1
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Frie AK, Lindström U. Exploring the effects of methodological choices on the estimation and biological interpretation of life history parameters for harbour porpoises in Norway and beyond. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301427. [PMID: 38968179 PMCID: PMC11226007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates effects of subtle methodological choices on the estimation and biological interpretation of age, growth and reproductive parameters for harbour porpoises. The core analyses are based on a focal Norwegian data set built on samples from 134 harbour porpoises caught incidentally in gillnet fisheries along the Norwegian coast during autumn 2016 and spring 2017. Two contrasting practices for interpretation of seasonal and ontogenetic characteristics of tooth growth layer formation resulted in significant age differences among spring samples of young porpoises and for older animals across seasons. In turn, these differences affected estimates of age at maturity and asymptotic lengths, respectively. We also found significant differences in male age at maturity between two well-documented maturity criteria and between mathematical estimators of age at maturity for both sexes. Two different criteria for corpus albicans classification furthermore resulted in different patterns of ovarian corpora accumulation, which may affect some estimates of fecundity rates and contaminant loads. Both corpora accumulation patterns were also found in reanalysed data from German and Greenlandic porpoises. Based on tabulated overviews of methodological choices made in previous harbour porpoise studies, we argue that several of the issues mentioned above have wider relevance and may affect the validity of meta-analyses as a tool for estimating harbour porpoise sensitivity to extrinsic pressures. Differences in cause of death (COD) composition between data sets can have a similar effect. We demonstrate this in a meta-analysis of published harbour porpoise pregnancy rates, showing significantly higher values for trauma-killed samples compared to samples comprising mixed COD categories. COD also affected the estimated impacts of three previously analysed extrinsic predictors as well as an added predictor for vessel noise levels. We discuss the potential contributions of methodological, biological and anthropogenic factors in shaping observed regional differences in estimates of harbour porpoise life history parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ulf Lindström
- Institute of Marine Research, Tromsø, Norway
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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2
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Gosnell O, McHugh B, Minto C, McGovern E, Rogan E, Caurant F, Pierce GJ, Das K, O'Donovan J, Emerit A, Murphy S. Trace element concentrations in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the Celtic Seas ecoregion: Interelement relationships and effects of life history and health status. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108826. [PMID: 38925005 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Given the increased extraction of trace elements for use by new and emerging technologies, monitoring the environmental fate and potential effects of these compounds within the aquatic environment has never been more critical. Here, hepatic trace element concentrations were assessed in a key sentinel predator, the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), using a long-term dataset. Variation in concentrations were assessed in relation to other elements, time period, decomposition state, sex, age, total body length, sexual maturity and nutritional status, and cause of death. Additionally, mercury toxicity thresholds for evaluating risk were reviewed and employed. Concentrations of elements which bioaccumulate, THg, MeHg, Cd, and Pb, in addition to Se and V, were strongly correlated with age, and/or body length. An association was observed between Zn concentrations and disease status, with significantly higher concentrations measured in individuals that died from infectious disease, compared to other causes. Strong inter-elemental relationships were detected, namely between Hg and Se, MeHg and Se, Cd and Se, and Cu and Zn. While THg:Se molar ratio values were observed to increase with age and body length, approaching equimolarity. THg was largely comprised of inorganic Hg in older individuals, potentially bound to Se, therefore the effects from THg toxicity may possibly be less important than originally assumed. In contrast, higher MeHg:Hg ratio values were reported in juveniles, suggesting a poorer efficiency in demethylation and a higher sensitivity. The generation of data on proportions of hepatic MeHg and inorganic Hg is highly informative to both future toxicity threshold assessments within pollutant indicator assessments, and to understanding the ultimate fate of mercury in the marine web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla Gosnell
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway City, Ireland
| | - Brendan McHugh
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Cóilín Minto
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway City, Ireland
| | - Evin McGovern
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Emer Rogan
- Department of Zoology, Ecology and Plant Science, University College, Cork, Ireland
| | - Florence Caurant
- Observatoire Pelagis UAR 3462 La Rochelle Université - CNRS, 5 allées de l'Océan 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Graham J Pierce
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas (CSIC), Eduardo Cabello 6 36208, Vigo, Spain
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic Sciences Unit of Research (FOCUS), Laboratory of Biological Oceanography, University of LIEGE, Allée du 6 Août B6C 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jim O'Donovan
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aylis Emerit
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway City, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway City, Ireland.
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3
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García-Cegarra AM, Hall A, Martínez-López E. Bycatch and pollution are the main threats for Burmeister's porpoises inhabiting a high-industrialized bay in the Humboldt Current System. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 251:118621. [PMID: 38492834 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Pollution and bycatch are two of the main threats for cetaceans worldwide. These threats are exacerbated for nearshore species particularly for those in regions with intense industrial and fishing activities. Burmeister's porpoise is endemic to South America, has a Near Threatened conservation status because of long-term mortality in fisheries. Burmeister's porpoise occur in Mejillones Bay, northern Chile, a hot spot for heavy metals pollution from the mining industry and an intense industrial and artisanal purse-seine fishing area. From 2018 to 2021, we conducted systematic marine surveys to assess the abundance, distribution and habitat use of Burmeister's porpoises. We responded to stranding reports from 2018 to 2022, and necropsied nine individuals. From five of these, we analyzed the metal concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Se and Zn) in muscle and skin tissues. Results showed an abundance of 76.17 individuals (CV = 25.9%) and an average density of 0.45 individuals/km2 (CV = 26%). Burmeister's porpoises were observed year round, 22.2% were mother-calf pairs present in austral summer at an average of 90.6 m depth in the southwestern bound of the bay. Two-thirds of stranded specimens died due to bycatch and one died due to bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) attack. We report a dead Burmeister's porpoise positive for avian flu virus A (H5N1). Metals analyzed were found in muscle and skin tissues of stranded Burmeister's porpoises in the following order (Zn > Cu > Cr > As > Hg > Pb > Cd). Although we could not assess pollution as a cause of mortality, Cr, As and Pb concentrations exceeded the concentrations found in other porpoises species worldwide. We conclude that bycatch and pollution as the main threats for Burmeister's porpoise survival in northern Chile. Future studies should investigate the use of acoustic deterrent alarms to mitigate the bycatch in the bay and consider the Burmeister's porpoise as a sentinel species of pollution in northern Chilean coast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M García-Cegarra
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Recursos Biológicos, Universidad de Antofagasta, 1240000, Antofagasta, Chile; CETALAB, Laboratorio de Estudio de Megafauna Marina, 1240000, Antofagasta, Chile.
| | - Anna Hall
- Porpoise Conservation Society, British Columbia (S-63931), Canada; Sea View Marine Sciences, Victoria, V9C 4C5, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Oceanosphera group. Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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4
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Williams RS, Brownlow A, Baillie A, Barber JL, Barnett J, Davison NJ, Deaville R, ten Doeschate M, Murphy S, Penrose R, Perkins M, Spiro S, Williams R, Jepson PD, Curnick DJ, Jobling S. Spatiotemporal Trends Spanning Three Decades Show Toxic Levels of Chemical Contaminants in Marine Mammals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:20736-20749. [PMID: 38011905 PMCID: PMC10720377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Despite their ban and restriction under the 2001 Stockholm Convention, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are still widespread and pervasive in the environment. Releases of these toxic and bioaccumulative chemicals are ongoing, and their contribution to population declines of marine mammals is of global concern. To safeguard their survival, it is of paramount importance to understand the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Using one of the world's largest marine mammals strandings data sets, we combine published and unpublished data to examine pollutant concentrations in 11 species that stranded along the coast of Great Britain to quantify spatiotemporal trends over three decades and identify species and regions where pollutants pose the greatest threat. We find that although levels of pollutants have decreased overall, there is significant spatial and taxonomic heterogeneity such that pollutants remain a threat to biodiversity in several species and regions. Of individuals sampled within the most recent five years (2014-2018), 48% of individuals exhibited a concentration known to exceed toxic thresholds. Notably, pollutant concentrations are highest in long-lived, apex odontocetes (e.g., killer whales (Orcinus orca), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and white-beaked dolphins (Lagenorhynchus albirostris)) and were significantly higher in animals that stranded on more industrialized coastlines. At the present concentrations, POPs are likely to be significantly impacting marine mammal health. We conclude that more effective international elimination and mitigation strategies are urgently needed to address this critical issue for the global ocean health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie S. Williams
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
- Department
of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, 99-105 Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- School
of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical,
Veterinary & Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrew Baillie
- The
Natural
History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan L. Barber
- Centre
for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture
Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - James Barnett
- Environment
and Sustainability Institute, University
of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Falmouth, Cornwall TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Davison
- School
of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical,
Veterinary & Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United
Kingdom
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Mariel ten Doeschate
- School
of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical,
Veterinary & Life Sciences, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, United
Kingdom
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine
and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Science, School
of Science and Computing, Galway-Mayo Institute
of Technology, Galway H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Rod Penrose
- Marine
Environmental Monitoring, Penwalk, Llechryd, Cardigan, Ceredigion SA43 2PS, United
Kingdom
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Spiro
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Williams
- Cornwall
Wildlife Trust, Truro, Cornwall TR4 9DJ, United Kingdom
| | - Paul D. Jepson
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Curnick
- Institute
of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Jobling
- Department
of Life Sciences, Institute of Health, Medicine and Environments, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
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5
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Xuereb N, Ólafsdóttir K, Samarra F, Svavarsson J, Magnúsdóttir EE. POPs in long-finned pilot whales mass stranded in Iceland as a proxy for their physiological condition. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115758. [PMID: 37979533 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115758] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) are the most frequently stranded cetaceans in the world; however, the predominant drivers of these events are poorly understood. In this study the levels of persistent organic pollutants from pilot whales stranded in North-east Iceland were quantified and compared to historical data and physical parameters to investigate whether contaminant load may have influenced the physiological state of stranded individuals, how these loads fluctuate with sex and age group, and if this is consistent with the literature. Historical comparison was also carried out to discern how pollutant contamination has changed throughout the past few decades. DDE, transnonachlor and PCB-153 were the top three pollutants respectively. The accumulation of POPs was greater on average in immature individuals than adults, whilst among adults, males had higher concentration than females. Moreover, despite an indication of decreasing POP loads throughout the years, knowledge of harmful thresholds remains exceedingly limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholai Xuereb
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Askja, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - Kristín Ólafsdóttir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Iceland, Hofsvallagata 53, 107 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Filipa Samarra
- University of Iceland's Institute of Research Centers, Ægisgata 2, 900 Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland
| | - Jörundur Svavarsson
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Askja, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Edda Elísabet Magnúsdóttir
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Iceland, Askja, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland; Faculty of Subject Teacher Education, University of Iceland, Askja, Sturlugata 7, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
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6
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Reiter EB, Escher BI, Rojo-Nieto E, Nolte H, Siebert U, Jahnke A. Characterizing the marine mammal exposome by iceberg modeling, linking chemical analysis and in vitro bioassays. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:1802-1816. [PMID: 37132588 PMCID: PMC10647987 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00033h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study complements work on mixture effects measured with in vitro bioassays of passive equilibrium sampling extracts using the silicone polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) in organs from marine mammals with chemical profiling. Blubber, liver, kidney and brain tissues of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), ringed seal (Phoca hispida) and orca (Orcinus orca) from the North and Baltic Seas were investigated. We analyzed 117 chemicals including legacy and emerging contaminants using gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry and quantified 70 of those chemicals in at least one sample. No systematic differences between the organs were found. Only for single compounds a clear distribution pattern was observed. For example, 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, enzacamene and etofenprox were mainly detected in blubber, whereas tonalide and the hexachlorocyclohexanes were more often found in liver. Furthermore, we compared the chemical profiling with the bioanalytical results using an iceberg mixture model, evaluating how much of the biological effect could be explained by the analyzed chemicals. The mixture effect predicted from the quantified chemical concentrations explained 0.014-83% of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor activating effect (AhR-CALUX), but less than 0.13% for the activation of the oxidative stress response (AREc32) and peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPARγ). The quantified chemicals also explained between 0.044-45% of the cytotoxic effect measured with the AhR-CALUX. The largest fraction of the observed effect was explained for the orca, which was the individuum with the highest chemical burden. This study underlines that chemical analysis and bioassays are complementary to comprehensively characterize the mixture exposome of marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva B Reiter
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Beate I Escher
- Department of Cell Toxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Elisa Rojo-Nieto
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Hannah Nolte
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, 25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Annika Jahnke
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstr. 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 52074, Germany
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7
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Berger ML, Shaw SD, Rolsky CB, Chen D, Sun J, Rosing-Asvid A, Granquist SM, Simon M, Bäcklin BM, Roos AM. Alternative and legacy flame retardants in marine mammals from three northern ocean regions. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122255. [PMID: 37517638 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122255] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Flame retardants are globally distributed contaminants that have been linked to negative health effects in humans and wildlife. As top predators, marine mammals bioaccumulate flame retardants and other contaminants in their tissues which is one of many human-imposed factors threatening population health. While some flame retardants, such as the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), have been banned because of known toxicity and environmental persistence, limited data exist on the presence and distribution of current-use alternative flame retardants in marine mammals from many industrialized and remote regions of the world. Therefore, this study measured 44 legacy and alternative flame retardants in nine marine mammal species from three ocean regions: the Northwest Atlantic, the Arctic, and the Baltic allowing for regional, species, age, body condition, temporal, and tissue comparisons to help understand global patterns. PBDE concentrations were 100-1000 times higher than the alternative brominated flame retardants (altBFRs) and Dechloranes. 2,2',4,5,5'-pentabromobiphenyl (BB-101) and hexabromobenzene (HBBZ) were the predominant altBFRs, while Dechlorane-602 was the predominant Dechlorane. This manuscript also reports only the second detection of hexachlorocyclopentadienyl-dibromocyclooctane (HCDBCO) in marine mammals. The NW Atlantic had the highest PBDE concentrations followed by the Baltic and Arctic which reflects greater historical use of PBDEs in North America compared to Europe and greater industrialization of North America and Baltic countries compared to the Arctic. Regional patterns for other compounds were more complicated, and there were significant interactions among species, regions, body condition and age class. Lipid-normalized PBDE concentrations in harbor seal liver and blubber were similar, but HBBZ and many Dechloranes had higher concentrations in liver, indicating factors other than lipid dynamics affect the distribution of these compounds. The health implications of contamination by this mixture of compounds are of concern and require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Berger
- Shaw Institute, PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, ME, 04614, USA.
