± 0.1, the expected value of protein. The δ(13)C values of all species also increased significantly following LE and LE+DW treatments. CONCLUSIONS Given the mean change in δ(15)N(1.2 ± 0.6‰) and δ(13)C values (0.7 ± 0.4‰) across pelagic shark species, it is recommended that muscle tissue samples be treated with LE+DW to efficiently extract both urea and lipids to standardize isotopic values. Mathematical normalization of urea and lipid-extracted δ(15)N(LE+DW) and δ(13)C(LE+DW) values using the lipid-extracted δ(15)N(LE) and δ(13)C(LE) data were established for all pelagic shark species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunkai Li
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, 201306, China
- Marine Sciences Program, School of Environment, Arts and Society, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Yuying Zhang
- Marine Sciences Program, School of Environment, Arts and Society, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA
| | - Nigel E Hussey
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Avenue, ON, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Xiaojie Dai
- College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Rd., Shanghai, 201306, China
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Elliott JE, Kirk DA, Elliott KH, Dorzinsky J, Lee S, Inzunza ER, Cheng KMT, Scheuhammer T, Shaw P. Mercury in Forage Fish from Mexico and Central America: Implications for Fish-Eating Birds. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2015; 69:375-389. [PMID: 26194303 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-015-0188-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a global contaminant of aquatic food chains. Aquatic birds, such as the osprey (Pandion haliaetus), with migratory populations breeding in Canada and the northern United States and wintering in the Central and South America, can be exposed to mercury on both the breeding and wintering ranges. We examined Hg levels in 14 fish taxa from 24 osprey wintering sites identified from satellite telemetry. Our main goal was to determine whether fish species that feature in the diet of overwintering and resident fish-eating birds reached toxicity thresholds for Hg. Mean Hg levels in fish whole carcasses ranged from a high of 0.18 µg g(-1) (wet weight) in Scomberomorus sierra to a low of 0.009 µg g(-1) in Catostomidae. Average Hg levels were within published toxicity threshold values in forage fish for only two sites in Mexico (Puerto Vallarta and San Blas Estuary), and all were marine species, such as mackerel (Scomberomorus sierra), sea catfish (Ariopus spp.), and sardinas species (Centropomus spp.). Except for one sample from Nicaragua, sea catfish from Puerto Morazan, none of the fish from sites in Central America had Hg levels which exceeded the thresholds. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling revealed geographical differences in Hg levels with significant pairwise differences between sites along the Pacific Ocean (Mexico) versus the Bay of Campeche, partly due to differences in species composition of sampled fish (and species distributions). Hg increased with trophic level, as assessed by nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ(15)N but not δ(13)C), in freshwater and marine, but not estuarine, environments. Hg concentrations in forage fish do not account for the elevated Hg reported for many osprey populations on the breeding grounds, thus primary sources of contamination appear to be in the north.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Elliott
- Environment Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, 5421 Robertson Road RR# 1, Delta, BC, V4K3N2, Canada.
- Applied Animal Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - David A Kirk
- Aquila Conservation & Environment Consulting, 75 Albert Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5E7, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- McGill University, Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, PQ, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Jessica Dorzinsky
- Environment Canada, Science and Technology Branch, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Sandi Lee
- Environment Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, 5421 Robertson Road RR# 1, Delta, BC, V4K3N2, Canada
| | | | - Kimberly M T Cheng
- Applied Animal Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tony Scheuhammer
- Environment Canada, Science and Technology Branch, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Patrick Shaw
- Environment Canada, Science and Technology Branch, 201-401 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3S5, Canada
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Miller A, Elliott JE, Elliott KH, Lee S, Cyr F. Temporal trends of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in eggs of coastal and offshore birds: Increasing PFAS levels associated with offshore bird species breeding on the Pacific coast of Canada and wintering near Asia. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2015; 34:1799-808. [PMID: 25989421 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) have become virtually ubiquitous throughout the environment, and, based on laboratory studies, have known toxicological consequences. Various national and international voluntary phase-outs and restrictions on these compounds have been implemented over the last 10 to 15 years. In the present study, we examine trends (1990/1991-2010/2011) in aquatic birds (ancient murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiquus [2009 only]; Leach's storm-petrels, Oceanodroma leucorhoa; rhinoceros auklets, Cerorhinca monocerata; double-crested cormorants, Phalacrocorax auritus; and great blue herons, Ardea herodias). The PFCA, PFSA, and stable isotope (δ(15) N and δ(13) C) data collected from these species from the Pacific coast of Canada, ranging over 20 to 30 years, were used to investigate temporal changes in PFAS coupled to dietary changes. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), the dominant PFSA compound in all 4 species, increased and subsequently decreased in auklet and cormorant eggs in line with the manufacturing phase-out of PFOS and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), but concentrations continuously increased in petrel eggs and remained largely unchanged in heron eggs. Dominant PFCA compounds varied between the offshore and coastal species, with increases seen in the offshore species and little or variable changes seen in the coastal species. Little temporal change was seen in stable isotope values, indicating that diet alone is not driving observed PFAS concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroha Miller
