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Andvik C, Bories P, Harju M, Borgå K, Jourdain E, Karoliussen R, Rikardsen A, Routti H, Blévin P. Phthalate contamination in marine mammals off the Norwegian coast. Mar Pollut Bull 2024; 199:115936. [PMID: 38154171 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates are used in plastics, found throughout the marine environment and have the potential to cause adverse health effects. In the present study, we quantified blubber concentrations of 11 phthalates in 16 samples from stranded and/or free-living marine mammals from the Norwegian coast: the killer whale (Orcinus orca), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris), harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), and harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). Five compounds were detected across all samples: benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP; in 50 % of samples), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP; 33 %), diisononyl phthalate (DiNP; 33 %), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP; 19 %), and dioctyl phthalate (DOP; 13 %). Overall, the most contaminated individual was the white-beaked dolphin, whilst the lowest concentrations were measured in the killer whale, sperm whale and long-finned pilot whale. We found no phthalates in the neonate killer whale. The present study is important for future monitoring and management of these toxic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Andvik
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Pierre Bories
- INRS, Eau Terre Environnement center, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Mikael Harju
- The Climate and Environmental Research Institute NILU, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Eve Jourdain
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Orca Survey, Andenes, Norway
| | | | - Audun Rikardsen
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT -The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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2
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Bjørneset J, Blévin P, Bjørnstad PM, Dalmo RA, Goksøyr A, Harju M, Limonta G, Panti C, Rikardsen AH, Sundaram AYM, Yadetie F, Routti H. Establishment of killer whale (Orcinus orca) primary fibroblast cell cultures and their transcriptomic responses to pollutant exposure. Environ Int 2023; 174:107915. [PMID: 37031518 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Populations of killer whale (Orcinus orca) contain some of the most polluted animals on Earth. Yet, the knowledge on effects of chemical pollutants is limited in this species. Cell cultures and in vitro exposure experiments are pertinent tools to study effects of pollutants in free-ranging marine mammals. To investigate transcriptional responses to pollutants in killer whale cells, we collected skin biopsies of killer whales from the Northern Norwegian fjords and successfully established primary fibroblast cell cultures from the dermis of 4 out of 5 of them. Cells from the individual with the highest cell yield were exposed to three different concentrations of a mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that reflects the composition of the 10 most abundant POPs found in Norwegian killer whales (p,p'-DDE, trans-nonachlor, PCB52, 99, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180, 187). Transcriptional responses of 13 selected target genes were studied using digital droplet PCR, and whole transcriptome responses were investigated utilizing RNA sequencing. Among the target genes analysed, CYP1A1 was significantly downregulated in the cells exposed to medium (11.6 µM) and high (116 µM) concentrations of the pollutant mixture, while seven genes involved in endocrine functions showed a non-significant tendency to be upregulated at the highest exposure concentration. Bioinformatic analyses of RNA-seq data indicated that 13 and 43 genes were differentially expressed in the cells exposed to low and high concentrations of the mixture, respectively, in comparison to solvent control. Subsequent pathway and functional analyses of the differentially expressed genes indicated that the enriched pathways were mainly related to lipid metabolism, myogenesis and glucocorticoid receptor regulation. The current study results support previous correlative studies and provide cause-effect relationships, which is highly relevant for chemical and environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bjørneset
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - P Blévin
- Akvaplan-niva AS, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - R A Dalmo
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - A Goksøyr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - M Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - C Panti
- University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - A H Rikardsen
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - F Yadetie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - H Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
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3
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Herzke D, Nikiforov V, Yeung LWY, Moe B, Routti H, Nygård T, Gabrielsen GW, Hanssen L. Targeted PFAS analyses and extractable organofluorine - Enhancing our understanding of the presence of unknown PFAS in Norwegian wildlife. Environ Int 2023; 171:107640. [PMID: 36525896 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
With the current possible presence of thousands of PFAS compounds in industrial emissions, there is an increasing need to assess the impacts of PFAS regulation of conventional PFAS on one hand and the exposure to emerging and yet unknown PFAS on the other. Today's analytical methodologies using targeted approaches are not sufficient to determine the complete suite of PFAS present. To evaluate the presence of unknown PFAS, we investigated in this study the occurrence of an extended range of target PFAS in various species from the marine and terrestrial Norwegian environment, in relation to the extractable organofluorine (EOF), which yields the total amount of organofluorine. The results showed a varying presence of extractable fluorinated organics, with glaucous gull eggs, otter liver and polar bear plasma showing the highest EOF and a high abundance of PFAS as well. The targeted PFAS measurements explained 1% of the organofluorine for moose liver as the lowest and 94% for otter liver as the highest. PFCAs like trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, reported semi-quantitatively), played a major role in explaining the organic fluorine present. Emerging PFAS as the perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS), was found in polar bear plasma in quantifiable amounts for the first time, confirming earlier detection in arctic species far removed from emission sources. To enable a complete organic fluorine mass balance in wildlife, new approaches are needed, to uncover the presence of new emerging PFAS as cyclic- or ether PFAS together with chlorinated PFAS as well as fluorinated organic pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorte Herzke
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Vladimir Nikiforov
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Leo W Y Yeung
- Man-Technology-Environment (MTM) Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82, Sweden
| | - Børge Moe
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Linda Hanssen
- NILU - Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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4
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Lippold A, Harju M, Aars J, Blévin P, Bytingsvik J, Gabrielsen GW, Kovacs KM, Lyche JL, Lydersen C, Rikardsen AH, Routti H. Occurrence of emerging brominated flame retardants and organophosphate esters in marine wildlife from the Norwegian Arctic. Environ Pollut 2022; 315:120395. [PMID: 36228858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To understand the exposure and potential sources of emerging brominated flame retardants (EBFR) and organophosphate esters (OPEs) in marine wildlife from the Norwegian Arctic, we investigated concentrations of EBFRs in 157 tissue samples from nine species of marine vertebrates and OPEs in 34 samples from three whale species. The samples, collected from a wide range of species with contrasting areal use and diets, included blubber of blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, white whales, killer whales, walruses and ringed seals and adipose tissue and plasma from polar bears, as well as adipose tissue from glaucous gulls. Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) ranged from <0.61 to 164 and < 0.8-41 ng/g lipid weight, respectively, in blue whales and fin whales. All other EBRFs and OPEs were below the detection limit or detected only at low concentration. In addition to the baseline information on the occurrence of EBFRs and OPEs in marine wildlife from the Arctic, we provide an in-depth discussion regarding potential sources of the detected compounds. This information is important for future monitoring and management of EBFRs and OPEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lippold
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | - Mikael Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway.
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5
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Vorkamp K, Carlsson P, Corsolini S, de Wit CA, Dietz R, Gribble MO, Houde M, Kalia V, Letcher RJ, Morris A, Rigét FF, Routti H, Muir DCG. Influences of climate change on long-term time series of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Arctic and Antarctic biota. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2022; 24:1643-1660. [PMID: 36196982 DOI: 10.1039/d2em00134a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Time series of contaminants in the Arctic are an important instrument to detect emerging issues and to monitor the effectiveness of chemicals regulation, based on the assumption of a direct reflection of changes in primary emissions. Climate change has the potential to influence these time trends, through direct physical and chemical processes and/or changes in ecosystems. This study was part of an assessment of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), analysing potential links between changes in climate-related physical and biological variables and time trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Arctic biota, with some additional information from the Antarctic. Several correlative relationships were identified between POP temporal trends in freshwater and marine biota and physical climate parameters such as oscillation indices, sea-ice coverage, temperature and precipitation, although the mechanisms behind these observations remain poorly understood. Biological data indicate changes in the diet and trophic level of some species, especially seabirds and polar bears, with consequences for their POP exposure. Studies from the Antarctic highlight increased POP availability after iceberg calving. Including physical and/or biological parameters in the POP time trend analysis has led to small deviations in some declining trends, but did generally not change the overall direction of the trend. In addition, regional and temporary perturbations occurred. Effects on POP time trends appear to have been more pronounced in recent years and to show time lags, suggesting that climate-related effects on the long time series might be gaining importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Vorkamp
- Aarhus University, Department of Environmental Science, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Pernilla Carlsson
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Simonetta Corsolini
- University of Siena, Department of Physical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | - Cynthia A de Wit
- Stockholm University, Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Department of Ecoscience, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Matthew O Gribble
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Magali Houde
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Vrinda Kalia
- Columbia University, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Adam Morris
- Northern Contaminants Program, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, Gatineau, QC, Canada
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Aarhus University, Department of Ecoscience, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
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6
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Borgå K, McKinney MA, Routti H, Fernie KJ, Giebichenstein J, Hallanger I, Muir DCG. The influence of global climate change on accumulation and toxicity of persistent organic pollutants and chemicals of emerging concern in Arctic food webs. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2022; 24:1544-1576. [PMID: 35179539 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00469g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes current understanding of how climate change-driven physical and ecological processes influence the levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and contaminants of emerging Arctic concern (CEACs) in Arctic biota and food webs. The review also highlights how climate change may interact with other stressors to impact contaminant toxicity, and the utility of modeling and newer research tools in closing knowledge gaps on climate change-contaminant interactions. Permafrost thaw is influencing the concentrations of POPs in freshwater ecosystems. Physical climate parameters, including climate oscillation indices, precipitation, water salinity, sea ice age, and sea ice quality show statistical associations with POPs concentrations in multiple Arctic biota. Northward range-shifting species can act as biovectors for POPs and CEACs into Arctic marine food webs. Shifts in trophic position can alter POPs concentrations in populations of Arctic species. Reductions in body condition are associated with increases in levels of POPs in some biota. Although collectively understudied, multiple stressors, including contaminants and climate change, may act to cumulatively impact some populations of Arctic biota. Models are useful for predicting the net result of various contrasting climate-driven processes on POP and CEAC exposures; however, for some parameters, especially food web changes, insufficient data exists with which to populate such models. In addition to the impact of global regulations on POP levels in Arctic biota, this review demonstrates that there are various direct and indirect mechanisms by which climate change can influence contaminant exposure, accumulation, and effects; therefore, it is important to attribute POP variations to the actual contributing factors to inform future regulations and policies. To do so, a broad range of habitats, species, and processes must be considered for a thorough understanding and interpretation of the consequences to the distribution, accumulation, and effects of environmental contaminants. Given the complex interactions between climate change, contaminants, and ecosystems, it is important to plan for long-term, integrated pan-Arctic monitoring of key biota and ecosystems, and to collect ancillary data, including information on climate-related parameters, local meteorology, ecology, and physiology, and when possible, behavior, when carrying out research on POPs and CEACs in biota and food webs of the Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Borgå
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, NO-0316 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3 V9, Canada.
