Methylsulfone polycglorinated biphenyl and 2,2-bis(chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene metabolites in beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St. Lawrence river estuary and western Hudson bay, Canada

Abstract

Kowledge is limited regarding methylsulfone (MeSO2)‐polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and especially MeSO2–2,2‐bis(chlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dichloroethylene (DDE), metabolites in cetacean species. We hypothesized that the ability of beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) to biotransform PCB and DDE compounds, and to form and degrade their MeSO2 PCB and ‐DDE metabolites, is related to the capacity for xenobiotic metabolism. Adipose biopsies were collected from male and female beluga whale from distinct populations in the …