Abstract
Results on persistent organic and toxic element concentrations in tissues of small cetaceans from five northeast Atlantic European coastal regions in 2001-03 are summarised. PCB concentrations in blubber frequently exceeded the threshold at which effects on reproduction might be expected, notably in harbour porpoises from the southern North Sea (reflecting high concentrations in prey) and common dolphins from France. Concentrations were often higher in males than females, as expected since females transfer lipophilic pollutants to their offspring during pregnancy and lactation. Highest concentrations were recorded in blubber of bottlenose dolphins. The regional distributions of PBDE and HBCD concentrations differed from that of PCBs. Mercury concentrations
in liver were generally below the threshold for toxic effects. Cadmium levels never exceed the threshold for toxic effects and were higher in species feeding more on cephalopods. While strandings data may result in samples biased towards animals in a poor state of health, dangerously high concentrations of PCBs were nonetheless frequently recorded in small cetacean blubber during
2001-03.
in liver were generally below the threshold for toxic effects. Cadmium levels never exceed the threshold for toxic effects and were higher in species feeding more on cephalopods. While strandings data may result in samples biased towards animals in a poor state of health, dangerously high concentrations of PCBs were nonetheless frequently recorded in small cetacean blubber during
2001-03.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the ECS/ASCOBANS/ACCOBAMS Joint Workshop on Chemical Pollution and Marine Mammals |
Editors | Peter G.H. Evans |
Place of Publication | Isle of Anglesey |
Publisher | ECS |
Pages | 72-84 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2013 |
Event | Proceedings of the ECS/Ascobans/Accobams Joint Workshop: European Cetacean Society’s 25th Annual Conference - Cádiz, Spain Duration: 20 Mar 2011 → 20 Mar 2011 http://www.crru.org.uk/cust_images/pdfs/tetley_etal_ECS2011.pdf |
Publication series
Name | ECS Special Publication Series |
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Publisher | European Cetacean Society |
Number | 55 |
Conference
Conference | Proceedings of the ECS/Ascobans/Accobams Joint Workshop |
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Country/Territory | Spain |
City | Cádiz |
Period | 20/03/11 → 20/03/11 |
Internet address |