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | | | | | - Derek C G Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada
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7
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Morris AD, Wilson SJ, Fryer RJ, Thomas PJ, Hudelson K, Andreasen B, Blévin P, Bustamante P, Chastel O, Christensen G, Dietz R, Evans M, Evenset A, Ferguson SH, Fort J, Gamberg M, Grémillet D, Houde M, Letcher RJ, Loseto L, Muir D, Pinzone M, Poste A, Routti H, Sonne C, Stern G, Rigét FF. Temporal trends of mercury in Arctic biota: 10 more years of progress in Arctic monitoring. Sci Total Environ 2022; 839:155803. [PMID: 35561904 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Temporal trend analysis of (total) mercury (THg) concentrations in Arctic biota were assessed as part of the 2021 Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Mercury Assessment. A mixed model including an evaluation of non-linear trends was applied to 110 time series of THg concentrations from Arctic and Subarctic biota. Temporal trends were calculated for full time series (6-46 years) and evaluated with a particular focus on recent trends over the last 20 years. Three policy-relevant questions were addressed: (1) What time series for THg concentrations in Arctic biota are currently available? (2) Are THg concentrations changing over time in biota from the Arctic? (3) Are there spatial patterns in THg trends in biota from the Arctic? Few geographical patterns of recent trends in THg concentrations were observed; however, those in marine mammals tended to be increasing at more easterly longitudes, and those of seabirds tended to be increasing in the Northeast Atlantic; these should be interpreted with caution as geographic coverage remains variable. Trends of THg in freshwater fish were equally increasing and decreasing or non-significant while those in marine fish and mussels were non-significant or increasing. The statistical power to detect trends was greatly improved compared to the 2011 AMAP Mercury Assessment; 70% of the time series could detect a 5% annual change at the 5% significance level with power ≥ 80%, while in 2011 only 19% met these criteria. Extending existing time series, and availability of new, powerful time series contributed to these improvements, highlighting the need for annual monitoring, particularly given the spatial and temporal information needed to support initiatives such as the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Collecting the same species/tissues across different locations is recommended. Extended time series from Alaska and new data from Russia are also needed to better establish circumarctic patterns of temporal trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Morris
- Northern Contaminants Program, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 15 Eddy Street, 14th floor, Gatineau, QC K1A 0H4, Canada.
| | - Simon J Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, The Fram Centre, Box 6606 Stakkevollan, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rob J Fryer
- Marine Scotland, Marine Laboratory, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, UK
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Paco Bustamante
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 1 rue Descartes, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en bois, France
| | | | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Marlene Evans
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | | | - Steven H Ferguson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jérôme Fort
- Littoral Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | | | - David Grémillet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en bois, France; Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Magali Houde
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Montreal, QC H2Y 2E7, Canada
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Lisa Loseto
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Freshwater Institute, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
| | - Derek Muir
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | | | - Amanda Poste
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gary Stern
- Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS), University of Manitoba, 125 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
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McKinney MA, Chételat J, Burke SM, Elliott KH, Fernie KJ, Houde M, Kahilainen KK, Letcher RJ, Morris AD, Muir DCG, Routti H, Yurkowski DJ. Climate change and mercury in the Arctic: Biotic interactions. Sci Total Environ 2022; 834:155221. [PMID: 35427623 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Global climate change has led to profound alterations of the Arctic environment and ecosystems, with potential secondary effects on mercury (Hg) within Arctic biota. This review presents the current scientific evidence for impacts of direct physical climate change and indirect ecosystem change on Hg exposure and accumulation in Arctic terrestrial, freshwater, and marine organisms. As the marine environment is elevated in Hg compared to the terrestrial environment, terrestrial herbivores that now exploit coastal/marine foods when terrestrial plants are iced over may be exposed to higher Hg concentrations. Conversely, certain populations of predators, including Arctic foxes and polar bears, have shown lower Hg concentrations related to reduced sea ice-based foraging and increased land-based foraging. How climate change influences Hg in Arctic freshwater fishes is not clear, but for lacustrine populations it may depend on lake-specific conditions, including interrelated alterations in lake ice duration, turbidity, food web length and energy sources (benthic to pelagic), and growth dilution. In several marine mammal and seabird species, tissue Hg concentrations have shown correlations with climate and weather variables, including climate oscillation indices and sea ice trends; these findings suggest that wind, precipitation, and cryosphere changes that alter Hg transport and deposition are impacting Hg concentrations in Arctic marine organisms. Ecological changes, including northward range shifts of sub-Arctic species and altered body condition, have also been shown to affect Hg levels in some populations of Arctic marine species. Given the limited number of populations and species studied to date, especially within Arctic terrestrial and freshwater systems, further research is needed on climate-driven processes influencing Hg concentrations in Arctic ecosystems and their net effects. Long-term pan-Arctic monitoring programs should consider ancillary datasets on climate, weather, organism ecology and physiology to improve interpretation of spatial variation and time trends of Hg in Arctic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3 V9, Canada.
| | - John Chételat
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Samantha M Burke
- Minnow Aquatic Environmental Services, Guelph, ON N1H 1E9, Canada
| | - Kyle H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3 V9, Canada
| | - Kim J Fernie
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Montréal, QC H2Y 5E7, Canada
| | - Kimmo K Kahilainen
- Lammi Biological Station, University of Helsinki, FI-16900 Lammi, Finland
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology & Wildlife Health, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Adam D Morris
- Northern Contaminants Program, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Gatineau, QC J8X 2V6, Canada
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - David J Yurkowski
- Arctic Aquatic Research Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
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9
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Dietz R, Letcher RJ, Aars J, Andersen M, Boltunov A, Born EW, Ciesielski TM, Das K, Dastnai S, Derocher AE, Desforges JP, Eulaers I, Ferguson S, Hallanger IG, Heide-Jørgensen MP, Heimbürger-Boavida LE, Hoekstra PF, Jenssen BM, Kohler SG, Larsen MM, Lindstrøm U, Lippold A, Morris A, Nabe-Nielsen J, Nielsen NH, Peacock E, Pinzone M, Rigét FF, Rosing-Asvid A, Routti H, Siebert U, Stenson G, Stern G, Strand J, Søndergaard J, Treu G, Víkingsson GA, Wang F, Welker JM, Wiig Ø, Wilson SJ, Sonne C. A risk assessment review of mercury exposure in Arctic marine and terrestrial mammals. Sci Total Environ 2022; 829:154445. [PMID: 35304145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
There has been a considerable number of reports on Hg concentrations in Arctic mammals since the last Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) effort to review biological effects of the exposure to mercury (Hg) in Arctic biota in 2010 and 2018. Here, we provide an update on the state of the knowledge of health risk associated with Hg concentrations in Arctic marine and terrestrial mammal species. Using available population-specific data post-2000, our ultimate goal is to provide an updated evidence-based estimate of the risk for adverse health effects from Hg exposure in Arctic mammal species at the individual and population level. Tissue residues of Hg in 13 species across the Arctic were classified into five risk categories (from No risk to Severe risk) based on critical tissue concentrations derived from experimental studies on harp seals and mink. Exposure to Hg lead to low or no risk for health effects in most populations of marine and terrestrial mammals, however, subpopulations of polar bears, pilot whales, narwhals, beluga and hooded seals are highly exposed in geographic hotspots raising concern for Hg-induced toxicological effects. About 6% of a total of 3500 individuals, across different marine mammal species, age groups and regions, are at high or severe risk of health effects from Hg exposure. The corresponding figure for the 12 terrestrial species, regions and age groups was as low as 0.3% of a total of 731 individuals analyzed for their Hg loads. Temporal analyses indicated that the proportion of polar bears at low or moderate risk has increased in East/West Greenland and Western Hudson Bay, respectively. However, there remain numerous knowledge gaps to improve risk assessments of Hg exposure in Arctic mammalian species, including the establishment of improved concentration thresholds and upscaling to the assessment of population-level effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3, Canada.
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
| | | | - Andrei Boltunov
- Marine Mammal Research and Expedition Centre, 36 Nahimovskiy pr., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Erik W Born
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, DK-3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Krishna Das
- Freshwater and Oceanic sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium
| | - Sam Dastnai
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Andrew E Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Environmental Studies and Science, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
| | - Steve Ferguson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | | | | | - Lars-Eric Heimbürger-Boavida
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse, CNRS/IRD/Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse III, Toulouse, France; Aix Marseille Université, CNRS/INSU, Université de Toulon, IRD, Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography (MIO) UM 110, Marseille, France
| | | | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Stephen Gustav Kohler
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Realfagbygget, E2-128, Gløshaugen, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin M Larsen
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ulf Lindstrøm
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Arctic Technology, Institute of Marine Research, FRAM Centre, NO-9007 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anna Lippold
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
| | - Adam Morris
- Northern Contaminants Program, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 15 Eddy Street, 14th floor, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H4, Canada
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Nynne H Nielsen
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, DK-3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Elizabeth Peacock
- USGS Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508-4626, USA
| | - Marianna Pinzone
- Department of Environmental Studies and Science, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Aqqalu Rosing-Asvid
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, DK-3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstr. 6, DE-25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Garry Stenson
- Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, Department DFO-MPO, 80 EastWhite Hills vie, St John's A1C 5X1, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Gary Stern
- Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS), Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources, University of Manitoba, 586Wallace Bld, 125 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T, 2N2, Canada
| | - Jakob Strand
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Gabriele Treu
- Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Str. 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gisli A Víkingsson
- Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, Skúlagata 4, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Feiyue Wang
- Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS), Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth and Resources, University of Manitoba, 586Wallace Bld, 125 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T, 2N2, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage 99508, United States; University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland; University of the Arctic, Rovaniemi 96460, Finland
| | - Øystein Wiig
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1172, Blindern, N-0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Simon J Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Secretariat, Box 6606 Stakkevollan, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Department of Ecoscience, P.O. Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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10
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Lippold A, Boltunov A, Aars J, Andersen M, Blanchet MA, Dietz R, Eulaers I, Morshina TN, Sevastyanov VS, Welker JM, Routti H. Spatial variation in mercury concentrations in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) hair from the Norwegian and Russian Arctic. Sci Total Environ 2022; 822:153572. [PMID: 35121036 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We examined spatial variation in total mercury (THg) concentrations in 100 hair samples collected between 2008 and 2016 from 87 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Norwegian (Svalbard Archipelago, western Barents Sea) and Russian Arctic (Kara Sea, Laptev Sea, and Chukchi Sea). We used latitude and longitude of home range centroid for the Norwegian bears and capture position for the Russian bears to account for the locality. We additionally examined hair stable isotope values of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) to investigate feeding habits and their possible effect on THg concentrations. Median THg levels in polar bears from the Norwegian Arctic (1.99 μg g-1 dry weight) and the three Russian Arctic regions (1.33-1.75 μg g-1 dry weight) constituted about 25-50% of levels typically reported for the Greenlandic or North American populations. Total Hg concentrations in the Norwegian bears increased with intake of marine and higher trophic prey, while δ13C and δ15N did not explain variation in THg concentrations in the Russian bears. Total Hg levels were higher in northwest compared to southeast Svalbard. δ13C and δ15N values did not show any spatial pattern in the Norwegian Arctic. Total Hg concentrations adjusted for feeding ecology showed similar spatial trends as the measured concentrations. In contrast, within the Russian Arctic, THg levels were rather uniformly distributed, whereas δ13C values increased towards the east and south. The results indicate that Hg exposure in Norwegian and Russian polar bears is at the lower end of the pan-Arctic spectrum, and its spatial variation in the Norwegian and Russian Arctic is not driven by the feeding ecology of polar bears.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lippold
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | - Andrei Boltunov
- Marine Mammal Research and Expedition Centre, 36 Nahimovskiy pr., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | | | - Marie-Anne Blanchet
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway; UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø 9019, Norway
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Institute of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway; Aarhus University, Institute of Ecoscience, Arctic Research Centre, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Tamara N Morshina
- Research and Production Association "Typhoon", 249038 Obninsk, Kaluga Region, Russia
| | | | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage 99508, United States; University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland; University of the Arctic, Rovaniemi 96460, Finland
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway.
