The present studies determine the accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in three pinniped species, evaluate the relationship with relevant biomarkers of exposure, and calculate toxic effect thresholds. Stranded harp and hooded seals were found to be accumulating PBDEs at levels which could pose a based on threshold levels determined in this study. Northern fur seals are accumulating all three classes of POPs (PCBs, PBDEs, and OCPs) with significant relationships being seen with blubber percent lipid. Correlations between contaminant concentrations and expression levels of relevant biomarkers were seen potentially indicating an effect on multiple pathways. Overall risk can be hard to determine due to factors such as sex and age. Broad threshold response values and hazard quotients were calculated for toxic effect endpoints in pinnipeds. Overall these results suggest that certain populations of pinnipeds are at high risk of experiencing toxic effects due to POP exposure, but it is important to understand effects even at lower concentrations. The relationship between exposure, toxic effects, and other stressors, both environmental and physiological, can impact the overall fitness and survival of pinnipeds.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1833546 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Soulen, Brianne K |
| Contributors | Roberts, Aaron P., Venables, Barney J., Lund, Amie, Mager, Edward, Cammen, Kristina |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | viii, 139 pages, Text |
| Rights | Public, Soulen, Brianne K, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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