| | - Susan D Shaw
- Shaw Institute, PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, ME, 04614, USA
| | - Charles B Rolsky
- Shaw Institute, PO Box 1652, 55 Main Street, Blue Hill, ME, 04614, USA
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China; Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory and Department of Zoology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Jiachen Sun
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China; College of Marine Life Science, Ocean University of China, CN-266003, Qingdao, China
| | - Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid
- Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, PO Box 570, 3900, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Sandra Magdalena Granquist
- Seal Research Department, The Icelandic Seal Center, Höfðabraut 6, 530 Hvammstangi, Iceland; Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Fornubúðir 5, 220 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
| | - Malene Simon
- Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, PO Box 570, 3900, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Britt-Marie Bäcklin
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, PO Box 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Maria Roos
- Greenland Climate Research Centre, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, PO Box 570, 3900, Nuuk, Greenland; Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, PO Box 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Williams RS, Brownlow A, Baillie A, Barber JL, Barnett J, Davison NJ, Deaville R, Ten Doeschate M, Penrose R, Perkins M, Williams R, Jepson PD, Lyashevska O, Murphy S. Evaluation of a marine mammal status and trends contaminants indicator for European waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 866:161301. [PMID: 36592909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.161301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals are vulnerable to the bioaccumulation, biomagnification and lactational transfer of specific types of pollutants, such as industrial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), due to their long-life spans, feeding at a high trophic level and unique fat stores that can serve as depots for these lipophilic contaminants. Currently, European countries are developing indicators for monitoring pollutants in the marine environment and assessing the state of biodiversity, requirements under both Regional Seas Conventions and European legislation. As sentinel species for marine ecosystem and human health, marine mammals can be employed to assess bioaccumulated contaminants otherwise below current analytical detection limits in water and lower trophic level marine biota. To aid the development of Regional Seas marine mammal contaminants indicators, as well as Member States obligations under descriptor 8 of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the current study aims to further develop appropriate methodological standards using data collected by the established UK marine mammal pollutant monitoring programme (1990 to 2017) to assess the trends and status of PCBs in harbour porpoises. Within this case study, temporal trends of PCB blubber concentration in juvenile harbour porpoises were analysed using multiple linear regression models and toxicity thresholds for the onset of physiological (reproductive and immunological) endpoints were applied to all sex-maturity groups. Mean PCB blubber concentrations were observed to decline in all harbour porpoise Assessment Units and OSPAR Assessment Areas in UK waters. However, a high proportion of animals were exposed to concentrations deemed to be a toxicological threat, though the relative proportion declined in most Assessment Units/Areas over the last 10 years of the assessment. Recommendations were made for improving the quality of the assessment going forward, including detailing monitoring requirements for the successful implementation of such an indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie S Williams
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Andrew Baillie
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD, London, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - James Barnett
- Cornwall Marine Pathology Team, Fishers Well, Higher Brill, Constantine, Falmouth TR11 5QG, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Mariel Ten Doeschate
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Rod Penrose
- Marine Environmental Monitoring, Penwalk, Llechryd, Cardigan SA43 2PS, Ceredigion, UK
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | | | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Olga Lyashevska
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway city, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Department of Natural Resources & the Environment, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technical University, ATU Galway city, Ireland.
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9
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Kaleem M, Mumtaz AS, Hashmi MZ, Saeed A, Inam F, Waqar R, Jabeen A. Myco- and phyco-remediation of polychlorinated biphenyls in the environment: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:13994-14007. [PMID: 36550253 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24902-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic organic compounds and pose serious threats to environment and public health. PCBs still exist in different environments such as air, water, soil, and sediments even on ban. This review summarizes the phyco- and myco-remediation technologies developed to detoxify the PCB-polluted sites. It was found that algae mostly use bioaccumulation to biodegradation strategies to reclaim the environment. As bio-accumulator, Ulva rigida C. Agardh has been best at 25 ng/g dry wt to remove PCBs. Evidently, Anabaena PD-1 is the only known PCB degrading alga and efficiently degrade Aroclor 1254 and dioxin-like PCBs up to 84.4% and 37.4% to 68.4%, respectively. The review suggested that factors such as choice of algal strains, response of microalgae, biomass, the rate of growth, and cost-effective cultivation conditions significantly influence the remediation of PCBs. Furthermore, the Anabaena sp. linA gene of Pseudomonas paucimobilis Holmes UT26 showed enhanced efficiency. Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm is the most efficient PCB degrading fungus, degrading up to 98.4% and 99.6% of PCB in complex and mineral media, respectively. Combine metabolic activities of bacteria and yeast led to the higher detoxification of PCBs. Fungi-algae consortia would be a promising approach in remediation of PCBs. A critical analysis on potentials and limits of PCB treatment through fungal and algal biosystems have been reviewed, and thus, new insights have emerged for possible bioremediation, bioaccumulation, and biodegradation of PCBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Kaleem
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Samad Mumtaz
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Aamer Saeed
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Farooq Inam
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rooma Waqar
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Amber Jabeen
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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10
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Sanders CW, Stewart DL, Pacifici K, Hess GR, Olfenbuttel C, DePerno CS. Variations in reproduction and age structure in the North American river otter in North Carolina, USA. J Wildl Manage 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles W. Sanders
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - Dennis L. Stewart
- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge United States Fish and Wildlife Service (retired) Manteo NC 27954 USA
| | - Krishna Pacifici
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - George R. Hess
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - Colleen Olfenbuttel
- Surveys and Research Program, Wildlife Management Division North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Pittsboro NC 27312 USA
| | - Christopher S. DePerno
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
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11
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Baugh KA, Robbins J, Schultz IR, Ylitalo GM. Persistent organic pollutants in female humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae from the Gulf of Maine. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 316:120616. [PMID: 36410597 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120616] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant studies in cetaceans can provide information about pollutant levels and patterns in a given region. Due to the confounding effects of reproductive status and maternal offloading in females, these studies typically focus on males. However, an improved understanding of contaminant burdens in female cetaceans is needed to better assess potential impacts to populations. The objectives of this study were to characterize concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blubber of female humpback whales across age classes and to also better characterize maternal offloading of these pollutants to their offspring. A total of 36 blubber biopsy samples of female humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from the Gulf of Maine were analyzed to examine contaminant loads across females of different ages. Sampled individuals were individually-identified from longitudinal studies and assigned to age class (i.e., adult, subadult, juvenile, calf). Analysis was performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of POPs including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), chlordanes (CHLDs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs). The most abundant POPs were PCB congeners, with summed values ranging from 280 to 12,000 ng/g, lipid weight, which is above recent estimates of the threshold for adverse health effects. We found significant differences in mean values between adults and juveniles and between adults and subadults, with the exception of the less persistent HCHs for the latter. We also found significant differences in mean levels of ∑HCHs between the juveniles and subadults. Changes over age are consistent with maternal offloading and potentially important for evaluating population health and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri A Baugh
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
| | - Jooke Robbins
- Center for Coastal Studies, 5 Holway Avenue, Provincetown, MA, 02657, USA
| | - Irvin R Schultz
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA
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12
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Minoia L, Consales G, Mazzariol S, Mancusi C, Terracciano G, Ceciarini I, Capanni F, Neri A, D'Agostino A, Marsili L. Preliminary assessment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in tissues of Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) specimens stranded along the Italian coasts. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114470. [PMID: 36528010 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ecotoxicological and pathological research on Grampus griseus (Cuvier, 1812) (Risso's dolphins) is scarce both globally and in the Mediterranean Sea. This species has been classified as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the Mediterranean Sea. To evaluate the presence of "persistent organic pollutants" (POPs), especially organochlorine compounds (OCs), in the animals, chemical analyses were performed on tissues and organs of Risso's dolphin stranded along the Italian coasts between 1998 and 2021. Toxic contaminants such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs) were examined in the blubber, liver, muscle, and brain of 20 animals, and data was correlated with sex, age, and stranding locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Minoia
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Genoa Marine Centre, Villa del Principe, Via San Benedetto 2, 16126 Genoa, Italy
| | - G Consales
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, National Institute of Marine Biology, Ecology and Biotechnology, Genoa Marine Centre, Villa del Principe, Via San Benedetto 2, 16126 Genoa, Italy.