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11
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Routti H, Harju M, Lühmann K, Aars J, Ask A, Goksøyr A, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C. Concentrations and endocrine disruptive potential of phthalates in marine mammals from the Norwegian Arctic. Environ Int 2021; 152:106458. [PMID: 33677245 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated concentrations of phthalates (diesters of phthalic acids) in blubber/adipose tissue of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled in the Svalbard Archipelago (extending westward in the case of bowhead whales). Additionally, total concentrations (free and conjugated forms) of eight phthalate monoester metabolites were analysed in plasma of polar bears. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) was the only phthalate quantified among the 12 phthalates investigated. This compound was present in 6/7 fin whale samples, 4/7 blue whale samples, 2/5 bowhead whale samples and 1/12 polar bear samples. DEHP concentrations ranged from <20-398 ng/g wet weight. Phthalate metabolites, mono-n-butyl phthalate and monoisobutyl phthalate, were found in low concentrations (<1.2 ng/mL) in some of the polar bear samples. In vitro reporter gene assays were used to assess transcriptional activity of fin whale peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRB) by DEHP and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP). Due to the high degree of similarity of the ligand binding domain in the THRB and PPARG among whales, polar bears and humans, the transactivation results also apply for these species. DEHP showed both agonistic and antagonistic effects towards whale THRB at considerably higher concentrations than measured in the study animals; DiNP was a weak agonist of whale THRB. No significant agonistic or antagonistic effects were detected for DEHP or DiNP for whale PPARG, whereas DEHP and DiNP decreased basal luciferase activity mediated by whale GR at several test concentrations. In conclusion, DEHP was detected in the blubber of marine mammals from the Norwegian Arctic and it appears to have potential to modulate the transcriptional activity of whale THRB, but current DEHP concentrations do not modulate the function of the studied nuclear receptors in adipose tissue of blue whales, fin whales, bowhead whales or polar bears sampled from the Norwegian Arctic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Mikael Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Amalie Ask
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anders Goksøyr
- University of Bergen, Department of Biological Sciences, N-5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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12
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Herst PM, Aars J, Joly Beauparlant C, Bodein A, Dalvai M, Gagné D, Droit A, Bailey JL, Routti H. Adipose Tissue Transcriptome Is Related to Pollutant Exposure in Polar Bear Mother-Cub Pairs from Svalbard, Norway. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:11365-11375. [PMID: 32808525 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Being at the food chain apex, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are highly contaminated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Females transfer POPs to their offspring through gestation and lactation; therefore, young cubs present higher POPs concentrations than their mothers. Recent studies suggest that POPs affect the lipid metabolism in female polar bears; however, the mechanisms and impact on their offspring remain unknown. Here, we hypothesized that exposure to POPs differentially alters genome-wide gene transcription in the adipose tissue from mother polar bears and their cubs, highlighting molecular differences in response between adults and young. Adipose tissue biopsies were collected from 13 adult female polar bears and their twin cubs in Svalbard, Norway, in April 2011, 2012, and 2013. Total RNA extracted from biopsies was subjected to next-generation RNA sequencing. Plasma concentrations of summed polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in mothers ranged from 897 to 13620 ng/g wet weight and were associated with altered adipose tissue gene expression in both mothers and cubs. In mothers, 2502 and 2586 genes in total were positively and negatively, respectively, correlated to POP exposure, whereas in cubs, 2585 positively and 1690 negatively genes. Between mothers and cubs, 743 positively and negatively genes overlapped between mothers and cubs suggesting partially shared molecular responses to ΣPOPs. ΣPOP-associated genes were involved in numerous metabolic pathways in mothers and cubs, indicating that POP exposure alters the energy metabolism, which, in turn, may be linked to metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline M Herst
- Department of Animal Sciences, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Charles Joly Beauparlant
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Antoine Bodein
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Mathieu Dalvai
- Department of Animal Sciences, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Dominic Gagné
- Department of Animal Sciences, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Janice L Bailey
- Department of Animal Sciences, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Laval University, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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13
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Villanger GD, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Haug LS, Sabaredzovic A, Jenssen BM, Routti H. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from Svalbard - A comparison of concentrations in plasma sampled 15 years apart. Environ Pollut 2020; 263:114497. [PMID: 32302893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate recent concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from Svalbard and compare them to concentrations found in white whales sampled from that same area 15 years ago. Plasma collected from live-captured white whales from two time periods (2013-2014, n = 9, and 1996-2001, n = 11) were analysed for 19 different PFASs. The 11 PFASs detected included seven C8-C14 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and three C6-C8 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) as well as perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA). Recent plasma concentrations (2013-2014) of the dominant PFAS in white whales, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; geometric mean = 22.8 ng/mL), was close to an order of magnitude lower than reported in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard. PFOS concentrations in white whales were about half the concentrations in harbour (Phoca vitulina) and ringed (Pusa hispida) seals, similar to hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) and higher than in walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) from that same area. From 1996 to 2001 to 2013-2014, plasma concentrations of PFOS decreased by 44%, whereas four C9-12 PFCAs and total PFCAs increased by 35-141%. These results follow a similar trend to what has been reported in other studies of Arctic marine mammals from Svalbard. The most dramatic change has been the decline of PFOS concentrations since 2000, corresponding to the production phase-out of PFOS and related compounds in many countries around the year 2000 and a global restriction on these substances in 2009. Still, the continued dominance of PFOS in white whales, and increasing concentration trends for several PFCAs, even though exposure is relatively low, calls for continued monitoring of concentrations of both PFCAs and PFSAs and investigation of biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro D Villanger
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | | | - Line S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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14
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Lippold A, Aars J, Andersen M, Aubail A, Derocher AE, Dietz R, Eulaers I, Sonne C, Welker JM, Wiig Ø, Routti H. Two Decades of Mercury Concentrations in Barents Sea Polar Bears ( Ursus maritimus) in Relation to Dietary Carbon, Sulfur, and Nitrogen. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:7388-7397. [PMID: 32410455 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Temporal trends of total mercury (THg) were examined in female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) hair (n = 199) from the Barents Sea in 1995-2016. In addition, hair values of stable isotopes (n = 190-197) of carbon (δ13C), sulfur (δ34S), and nitrogen (δ15N) and information on breeding status, body condition, and age were obtained. Stable isotope values of carbon and sulfur reflect dietary source (e.g., marine vs terrestrial) and the nitrogen trophic level. Values for δ13C and δ34S declined by -1.62 and -1.18‰ over the time of the study period, respectively, while values for δ15N showed no trend. Total Hg concentrations were positively related to both δ13C and δ34S. Yearly median THg concentrations ranged from 1.61 to 2.75 μg/g and increased nonlinearly by 0.86 μg/g in total over the study. Correcting THg concentrations for stable isotope values of carbon and sulfur and additionally breeding status and age slightly accelerated the increase in THg concentrations; however, confidence intervals of the raw THg trend and the corrected THg trend had substantial overlap. The rise in THg concentrations in the polar bear food web was possibly related to climate-related re-emissions of previously stored Hg from thawing sea-ice, glaciers, and permafrost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lippold
- Fram Centre, Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Fram Centre, Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | | | - Aurore Aubail
- Littoral, Environment and Societies (CNRS/La Rochelle University), La Rochelle 17000, France
| | - Andrew E Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Rune Dietz
- Institute of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Institute of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Institute of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
| | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage 99508, United States
- University of Oulu, Oulu 90014, Finland
- University of the Arctic, Rovaniemi 96460, Finland
| | - Øystein Wiig
- Fram Centre, Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø 9296, Norway
- Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Fram Centre, Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø 9296, Norway
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15
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Tartu S, Fisk AT, Götsch A, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Routti H. First assessment of pollutant exposure in two balaenopterid whale populations sampled in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. Sci Total Environ 2020; 718:137327. [PMID: 32097839 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pollutant concentrations are poorly known for the largest animals on Earth, blue whales Balaenoptera musculus and fin whales Balaenoptera physalus. In this study, concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in blubber biopsies and stable isotope values for nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) were measured using skin biopsies for 18 blue whales and 12 fin whales sampled in waters surrounding the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. The samples were collected in summer during the period 2014-2018. POPs were dominated by DDTs, PCBs and toxaphenes, with median concentrations in blue/fin whales being 208/341, 127/275 and 133/233 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Linear models indicated that pollutant concentrations were 1.6-3 times higher in fin whales than in blue whales, which is likely related to the higher trophic positions of fin whales, as indicated by their higher δ15N. Lower δ13C in fin whales suggests that they feed at higher latitudes than blue whales; these values were not correlated with pollutant concentrations. Pollutant levels were approximately twice as high in males compared to females (intraspecifically), which indicates that females of these species offload pollutants to their offspring during gestation and lactation, similar to many other mammalian species. Pollutant concentrations in balaenopterid whales from Svalbard waters were generally much lower than in conspecific whales from the Mediterranean Sea or the Gulf of California, but higher than those in conspecifics from the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway
| | - Aaron T Fisk
- School of the Environment, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Arntraut Götsch
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway
| | | | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø N-9296, Norway.
