Persistent organic pollutants in killer whales (Orcinus orca) of the Russian Far East

[摘要] Exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is a key factor in predicting the collapse of global killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations due to reproductive and immune impacts. Blubber biopsies from killer whales (n = 25) were collected in the Russian Far East in 2002-2004. Biopsies were analyzed for Sigma DDT, Sigma PCB, and HCB concentrations. A subset of biopsies was further examined for additional contaminants, Sigma PBDE, Sigma HCH, Sigma CHLD, mirex, and dieldrin. Mean concentrations were compared across resident (fish-eating) and transient (mammaleating) ecotypes and between sexes. Sigma PCB analytes (resident males 18,000, resident females 1200, and transient males 420,000 ng g(-1) lw) and HCB (resident males 750, resident females 81, and transient males 6200 ng g(-1) lw) differed significantly (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between sexes. Notable disparities in contaminant levels between ecotypes support the major toxicological theories of contaminant bioaccumulation and dietary impacts on individual contaminant load.

[发布日期] 2019-12-01

[关键词] Killer whales;Orcinus orca;Persistent organic pollutants;Contaminants;Russian Far East