| | - S Mazzariol
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science - BCA, University of Padua, Agripolis, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - C Mancusi
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Environmental Protection Agency Tuscany Region (ARPAT), Via Giovanni Marradi 114, 57126 Livorno, Italy
| | - G Terracciano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana - Sezione di Pisa, Via SS Abetone Brennero 4, 56123 Pisa, Italy
| | - I Ceciarini
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - F Capanni
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - A Neri
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; CIBM - Consortium for the Interuniversity Center of Marine Biology and Applied Ecology "G. Bacci", viale N. Sauro 4, 57128 Livorno, Italy
| | - A D'Agostino
- Department of Management Studies and Quantitative Methods (DISAQ), University of Naples Parthenope, Via Generale Parisi 13, 80132 Napoli, Italy
| | - L Marsili
- Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy; Centro Interuniversitario per la Ricerca sui CEtacei (CIRCE), Department of Physical Sciences Earth and Environment, University of Siena, Strada Laterina 8, 53100 Siena, Italy
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13
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Hayes KRR, Ylitalo GM, Anderson TA, Urbán
R. J, Jacobsen JK, Scordino JJ, Lang AR, Baugh KA, Bolton JL, Brüniche-Olsen A, Calambokidis J, Martínez-Aguilar S, Subbiah S, Gribble MO, Godard-Codding CAJ. Influence of Life-History Parameters on Persistent Organic Pollutant Concentrations in Blubber of Eastern North Pacific Gray Whales ( Eschrichtius robustus). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:17119-17130. [PMID: 36346717 PMCID: PMC9730851 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can significantly impact marine mammal health, reproduction, and fitness. This study addresses a significant 20-year gap in gray whale contaminant monitoring through analysis of POPs in 120 blubber biopsies. The scope of this substantial sample set is noteworthy in its range and diversity with collection between 2003 and 2017 along North America's west coast and across diverse sex, age, and reproductive parameters, including paired mothers and calves. Mean blubber concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (∑PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (∑DDTs), and chlordanes (∑CHLs) generally decreased since previous reports (1968-1999). This is the first report of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and select hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) in this species. Statistical modeling of the 19 most frequently detected compounds in this dataset revealed sex-, age-, and reproductive status-related patterns, predominantly attributed to maternal offloading. Mean POP concentrations differed significantly by sex in adults (17 compounds, up to 3-fold higher in males) but not in immatures (all 19 compounds). Mean POP concentrations were significantly greater in adults versus immatures in both males (17 compounds, up to 12-fold) and females (13 compounds, up to 3-fold). POP concentrations were detected with compound-specific patterns in nursing calves, confirming maternal offloading for the first time in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kia R. R. Hayes
- The
Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
- Environmental
and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center,
National Marine Fisheries Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington 98112, United States
- Ocean
Associates, Inc., Arlington, Virginia 22207, United States
| | - Gina M. Ylitalo
- Environmental
and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center,
National Marine Fisheries Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington 98112, United States
| | - Todd A. Anderson
- The
Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Jorge Urbán
R.
- Departamento
de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad
Autónoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, BCS 23085, Mexico
| | | | - Jonathan J. Scordino
- Marine Mammal
Program, Makah Fisheries Management, Makah Tribe, Neah Bay, Washington 98357, United States
| | - Aimee R. Lang
- Ocean
Associates, Inc., Arlington, Virginia 22207, United States
- Southwest
Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Keri A. Baugh
- Environmental
and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center,
National Marine Fisheries Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington 98112, United States
| | - Jennie L. Bolton
- Environmental
and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center,
National Marine Fisheries Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, Washington 98112, United States
| | - Anna Brüniche-Olsen
- Department
of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - John Calambokidis
- Cascadia
Research Collective, Olympia, Washington 98501, United States
| | - Sergio Martínez-Aguilar
- Departamento
de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad
Autónoma de Baja California Sur, La Paz, BCS 23085, Mexico
| | - Seenivasan Subbiah
- The
Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Matthew O. Gribble
- Department
of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at
Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, United
States
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14
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Palmer EI, Betty EL, Murphy S, Perrott MR, Smith ANH, Stockin KA. Reproductive biology of female common dolphins ( Delphinus delphis) in New Zealand waters. MARINE BIOLOGY 2022; 169:158. [PMID: 36466079 PMCID: PMC9705467 DOI: 10.1007/s00227-022-04139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Reproductive biology was assessed in 106 female common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) examined post-mortem from stranding and bycatch events along the New Zealand coastline between 1997 and 2019. The average age (ASM) and length (LSM) at sexual maturity was estimated at 7.5 years and 183.5 cm, respectively. The total number of corpora in mature individuals increased with age and appeared to persist throughout life. Ovarian asymmetry was apparent, with the left ovary displaying higher rates of ovulation, and a maximum of 19 corpora recorded for a 24-year-old female. The estimated ovulation and annual pregnancy rates for mature females were 0.39 year-1 and 30%, respectively. Conception and calving occurred year-round, with a weak seasonal increase observed in late austral spring and early austral summer. As these data did not clearly show whether seasonality was present, the gestation, lactation, and resting periods were calculated as either 12.6 or 12.8 months based on the presence/absence of seasonality, respectively. Similarly, calving interval ranged from 3.15 to 3.2 years, depending upon whether seasonality was considered. The estimated LSM of the New Zealand population aligns with other populations globally, although the estimated ASM is younger by approximately 6 months. Other reproductive parameters align with Northern Hemisphere populations, although demonstrate variation, which may reflect adaptations to local conditions such as water temperature and prey availability. As the species is subject to anthropogenic impacts including pollution and bycatch, we suggest our findings be used as a baseline with which to monitor trends in population parameters. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00227-022-04139-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily I. Palmer
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, 0745 New Zealand
| | - Emma L. Betty
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, 0745 New Zealand
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, School of Science and Computing, Atlantic Technological University, ATU Galway City, Old Dublin Road, Galway, H91 T8NW Ireland
| | - Matthew R. Perrott
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4472 New Zealand
| | - Adam N. H. Smith
- School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, 0745 New Zealand
| | - Karen A. Stockin
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland, 0745 New Zealand
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15
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Gregor KM, Lakemeyer J, IJsseldijk LL, Siebert U, Wohlsein P. Spontaneous neoplasms in harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena. DISEASES OF AQUATIC ORGANISMS 2022; 149:145-154. [PMID: 35735234 DOI: 10.3354/dao03670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Harbour porpoises are widely distributed in the North Atlantic and represent the most abundant cetacean species in the North and Baltic Seas. Spontaneous neoplasms are relatively rarely reported in cetaceans, and only little is known about neoplasia in harbour porpoises. Thus, archival material was reviewed for spontaneous neoplasms in harbour porpoises recorded during post-mortem examinations between 1999 and 2018. Neoplasms were identified in 7 adult porpoises: 6 animals originating from the North and Baltic Seas and investigated as part of German and Dutch systematic health monitoring programs, and 1 porpoise from Greenlandic waters. The tumours were of different histogenetic origins and further characterised by histology and immunohistochemistry. One individual had a neoplasia in the digestive tract (adenocarcinoma, n = 1); 4 animals, in the genital tract (Sertoli cell tumour, n = 1; genital leiomyoma/fibroleiomyoma, n = 3); and 2 porpoises, in endocrine organs (adrenal adenoma, n = 2). This is the first report of an adenocarcinoma in the liver, a testicular Sertoli cell tumour and adrenocortical adenomas in harbour porpoises. The cause of the tumorigenesis in examined cases remains undetermined. The involvement of endogenous factors, including mutation of cell cycle regulating genes, such as the tumour-suppressor gene p53, cannot be ruled out. The aetiopathogenetic significance of exogenous factors, such as infectious agents like liver flukes or anthropogenic factors, including persistent organic pollutants, should be the subject of future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Gregor
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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16
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Marlatt VL, Bayen S, Castaneda-Cortès D, Delbès G, Grigorova P, Langlois VS, Martyniuk CJ, Metcalfe CD, Parent L, Rwigemera A, Thomson P, Van Der Kraak G. Impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on reproduction in wildlife and humans. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 208:112584. [PMID: 34951986 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in aquatic and terrestrial environments. The main objective of this review was to summarize the current knowledge of the impacts of EDCs on reproductive success in wildlife and humans. The examples selected often include a retrospective assessment of the knowledge of reproductive impacts over time to discern how the effects of EDCs have changed over the last several decades. Collectively, the evidence summarized here within reinforce the concept that reproduction in wildlife and humans is negatively impacted by anthropogenic chemicals, with several altering endocrine system function. These observations of chemicals interfering with different aspects of the reproductive endocrine axis are particularly pronounced for aquatic species and are often corroborated by laboratory-based experiments (i.e. fish, amphibians, birds). Noteworthy, many of these same indicators are also observed in epidemiological studies in mammalian wildlife and humans. Given the vast array of reproductive strategies used by animals, it is perhaps not surprising that no single disrupted target is predictive of reproductive effects. Nevertheless, there are some general features of the endocrine control of reproduction, and in particular, the critical role that steroid hormones play in these processes that confer a high degree of susceptibility to environmental chemicals. New research is needed on the implications of chemical exposures during development and the potential for long-term reproductive effects. Future emphasis on field-based observations that can form the basis of more deliberate, extensive, and long-term population level studies to monitor contaminant effects, including adverse effects on the endocrine system, are key to addressing these knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- V L Marlatt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - S Bayen
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - D Castaneda-Cortès
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - G Delbès
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - P Grigorova
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - V S Langlois
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - C J Martyniuk
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - C D Metcalfe
- School of Environment, Trent University, Trent, Canada
| | - L Parent
- Département Science et Technologie, Université TELUQ, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - A Rwigemera
- Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - P Thomson
- Centre Eau Terre Environnement, Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Laval, QC, Canada
| | - G Van Der Kraak
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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17
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Causes of Death and Pathological Findings in Stranded Harbour Porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Swedish Waters. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12030369. [PMID: 35158692 PMCID: PMC8833703 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Disease factors and mortality etiologies of free ranging wild cetaceans such as the harbour porpoise (Phoceona phocoena) are difficult to study. However, stranded animals and carcasses can provide invaluable information on the health and biology of this species. Post-mortem examinations performed on 128 stranded harbour porpoises collected over 15 years from Swedish waters examined general health, disease findings and cause of death. The main cause of death was bycatch in fishing gear (31%, confirmed or suspected). Disease, most often pneumonia, was also a frequent cause of death (21%). Porpoise population health may mirror the overall health and stability of marine ecosystems and the effects of human activities on coastal environments. Monitoring health, diseases and causes of death of porpoises allows for identification of threats to these animals, to other animals, to humans and to the environment. Abstract Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are useful indicators of the health of their wild populations and marine ecosystems, yet their elusive nature makes studying them in their natural environment challenging. Stranded porpoises provide an excellent source of data to study the health and biology of these animals and identify causes of death, diseases and other threats. The aim of this study was to document pathology, and where possible, cause of death in porpoises from Swedish waters. Post-mortem examinations were performed on 128 stranded porpoises collected from 2006 to 2020. Overall, bycatch including definitive and probable cases was the most common cause of death (31.4%), followed by disease (21.3%), predominantly pneumonia. In adults, infectious disease was the most common cause of death. Bacteria with zoonotic potential such as Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and Brucella sp. were documented for the first time in porpoises from Swedish waters, as was the porpoise-adapted group B Salmonella enterica ST416/ST417. Three of four deaths from non-infectious diseases involved parturition complications. Four cases of suspected predation were documented, but further analyses are required to confirm these findings. Our results are consistent with those from other regions in Europe and serve as a reference for future monitoring for changing patterns of health and disease of porpoises and their environments.