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16
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Lühmann K, Lille-Langøy R, Øygarden L, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Goksøyr A, Routti H. Environmental Pollutants Modulate Transcriptional Activity of Nuclear Receptors of Whales In Vitro. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:5629-5639. [PMID: 32212695 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b06952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This study reports the transcriptional activity of fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and thyroid hormone receptor β (THRB), when exposed to 14 persistent organic pollutants (so-called "legacy" persistent organic pollutants (POPs)) and a synthetic mixture of POPs, using GAL4-UAS-based in vitro luciferase reporter gene assays. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) had both agonistic and antagonistic effects on PPARG and GR, and mainly antagonistic, except for PCB153, effects on THRB. 1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) and its metabolites had mainly antagonistic effects on all of the receptors, except for o,p'-DDT. Given that the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of PPARG is the same in killer whales, white whales, polar bears, and humans, and that GR-LBD is identical in killer whales and minke whales and that the LBD of THRB is the same in killer whales, white whales, and humans, it is likely that the results of this study are representative for these other species as well. It is important to note that several environmental pollutants modulated the transcriptional activity of tested nuclear receptors at environmentally relevant concentrations for whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lühmann
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
- Institute for Environmental Sciences, University Koblenz-Landau, Landau in der Pfalz 76829, Germany
| | - Roger Lille-Langøy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Lene Øygarden
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | | | - Anders Goksøyr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
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17
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Blévin P, Aars J, Andersen M, Blanchet MA, Hanssen L, Herzke D, Jeffreys RM, Nordøy ES, Pinzone M, de la Vega C, Routti H. Pelagic vs Coastal-Key Drivers of Pollutant Levels in Barents Sea Polar Bears with Contrasted Space-Use Strategies. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:985-995. [PMID: 31823610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b04626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In the Barents Sea, pelagic and coastal polar bears are facing various ecological challenges that may explain the difference in their pollutant levels. We measured polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fat, and perfluoroalkyl substances in plasma in pelagic and coastal adult female polar bears with similar body condition. We studied polar bear feeding habits with bulk stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen. Nitrogen isotopes of amino acids were used to investigate their trophic position. We studied energy expenditure by estimating field metabolic rate using telemetry data. Annual home range size was determined, and spatial gradients in pollutants were explored using latitude and longitude centroid positions of polar bears. Pollutant levels were measured in harp seals from the Greenland Sea and White Sea-Barents Sea as a proxy for a West-East gradient of pollutants in polar bear prey. We showed that pelagic bears had higher pollutant loads than coastal bears because (1) they feed on a higher proportion of marine and higher trophic level prey, (2) they have higher energy requirements and higher prey consumption, (3) they forage in the marginal ice zones, and (4) they feed on prey located closer to pollutant emission sources/transport pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Blévin
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | - Magnus Andersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | | | - Linda Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | - Rachel M Jeffreys
- School of Environmental Science , University of Liverpool , Liverpool L69 7ZX , United Kingdom
| | | | - Marianna Pinzone
- Laboratory of Oceanology, Department of Biology, Ecology & Evolution , University of Liège , Liège B-4000 , Belgium
| | - Camille de la Vega
- School of Environmental Science , University of Liverpool , Liverpool L69 7ZX , United Kingdom
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
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18
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Hallanger IG, Fuglei E, Yoccoz NG, Pedersen ÅØ, König M, Routti H. Temporal trend of mercury in relation to feeding habits and food availability in arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) from Svalbard, Norway. Sci Total Environ 2019; 670:1125-1132. [PMID: 31018428 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the temporal trend of mercury (Hg) in arctic foxes from Svalbard, Norway sampled in the period 1997-2014 (n = 109, from 11 trapping seasons). We used linear models to investigate the effect of trapping season, feeding habits (δ13C), food availability from marine and terrestrial ecosystems (reindeer carcasses and sea ice cover), sex, age and body condition on liver total Hg (THg) levels. Liver THg levels increased in arctic foxes with 7.2% (95% CI: 2.3, 9.6) per year when the concentrations were adjusted for variation of δ13C, sea ice cover, and reindeer carcasses, whereas the raw annual trend was 3.5% (CI: -0.11, 7.2). However, the THg levels in arctic foxes from Svalbard are still lower than other marine mammals. We also demonstrate that arctic fox terrestrial food consumption is important for lowering the overall THg levels in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg G Hallanger
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, P.O. Box 6606, Langnes, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway; UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Dept. of Arctic & Marine Biology, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Eva Fuglei
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, P.O. Box 6606, Langnes, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Nigel G Yoccoz
- UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Dept. of Arctic & Marine Biology, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Åshild Ø Pedersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, P.O. Box 6606, Langnes, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Max König
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, P.O. Box 6606, Langnes, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, P.O. Box 6606, Langnes, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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19
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Routti H, Atwood TC, Bechshoft T, Boltunov A, Ciesielski TM, Desforges JP, Dietz R, Gabrielsen GW, Jenssen BM, Letcher RJ, McKinney MA, Morris AD, Rigét FF, Sonne C, Styrishave B, Tartu S. State of knowledge on current exposure, fate and potential health effects of contaminants in polar bears from the circumpolar Arctic. Sci Total Environ 2019; 664:1063-1083. [PMID: 30901781 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is among the Arctic species exposed to the highest concentrations of long-range transported bioaccumulative contaminants, such as halogenated organic compounds and mercury. Contaminant exposure is considered to be one of the largest threats to polar bears after the loss of their Arctic sea ice habitat due to climate change. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of current exposure, fate, and potential health effects of contaminants in polar bears from the circumpolar Arctic required by the Circumpolar Action Plan for polar bear conservation. Overall results suggest that legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including polychlorinated biphenyls, chlordanes and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), followed by other perfluoroalkyl compounds (e.g. carboxylic acids, PFCAs) and brominated flame retardants, are still the main compounds in polar bears. Concentrations of several legacy POPs that have been banned for decades in most parts of the world have generally declined in polar bears. Current spatial trends of contaminants vary widely between compounds and recent studies suggest increased concentrations of both POPs and PFCAs in certain subpopulations. Correlative field studies, supported by in vitro studies, suggest that contaminant exposure disrupts circulating levels of thyroid hormones and lipid metabolism, and alters neurochemistry in polar bears. Additionally, field and in vitro studies and risk assessments indicate the potential for adverse impacts to polar bear immune functions from exposure to certain contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Todd C Atwood
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Thea Bechshoft
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Andrei Boltunov
- Marine Mammal Research and Expedition Center, 36 Nahimovskiy pr., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Tomasz M Ciesielski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jean-Pierre Desforges
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway; Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Arctic Technology, University Centre in Svalbard, PO Box 156, NO-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
| | - Robert J Letcher
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Heath Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Melissa A McKinney
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste.-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Adam D Morris
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Heath Division, Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Frank F Rigét
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre (ARC), Faculty of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, PO Box 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Bjarne Styrishave
- Toxicology and Drug Metabolism Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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20
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Routti H, Berg MK, Lille-Langøy R, Øygarden L, Harju M, Dietz R, Sonne C, Goksøyr A. Environmental contaminants modulate the transcriptional activity of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA). Sci Rep 2019; 9:6918. [PMID: 31061404 PMCID: PMC6502799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43337-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alfa (PPARA/NR1C1) is a ligand activated nuclear receptor that is a key regulator of lipid metabolism in tissues with high fatty acid catabolism such as the liver. Here, we cloned PPARA from polar bear liver tissue and studied in vitro transactivation of polar bear and human PPARA by environmental contaminants using a luciferase reporter assay. Six hinge and ligand-binding domain amino acids have been substituted in polar bear PPARA compared to human PPARA. Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCA) and perfluorosulfonic acids induced the transcriptional activity of both human and polar bear PPARA. The most abundant PFCA in polar bear tissue, perfluorononanoate, increased polar bear PPARA-mediated luciferase activity to a level comparable to that of the potent PPARA agonist WY-14643 (~8-fold, 25 μM). Several brominated flame retardants were weak agonists of human and polar bear PPARA. While single exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls did not, or only slightly, increase the transcriptional activity of PPARA, a technical mixture of PCBs (Aroclor 1254) strongly induced the transcriptional activity of human (~8-fold) and polar bear PPARA (~22-fold). Polar bear PPARA was both quantitatively and qualitatively more susceptible than human PPARA to transactivation by less lipophilic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Mari K Berg
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Roger Lille-Langøy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lene Øygarden
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mikael Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rune Dietz
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, DK-4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Anders Goksøyr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, NO-5020, Bergen, Norway
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21
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Routti H, Diot B, Panti C, Duale N, Fossi MC, Harju M, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Scotter SE, Villanger GD, Bourgeon S. Contaminants in Atlantic walruses in Svalbard Part 2: Relationships with endocrine and immune systems. Environ Pollut 2019; 246:658-667. [PMID: 30611942 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals in the Barents Sea region have among the highest levels of contaminants recorded in the Arctic and the Atlantic walrus (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) is one of the most contaminated species within this region. We therefore investigated the relationships bewteen blubber concentrations of lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and plasma concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and markers of endocrine and immune functions in adult male Atlantic walruses (n = 38) from Svalbard, Norway. To do so, we assessed plasma concentrations of five forms of thyroid hormones and transcript levels of genes related to the endocrine and immune systems as endpoints; transcript levels of seven genes in blubber and 23 genes in blood cells were studied. Results indicated that plasma total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations and ratio of TT4 and reverse triiodothyronine decreased with increasing blubber concentrations of lipophilic POPs. Blood cell transcript levels of genes involved in the function of T and B cells (FC like receptors 2 and 5, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 and protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22) were increased with plasma PFAS concentrations. These results suggest that changes in thyroid and immune systems in adult male walruses are linked to current levels of contaminant exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway; University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
| | - Béatrice Diot
- UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Nur Duale
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Mikael Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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22
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Lippold A, Bourgeon S, Aars J, Andersen M, Polder A, Lyche JL, Bytingsvik J, Jenssen BM, Derocher AE, Welker JM, Routti H. Temporal Trends of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Barents Sea Polar Bears ( Ursus maritimus) in Relation to Changes in Feeding Habits and Body Condition. Environ Sci Technol 2019; 53:984-995. [PMID: 30548071 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Temporal trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs: PCBs, OH-PCBs, p, p'-DDE, HCB, β-HCH, oxychlordane, BDE-47, and 153) in relation to changes in feeding habits and body condition in adult female polar bears ( Ursus maritimus) from the Barents Sea subpopulation were examined over 20 years (1997-2017). All 306 samples were collected in the spring (April). Both stable isotope values of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) from red blood cells declined over time, with a steeper trend for δ13C between 2012 and 2017, indicating a decreasing intake of marine and high trophic level prey items. Body condition, based on morphometric measurements, had a nonsignificant decreasing tendency between 1997 and 2005, and increased significantly between 2005 and 2017. Plasma concentrations of BDE-153 and β-HCH did not significantly change over time, whereas concentrations of Σ4PCB, Σ5OH-PCB, BDE-47, and oxychlordane declined linearly. Concentrations of p, p'-DDE and HCB, however, declined until 2012 and 2009, respectively, and increased thereafter. Changes in feeding habits and body condition did not significantly affect POP trends. The study indicates that changes in diet and body condition were not the primary driver of POPs in polar bears, but were controlled in large part by primary and/or secondary emissions of POPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lippold
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
- The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) , Tromsø 9019 , Norway
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- The Arctic University of Norway (UiT) , Tromsø 9019 , Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
| | | | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) , Oslo 0454 , Norway
| | - Jan Ludvig Lyche
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) , Oslo 0454 , Norway
| | - Jenny Bytingsvik
- Akvaplan-niva AS , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Trondheim 7491 , Norway
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Trondheim 7491 , Norway
| | | | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) , Anchorage 99508 , United States
- University of Oulu , Oulu 90014 , Finland
- University of the Arctic
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Tromsø 9296 , Norway
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23
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Scotter SE, Tryland M, Nymo IH, Hanssen L, Harju M, Lydersen C, Kovacs KM, Klein J, Fisk AT, Routti H. Contaminants in Atlantic walruses in Svalbard part 1: Relationships between exposure, diet and pathogen prevalence. Environ Pollut 2019; 244:9-18. [PMID: 30317087 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated relationships between organohalogen compound (OHC) exposure, feeding habits, and pathogen exposure in a recovering population of Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. Various samples were collected from 39 free-living, apparently healthy, adult male walruses immobilised at three sampling locations during the summers of 2014 and 2015. Concentrations of lipophilic compounds (polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers) were analysed in blubber samples, and concentrations of perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) were determined in plasma samples. Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen were measured in seven tissue types and surveys for three infectious pathogens were conducted. Despite an overall decline in lipophilic compound concentrations since this population was last studied (2006), the contaminant pattern was similar, including extremely large inter-individual variation. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen showed that the variation in OHC concentrations could not be explained by some walruses consuming higher trophic level diets, since all animals were found to feed at a similar trophic level. Antibodies against the bacteria Brucella spp. and the parasite Toxoplasma gondii were detected in 26% and 15% of the walruses, respectively. Given the absence of seal-predation, T. gondii exposure likely took place via the consumption of contaminated bivalves. The source of exposure to Brucella spp. in walruses is still unknown. Parapoxvirus DNA was detected in a single individual, representing the first documented evidence of parapoxvirus in wild walruses. Antibody prevalence was not related to contaminant exposure. Despite this, dynamic relationships between diet composition, contaminant bioaccumulation and pathogen exposure warrant continuing attention given the likelihood of climate change induced habitat and food web changes, and consequently OHC exposure, for Svalbard walruses in the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E Scotter
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9019, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Morten Tryland
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9019, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ingebjørg H Nymo
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9019, Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Stakkevollveien 23, N-9010, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Linda Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mikael Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, FRAM Centre, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jörn Klein
- University College of Southeast Norway (USN), Post Box 235, N-3603, Kongsberg, Norway
| | - Aaron T Fisk
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, N9B 3P4, Canada
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, FRAM Centre, N-9296, Tromsø, Norway.