- Department of Applied Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Department of Applied Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Science and Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sandi Lee
- Science and Technology Branch, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Francois Cyr
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Sardenne F, Ménard F, Degroote M, Fouché E, Guillou G, Lebreton B, Hollanda SJ, Bodin N. Methods of lipid-normalization for multi-tissue stable isotope analyses in tropical tuna. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2015; 29:1253-1267. [PMID: 26395609 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.7215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The bias associated with lipid contents in fish tissues is a recalcitrant topic for trophic studies using stable isotopes. Lipids are depleted in the heavy carbon isotope ((13)C) and the lipid content varies considerably among species, tissues and in both time and space. We have applied and assessed different correction methods for tropical tuna tissues. METHODS We tested two types of normalization methods to deal with variable lipid content in liver, gonads, and white and red muscles of yellowfin, bigeye and skipjack tuna: a chemical extraction using dichloromethane and a mathematical correction based on three modeling approaches (linear, non-linear and mass balance models). We measured isotopic ratios of bulk and lipid-free tissues and assessed the predictive ability of the correction models with the lipid-free measurements. The parameters of the models were estimated from our dataset and from results from published studies on other species. RESULTS Comparison between bulk, lipid-free and lipid-corrected isotopic ratios demonstrated that (1) chemical extraction using dichloromethane did not affect δ(15)N values; (2) the change in δ(13)C values after extraction was tissue-specific; (3) lipid-normalization models using published parameter estimates failed to predict lipid-corrected δ(13)C values; and (4) linear and non-linear models using parameters estimated for each tissue from our dataset provided accurate δ(13)C predictions for all tissues, and mass balance model for white muscle only. CONCLUSIONS Models using published estimates for parameters from other species cannot be used. Based on a range of lipid content that do not exceed 45%, we recommend the linear model to correct the bulk δ(13)C values in the investigated tissues but the parameters have to be estimated from a proportion of the original data for which chemical extraction is required and the isotopic values of bulk and lipid-free tissues are measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fany Sardenne
- IRD, UMR MARine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Avenue Jean Monnet, Sète, France
- IRD, UMR MARine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Fishing Port, Victoria, Seychelles
| | - Frédéric Ménard
- IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO), Aix-Marseille Université/CNRS/IRD/Université de Toulon, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Maxime Degroote
- IRD, UMR MARine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Avenue Jean Monnet, Sète, France
| | - Edwin Fouché
- IRD, UMR MARine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Avenue Jean Monnet, Sète, France
- INRA, UMR TOXALIM (Research Centre in Food Toxicology), Toulouse, France
| | - Gaël Guillou
- CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, UMR Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Benoit Lebreton
- CNRS-Université de la Rochelle, UMR Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | | | - Nathalie Bodin
- IRD, UMR MARine Biodiversity Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Fishing Port, Victoria, Seychelles
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Lavoie RA, Kyser TK, Friesen VL, Campbell LM. Tracking overwintering areas of fish-eating birds to identify mercury exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:863-872. [PMID: 25514043 DOI: 10.1021/es502813t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Migration patterns are believed to greatly influence concentrations of contaminants in birds due to accumulation in spatially and temporally distinct ecosystems. Two species of fish-eating birds, the Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) and the Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) breeding in Lake Ontario were chosen to measure the impact of overwintering location on mercury concentrations ([Hg]). We characterized (1) overwintering areas using stable isotopes of hydrogen (δ(2)H) and band recoveries, and (2) overwintering habitats by combining information from stable isotopes of sulfur (δ(34)S), carbon (δ(13)C), nitrogen (δ(15)N), and δ(2)H in feathers grown during the winter. Overall, overwintering location had a significant effect on [Hg]. Both species showed high [Hg] in (13)C-rich habitats. In situ production of Hg (e.g., through sulfate reducing bacteria in sediments) and allochthonous import could explain high [Hg] in birds visiting (13)C-rich habitats. Higher [Hg] were found in birds with high δ(2)H, suggesting that Hg is more bioavailable in southern overwintering locations. Hotspot maps informed that higher [Hg] in birds were found at the limit of their southeastern overwintering range. Mercury concentrations in winter feathers were positively related to predicted spatial pattern of [Hg] in fish using the National Descriptive Model of Mercury in Fish (NDMMF) based on bird spatial assignment (using δ(2)H). This study indicates that the overwintering location greatly influences [Hg].