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18
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Amundin M, Carlström J, Thomas L, Carlén I, Teilmann J, Tougaard J, Loisa O, Kyhn LA, Sveegaard S, Burt ML, Pawliczka I, Koza R, Arciszewski B, Galatius A, Laaksonlaita J, MacAuley J, Wright AJ, Gallus A, Dähne M, Acevedo‐Gutiérrez A, Benke H, Koblitz J, Tregenza N, Wennerberg D, Brundiers K, Kosecka M, Tiberi Ljungqvist C, Jussi I, Jabbusch M, Lyytinen S, Šaškov A, Blankett P. Estimating the abundance of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena) population using passive acoustic monitoring. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8554. [PMID: 35222950 PMCID: PMC8858216 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowing the abundance of a population is a crucial component to assess its conservation status and develop effective conservation plans. For most cetaceans, abundance estimation is difficult given their cryptic and mobile nature, especially when the population is small and has a transnational distribution. In the Baltic Sea, the number of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) has collapsed since the mid-20th century and the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and HELCOM; however, its abundance remains unknown. Here, one of the largest ever passive acoustic monitoring studies was carried out by eight Baltic Sea nations to estimate the abundance of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise for the first time. By logging porpoise echolocation signals at 298 stations during May 2011-April 2013, calibrating the loggers' spatial detection performance at sea, and measuring the click rate of tagged individuals, we estimated an abundance of 71-1105 individuals (95% CI, point estimate 491) during May-October within the population's proposed management border. The small abundance estimate strongly supports that the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise is facing an extremely high risk of extinction, and highlights the need for immediate and efficient conservation actions through international cooperation. It also provides a starting point in monitoring the trend of the population abundance to evaluate the effectiveness of management measures and determine its interactions with the larger neighboring Belt Sea population. Further, we offer evidence that design-based passive acoustic monitoring can generate reliable estimates of the abundance of rare and cryptic animal populations across large spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Carlström
- AquaBiota Water ResearchStockholmSweden
- Present address:
Department of Environmental Research and MonitoringSwedish Museum of Natural HistoryStockholmSweden
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Ida Carlén
- AquaBiota Water ResearchStockholmSweden
- Present address:
Department of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Jakob Tougaard
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Olli Loisa
- Turku University of Applied SciencesTurkuFinland
| | - Line A. Kyhn
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Signe Sveegaard
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - M. Louise Burt
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Iwona Pawliczka
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
| | - Radomil Koza
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
| | - Bartlomiej Arciszewski
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
| | - Anders Galatius
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | | | - Jamie MacAuley
- School of BiologyBute BuildingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
- Present address:
Department of Biology ‐ ZoophysiologyAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Andrew J. Wright
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
- Present address:
Fisheries and Oceans CanadaMaritimes, DartmouthNova ScotiaCanada
| | | | | | | | | | - Jens Koblitz
- German Oceanographic MuseumStralsundGermany
- Present address:
Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
- Present address:
Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective BehaviourUniversity of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | | | - Daniel Wennerberg
- Kolmarden Wildlife ParkKolmårdenSweden
- Present address:
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Core ServicesNorrköpingSweden
| | | | - Monika Kosecka
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
- Present address:
Scottish Association for Marine ScienceUniversity of Highlands and IslandsObanUK
| | - Cinthia Tiberi Ljungqvist
- Kolmarden Wildlife ParkKolmårdenSweden
- Present address:
County Administrative Board of StockholmStockholmSweden
| | - Ivar Jussi
- ProMare NPOVintriku Saula küla, Kose valdHarjumaaEstonia
| | | | | | - Aleksej Šaškov
- Marine Research instituteKlaipėda UniversityKlaipėdaLithuania
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19
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Burd BJ, Lowe CJ, Morales-Caselles C. Uptake of PCBs into sediment dwellers and trophic transfer in relation to sediment conditions in the Salish Sea. Facets (Ott) 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2021-0032] [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] Open
Abstract
We examined uptake of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into various marine sediment feeders relative to physical and geochemical factors and transfer to higher trophic levels. PCBs exceeding Canadian Council Ministers of the Environment Guidelines by 6–55× were found in industrialized harbours and some near-outfall sediments, indicating ongoing land input. Sediment PCBs were correlated with organic flux and content. Tissue PCBs were >10× sediment PCBs in all samples and highest in Victoria Harbour infauna, suggesting considerable uptake from these extremely contaminated, organically enriched, chronically disturbed sediments. Sediment PCBs were the primary predictor of tissue lipid PCBs followed by %fines. This results in generally higher tissue PCBs in more depositional regions. The lipid/sediment PCBs (uptake rate) declined with increasing sediment PCBs, acid volatile sulfides and benthos biomass turnover. PCB homologue composition did not change with uptake from sediments or at higher trophic levels, suggesting minimal metabolization in tissues. Trophic bio-magnification occurs since lipid PCBs were 2–100× higher in seal blubber than sediment feeders. PCBs were compared with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) for the same samples. PCBs were highest in industrialized harbours, whereas PBDEs were elevated in harbours but highest near wastewater discharges. This reflects differences in usage history, sediment dynamics, and affinities. PCBs appear to be more bio-accumulative and persistent at higher trophic levels than PBDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda J Burd
- Ecostat Research Ltd., North Saanich, BC V8L 5P6, Canada
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20
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Xie Q, Yu RQ, Yu R, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wu Y. Historic changes of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in juvenile and adult cetaceans from the Pearl River estuary from 2003 to 2020. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149512. [PMID: 34391148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as a type of legacy persistent organic pollutants, pose significant health threats to wildlife. However, long-term residue changes and profiles of PCBs in cetaceans have not been extensively studied in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), an important marine mammal area in China. Here, the body burdens, spatiotemporal trends, and health risks of 21 chlorobiphenyl congeners (∑21CBs) were analyzed in blubber samples collected from twelve cetacean species (n = 172) in the PRE from 2003 to 2020. Our results revealed medium levels of PCBs (316-96,233 ng g-1 lipid) compared to those reported for cetaceans elsewhere (70-370,000 ng g-1 lipid). Clear differences in PCB distribution patterns between inshore and offshore cetaceans and between odontocetes and mysticetes were also found. Both the coastal Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) displayed similarly fine-scale spatial distribution patterns of PCBs, suggesting that the two cetaceans could serve as bioindicators of PCB pollution in the PRE. Additionally, both cetaceans exhibited decreasing trends in their blubber PCB concentrations over the past 20 years, likely reflecting the effective regulation of PCBs in the PRE Delta. Nevertheless, the relatively high and stable PCB-toxic equivalent (TEQ) levels detected in calf humpback dolphins during the sampling period suggested that the calves are still under the stresses of high PCB-related health risks. Our results highlight the need for more efforts to eliminate PCB contamination to prevent these cetaceans from continuous population decline and further extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xie
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Ronglan Yu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhenhua Wang
- The Engineering Technology Research Center of Characteristic Medicinal Plants of Fujian, College of Life Sciences, Ningde Normal University, Ningde 352100, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China.
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University; Southern Laboratory of Ocean Science and Engineering, Guangdong, Zhuhai 519000, China.
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21
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Stockin KA, Yi S, Northcott GL, Betty EL, Machovsky-Capuska GE, Jones B, Perrott MR, Law RJ, Rumsby A, Thelen MA, Graham L, Palmer EI, Tremblay LA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), trace elements and life history parameters of mass-stranded common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in New Zealand. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:112896. [PMID: 34601248 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112896] [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: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Profiles of 33 PFAS analytes and 12 essential and non-essential trace elements were measured in livers of stranded common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from New Zealand. PFAS concentrations reported were largely comparable to those measured in other marine mammal species globally and composed mostly of long-chain compounds including perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) and perfluorooctanesulfonamide (FOSA). PFAS profiles did not vary significantly by location, body condition, or life history. Notably, significant positive correlations were observed within respective PFAS and trace elements. However, only negative correlations were evident between these two contaminant types, suggesting different exposure and metabolic pathways. Age-associated concentrations were found for PFTrDA and four trace elements, i.e. silver, mercury, cadmium, selenium, indicating differences in the bioaccumulation biomagnification mechanisms. Overall, our results contribute to global understanding of accumulation of PFAS by offering first insights of PFAS exposure in cetaceans living within South Pacific Australasian waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Stockin
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand.
| | - S Yi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - G L Northcott
- Northcott Research Consultants Limited, 20 River Oaks Place, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
| | - E L Betty
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - G E Machovsky-Capuska
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand; The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - B Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, PO Box 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - M R Perrott
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
| | - R J Law
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand; Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - A Rumsby
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - M A Thelen
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - L Graham
- AsureQuality Limited, PO Box 31 242, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
| | - E I Palmer
- Cetacean Ecology Research Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 102 904, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
| | - L A Tremblay
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, PO Box 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson 7042, New Zealand
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22
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van den Heuvel-Greve MJ, van den Brink AM, Kotterman MJJ, Kwadijk CJAF, Geelhoed SCV, Murphy S, van den Broek J, Heesterbeek H, Gröne A, IJsseldijk LL. Polluted porpoises: Generational transfer of organic contaminants in harbour porpoises from the southern North Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 796:148936. [PMID: 34328906 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), bioaccumulate in marine ecosystems. Top predators contain high levels of POPs in their lipid-rich tissues, which may result in adverse effects on their reproductive, immune and endocrine functions. Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) are among the smallest of cetaceans and live under high metabolic demand, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental pressures. Using samples from individuals of all maturity classes and sexes stranded along the southern North Sea (n = 121), we show the generational transfer of PCBs, PBDEs and HCB from adults to foetuses. Porpoise placentas contained 1.3-8.2 mg/kg lipid weight (lw) Sum-17PCB, <dl-0.08 mg/kg lw Sum-17PBDE and 0.14-0.16 mg/kg lw HCB, which were similar to concentrations in foetus blubber. Contaminant levels increased significantly after birth through suckling. Milk samples contained 0.20-33.8 mg/kg lw Sum-17PCB, 0.002-0.51 mg/kg lw Sum-17PBDE and 0.03-0.21 mg/kg lw HCB. Especially lower halogenated and more toxic contaminants were transferred to calves, exposing them to high levels of contaminants early in life. Of all animals included in this study, 38.5% had PCB concentrations exceeding a threshold level for negative health effects (>9 mg/kg lw). This was particularly true for adult males (92.3% >9 mg/kg lw), while adult females had relatively low PCB levels (10.5% >9 mg/kg lw) due to offloading. Nutritional stress led to higher offloading in the milk, causing a greater potential for toxicity in calves of nutritionally stressed females. No correlation between PCB concentration and parasite infestation was detected, although the probability of a porpoise dying due to infectious disease or debilitation increased with increasing PCB concentrations. Despite current regulations to reduce pollution, these results provide further evidence of potential health effects of POPs on harbour porpoises of the southern North Sea, which may consequently increase their susceptibility to other pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine J van den Heuvel-Greve
- Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 77, 4400 AB Yerseke, the Netherlands; Wageningen University, Marine Animal Ecology, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | - Steve C V Geelhoed
- Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 77, 4400 AB Yerseke, the Netherlands
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Galway, H91 T8NW, Ireland
| | - Jan van den Broek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Heesterbeek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke L IJsseldijk
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
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23
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Nutritional status and prey energy density govern reproductive success in a small cetacean. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19201. [PMID: 34725464 PMCID: PMC8560860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98629-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of mammals suppress reproduction when they experience poor physical condition or environmental harshness. In many marine mammal species, reproductive impairment has been correlated to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the most frequently measured chemical pollutants, while the relative importance of other factors remains understudied. We investigate whether reproductively active females abandon investment in their foetus when conditions are poor, exemplified using an extensively studied cetacean species; the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Data on disease, fat and muscle mass and diet obtained from necropsies in The Netherlands were used as proxies of health and nutritional status and related to pregnancy and foetal growth. This was combined with published life history parameters for 16 other areas to correlate to parameters reflecting environmental condition: mean energy density of prey constituting diets (MEDD), cumulative human impact and PCB contamination. Maternal nutritional status had significant effects on foetal size and females in poor health had lower probabilities of being pregnant and generally did not sustain pregnancy throughout gestation. Pregnancy rates across the Northern Hemisphere were best explained by MEDD. We demonstrate the importance of having undisturbed access to prey with high energy densities in determining reproductive success and ultimately population size for small cetaceans.