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24
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Tartu S, Aars J, Andersen M, Polder A, Bourgeon S, Merkel B, Lowther AD, Bytingsvik J, Welker JM, Derocher AE, Jenssen BM, Routti H. Choose Your Poison-Space-Use Strategy Influences Pollutant Exposure in Barents Sea Polar Bears. Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:3211-3221. [PMID: 29363970 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b06137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Variation in space-use is common within mammal populations. In polar bears, Ursus maritimus, some individuals follow the sea ice (offshore bears) whereas others remain nearshore yearlong (coastal bears). We studied pollutant exposure in relation to space-use patterns (offshore vs coastal) in adult female polar bears from the Barents Sea equipped with satellite collars (2000-2014, n = 152). First, we examined the differences in home range (HR) size and position, body condition, and diet proxies (nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes, n = 116) between offshore and coastal space-use. Second, we investigated how HR, space-use, body condition, and diet were related to plasma concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) ( n = 113), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs; n = 92), and hydroxylated-PCBs ( n = 109). Offshore females were in better condition and had a more specialized diet than did coastal females. PCBs, OCPs, and hydroxylated-PCB concentrations were not related to space-use strategy, yet PCB concentrations increased with increasing latitude, and hydroxylated-PCB concentrations were positively related to HR size. PFAS concentrations were 30-35% higher in offshore bears compared to coastal bears and also increased eastward. On the basis of the results we conclude that space-use of Barents Sea female polar bears influences their pollutant exposure, in particular plasma concentrations of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre , Tromsø NO-9296 , Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre , Tromsø NO-9296 , Norway
| | - Magnus Andersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre , Tromsø NO-9296 , Norway
| | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Science , Campus Adamstua , Oslo NO-1432 , Norway
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- UiT-The Arctic University of Norway , Department of Arctic and Marine Biology , Tromsø NO-9010 , Norway
| | - Benjamin Merkel
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre , Tromsø NO-9296 , Norway
| | - Andrew D Lowther
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre , Tromsø NO-9296 , Norway
| | | | - Jeffrey M Welker
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Alaska-Anchorage , Anchorage , Alaska 99508 , United States
- Department of Arctic Technology , University Center in Svalbard , Longyearbyen, Svalbard NO-9171 , Norway
| | - Andrew E Derocher
- Department of Biological Sciences , University of Alberta , Edmonton T6G 2R3 , Canada
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Department of Arctic Technology , University Center in Svalbard , Longyearbyen, Svalbard NO-9171 , Norway
- Department of Biology , Norwegian University of Science and Technology , Trondheim NO-7491 , Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre , Tromsø NO-9296 , Norway
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25
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Routti H, Aars J, Fuglei E, Hanssen L, Lone K, Polder A, Pedersen ÅØ, Tartu S, Welker JM, Yoccoz NG. Emission Changes Dwarf the Influence of Feeding Habits on Temporal Trends of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Two Arctic Top Predators. Environ Sci Technol 2017; 51:11996-12006. [PMID: 28918622 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b03585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
We monitored concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in relation to climate-associated changes in feeding habits and food availability in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) (192 plasma and 113 liver samples, respectively) sampled from Svalbard, Norway, during 1997-2014. PFASs concentrations became greater with increasing dietary trophic level, as bears and foxes consumed more marine as opposed to terrestrial food, and as the availability of sea ice habitat increased. Long-chained perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) in arctic foxes decreased with availability of reindeer carcasses. The ∼9-14% yearly decline of C6-8 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) following the cease in C6-8 PFSA precursor production in 2001 indicates that the peak exposure was mainly a result of atmospheric transport of the volatile precursors. However, the stable PFSA concentrations since 2009-2010 suggest that Svalbard biota is still exposed to ocean-transported PFSAs. Long-chain ocean-transported PFCAs increased 2-4% per year and the increase in C12-14 PFCAs in polar bears tended to level off since ∼2009. Emerging short-chain PFASs showed no temporal changes. Climate-related changes in feeding habits and food availability moderately affected PFAS trends. Our results indicate that PFAS concentrations in polar bears and arctic foxes are mainly affected by emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eva Fuglei
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Linda Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research , Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Karen Lone
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences , Campus Adamstua, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage , Department of Biological Sciences, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, United States
| | - Nigel G Yoccoz
- UiT-The Arctic University of Norway , Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway
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Bourgeon S, Riemer AK, Tartu S, Aars J, Polder A, Jenssen BM, Routti H. Potentiation of ecological factors on the disruption of thyroid hormones by organo-halogenated contaminants in female polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Barents Sea. Environ Res 2017; 158:94-104. [PMID: 28614731 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
As apex predators, polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are among the most heavily polluted organisms in the Arctic. In addition to this anthropogenic stressor, climate warming has been shown to negatively affect their body condition, reproductive output and survival. Among potential underlying physiological mechanisms, thyroid hormones (THs), which control thermoregulation, metabolism and reproduction, can be affected by a variety of both natural and anthropogenic factors. While THs have been extensively used as proxies for pollution exposure in mammals, including polar bears, there is a lack of knowledge of their natural variations. In this context, we examined seasonal variations in body condition and circulating TH concentrations in free-ranging female polar bears. Females with variable reproductive status (i.e., solitary, with cubs of the year or with yearlings) were sampled from locations with contrasted sea ice conditions. Furthermore, we studied THs in relation to levels of organo-halogenated contaminants. As predicted, solitary females were in better condition than females caring for offspring, especially in spring. In addition, TH levels were lower in autumn compared to spring, although this seasonal effect was mainly observed in solitary females. Finally, the negative relationships between organochlorine and perfluoroalkyl substances and some THs suggest a possible alteration of homeostasis of THs. Since the latter relationships were only observed during spring, we emphasize the importance of considering the ecological factors when using THs as proxies for pollution exposure. Yet, the combined effects of natural and anthropogenic stressors on THs might impair the ability of polar bears to adapt to ongoing climate changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bourgeon
- The Arctic University of Norway, UiT, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Astrid Kolind Riemer
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Department of Biology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Science, NMBU, Campus Adamstua, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Department of Biology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
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Tartu S, Bourgeon S, Aars J, Andersen M, Lone K, Jenssen BM, Polder A, Thiemann GW, Torget V, Welker JM, Routti H. Diet and metabolic state are the main factors determining concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances in female polar bears from Svalbard. Environ Pollut 2017; 229:146-158. [PMID: 28587979 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been detected in organisms worldwide, including Polar Regions. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus), the top predator of Arctic marine ecosystems, accumulates high concentrations of PFASs, which may be harmful to their health. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors (habitat quality, season, year, diet, metabolic state [i.e. feeding/fasting], breeding status and age) predict PFAS concentrations in female polar bears captured on Svalbard (Norway). We analysed two perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs: PFHxS and PFOS) and C8-C13 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) in 112 plasma samples obtained in April and September 2012-2013. Nitrogen and carbon stable isotope ratios (δ15N, δ13C) in red blood cells and plasma, and fatty acid profiles in adipose tissue were used as proxies for diet. We determined habitat quality based on movement patterns, capture position and resource selection functions, which are models that predict the probability of use of a resource unit. Plasma urea to creatinine ratios were used as proxies for metabolic state (i.e. feeding or fasting state). Results were obtained from a conditional model averaging of 42 general linear mixed models. Diet was the most important predictor of PFAS concentrations. PFAS concentrations were positively related to trophic level and marine diet input. High PFAS concentrations in females feeding on the eastern part of Svalbard, where the habitat quality was higher than on the western coast, were likely related to diet and possibly to abiotic factors. Concentrations of PFSAs and C8-C10 PFCAs were higher in fasting than in feeding polar bears and PFOS was higher in females with cubs of the year than in solitary females. Our findings suggest that female polar bears that are exposed to the highest levels of PFAS are those 1) feeding on high trophic level sea ice-associated prey, 2) fasting and 3) with small cubs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway; UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Karen Lone
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bjørn Munro Jenssen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Science, Campus Adamstua, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Vidar Torget
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Biology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Biological Sciences, Anchorage, AK, USA; University Center in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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Tartu S, Bourgeon S, Aars J, Andersen M, Polder A, Thiemann GW, Welker JM, Routti H. Corrigendum to "Sea ice-associated decline in body condition leads to increased concentrations of lipophilic pollutants in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard, Norway" [Sci. Total Environ. 576 (2017) 409-419]. Sci Total Environ 2017; 595:818. [PMID: 28411564 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway; UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Science, Campus Adamstua, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Biological Sciences, Anchorage, AK, USA; University Center in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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Hansen M, Villanger GD, Bechshoft T, Levin M, Routti H, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C. Circulating thyroid hormones and associated metabolites in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) determined using isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. Environ Res 2017; 156:128-131. [PMID: 28342348 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Blood was sampled from nine free-ranging white whales (beluga whale, Delphinapterus leucas) from Svalbard, Norway during the summers of 2013 and 2014. Total concentrations of eleven thyroid hormones and metabolites were measured in serum using a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analytical method. Measurements of these compounds in plasma gave the same results as in serum. The three hormones found in highest concentrations were 3,3',5-triiodothyronine (T3), 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT3) and thyroxine (T4). Traces of associated metabolites were also found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hansen
- Molecular Toxicology, Energy and Resources Group, Endocrinology, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
| | - Gro D Villanger
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Mental and Physical Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Thea Bechshoft
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Milton Levin
