Environmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls among raccoons (Procyon lotor) at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, Western Kentucky, USA

Abstract

An investigation involving raccoons (Procyon lotor) as a sentinel species at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP) in Western Kentucky (USA) delineated the extent of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and PCB spatial distribution. Raccoon exposure to PCBs was demonstrated through analysis of subcutaneous fat, abdominal fat, liver, and brain tissues from raccoons collected at the PGDP but also was clearly evident in raccoons from a reference area situated along the Ohio River (USA). Raccoons with the highest tissue PCB concentrations appeared to be those inhabiting areas nearest the plant itself and most likely those that ventured into the plants interior. Male raccoons at the PGDP had similar concentrations of total PCBs in subcutaneous fat (1.86 +/- 0.64 microg/g) as males from the reference site (1.41 +/- 0.35 microg/g), but females had higher PCB body burdens than those at the reference site (9.90 +/- 6.13 microg/g vs 0.75 +/- 0.40 microg/g). Gross measurements of exposure to radiation-producing materials revealed that counts per minute exceeded background in 61% of PGDP raccoons compared with 27% at the reference site and five raccoons at the PGDP had beta counts that were more than twice the background. Differences among trapping success, growth rates, and serum chemistry parameters were noted but may have been related to habitat and other environmental and population density factors.

Environmental polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and cytochromes P450 in raccoons (Procyon lotor)

“…In addition, CYP1A2 was elevated somewhat in a single raccoon along the North-South Drainage Ditch to the north of the plant (see Smith et al [16]). Both CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 levels were highest among raccoons nearest the security fence on the southwest, northwest, and on the east sides of PGDP.…”

“…A recent field study using raccoons as a sentinel species of PCB exposure at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PGDP; KY, USA) and Ballard Wildlife Management Area (BWMA; Ballard County, KY, USA) revealed widespread contamination with PCBs, metals, radioisotopes, and other chemicals [16]. Raccoons represent a relevant sentinel species of exposure to environmental contaminants because, like humans, they are omnivorous, with a varied diet that includes food items from terrestrial and aquatic environments and from different trophic levels [17,18].…”

“…Concentrations of PCBs in adult male raccoons ranged from 0.27 to 7.24 g/g in abdominal fat tissue and from below detection limits to 0.40 g/g in liver [16]. Mean (ϮSE) concentrations of total PCBs in liver were 0.08 Ϯ 0.03 and 0.12 Ϯ 0.03 g/g for PGDP and BWMA raccoons, respectively [16]. Mean (ϮSE) concentrations of total PCBs in liver were 0.08 Ϯ 0.03 and 0.12 Ϯ 0.03 g/g for PGDP and BWMA raccoons, respectively [16].…”

Monitoring perchlorate exposure and thyroid hormone status among raccoons inhabiting a perchlorate-contaminated site

“…Raccoons are closely associated with the terrestrial/aquatic interface and are common throughout east Texas. Raccoon home range sizes vary with habitat, age, sex, and season (Sanderson, 1987), but generally center on some reach, or portion of a permanent water body (Smith et al, 2003). Perchlorate exposure among raccoons may result from consumption of contaminated water or food items.…”

Applications of Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis for Determining Persistent Organic Pollutant Origin, Transport and Transformation in the Aquatic Environment

“…Sentinel species with heightened PCBs sensitivity have also been studied as early indicators of area contamination . 16 In severely contaminated systems like the Hudson River in New York, evidence suggests that overall ecosystem decline occurs as a direct result of PCBs presence, with several higher-trophic level species being most strongly affected. In mink, birds, fish, snapping turtles, and bullfrogs, significant reproductive impairments and juvenile mortality have been documented (DARRP, 2013).…”