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24
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Morell M, IJsseldijk LL, Berends AJ, Gröne A, Siebert U, Raverty SA, Shadwick RE, Kik MJL. Evidence of Hearing Loss and Unrelated Toxoplasmosis in a Free-Ranging Harbour Porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113058. [PMID: 34827790 PMCID: PMC8614470 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Evidence of hearing impairment was identified in a female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) on the basis of inner ear analysis. The animal live stranded on the Dutch coast at Domburg in 2016 and died a few hours later. Ultrastructural examination of the inner ear revealed evidence of sensory cell loss, which is compatible with noise exposure. In addition, histopathology also revealed multifocal necrotising protozoal encephalitis. A diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was confirmed by positive staining of tissue with anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies; however, T. gondii tachyzoites were not observed histologically in any of the examined tissues. This is the first case of presumptive noise-induced hearing loss and demonstration of T. gondii cysts in the brain of a free-ranging harbour porpoise from the North Sea. Abstract Evidence of hearing impairment was identified in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) on the basis of scanning electron microscopy. In addition, based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, there were signs of unrelated cerebral toxoplasmosis. The six-year old individual live stranded on the Dutch coast at Domburg in 2016 and died a few hours later. The most significant gross lesion was multifocal necrosis and haemorrhage of the cerebrum. Histopathology of the brain revealed extensive necrosis and haemorrhage in the cerebrum with multifocal accumulations of degenerated neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, and perivascular lymphocytic cuffing. The diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis was confirmed by positive staining of protozoa with anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Tachyzoites were not observed histologically in any of the examined tissues. Ultrastructural evaluation of the inner ear revealed evidence of scattered loss of outer hair cells in a 290 µm long segment of the apical turn of the cochlea, and in a focal region of ~ 1.5 mm from the apex of the cochlea, which was compatible with noise-induced hearing loss. This is the first case of concurrent presumptive noise-induced hearing loss and toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging harbour porpoise from the North Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Morell
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Germany;
- Zoology Department, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (S.A.R.); (R.E.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (L.L.I.)
| | - Lonneke L. IJsseldijk
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.J.B.); (A.G.); (M.J.L.K.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (L.L.I.)
| | - Alinda J. Berends
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.J.B.); (A.G.); (M.J.L.K.)
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.J.B.); (A.G.); (M.J.L.K.)
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Germany;
| | - Stephen A. Raverty
- Zoology Department, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (S.A.R.); (R.E.S.)
- Animal Health Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2M3, Canada
| | - Robert E. Shadwick
- Zoology Department, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (S.A.R.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Marja J. L. Kik
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.J.B.); (A.G.); (M.J.L.K.)
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25
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Zhang X, Zhan F, Yu RQ, Sun X, Wu Y. Bioaccumulation of legacy organic contaminants in pregnant Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis): Unique features on the transplacental transfer. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 785:147287. [PMID: 33933771 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The placental transfer and congener composition of organic contaminants (OCs) in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins have been little studied. In the present study, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and 28 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were analyzed in muscle, lung, liver, kidney, and blubber tissues from three mother-fetus pairs of this species stranded along the Pearl River Estuary, China. For PCBs, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, and hepta-chlorobenzene congeners were dominant in all the analyzed samples. Among them, hexachlorobenzene congeners showed the highest level in most dolphin mother-fetus tissue samples. The concentrations of PCBs and OCPs in adult females were higher in the detoxification organs (liver and kidneys) than in the muscles and lungs, whereas muscle tissues in fetuses generally exhibited higher PCBs and OCPs levels than the livers and kidneys. The most abundant PAHs in the four tissues were those with lower molecular weights, which were also the most water-soluble and bioavailable. Negative correlations between the octanol/water partition coefficients (log KOW) and the fetus/mother ratios for PCB congeners revealed that the transfer of PCBs may be determined by their lipid solubility. OCPs and PCBs with low molecular weights and low log KOW values would be more likely to accumulate in the dolphin liver, lung, kidney and muscle tissues. Furthermore, OCs with low molecular weights and low log KOW values were more concentrated in the fetal blubber, lung, and liver tissues than in their respective mothers. The ubiquitous existence of OCs in the mother-fetus pairs strongly suggested that these contaminants could pass through the placenta and partition in fetal tissue. The high transfer efficiency of PAHs and PCBs indicated that the placenta might not be an efficient barrier for these pollutants. PCBs levels in both mother and fetus dolphins could cause immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyang Zhang
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial, Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Fengping Zhan
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial, Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China
| | - Ri-Qing Yu
- Department of Biology, Center for Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, United States
| | - Xian Sun
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial, Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China.
| | - Yuping Wu
- School of Marine Sciences, Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial, Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China, Pearl River Estuary Marine Ecosystem Research Station, Ministry of Education, Zhuhai 519082, China.
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26
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Garcia-Cegarra AM, Jung JL, Orrego R, Padilha JDA, Malm O, Ferreira-Braz B, Santelli RE, Pozo K, Pribylova P, Alvarado-Rybak M, Azat C, Kidd KA, Espejo W, Chiang G, Bahamonde P. Persistence, bioaccumulation and vertical transfer of pollutants in long-finned pilot whales stranded in Chilean Patagonia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:145259. [PMID: 33517007 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Long-finned pilot whales (LFPW) are cetaceans with strong social groups often involved in mass strandings worldwide. However, these beachings occur for reasons that are not fully understood. In 2016, 124 LFPW were stranded on the Chilean Patagonian islands, offering a unique opportunity to obtain crucial information on the ecology, biology, and genetics of this population. In addition, we examined whether persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace elements (TEs) were responsible for this mass mortality. Stable isotopes (δ13C & δ15N) and genetic analyses were used to reconstruct the trophic ecology, social structure, and kinship of LFPW and compared to POPs and TEs levels found in LFPW. Mitochondrial DNA analyses on 71 individuals identified four maternal lineages within the stranded LFPW. Of these animals, 32 individuals were analyzed for a suite of POPs, TEs, and lipid content in blubber. The highest levels were found for ΣDDXs (6 isomers) (542.46 ± 433.46 ng/g, lw) and for total Hg (2.79 ± 1.91 mg/kg, dw). However, concentrations found in these LFPW were lower than toxicity thresholds and those reported for LFPW stranded in other regions. Evidence was found of ΣDDX, Σ7PCBs, and Cd bioaccumulation and maternal transfer of POPs in mother/offspring groups. Nevertheless, no clear relationship between contaminant concentrations and LFPW mortality was established. Further research is still needed to assess LFPW populations including conservations status and exposure to chemicals in remote areas such as Patagonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Garcia-Cegarra
- Centro de Investigación de Fauna Marina y Avistamiento de Cetáceos (CIFAMAC), Mejillones, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomás, Antofagasta, Chile.
| | - Jean-Luc Jung
- Université de Brest, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle,CNRS, Sorbonne Université, ISYEB, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Rodrigo Orrego
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory (AQUATOX), University of Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Janeide de A Padilha
- Radiositopes Lab, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Olaf Malm
- Radiositopes Lab, Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bernardo Ferreira-Braz
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ricardo E Santelli
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karla Pozo
- Recetox (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Czech Republic; Faculty of Engineering and Technology, San Sebastián University, Concepción, Chile
| | - Petra Pribylova
- Recetox (Research Center for Toxic Compounds in the Environment), Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Alvarado-Rybak
- Sustainability Research Center & PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Life Science Faculty, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Azat
- Sustainability Research Center & PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Life Science Faculty, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karen A Kidd
- Department of Biology & School of Earth, Environment and Society, McMaster University, Canada
| | - Winfred Espejo
- Department of Animal Science, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 537, Chillán, Chile
| | - Gustavo Chiang
- Sustainability Research Center & PhD Program in Conservation Medicine, Life Science Faculty, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; MaREA, Laboratorio de Ecologia y Salud Acuática, Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina Bahamonde
- Laboratory of Aquatic Environmental Research, Centro de Estudios Avanzados - HUB Ambiental UPLA, Universidad de Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile..
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Owen K, Sköld M, Carlström J. An increase in detection rates of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbor porpoise in Swedish waters in recent years. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Owen
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring Swedish Museum of Natural History Stockholm Sweden
| | - Martin Sköld
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring Swedish Museum of Natural History Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Mathematics Stockholm University Stockholm Sweden
| | - Julia Carlström
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring Swedish Museum of Natural History Stockholm Sweden
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28
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Williams RS, Curnick DJ, Brownlow A, Barber JL, Barnett J, Davison NJ, Deaville R, Ten Doeschate M, Perkins M, Jepson PD, Jobling S. Polychlorinated biphenyls are associated with reduced testes weights in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 150:106303. [PMID: 33454091 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are highly toxic and persistent aquatic pollutants that are known to bioaccumulate in a variety of marine mammals. They have been associated with reduced recruitment rates and population declines in multiple species. Evidence to date documents effects of PCB exposures on female reproduction, but few studies have investigated whether PCB exposure impacts male fertility. Using blubber tissue samples of 99 adult and 168 juvenile UK-stranded harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) collected between 1991 and 2017, here we show that PCBs exposures are associated with reduced testes weights in adults with good body condition. In animals with poor body condition, however, the impact of PCBs on testes weights was reduced, conceivably due to testes weights being limited by nutritional stress. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between PCB contaminant burden and testes weights in cetaceans and represents a substantial advance in our understanding of the relationship between PCB exposures and male reproductive biology in cetaceans. As testes weight is a strong indicator of male fertility in seasonally breeding mammals, we suggest the inclusion of such effects in population level impact assessments involving PCB exposures. Given the re-emergent PCB threat our findings are globally significant, with potentially serious implications for long-lived mammals. We show that more effective PCB controls could have a substantial impact on the reproductive health of coastal cetacean species and that management actions may need to be escalated to ensure adequate protection of the most vulnerable cetacean populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie S Williams
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK; Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK.
| | - David J Curnick
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness IV2 4JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - James Barnett
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Falmouth, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness IV2 4JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Mariel Ten Doeschate
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness IV2 4JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Susan Jobling
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
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29
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Impact of Nonylphenols and Polyhalogenated Compounds in Follicular Fluid on the Outcome of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2118-2128. [PMID: 33620705 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00472-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with the mammalian hormone system and alter its endo- and paracrine regulation. The goal of the present study was to examine the presence of 14 EDCs, including the technical mixture of nonylphenols and Mirex, in human follicular fluid (FF) and to find a potential correlation between endocrine active substances and a possible impact on female fertility. Furthermore, potential sources of EDC exposition regarding patients' lifestyle and socioeconomic factors were investigated. Human FF was collected from a total of 210 women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection-treatment cycles because of male subfertility. The presence of EDCs was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Thirteen of the 14 investigated EDCs were present in every FF sample; compounds with the highest concentrations in FF were nonylphenol and Mirex. Nearly all kinds of EDCs led to significantly reduced maturation and fertilization rate. No significant influence of EDC concentration on the clinical pregnancy rate was observed for neither of the analyzed EDCs. Patients who obtained their clothes and textiles at fashion discounters displayed a higher amount of EDCs in their FF. In contrast, patients' residential area, source of food products, and nicotine or caffeine consumed were not associated with EDC accumulation. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01385605 (11 July 2011).