- University of Connecticut, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Sciences, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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Tartu S, Bourgeon S, Aars J, Andersen M, Polder A, Thiemann GW, Welker JM, Routti H. Sea ice-associated decline in body condition leads to increased concentrations of lipophilic pollutants in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard, Norway. Sci Total Environ 2017; 576:409-419. [PMID: 27794227 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.10.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Global climate changes are magnified in the Arctic and are having an especially dramatic effect on the spatial and temporal distribution and the thickness traits of sea ice. Decline of Arctic sea ice may lead to qualitative and/or quantitative changes in diet and reduced body condition (i.e. adipose tissue stores) of ice-associated apex predators such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus). This may further affect their tissue concentrations of lipophilic pollutants. We determined how variations in adipose tissue stores associated to both breeding status and spatial changes in sea ice conditions and diet influence concentrations and biotransformation of lipophilic persistent organic pollutants (POPs). We collected 112 blood and fat samples from female polar bears (Ursus maritimus) of different breeding status (alone, with cubs of the year, or with yearlings) during two seasons (April and September) in 2012 and 2013 at three locations of Svalbard, Norway, with contrasted sea ice conditions. We inferred diet from nitrogen and carbon stable isotope ratios in red blood cells and fatty acid composition in adipose tissue. Relative to diet, body condition, which was negatively related to sea ice extent at both temporal and spatial scales, was the most important predictor for concentrations of POPs in plasma and fat, whereas diet showed a minor influence. Additionally, fatter females were more efficient at biotransforming PCBs than were leaner ones. Breeding status influenced the concentrations of less lipophilic compounds such as β-hexachlorocyclohexane, which were lower in females with yearlings, probably due to excretion into milk and subsequent offloading to young. In conclusion, our results indicate that declining sea ice indirectly leads to increased concentrations of lipophilic pollutants in polar bears mediated through reduced feeding opportunities and declining body condition rather than changes in diet composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway; UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Anuschka Polder
- Norwegian University of Life Science, Campus Adamstua, Oslo, Norway; York University, Faculty of Environmental Studies, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jeffrey M Welker
- University of Alaska Anchorage, Department of Biological Sciences, Anchorage, AK, USA; University Center in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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Routti H, Lille-Langøy R, Berg MK, Fink T, Harju M, Kristiansen K, Rostkowski P, Rusten M, Sylte I, Øygarden L, Goksøyr A. Environmental Chemicals Modulate Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) and Adipogenesis in Vitro. Environ Sci Technol 2016; 50:10708-10720. [PMID: 27602593 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We studied interactions between polar bear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (pbPPARG) and selected compounds using a luciferase reporter assay and predictions through molecular docking. Furthermore, we studied adipogenesis by liver and adipose tissue extracts from a polar bear and three synthetic mixtures of contaminants in murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and polar bear adipose tissue-derived stem cells (pbASCs). PCB153 and p,p'-DDE antagonized pbPPARG, although their predicted receptor-ligand affinity was weak. PBDEs, tetrabromobisphenol A, and PCB170 had a weak agonistic effect on pbPPARG, while hexabromocyclododecane, bisphenol A, oxychlordane, and endosulfan were weak antagonists. pbPPARG-mediated luciferase activity was suppressed by synthetic contaminant mixtures reflecting levels measured in polar bear adipose tissue, as were transcript levels of PPARG and the PPARG target gene fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) in pbASCs. Contaminant extracts from polar bear tissues enhanced triglyceride accumulation in murine 3T3-L1 cells and pbASCs, whereas triglyceride accumulation was not affected by the synthetic mixtures. Chemical characterization of extracts using nontarget methods revealed presence of exogenous compounds that have previously been reported to induce adipogenesis. These compounds included phthalates, tonalide, and nonylphenol. In conclusion, major legacy contaminants in polar bear adipose tissue exert antagonistic effects on PPARG, but adipogenesis by a mixture containing emerging compounds may be enhanced through PPARG or other pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Mari K Berg
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen , 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Trine Fink
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University , 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mikael Harju
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre , 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kurt Kristiansen
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway , 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Marte Rusten
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen , 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ingebrigt Sylte
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway , 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lene Øygarden
- Norwegian Polar Institute , Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen , 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders Goksøyr
- Department of Biology, University of Bergen , 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Routti H, Andersen MS, Fuglei E, Polder A, Yoccoz NG. Concentrations and patterns of hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) from Svalbard. Environ Pollut 2016; 216:264-272. [PMID: 27267742 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations and patterns of hydroxylated (OH) polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in liver from arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) sampled from Svalbard 1997-2011 (n = 100). The most important OH-PBDE in the arctic foxes was 6-OH-BDE47 detected in 24% of the samples. Relationships between 6-OH-BDE47, δ(13)C and BDE47 suggest that 6-OH-BDE47 residues in arctic foxes are related to marine dietary input, while the relative importance of the metabolic/natural origin of this compound remains unclear. 4-OH-CB187 and 4-OH-CB146 were the main OH-PCBs among the analyzed compounds. The OH-PCB pattern in the present arctic foxes indicates that arctic foxes have a capacity to biotransform a wide range of PCBs of different structures. Formation and retention of OH-PCBs was tightly related to PCB exposure. Furthermore, ΣOH-PCB concentrations were four times higher in the leanest compared to the fattest foxes. Concentrations of 4-OH-CB187 and 4-OH-CB146 among the highest contaminated arctic foxes were similar to the previously reported concentrations for polar bears. Given the high endocrine disruptive potential of OH-PCBs, we suggest that endocrine system may be affected by the relatively high OH-PCB residues in the Svalbard arctic fox population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Martin S Andersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eva Fuglei
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Anuschka Polder
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Nigel G Yoccoz
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway
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Routti H, Gabrielsen GW, Herzke D, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C. Spatial and temporal trends in perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from Svalbard. Environ Pollut 2016; 214:230-238. [PMID: 27089420 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates concentrations of perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) and perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASA) in plasma from ringed seals sampled in the period 1990-2010 (n = 71) in Svalbard, Norway. Perfluorooctane sulfonate was dominant among the perfluoroalkyl substances. PFCAs were dominated by perfluoroundecanoate followed by perfluorononanoate. C4C8 PFCAs and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) were detected in ≤42% of the samples. PFSA and PFCA concentrations were higher in seals sampled from Kongsfjorden, a fjord influenced by strong inflows of Atlantic Water compared to seals from fjords dominated by Arctic Water (e.g. Billefjorden). Sex, age and body condition of the seals did not influence PFAS concentrations. Due to the confounding effect of year and sampling area, temporal trends were assessed only in seals sampled from Kongsfjorden (5 years, n = 51). PFHxS and PFOS concentrations did not show significant linear trends during the whole study period, but a decrease was observed since 2004. Concentrations of all of the detected PFCAs (C9C13 PFCAs) increased until 2004 after which they have declined or stabilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
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Tartu S, Bourgeon S, Aars J, Andersen M, Ehrich D, Thiemann GW, Welker JM, Routti H. Geographical Area and Life History Traits Influence Diet in an Arctic Marine Predator. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155980. [PMID: 27196700 PMCID: PMC4873193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Global changes are thought to affect most Arctic species, yet some populations are more at risk. Today, the Barents Sea ecoregion is suffering the strongest sea ice retreat ever measured; and these changes are suspected to modify food access and thus diet of several species. Biochemical diet tracers enable investigation of diet in species such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We examined individual diet variation of female polar bears in Svalbard, Norway, and related it to year, season (spring and autumn), sampling area and breeding status (solitary, with cubs of the year or yearlings). Sampling areas were split according to their ice cover: North-West (less sea ice cover), South-East (larger amplitude in sea ice extent) and North-East/South-West (NESW) as bears from that zone are more mobile among all regions of Svalbard. We measured fatty acid (FA) composition in adipose tissue and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes in plasma and red blood cells. Females feeding in the North-West area had lower δ15N values than those from the NESW. In South-East females, δ13C values were lower in autumn compared to spring and females seemed less selective in their diet as depicted by large variances in stable isotope values. Considering the differences in FA composition and stable isotope values, we suggest that females from the North-West and South-East could ingest a higher proportion of avian prey. With regard to breeding status, solitary females had higher δ15N values and smaller variance in their stable isotopic values than females with cubs, suggesting that solitary females were more selective and prey on higher trophic level species (i.e. seals). Overall, our results indicate that prey availability for Svalbard polar bears varies according to geographical area and prey selectivity differs according to breeding status. Our findings suggest that complex changes in sea ice and prey availability will interact to affect Svalbard polar bear feeding patterns and associated nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Tartu
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
- UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Dorothee Ehrich
- UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Jeffrey M. Welker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
- University Center in Svalbard, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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van Beest FM, Aars J, Routti H, Lie E, Andersen M, Pavlova V, Sonne C, Nabe-Nielsen J, Dietz R. Spatiotemporal variation in home range size of female polar bears and correlations with individual contaminant load. Polar Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-015-1876-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Hallanger IG, Sagerup K, Evenset A, Kovacs KM, Leonards P, Fuglei E, Routti H, Aars J, Strøm H, Lydersen C, Gabrielsen GW. Organophosphorous flame retardants in biota from Svalbard, Norway. Mar Pollut Bull 2015; 101:442-447. [PMID: 26453403 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Eight arctic species, including fish, birds and mammals, from diverse habitats (marine and terrestrial) within the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway, were screened for 14 organophosphorus flame retardant (PFR) compounds. Ten PFRs were detected: tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP), tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCIPP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCIPP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP); 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP); tris(2-butoxyethyl)phosphate (TBOEP); tritolyl phosphate (TCrP); triisobutyl phosphate (TIBP); tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP); and butyl diphenyl phosphate (DPhBP). The greatest number of different PFR compounds, and the highest detection frequency were measured in capelin (Mallotus villotus), and the lowest in Brünnich's guillemot (Uria lomvia). The highest concentrations of ΣPFR, as well as the highest concentration of a single PFR compound, TBOEP, were measured in arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). The presence of PFR compounds in arctic biota indicates that these compounds can undergo long-range transport and are, to some degree, persistent and bioaccumulated. The potential for biomagnification from fish to higher trophic levels seems to be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingeborg G Hallanger
- UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Postboks 6050 Langnes, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Kjetil Sagerup
