Heavy metal toxicity of kidney and bone tissues in South Australian adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)

Abstract

Metallothioneins (MT) concentration, renal damage, and bone malformations were investigated in 38 adult Tursiops aduncus carcasses to determine any associations with cadmium, copper, zinc, mercury, lead and selenium. Significantly higher concentrations of cadmium, copper, and zinc in the liver were observed in dolphins showing evidence of more advanced renal damage. No significant differences in metal or selenium concentrations in the liver were observed between groups differing in level of bone malformations. Some dolphins displayed evidence of toxicity and knowledge of metal toxicity pathways were used to elucidate the cause of these abnormalities. Two dolphins had high metal burdens, high MT concentrations, renal damage, and evidence of bone malformations, indicating possible severe and prolonged metal toxicity. One dolphin showed evidence of renal damage, but the lack of any other symptoms suggests that this was unlikely to be caused by metal toxicity. We recommend examining a range of metal toxicity symptoms simultaneously to aid in distinguishing metal toxicity from unrelated aetiologies.

What are the toxicological effects of mercury in Arctic biota?

“…Kidney lesions have been reported in whale species and polar bears from the Arctic (cf. Woshner, 2000;Woshner et al, 2002;Sonne et al, 2007Sonne et al, , 2010Rosa et al, 2008) resemble those reported for gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) and ringed seals and bottlenose dolphins living in the heavily metal and organohalogen polluted regions such as the Baltic Sea (Lavery et al, 2009;Bergman et al, 2001). However, some work has shown that age and micro-pathogens (e.g., bacteria and parasites) are important co-factors in the development of kidney lesions in Arctic marine mammals which must be considered when evaluating metal toxicosis (Woshner, 2000;Woshner et al, 2002;Sonne et al, 2007Sonne et al, , 2010Rosa et al, 2008).…”

Comparative Geochemical Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollutants among the Mediterranean Deltaic Lakes Sediments (Edku, Burullus and Manzala), Egypt.

“…High Pb and Mn are mainly responsible of mental, kidney and digestive problems [6,62], while Cd is most probably the main cause of pancreatic cancer [13]. Cu may be toxic to living organisms by causing disordering of structural proteins or reduction in enzyme activity.…”

Dual Contrast Agent for Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Hard Tissue Imaging

“…Still, the problem arising from the use of such heavy metal compounds, besides unspecific reactivity, is the lack of information about their metabolic destiny, possible accumulation, and toxicity after being released after CPC degradation. 16,17,30,31 In the current study, the concentration of both radiopacifiers was set at 5% wt/wt. The structural embedding of two nanoparticles types into the silica carrier beads prevents/inhibits their release as free metal ions, and allows even the encapsulation of much higher concentrations, while avoiding the above mentioned side effects.…”