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30
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Bernier-Graveline A, Lesage V, Cabrol J, Lair S, Michaud R, Rosabal M, Verreault J. Lipid metabolites as indicators of body condition in highly contaminant-exposed belugas from the endangered St. Lawrence Estuary population (Canada). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110272. [PMID: 33038366 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The endangered St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE) beluga population is declining and has shown no sign of recovery over the past decades despite several protective measures. Changes in the availability of food resources and exposure to organohalogen contaminants have been suggested as potential factors limiting the recovery of this population. Studies on SLE belugas have suggested that contaminant exposure may perturb energy metabolism, however, whether this translates into changes in energy reserves (lipid composition) and body condition is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between body condition and concentrations of organohalogens (polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and flame retardants) and a range of lipid metabolites (fatty acids, acylcarnitines, lysophosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylcholines, and sphingomyelins) in blubber samples collected from 51 SLE beluga carcasses recovered between 1998 and 2016 for which the cause of mortality was documented. Blubber Σ9fatty acid concentrations in SLE belugas significantly decreased between 1998 and 2016, suggesting a decline in energy reserves over the past two decades. Concentrations of several phosphatidylcholine analogues were greater in blubber of beluga males and/or females that were in poor body condition compared to those in good body condition. Moreover, concentrations of phosphatidylcholine acyl-alkyl C32:2 were greater in females that died from primary starvation (poor body condition). Greater concentrations of Σ12emerging flame retardants were also found in blubber of SLE beluga females that were in poorer body condition. This study suggests that the use of membrane lipids including phosphatidylcholine concentrations may be a good indicator of body condition and energy reserve status in blubber of marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Bernier-Graveline
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Véronique Lesage
- Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 1000, 850 route de la Mer, Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Jory Cabrol
- Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, P.O. Box 1000, 850 route de la Mer, Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Stéphane Lair
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Robert Michaud
- Group for Research and Education on Marine Mammals, Tadoussac, QC, G0T 2A0, Canada
| | - Maikel Rosabal
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Jonathan Verreault
- Centre de recherche en toxicologie de l'environnement (TOXEN), Département des sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada.
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31
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First assessment of POPs and cytochrome P450 expression in Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) skin biopsies from the Mediterranean Sea. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21891. [PMID: 33318545 PMCID: PMC7736872 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) is one of the least known cetacean species worldwide. The decreasing population trend and associated threats has led to the IUCN categorising the Mediterranean subpopulation as Vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species. This study aimed to investigate for the first time the ecotoxicological status of Cuvier's beaked whale in the NW Mediterranean Sea. The study sampled around the 20% of the individuals belonging to the Ligurian subpopulation, collecting skin biopsies from free-ranging specimens. The levels of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and induction of cytochrome's P450 (CYP1A1 and CYP2B isoforms) were evaluated. Results highlighted that the pattern of concentration for the target contaminants was PCBs > PBDEs and the accumulation values were linked to age and sex, with adult males showing significantly higher levels than juvenile. Concerns raised by the fact that 80% of the individuals had PCB levels above the toxicity threshold for negative physiological effects in marine mammals. Therefore, these findings shed light on this silent and serious threat never assessed in the Mediterranean Cuvier’s beaked whale population, indicating that anthropogenic pressures, including chemical pollution, may represent menaces for the conservation of this species in the Mediterranean Sea.
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Cervin L, Harkonen T, Harding KC. Multiple stressors and data deficient populations; a comparative life-history approach sheds new light on the extinction risk of the highly vulnerable Baltic harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:106076. [PMID: 32891921 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106076] [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: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Many endangered marine mammal populations are difficult to study, spread out over large areas, and capturing them for branding and research purposes would be unethical. Yet, they are in urgent need for assessment and conservation actions. We suggest collecting data from other more abundant populations of the same species, with careful consideration of body size, age at sexual maturity, and ecological conditions to produce scientifically sound best approximations of vital rates of data deficient endangered populations. The genetically distinct Baltic Sea harbour porpoise population amounts to about 500 animals and is classified as 'Critically Endangered' according to the IUCN red list. Data deficiency on nearly all demographic parameters have precluded systematic investigations of the relative importance of stressors affecting population viability. We took a comparative life history approach and investigated the phenotypic plasticity in somatic and demographic vital rates of seven larger, well studied North Atlantic harbour porpoise populations, enabling us to approximate the missing pieces of the life history of the Baltic population. We parameterized a stochastic, individual-based population model, and performed a population viability analysis for a range of biologically realistic parameter values and scenarios of environmental stressors. The baseline scenario was based on the most representative samples of healthy harbour porpoise populations and challenged with three different levels of bycatches. Due to high levels of endocrine disruptive contaminants observed in Baltic harbour porpoises, we also investigated the effect of a possible reduction in fecundity. Subsequently, the combined effects of bycatches and reduced fecundity were investigated in terms of population growth rate and quasi-extinction risk. The Baltic harbour porpoise population is viable in the baseline scenario without anthropogenic stressors. However, even the lowest estimated bycatch level of 7 individuals per year will lead to a population collapse to ≤50 animals with high probability (0.4-1.0) over the next century, assuming an intermediate or low (<73%) fecundity. Adult survival is of critical importance and mitigation of fishery impacts and reduction of anthropogenic disturbances in the identified main breeding areas are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Cervin
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg University, Box 461, S-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Karin C Harding
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Gothenburg University, Box 461, S-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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33
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Zhang K, Qian Z, Ruan Y, Hao Y, Dong W, Li K, Mei Z, Wang K, Wu C, Wu J, Zheng J, Lam PKS, Wang D. First evaluation of legacy persistent organic pollutant contamination status of stranded Yangtze finless porpoises along the Yangtze River Basin, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 710:136446. [PMID: 31923702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis), inhabiting the Yangtze River, are an endangered species in China. They are threatened by various kinds of pollutants, among which persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are of special concern due to their toxicities, high persistency and bioaccumulation potential. To better understand the POP contamination status of Yangtze finless porpoises, an investigation of stranded porpoises along the Yangtze River and adjacent two major lakes in the Yangtze River basin was conducted; the concentrations of four groups of legacy POPs, i.e., hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), were determined in the blubber samples. The mean concentrations of ΣHCHs (the sum of all congeners/isomers), ΣDDTs, ΣPBDEs and ΣPCBs, were 1670 ± 4210, 28,800 ± 52,300, 141 ± 174, and 1020 ± 1070 ng/g lipid weight, respectively; the high DDTs/PCBs ratio reflected a strong influence of agricultural pollution in the Yangtze River basin, and the high α/γ ratio of HCH isomers indicated the usage of lindane in the corresponding areas; the predominance of low-brominated congeners of PBDEs may be related to congruent patterns in the related environmental matrices. A hazard quotient risk assessment revealed that DDTs could pose a relatively high risk to Yangtze finless porpoises compared with the risks posed by the other POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhengyi Qian
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuefei Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Weiwei Dong
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Ke Li
- Wuhan Institute for Drug and Medical Device Control, Wuhan 430075, China
| | - Zhigang Mei
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Kexiong Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Wuhan Institute for Drug and Medical Device Control, Wuhan 430075, China.
| | - Jinsong Zheng
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
| | - Paul K S Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ding Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
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Williams RS, Curnick DJ, Barber JL, Brownlow A, Davison NJ, Deaville R, Perkins M, Jobling S, Jepson PD. Juvenile harbor porpoises in the UK are exposed to a more neurotoxic mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls than adults. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 708:134835. [PMID: 31806345 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of 209 persistent and bio-accumulative toxic pollutants present as complex mixtures in human and animal tissues. Harbor porpoises accumulate some of the highest levels of PCBs because they are long-lived mammals that feed at a high trophic level. Studies typically use the sum of a suite of individual chlorobiphenyl congeners (CBs) to investigate PCBs in wildlife. However, toxic effects and thresholds of CB congeners differ, therefore population health risks of exposure may be under or over-estimated dependent on the congener profiles present. In this study, we found congener profiles varied with age, sex and location, particularly between adult females and juveniles. We found that adult females had the highest proportions of octa-chlorinated congeners whilst juveniles had the highest proportions of tri- and tetra-chlorinated congeners. This is likely to be a consequence of pollutant offloading between mothers and calves during lactation. Analysis of the individual congener toxicities found that juveniles were exposed to a more neurotoxic CB mixture at a time when they were most vulnerable to its effects. These findings are an important contribution towards our understanding of variation in congener profiles and the potential effects and threats of PCB exposure in cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie S Williams
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK.
| | - David J Curnick
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness IV2 4JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness IV2 4JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Rob Deaville
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Susan Jobling
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
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35
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Williams R, Doeschate MT, Curnick DJ, Brownlow A, Barber JL, Davison NJ, Deaville R, Perkins M, Jepson PD, Jobling S. Levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Are Still Associated with Toxic Effects in Harbor Porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena) Despite Having Fallen below Proposed Toxicity Thresholds. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:2277-2286. [PMID: 32009388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic, persistent, and lipophilic chemical compounds that accumulate to high levels in harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and other cetaceans. It is important to monitor PCBs in wildlife, particularly in highly exposed populations to understand if concentrations are declining and how levels relate to toxicological thresholds and indices of health like infectious disease mortality. Here we show, using generalized additive models and tissue samples of 814 U.K.-stranded harbor porpoises collected between 1990 and 2017, that mean blubber PCB concentrations have fallen below the proposed thresholds for toxic effects. However, we found they are still associated with increased rates of infectious disease mortality such that an increase in PCB blubber concentrations of 1 mg kg-1 lipid corresponds with a 5% increase in risk of infectious disease mortality. Moreover, rates of decline and levels varied geographically, and the overall rate of decline is slow in comparison to other pollutants. We believe this is evidence of long-term preservation in the population and continued environmental contamination from diffuse sources. Our findings have serious implications for the management of PCB contamination in the U.K. and reinforce the need to prevent PCBs entering the marine environment to ensure that levels continue to decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie Williams
- Institute of Zoology , Zoological Society of London , Regent's Park , London NW1 4RY , United Kingdom
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies , Brunel University , Uxbridge UB8 3PH , United Kingdom
| | - Mariel Ten Doeschate
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme , SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill , Inverness IV2 4JZ , Scotland United Kingdom
| | - David J Curnick
- Institute of Zoology , Zoological Society of London , Regent's Park , London NW1 4RY , United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme , SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill , Inverness IV2 4JZ , Scotland United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment , Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) , Pakefield Road , Lowestoft NR33 0HT , United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme , SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill , Inverness IV2 4JZ , Scotland United Kingdom
| | - Robert Deaville
- Institute of Zoology , Zoological Society of London , Regent's Park , London NW1 4RY , United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Institute of Zoology , Zoological Society of London , Regent's Park , London NW1 4RY , United Kingdom
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology , Zoological Society of London , Regent's Park , London NW1 4RY , United Kingdom
| | - Susan Jobling
- Department of Life Sciences, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies , Brunel University , Uxbridge UB8 3PH , United Kingdom
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36
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Trukhin AM, Boyarova MD. Organochlorine pesticides (HCH and DDT) in blubber of spotted seals (Phoca largha) from the western Sea of Japan. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 150:110738. [PMID: 31759636 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In 2014-2019, a total of 31 blubber samples were collected from spotted seals (Phoca largha) in the western Sea of Japan. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography to determine level of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The concentration of hexachlorocyclohexane and its isomers (∑HCH) ranged from 389 to 50,070 ng/g lipid weght; the concentration of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (∑DDT), ranged from 62,720 to 1,110,930 ng/g lipid wt. Transfer of HCH and DDT from mother to pup during pregnancy and lactation was documented. The OCP concentration in blubber of spotted seals from the western Sea of Japan is one to two orders of magnitude higher than in spotted seals inhabiting waters off the Japan coast. Organochlorines detected in the western Sea of Japan likely come from some countries of Southeast Asia still using OCPs in the agriculture sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey M Trukhin
- V.I. Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute (POI), Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Science, ul. Baltiyskaya 41, 690043 Vladivostok, Russia.