- Akvalan-niva, Fram Centre, Postboks 6606, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Anita Evenset
- UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Postboks 6050 Langnes, 9037 Tromsø, Norway; Akvalan-niva, Fram Centre, Postboks 6606, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Postboks 6606, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Pim Leonards
- VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Eva Fuglei
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Postboks 6606, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Postboks 6606, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Jon Aars
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Postboks 6606, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Hallvard Strøm
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Postboks 6606, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Christian Lydersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Postboks 6606, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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Andersen MS, Fuglei E, König M, Lipasti I, Pedersen ÅØ, Polder A, Yoccoz NG, Routti H. Levels and temporal trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) from Svalbard in relation to dietary habits and food availability. Sci Total Environ 2015; 511:112-122. [PMID: 25536177 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Temporal trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) from Svalbard, Norway, were investigated in relation to feeding habits and seasonal food availability. Arctic foxes from Svalbard forage in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems and the availability of their food items are impacted by climatic variability. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and brominated flame retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers [PBDEs] and hexabromocyclododecane [HBCDD]) were analyzed in the liver of 141 arctic foxes collected between 1997 and 2013. Stable carbon isotope values (δ13C) were used as a proxy for feeding on marine versus terrestrial prey. The annual number of recovered reindeer carcasses and sea ice cover were used as proxies for climate influenced food availability (reindeers, seals). Linear models revealed that concentrations of PCBs, chlordanes, p,p'-DDE, mirex and PBDEs decreased 4-11% per year, while no trends were observed for hexachlorobenzene (HCB) or β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH). Positive relationships between POP concentrations and δ13C indicate that concentrations of all compounds increase with increasing marine dietary input. Increasing reindeer mortality was related to lower HCB concentrations in the foxes based on the linear models. This suggests that concentrations of HCB in arctic foxes may be influenced by high mortality levels of Svalbard reindeer. Further, β-HCH concentrations showed a positive association with sea ice cover. These results in addition to the strong effect of δ13C on all POP concentrations suggest that climate-related changes in arctic fox diet are likely to influence contaminant concentrations in arctic foxes from Svalbard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S Andersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway; Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eva Fuglei
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Max König
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Inka Lipasti
- Department of Biology, University of Eastern Finland, FI-80101 Joensuu, Finland
| | | | - Anuschka Polder
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Nigel G Yoccoz
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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Routti H, Krafft BA, Herzke D, Eisert R, Oftedal O. Perfluoroalkyl substances detected in the world's southernmost marine mammal, the Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii). Environ Pollut 2015; 197:62-67. [PMID: 25497307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates concentrations of 18 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in blood plasma of adult lactating Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) (n = 10) from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) was detected in all samples at concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 0.23 ng/ml. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA) and perfluorotridecanoate (PFTriDA) were sporadically detected, while the remaining compounds were below the limit of detection. This is the first report of detectible concentrations of PFASs in an endemic Antarctic marine mammal species. We suggest that the pollutants have been subjected to long range atmospheric transportation and/or derive from a local source. A review of these and published data indicate that perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) dominate in biotic PFAS patterns in species feeding south of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), whereas PFOS was the major PFAS detected in species feeding predominantly north of the current.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Bjørn A Krafft
- Institute of Marine Research, PO Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Regina Eisert
- Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA
| | - Olav Oftedal
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD 21037, USA
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39
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Routti H, Lydersen C, Hanssen L, Kovacs KM. Contaminant levels in the world's northernmost harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Mar Pollut Bull 2014; 87:140-146. [PMID: 25152181 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The world's northernmost harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) population, which inhabits Svalbard, Norway, constitutes a genetically distinct population. The present study reports concentrations of 14 PCBs, 5 chlordanes, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), mirex, and, α-, β-and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in blubber, and pentachlorophenol, 4-OH-heptachlorostyrene, 10 OH-PCBs and 14 perfluoroalkyl substances in plasma of live-captured harbor seals from this population (4 males, 4 females, 4 juveniles), sampled in 2009-2010. Concentrations of PCB 153, p,p'-DDE, oxychlordane, α-HCH and mirex and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates in Svalbard harbor seals were considerably lower than harbor seal from more southerly populations, while concentrations of HCB, OH-PCBs and perfluoroalkyl carboxylates were similar for harbor seals from Svalbard and southern areas. Concentrations of PCBs and pesticides in the Svalbard harbor seals were 60-90% lower than levels determined a decade ago in this same population. Current concentrations of legacy POPs are not considered a health risk to the harbor seals from Svalbard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | - Linda Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kit M Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
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Aas CB, Fuglei E, Herzke D, Yoccoz NG, Routti H. Effect of body condition on tissue distribution of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). Environ Sci Technol 2014; 48:11654-61. [PMID: 25215880 DOI: 10.1021/es503147n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Arctic animals undergo large seasonal fluctuations in body weight. The effect of body condition on the distribution and composition of 16 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was investigated in liver, blood, kidney, adipose tissue, and muscle of Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) from Svalbard (n = 18, age 1-3 years). PFAS concentrations were generally highest in liver, followed by blood and kidney, while lowest concentrations were found in adipose tissue and muscle. Concentrations of summed perfluorocarboxylic acids and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates were five and seven times higher, respectively, in adipose tissue of lean compared to fat foxes. In addition, perfluorodecanoate (PFDA) and perfluoroheptanesulfonate (PFHpS) concentrations in liver, kidney, and blood, and, perfluorononanoate (PFNA) in liver and blood, were twice as high in the lean compared to the fat foxes. The ratio between perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) and its metabolite perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) was lowest in liver, muscle, and kidney, while significantly higher proportions of FOSA were found in adipose tissue and blood. The results of the present study suggest that toxic potential of exposure to PFAS among other pollutants in Arctic mammals may increase during seasonal emaciation. The results also suggest that body condition should be taken into account when assessing temporal trends of PFASs.
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41
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Castelli MG, Rusten M, Goksøyr A, Routti H. MRNA expression of genes regulating lipid metabolism in ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from differently polluted areas. Aquat Toxicol 2014; 146:239-246. [PMID: 24334006 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing concern about the ability of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to influence lipid metabolism. Although POPs are found at high concentrations in some populations of marine mammals, for example in the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) from the Baltic Sea, little is known about the effects of POPs on their lipid metabolism. An optimal regulation of lipid metabolism is crucial for ringed seals during the fasting/molting season. This is a physiologically stressful period, during which they rely on the energy stored in their fat reserves. The mRNA expression levels for seven genes involved in lipid metabolism were analyzed in liver and/or blubber tissue from molting ringed seals from the polluted Baltic Sea and a less polluted reference location, Svalbard (Norway). mRNA expression of genes encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) α and γ and their target genes acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1 (ACOX1) and cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) were analyzed in liver. mRNA expression level of genes encoding PPARβ, PPARγ and their target genes encoding fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and adiponectin (ADIPOQ) were measured in inner and middle blubber layers. In addition, we evaluated the influence of molting status on hepatic mRNA expression of genes encoding PPARs and their target genes in ringed seals from Svalbard. Our results show higher mRNA expression of genes encoding hepatic PPARγ and adipose PPARβ, FABP4, and ADIPOQ in the Baltic seals compared to the Svalbard seals. A positive relationship between mRNA expressions of genes encoding hepatic PPARγ, adipose FABP4, adipose ADIPOQ and ΣPOP concentrations was observed. These findings suggest that lipid metabolism may be affected by contaminant exposure in the Baltic population. mRNA expression of genes encoding PPARβ, PPARγ, FABP4 and ADIPOQ were similar between the mid and inner adipose layer. Hepatic mRNA expression of genes encoding PPARα and PPARγ was higher in the pre-molting individuals compared to the molting ones highlighting differential regulation of these metabolic sensors through the molting period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Galatea Castelli
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway; University of Bergen, Department of Biology, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Marte Rusten
- University of Bergen, Department of Biology, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders Goksøyr
- University of Bergen, Department of Biology, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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Routti H, Helgason LB, Arukwe A, Wolkers H, Heimstad ES, Harju M, Berg V, Gabrielsen GW. Effect of reduced food intake on toxicokinetics of halogenated organic contaminants in herring gull (Larus argentatus) chicks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013; 32:156-164. [PMID: 23060285 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate how contaminant exposure and reduced food intake affect tissue distribution and biotransformation of halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs) in Arctic seabirds using herring gull (Larus argentatus) as a model species. Herring gull chicks were exposed for 44 d to cod liver oil containing a typical mixture of contaminants. Following exposure, food intake was reduced for a one-week period in a subgroup of the chicks. Polyclorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and brominated flame retardants, as well as a wide range of hydroxy, methyl sulfone, and methoxy compounds were measured in liver, brain, and plasma samples. Additionally, phase I biotransformation enzyme activities and phase I and II messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression were investigated in the liver, brain, or both. Both contaminant exposure and reduced food intake had an increasing effect on the concentrations of HOCs and their metabolites. The HOC exposure and reduced food intake also led to increased 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylation (EROD) activity, whereas mRNA expression of the biotransformation enzymes increased only following the reduced food intake. Tissue distribution of HOCs and their metabolites was not affected by either contaminant exposure or reduced food intake. In conclusion, the results indicate that biotransformation capacity and formation of HOC metabolites increase during reduced food intake. This finding supports the hypothesis that reduced food intake increases the susceptibility of Arctic animals to the effects of lipophilic HOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Center, Tromsø, Norway.