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Miller A, Elliott JE, Elliott KH, Guigueno MF, Wilson LK, Lee S, Idrissi A. Brominated flame retardant trends in aquatic birds from the Salish Sea region of the west coast of North America, including a mini-review of recent trends in marine and estuarine birds. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 502:60-69. [PMID: 25241209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) increased in many matrices during the 1990s and early 2000s. Since voluntary restrictions and regulations on PBDEs were implemented in North America circa early 2000s, decreases in PBDEs have occurred in many of these same matrices. To examine temporal trends in the North Pacific, we retrospectively analysed PBDEs and eight non-PBDE flame retardants (FR) in eggs of two aquatic bird species, great blue herons, Ardea herodias, and double-crested cormorants, Phalacrocorax auritus, collected along the British Columbia coast, Canada from 1979 to 2012. Increasing PBDE concentrations were observed in both species followed by significant decreases post-2000 for all dominant congeners and ΣPBDE. Non-PBDE FRs were generally undetected in cormorant eggs, or detected at very low levels in heron eggs, except for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD). HBCDD, currently unregulated in North America, was not detected in early sampling years; however low concentrations were observed in both species in recent sampling years (2003-2012). Dietary tracers (δ(13)C and δ(15)N) did not change significantly over time, indicating that temporal changes in PBDEs are likely caused by implemented regulations. A comparison with recently published temporal trends of ΣPBDE in marine birds from North America and Europe is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroha Miller
- Department of Applied Biology, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Science and Technology, Environment Canada, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada.
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Mélanie F Guigueno
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Laurie K Wilson
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
| | - Sandi Lee
- Science and Technology, Environment Canada, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada
| | - Abde Idrissi
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
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Miller A, Elliott JE, Elliott KH, Guigueno MF, Wilson LK, Lee S, Idrissi A. Spatial and temporal trends in brominated flame retardants in seabirds from the Pacific coast of Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2014; 195:48-55. [PMID: 25194271 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) are bioaccumulative flame retardants. PBDEs increased in many ecosystems during the late 20th century, but recently have declined in some environments. To examine trends in the northern Pacific, we analysed PBDEs, HBCDD and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) to account for dietary effects in archived eggs of three seabird species from British Columbia, Canada, 1990-2011 (rhinoceros auklets, Cerorhinca monocerata; Leach's storm-petrels, Oceanodroma leucorhoa; ancient murrelets, Synthliboramphus antiquus, 2009 only). PBDEs increased until approximately 2000 and then decreased, while HBCDD increased exponentially throughout the examined period. No significant changes in dietary tracers were observed. HBCDD and ΣPBDE levels varied among species; ΣPBDE also varied among sites. Temporal changes in contaminant concentrations are unlikely to have been caused by dietary changes, and likely reflect the build-up followed by decreases associated with voluntary phase-outs and regulations implemented in North America to control PBDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroha Miller
- Department of Applied Biology, University of British Columbia, 2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John E Elliott
- Science and Technology, Environment Canada, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2, Canada.
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Mélanie F Guigueno
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Laurie K Wilson
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2, Canada
| | - Sandi Lee
- Science and Technology, Environment Canada, Delta, BC, V4K 3N2, Canada
| | - Abde Idrissi
- Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
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Kaufman TJ, Pajuelo M, Bjorndal KA, Bolten AB, Pfaller JB, Williams KL, Vander Zanden HB. Mother-egg stable isotope conversions and effects of lipid extraction and ethanol preservation on loggerhead eggs. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 2:cou049. [PMID: 27293670 PMCID: PMC4806724 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cou049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope (δ(13)C and δ(15)N) analysis has been used to elucidate foraging and migration behaviours of endangered sea turtle populations. Isotopic analysis of tissue samples from nesting females can provide information about their foraging locations before reproduction. To determine whether loggerhead (Caretta caretta) eggs provide a good proxy for maternal isotope values, we addressed the following three objectives: (i) we evaluated isotopic effects of ethanol preservation and lipid extraction on yolk; (ii) we examined the isotopic offset between maternal epidermis and corresponding egg yolk and albumen tissue δ(13)C and δ(15)N values; and (iii) we assessed the accuracy of foraging ground assignment using egg yolk and albumen stable isotope values as a proxy for maternal epidermis. Epidermis (n = 61), albumen (n = 61) and yolk samples (n = 24) were collected in 2011 from nesting females at Wassaw Island, GA, USA. Subsamples from frozen and ethanol-preserved yolk samples were lipid extracted. Both lipid extraction and ethanol preservation significantly affected yolk δ(13)C, while δ(15)N values were not altered at a biologically relevant level. The mathematical corrections provided here allow for normalization of yolk δ(13)C values with these treatments. Significant tissue conversion equations were found between δ(13)C and δ(15)N values of maternal epidermis and corresponding yolk and albumen. Finally, the consistency in assignment to a foraging area was high (up to 84%), indicating that these conversion equations can be used in future studies where stable isotopes are measured to determine female foraging behaviour and trophic relationships by assessing egg components. Loggerhead eggs can thus provide reliable isotopic information when samples from nesting females cannot be obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temma J. Kaufman
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Mariela Pajuelo
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Karen A. Bjorndal
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Alan B. Bolten
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Joseph B. Pfaller
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Caretta Research Project, PO Box 9841, Savannah, GA 31412, USA
| | | | - Hannah B. Vander Zanden
- Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research and Department of Biology, University of Florida, PO Box 118525, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Yurkowski DJ, Hussey NE, Semeniuk C, Ferguson SH, Fisk AT. Effects of lipid extraction and the utility of lipid normalization models on δ13C and δ15N values in Arctic marine mammal tissues. Polar Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-014-1571-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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