| | - Margarita D Boyarova
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, ul. Sukhanova 8, 690091 Vladivostok, Russia
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37
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Keogh MJ, Taras B, Beckmen KB, Burek-Huntington KA, Ylitalo GM, Fadely BS, Rea LD, Pitcher KW. Organochlorine contaminant concentrations in blubber of young Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) are influenced by region, age, sex, and lipid stores. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 698:134183. [PMID: 31494417 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant exposure is particularly important for species and populations of conservation concern, such as the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). We used blubber samples (n = 120) to determine organochlorine concentrations, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDTs), and blood samples (n = 107) to estimate total body lipids based on the hydrogen isotope dilution method. We assessed the influence of age, sex, condition, and geographic area on contaminant concentrations in blubber and contaminant body load. The concentration of ΣPCBs was highest in pups (<6 months) from the Aleutian Islands, and the concentrations in males were higher than females in all regions. The ΣPCBs and ΣDDTs concentrations and loads decreased with increasing mass in pups, however, there were no regional or sex differences in contaminant load. Within each of the five age classes, the concentrations of ΣPCBs and ΣDDTs decreased with increasing mass, but overall these OCs increased with age. Further, accounting for the lipid content, a potential proxy for energy balance, in the animal load reduced or removed the regional and sex effects present in age models for contaminants. We propose, that adjusting OCs concentration by the lipid content of the blubber sample alone may not fully account for the variability in OC concentrations associated with differences in condition or energy states between young Steller sea lions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy J Keogh
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, P.O. Box 110024, Douglas, AK 99811-0024, United States of America.
| | - Brian Taras
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States of America
| | - Kimberlee B Beckmen
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States of America
| | - Kathleen A Burek-Huntington
- Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services, 23834 The Clearing Drive, Eagle River, AK 99577, United States of America
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112, United States of America
| | - Brian S Fadely
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, United States of America
| | - Lorrie D Rea
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States of America; Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1764 Tanana Loop, ELIF Suite 240, Fairbanks, AK 99775, United States of America
| | - Kenneth W Pitcher
- Division of Wildlife Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701, United States of America
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Sonne C, Vorkamp K, Galatius A, Kyhn L, Teilmann J, Bossi R, Søndergaard J, Eulaers I, Desforges JP, Siebert U, Dietz R. Human exposure to PFOS and mercury through meat from baltic harbour seals (Phoca vitulina). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 175:376-383. [PMID: 31153106 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The overall aim of the present study was to assess human exposure to environmental contaminants from consumption of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) meat in the southwestern Baltic Sea. For this purpose, muscle tissue from harbour seals (n = 27) was sampled from Danish locations in the period 2005-2015 and analysed for concentrations of total mercury (Hg), organochlorine contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides as well as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with particular focus on perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Hg, ∑PCB, PFOS and PFOA concentrations in the muscle tissue ranged between 0.27 and 4.76 μg g-1 wet weight (ww; mean: 1.38 μg g-1 ww, n = 27), 12.2-137 ng g-1 ww (mean: 47.5 ng g-1 ww, n = 10), 6.95-33.6 ng g-1 ww (mean: 15.8 ng g-1 ww, n = 10) and 0.16-0.55 ng g-1 ww (mean: 0.28 ng g-1 ww, n = 10), respectively. We compared the concentrations with literature-derived human tolerable weekly intake (TWI) values for mercury (1.3 μg kg-1 week-1), ∑PCB (2.1 μg kg-1 week-1), PFOS (0.013 μg kg-1 week-1) and PFOA (0.006 μg kg-1 week-1). The comparisons showed that the weekly consumption of harbour seal meat by children (weighing 30 kg), women (weighing 60 kg) and men (weighing 80 kg) should not exceed 28, 57 and 76 g (for Hg), 1.3, 2.7 and 3.5 kg (for ∑PCB), 25, 50 and 67 g (for PFOS) and 640, 1290 and 1720 g (for PFOA). In conclusion, Hg and PFOS are the contaminants of most importance in seal meat from this area with respect to existing tolerable intake rates and risks of adverse human health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Katrin Vorkamp
- (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Anders Galatius
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Line Kyhn
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Rossana Bossi
- (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Igor Eulaers
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Ursula Siebert
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, DE-25761, Büsum, Germany.
| | - Rune Dietz
- (a)Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; (b)Aarhus University, Arctic Research Center (ARC), Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
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Coe JM, Antonelis GB, Moy K. Taking control of persistent solid waste pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 139:105-110. [PMID: 30686406 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The complexity and scale of the sources, types and environmental impacts of persistent solid waste pollution (PSWP) continue to overwhelm the capabilities of government and private efforts to control it. Global cumulative production of virgin plastics is expected to quadruple by 2050 with a concomitant doubling of plastic waste. All nations must take significant steps to realize eventual mitigation of PSWP. These will include adopting a long-term PSWP elimination policy, creating an overarching authority to lead and coordinate a comprehensive national solid waste management program, and creating an International Convention for the Prevention of PSWP to enable global solutions for this global pollution. Initiating these changes will necessitate major, coordinated efforts on the part of environmental organizations, their supporting foundations and concerned citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Coe
- NOAA Fisheries, Ret., 11207 83rd Pl. NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, United States of America.
| | | | - Kirsten Moy
- Hawai'i Coral Reef Initiative, Social Science Research Institute, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 2424 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI 96822, United States of America
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40
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Nelms SE, Barnett J, Brownlow A, Davison NJ, Deaville R, Galloway TS, Lindeque PK, Santillo D, Godley BJ. Microplastics in marine mammals stranded around the British coast: ubiquitous but transitory? Sci Rep 2019; 9:1075. [PMID: 30705316 PMCID: PMC6355900 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37428-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution represents a pervasive and increasing threat to marine ecosystems worldwide and there is a need to better understand the extent to which microplastics (<5 mm) are ingested by high trophic-level taxa, such as marine mammals. Here, we perform a comprehensive assessment by examining whole digestive tracts of 50 individuals from 10 species whilst operating strict contamination controls. Microplastics were ubiquitous with particles detected in every animal examined. The relatively low number per animal (mean = 5.5) suggests these particles are transitory. Stomachs, however, were found to contain a greater number than intestines, indicating a potential site of temporary retention. The majority of particles were fibres (84%) while the remaining 16% was fragments. Particles were mainly blue and black (42.5% and 26.4%) in colour and Nylon was the most prevalent (60%) polymer type. A possible relationship was found between the cause of death category and microplastic abundance, indicating that animals that died due to infectious diseases had a slightly higher number of particles than those that died of trauma and other drivers of mortality. It is not possible, however, to draw any firm conclusions on the potential biological significance of this observation and further research is required to better understand the potential chronic effects of microplastic exposure on animal health, particularly as marine mammals are widely considered important sentinels for the implications of pollution for the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Nelms
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK.
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK.
| | - J Barnett
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - A Brownlow
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness, IV2 4JZ, UK
| | - N J Davison
- Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, SRUC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Inverness, IV2 4JZ, UK
| | - R Deaville
- Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - T S Galloway
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - P K Lindeque
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK
| | - D Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Devon, EX4 4RN, UK
| | - B J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK.
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK.
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Gui D, He J, Zhang X, Tu Q, Chen L, Feng K, Liu W, Mai B, Wu Y. Potential association between exposure to legacy persistent organic pollutants and parasitic body burdens in Indo-Pacific finless porpoises from the Pearl River Estuary, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 643:785-792. [PMID: 29960222 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A high prevalence of infectious diseases (mostly lungworms) is found in finless porpoises (genus Neophocaena) in the coastal waters of China, which is one of the most dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)-polluted areas worldwide, while its association with contaminant exposure remains undetermined. To address this gap, we investigated blubber levels of polychlorinated diphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) stranded in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) of China. In the post-mortem examinations, lungworms (Halocercus species) were found to be the most common parasites, with a high density observed in lungs and bronchi. Severe infections by nematode parasites were also found in the uterus (Cystidicola species), intestine (Anisakis typica) and muscle (A. typica). For all the pollutant compounds analyzed, only the concentrations of p,p'-DDT, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) and o,p'-DDD were significantly higher in porpoises died of infectious diseases than in the "healthy" individuals (died from physical trauma). Contrasted accumulation pattern of DDTs and their metabolites was found between animals with different health status. The proportion of p,p'-DDT in ΣDDTs was higher than that of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in diseased animals, whereas an opposite pattern was shown for "healthy" ones. While this study is the first to describe a significant positive correlation between parasitic diseases and high levels of DDTs in cetaceans, the direction of causality cannot be determined in our data: either a parasitic infection affected the porpoises' ability to metabolize DDTs, resulting in high levels of p,p'-DDT in their blubber, or the pollutant burden rendered them more susceptible to parasitic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Gui
- Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Jingwen He
- Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Xiyang Zhang
- Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Qin Tu
- Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Laiguo Chen
- Urban Environment and Ecology Research Center, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences (SCIES), Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Kangkang Feng
- Guangdong Jiangmen Chinese White Dolphin Provincial Nature Reserve, Jiangmen 529000, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Guangdong Jiangmen Chinese White Dolphin Provincial Nature Reserve, Jiangmen 529000, China
| | - Bixian Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yuping Wu
- Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.
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42
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Analyses of ovarian activity reveal repeated evolution of post-reproductive lifespans in toothed whales. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12833. [PMID: 30150784 PMCID: PMC6110730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31047-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In most species the reproductive system ages at the same rate as somatic tissue and individuals continue reproducing until death. However, females of three species – humans, killer whales and short-finned pilot whales – have been shown to display a markedly increased rate of reproductive senescence relative to somatic ageing. In these species, a significant proportion of females live beyond their reproductive lifespan: they have a post-reproductive lifespan. Research into this puzzling life-history strategy is hindered by the difficulties of quantifying the rate of reproductive senescence in wild populations. Here we present a method for measuring the relative rate of reproductive senescence in toothed whales using published physiological data. Of the sixteen species for which data are available (which does not include killer whales), we find that three have a significant post-reproductive lifespan: short-finned pilot whales, beluga whales and narwhals. Phylogenetic reconstruction suggests that female post-reproductive lifespans have evolved several times independently in toothed whales. Our study is the first evidence of a significant post-reproductive lifespan in beluga whales and narwhals which, when taken together with the evidence for post-reproductive lifespan in killer whales, doubles the number of non-human mammals known to exhibit post-reproductive lifespans in the wild.