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Routti H, Letcher RJ, Born EW, Branigan M, Dietz R, Evans TJ, McKinney MA, Peacock E, Sonne C. Influence of carbon and lipid sources on variation of mercury and other trace elements in polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Environ Toxicol Chem 2012; 31:2739-2747. [PMID: 22987581 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, the authors investigated the influence of carbon and lipid sources on regional differences in liver trace element (As, Cd, Cu, total Hg, Mn, Pb, Rb, Se, and Zn) concentrations measured in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) (n = 121) from 10 Alaskan, Canadian Arctic, and East Greenland subpopulations. Carbon and lipid sources were assessed using δ(13) C in muscle tissue and fatty acid (FA) profiles in subcutaneous adipose tissue as chemical tracers. A negative relationship between total Hg and δ(13) C suggested that polar bears feeding in areas with higher riverine inputs of terrestrial carbon accumulate more Hg than bears feeding in areas with lower freshwater input. Mercury concentrations were also positively related to the FA 20:1n-9, which is biosynthesized in large amounts in Calanus copepods. This result raises the hypothesis that Calanus glacialis are an important link in the uptake of Hg in the marine food web and ultimately in polar bears. Unadjusted total Hg, Se, and As concentrations showed greater geographical variation among polar bear subpopulations compared with concentrations adjusted for carbon and lipid sources. The Hg concentrations adjusted for carbon and lipid sources in Bering-Chukchi Sea polar bear liver tissue remained the lowest among subpopulations. Based on these findings, the authors suggest that carbon and lipid sources for polar bears should be taken into account when one is assessing spatial and temporal trends of long-range transported trace elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
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Kanerva M, Routti H, Tamuz Y, Nyman M, Nikinmaa M. Antioxidative defense and oxidative stress in ringed seals (Pusa hispida) from differently polluted areas. Aquat Toxicol 2012; 114-115:67-72. [PMID: 22417762 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2012.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
High contaminant levels detected in Baltic seals have been associated with various health effects. In this study several parameters related to antioxidative defense and oxidative stress (concentrations of reduced and oxidised glutathione, lipid hydroperoxide and vitamin E, activities of glutathione reductase, peroxidase and S-transferase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, catalase, and superoxidedismutase) were measured in the livers of ringed seals from the Baltic Sea and from a less contaminated reference area, Svalbard, Norway. Seals were caught during two different time periods 1996-1997 and 2002-2007, which represent different levels of contamination. No signs of oxidative damage were found in the Baltic seals. However, glutathione metabolism was enhanced in the ringed seals from the Baltic Sea compared to the seals from Svalbard. The adaptation to dive where repetitive ischemia/reperfusion occurs naturally may contribute to the resistance of oxidative stress and to the capacity to increase enzymatic antioxidant defense in phocid seals. This could explain the similarities in oxidative stress levels despite the differences in antioxidant responses between the ringed seals from the Baltic Sea and Svalbard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Kanerva
- Division of Genetics and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland.
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45
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Routti H, Letcher RJ, Born EW, Branigan M, Dietz R, Evans TJ, Fisk AT, Peacock E, Sonne C. Spatial and temporal trends of selected trace elements in liver tissue from polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Alaska, Canada and Greenland. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 13:2260-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c1em10088b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Routti H, Arukwe A, Jenssen BM, Letcher RJ, Nyman M, Bäckman C, Gabrielsen GW. Comparative endocrine disruptive effects of contaminants in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from Svalbard and the Baltic Sea. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2010; 152:306-12. [PMID: 20624697 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2010.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Revised: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We investigated variables related to thyroid, vitamin A and calcitriol homeostasis, immune function and tumour development in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from the polluted Baltic Sea and a less polluted reference location at Svalbard, Norway. We also examined the relationships between the biological variables and the concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and their hydroxylated (OH) metabolites. Our data show higher plasma concentrations of free triiodothyronine (T3), and ratios of free and total T3 in Baltic seals as compared to Svalbard seals. Baltic seals had also higher hepatic mRNA expressions of deiodinase-I, thyroid hormone receptor beta, retinoic acid receptor alpha, growth hormone receptor and interleukin-1beta compared to Svalbard seals. Levels of plasma retinol were lower in the Baltic seals as compared to Svalbard seals. No geographical difference was observed for other thyroid hormone levels and hepatic retinoid levels. Ratios of free and total T3 were positively correlated to OH-POPs in plasma. The results of the present study suggest that endocrine homeostasis may be affected by contaminant and metabolite exposure in the Baltic ringed seals with respect to circulating hormones and retinol and hepatic mRNA expressions. In addition, OH-POPs may putatively produce the disruption of thyroid hormone transport in plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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47
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Routti H, van Bavel B, Letcher RJ, Arukwe A, Chu S, Gabrielsen GW. Concentrations, patterns and metabolites of organochlorine pesticides in relation to xenobiotic phase I and II enzyme activities in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from Svalbard and the Baltic Sea. Environ Pollut 2009; 157:2428-2434. [PMID: 19329238 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2009] [Revised: 02/27/2009] [Accepted: 03/07/2009] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates the concentrations and patterns of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and their metabolites in liver and plasma of two ringed seal populations (Phoca hispida): lower contaminated Svalbard population and more contaminated Baltic Sea population. Among OCPs, p,p'-DDE and sum-chlordanes were the highest in concentration. With increasing hepatic contaminant concentrations and activities of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, the concentrations of 3-methylsulfonyl-p,p'-DDE and the concentration ratios of pentachlorophenol/hexachlorobenzene increased, and the toxaphene pattern shifted more towards persistent Parlar-26 and -50 and less towards more biodegradable Parlar-44. Relative concentrations of the chlordane metabolites, oxychlordane and -heptachlorepoxide, to sum-chlordanes were higher in the seals from Svalbard compared to the seals from the Baltic, while the trend was opposite for cis- and trans-nonachlor. The observed differences in the OCP patterns in the seals from the two populations are probably related to the catalytic activity of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes, and also to differences in dietary exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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48
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Routti H, Letcher RJ, Chu S, Van Bavel B, Gabrielsen GW. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and their hydroxylated analogues in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from Svalbard and the Baltic Sea. Environ Sci Technol 2009; 43:3494-3499. [PMID: 19544845 DOI: 10.1021/es900211u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the concentrations and patterns of PBDEs and hydroxylated (OH) PBDE analogues in two ringed seal populations: less contaminated Svalbard and more contaminated Baltic Sea. Mean concentration of hepatic sigma-PBDE, which was dominated by BDE47, was six times higher in the ringed seals from the Baltic Sea compared to the seals from Svalbard. BDE47/sigma-PBDE was higher in the seals from Svalbard compared to that for Baltic seals, while the trend was opposite for BDE153 and 154. The geographical difference in contaminant pattern of PBDEs in ringed seals could be explained by biotransformation via oxidative metabolism and/or by dietary differences. OH-PBDEs were detectable in the majority of plasma samples from both locations, and dominated by bioaccumulation of naturally occurring congeners. Low levels of 3-OH-BDE47 and 4'-OH-BDE49 in the Baltic ringed seals suggested minor oxidative biotransformation of BDE47. In the Baltic seals, BDE153/sigma-PBDEs and BDE154/sigma-PBDEs increased and BDE28/sigma-PBDE decreased with increasing sigma-POP concentration, which suggests BDE153 and 154 are more persistent than BDE28. Contrasting diets of the ringed seals in these two locations may influence the PBDE congener pattern due to selective long-range transport and direct effluent emissions to Svalbard and the Baltic, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, 9296 Tromse, Norway.
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49
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Routti H, Letcher RJ, Arukwe A, Van Bavel B, Yoccoz NG, Chu S, Gabrielsen GW. Biotransformation of PCBs in relation to phase I and II xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme activities in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from Svalbard and the Baltic Sea. Environ Sci Technol 2008; 42:8952-8. [PMID: 19192824 DOI: 10.1021/es801682f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may induce activity of hepatic enzymes, mainly Phase I monooxygenases and conjugating Phase II enzymes, that catalyze the metabolism of PCBs leading to formation of metabolites and to potential adverse health effects. The present study investigates the concentration and pattern of PCBs, the induction of hepatic phase I and II enzymes, and the formation of hydroxy (OH) and methylsulfonyl (CH3SO2=MeSO2) PCB metabolites in two ringed seal (Phoca hispida) populations, which are contrasted by the degree of contamination exposure, that is, highly contaminated Baltic Sea (n=31) and less contaminated Svalbard (n=21). Phase I enzymes were measured as ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylation (EROD), benzyloxyresorufin-O-dealkylation (BROD), methoxyresorufin-O-demethylation (MROD), and pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylation (PROD) activities, and phase II enzymes were measured as uridine diphosphophate glucuronosyl transferase (UDPGT) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Geographical comparison, multivariate, and correlation analysis indicated that sigma-PCB had a positive impact on Phase I enzyme and GST activities leading to biotransformation of group III (vicinal ortho-meta-H atoms and < or =1 ortho-chlorine (Cl)) and IV PCBs (vicinal meta-para-H atoms and < or =2 ortho-Cl). The potential precursors for the main OH-PCBs detected in plasma in the Baltic seals were group III PCBs. MeSO2-PCBs detected in liver were mainly products of group IV PCB metabolism. Both CYP1A- and CYP2B-like enzymes are suggested to be involved in the PCB biotransformation in ringed seals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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Routti H, Nyman M, Jenssen BM, Bäckman C, Koistinen J, Gabrielsen GW. Bone-related effects of contaminants in seals may be associated with vitamin D and thyroid hormones. Environ Toxicol Chem 2008; 27:873-880. [PMID: 18333671 DOI: 10.1897/07-139.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Accepted: 09/26/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT in gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) and ringed seal (Phoca hispida botnica) in the Baltic Sea have been associated with pathological disruptions, including bone lesions and reproductive failures. The underlying environmental and toxicological mechanisms leading to these pathological changes are not yet fully understood. The present study investigated the relationship between the individual contaminant load and bone- and thyroid-related effects in adult gray seals (n=30) and ringed seals (n=46) in the highly contaminated Baltic Sea and in reference areas (Sable Island, Canada, and Svalbard, Norway). In the gray seals, multivariate and correlation analyses revealed a clear relationship between circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D), calcium, phosphate, and thyroid hormone (TH) levels and hepatic PCB and DDT load, which suggests contaminant-mediated disruption of the bone and thyroid homeostasis. Contaminants may depress 1,25(OH)(2)D levels or lead to hyperthyroidism, which may cause bone resorption. In the ringed seals, associations between circulating 1,25(OH)(2)D, THs, and hepatic contaminants were less prominent. These results suggest that bone lesions observed in the Baltic gray seals may be associated with contaminant-mediated vitamin D and thyroid disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heli Routti
- Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Environmental Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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