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43
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Bercovitch FB, Berry PSM. Reproductive failure in female Thornicroft's giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis thornicrofti
) in Zambia. Afr J Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fred B. Bercovitch
- Save the Giraffes; San Antonia Texas
- Deparment of Animal, Wildlife, and Grassland Sciences; University of the Free State; Bloemfontein South Africa
- Wildlife Research Center; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
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44
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Nelms SE, Galloway TS, Godley BJ, Jarvis DS, Lindeque PK. Investigating microplastic trophic transfer in marine top predators. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 238:999-1007. [PMID: 29477242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 441] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are highly bioavailable to marine organisms, either through direct ingestion, or indirectly by trophic transfer from contaminated prey. The latter has been observed for low-trophic level organisms in laboratory conditions, yet empirical evidence in high trophic-level taxa is lacking. In natura studies face difficulties when dealing with contamination and differentiating between directly and indirectly ingested microplastics. The ethical constraints of subjecting large organisms, such as marine mammals, to laboratory investigations hinder the resolution of these limitations. Here, these issues were resolved by analysing sub-samples of scat from captive grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) and whole digestive tracts of the wild-caught Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) they are fed upon. An enzymatic digestion protocol was employed to remove excess organic material and facilitate visual detection of synthetic particles without damaging them. Polymer type was confirmed using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Extensive contamination control measures were implemented throughout. Approximately half of scat subsamples (48%; n = 15) and a third of fish (32%; n = 10) contained 1-4 microplastics. Particles were mainly black, clear, red and blue in colour. Mean lengths were 1.5 mm and 2 mm in scats and fish respectively. Ethylene propylene was the most frequently detected polymer type in both. Our findings suggest trophic transfer represents an indirect, yet potentially major, pathway of microplastic ingestion for any species whose feeding ecology involves the consumption of whole prey, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Nelms
- Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, Plymouth, PL1 3DH, UK; Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - Tamara S Galloway
- Biosciences, Geoffrey Pope Building, University of Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK; Environmental Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Dan S Jarvis
- Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek, Helston, Cornwall, TR12 6UG, UK
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45
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Romero MB, Polizzi P, Chiodi L, Medici S, Blando M, Gerpe M. Preliminary Assessment of Legacy and Current-Use Pesticides in Franciscana Dolphins from Argentina. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 101:14-19. [PMID: 29858624 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2352-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The change towards intensive agriculture has led to an increase in the use of pesticides. In addition, legacy pesticides, such as organochlorines are still present in the environment. Ten Franciscana dolphins were accidentally killed by netting in a coastal area of Argentina in Buenos Aires province. From these animals, organochlorine, organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides were analyzed in liver, bubbler and melon tissues. The concentrations of Σendosulfan ranged from not detectable values (nd) to 3539 ng g-1 lw, with the maximum level in melon tissue. DDE was present in 60% of all samples at concentrations from nd to 6672 ng g-1 lw, indicating historical DDT contamination. The presence of endosulfan and heptachlor in a nursling calf indicated a transfer of these pesticides through lactational and placental transport. The concentrations of organophosphates and pyrethroids were below the limit of detection, reflecting the low persistence of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Romero
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Rodríguez Peña, 4046, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - P Polizzi
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Rodríguez Peña, 4046, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - L Chiodi
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Rodríguez Peña, 4046, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - S Medici
- Fares Taie Instituto de Análisis - CONICET - UNMdP, Magallanes 3019, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - M Blando
- Fares Taie Instituto de Análisis - CONICET - UNMdP, Magallanes 3019, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - M Gerpe
- Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Rodríguez Peña, 4046, Mar del Plata, Argentina
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Norman S, Hanson M, Huggins J, Lambourn D, Calambokidis J, Cottrell P, Greene A, Raverty S, Berta S, Dubpernell S, Klope M, Olson J, Jeffries S, Carrasco M, Souze V, Elsby A, McLean C, Carlson B, Emmons C, Gaydos J. Conception, fetal growth, and calving seasonality of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Salish Sea waters of Washington, USA, and southern British Columbia, Canada. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus, 1758)) strandings in the Salish Sea to determine calving seasonality (1980–2015). A total of 443 strandings were analyzed, of which 134 were calves and 53 were neonates. Stranded calves were reported every month, but peaked in July, August, and September. Based on fetal size and an estimated fetal growth rate of 80 mm/month, mean (±SD) conception date (and range) was back-calculated to 11 October ± 30 days (16 August – 31 December) and was later than in most other studies. Using mean (±SD) length at birth (80 ± 5.8 cm), gestation was estimated to be approximately 10.8 months. Estimated birthing period was 16 July – 27 November, with a mean (±SD) birth date of 10 September (±30.7 days) and a birth length of 80.0 cm. Estimated pregnancy rate (0.28–0.29) is lower than reported in other areas and is likely an underestimate due to missed early embryos, poor postmortem condition of a large proportion of the stranded adult females, and potential biases related to the animals that strand and are available. This study of harbor porpoise reproduction and calving in the Salish Sea is the first assessment of calving seasonality for this species in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.A. Norman
- Marine-Med: Marine Research, Epidemiology, and Veterinary Medicine, 24225 15th Place Southeast, Bothell, WA 98021, USA
| | - M.B. Hanson
- NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - J. Huggins
- Cascadia Research, 218½ West Fourth Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501, USA
| | - D. Lambourn
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Investigations, 7801 Phillips Road Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
| | - J. Calambokidis
- Cascadia Research, 218½ West Fourth Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501, USA
| | - P. Cottrell
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fisheries Management Branch, Suite 200-401 Burrard, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4, Canada
| | - A. Greene
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fisheries Management Branch, Suite 200-401 Burrard, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4, Canada
| | - S. Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2M3, Canada
| | - S. Berta
- Orca Network, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
| | - S. Dubpernell
- Orca Network, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
| | - M. Klope
- Orca Network, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
| | - J.K. Olson
- The Whale Museum, 62 First Street North, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
| | - S.J. Jeffries
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Investigations, 7801 Phillips Road Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
| | - M. Carrasco
- Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 3842 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA
| | - V. Souze
- Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 3842 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA
| | - A. Elsby
- Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 3842 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA
| | - C. McLean
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center, 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
| | - B. Carlson
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center, 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
| | - C. Emmons
- NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - J.K. Gaydos
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center-Orcas Island Office, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 942 Deer Harbor Road, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
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47
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Stimmelmayr R, Ylitalo GM, Sheffield G, Beckmen KB, Burek-Huntington KA, Metcalf V, Rowles T. Oil fouling in three subsistence-harvested ringed (Phoca hispida) and spotted seals (Phoca largha) from the Bering Strait region, Alaska: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bile and tissue levels and pathological findings. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 130:311-323. [PMID: 29866565 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Oil spills of unknown origin were detected in three oil-fouled, ice-associated seals from the Alaska Bering Strait region collected by Alaska Native subsistence hunters during fall 2012. Bile analyses of two oiled seals indicated exposure to fluorescent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites but levels of some metabolites were similar to or lower than biliary levels in harvested unoiled ice seals. Oiled seals had elevated tissue PAH concentrations compared to tissue levels of PAHs determined in unoiled ice seals. However, regardless of oiling status, tissue PAH levels were relatively low (<50 ng/g, wet weight) likely due to rapid PAH metabolism and elimination demonstrated previously by vertebrates. Hepatic, pulmonary, and cardiac lesions were observed in oiled seals in conjunction with measurable PAHs in their tissue and bile. This is the first study to report tissue and bile PAH concentrations and pathologic findings of oiled ice seals from the U.S. Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaela Stimmelmayr
- Department of Wildlife Management, North Slope Borough, Box 69, Barrow, AK 99723, USA; Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 902 N. Koyukuk Dr., P.O. Box 757000, Fairbanks, AK 99775-70, USA.
| | - Gina M Ylitalo
- Environmental and Fisheries Sciences Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA.
| | - Gay Sheffield
- Alaska Sea Grant, University of Alaska Fairbanks-Marine Advisory Program, Pouch 400, Nome, AK 99762, USA.
| | - Kimberlee B Beckmen
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 1300 College Rd. Fairbanks, AK 99701-1551, USA.
| | | | - Vera Metcalf
- Eskimo Walrus Commission, Box 948, Nome, AK 99762, USA.
| | - Teri Rowles
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
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48
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Kesselring T, Viquerat S, Brehm R, Siebert U. Coming of age: - Do female harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the North Sea and Baltic Sea have sufficient time to reproduce in a human influenced environment? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186951. [PMID: 29053754 PMCID: PMC5650184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The harbour porpoise is the only cetacean species native to German waters. Since human pressures are suggested to shorten their reproductive lifespan, basic knowledge on reproduction is strongly required. One parameter is the onset of sexual maturity in female harbour porpoises. Therefore, we investigated the first signs of sexual maturity for a period of almost two decades (1990-2016). Ovaries from 111 female harbour porpoises from the German North Sea and Baltic Sea were examined for the presence and morphological structure of follicles, corpora lutea and corpora albicantia. Based on the ovarian characteristics we performed the first model-based estimation of age at sexual maturity for harbour porpoises from German waters. Additionally, we produced a demographical age structure based on all female strandings and bycatches from German coasts. Our results showed that corpora lutea and corpora albicantia as signs of former ovulation could be found in individuals at an age of 4.95 (± 0.6) years. No significant differences between specimens from the North Sea and Baltic Sea were detected. However, the average age at death differed significantly with 5.70 (± 0.27) years for North Sea animals and 3.67 (± 0.30) years for those in the Baltic Sea. Growing evidence exists that the shortened lifespan of Baltic Sea harbour porpoises is linked to an anthropogenically influenced environment with rising bycatch mortalities due to local gillnet fisheries. Thus, our findings support the idea of local management plans based on a model-based detection of age at sexual maturity and considering the anthropogenic impacts on the population for effective protection of harbour porpoises and the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Kesselring
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Büsum, Germany
| | - Sacha Viquerat
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Büsum, Germany
| | - Ralph Brehm
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Büsum, Germany
- * E-mail:
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49
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Robinson KP, Sim TMC, Culloch RM, Bean TS, Cordoba Aguilar I, Eisfeld SM, Filan M, Haskins GN, Williams G, Pierce GJ. Female reproductive success and calf survival in a North Sea coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185000. [PMID: 28931081 PMCID: PMC5607131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Between-female variation in reproductive output provides a strong measure of individual fitness and a quantifiable measure of the health of a population which may be highly informative to management. In the present study, we examined reproductive traits in female bottlenose dolphins from the east coast of Scotland using longitudinal sightings data collected over twenty years. From a total of 102 females identified between 1997 and 2016, 74 mothers produced a collective total of 193 calves. Females gave birth from 6 to 13 years of age with a mean age of 8. Calves were produced during all study months, May to October inclusive, but showed a seasonal birth pulse corresponding to the regional peak in summer water temperatures. Approximately 83% (n = 116) of the calves of established fate were successfully raised to year 2-3. Of the known mortalities, ~45% were first-born calves. Calf survival rates were also lower in multiparous females who had previously lost calves. A mean inter-birth interval (IBI) of 3.80 years (n = 110) and mean fecundity of 0.16 was estimated for the population. Calf loss resulted in shortened IBIs, whilst longer IBIs were observed in females assumed to be approaching reproductive senescence. Maternal age and size, breeding experience, dominance, individual associations, group size and other social factors, were all concluded to influence reproductive success (RS) in this population. Some females are likely more important than others for the future viability of the population. Consequently, a better knowledge of the demographic groups containing those females showing higher reproductive success would be highly desirable for conservation efforts aimed at their protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P. Robinson
- Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU), Banff, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Texa M. C. Sim
- Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU), Banff, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, Newburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ross M. Culloch
- Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU), Banff, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas S. Bean
- Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU), Banff, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sonja M. Eisfeld
- Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU), Banff, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Miranda Filan
- Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU), Banff, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Gary N. Haskins
- Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU), Banff, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | - Graham J. Pierce
- Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, Newburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- CESAM and Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas (CSIC), Vigo, Spain
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50
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Rattan S, Zhou C, Chiang C, Mahalingam S, Brehm E, Flaws JA. Exposure to endocrine disruptors during adulthood: consequences for female fertility. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:R109-R129. [PMID: 28356401 PMCID: PMC5479690 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are ubiquitous chemicals that exhibit endocrine disrupting properties in both humans and animals. Female reproduction is an important process, which is regulated by hormones and is susceptible to the effects of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Disruptions in female reproductive functions by endocrine disrupting chemicals may result in subfertility, infertility, improper hormone production, estrous and menstrual cycle abnormalities, anovulation, and early reproductive senescence. This review summarizes the effects of a variety of synthetic endocrine disrupting chemicals on fertility during adult life. The chemicals covered in this review are pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and triazines), heavy metals (arsenic, lead, and mercury), diethylstilbesterol, plasticizer alternatives (di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and bisphenol A alternatives), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, nonylphenol, polychlorinated biphenyls, triclosan, and parabens. This review focuses on the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, and uterus because together they regulate normal female fertility and the onset of reproductive senescence. The literature shows that several endocrine disrupting chemicals have endocrine disrupting abilities in females during adult life, causing fertility abnormalities in both humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saniya Rattan
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Changqing Zhou
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Catheryne Chiang
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Sharada Mahalingam
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Emily Brehm
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Jodi A Flaws
- Department of Comparative BiosciencesUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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