Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) from the Gulf of California

Abstract

The present study reports unique data on concentrations of several classes of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in blubber biopsies from healthy living fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) from the Gulf of California, Mexico, one of the most isolated and unstudied population in the world. OC levels in this population were generally lower than levels reported in fin whales from other regions. The rank order of OCs were SigmaDDTs (range from 300 to 2400 ng g(-1) lw) > SigmaPCBs (range from 40 to 290 ng g(-1) lw) > SigmaHCHs (range from <LOQ to 92 ng g(-1) lw) > or = SigmaCHLORs (from < LOQ to 100 ng g(-1) lw). The most abundant OC pesticide measured was the DDT metabolite, p,p'-DDE. The PCBs 138, 153, and 180 were the most abundant PCBs congeners found in the fin whales samples. Males had significant higher concentrations of SigmaOC, SigmaDDTs and SigmaPCBs than females (P < 0.05), although the p,p'-DDE/SigmaDDTs ratios were similar between the sexes. Although the OC concentrations found in this population were generally below the levels that would be expected to cause deleterious health effects, the maximum values observed (2700 ng g(-1) lw) in some animals were higher than those associated with reproductive effects in whales. Given the small population size and highly isolated characteristics of Gulf of California fin whales, health effects in individuals could readily translate into population-level effects. Future research on this topic will be necessary to better understand the role that these compounds may have on the health of this population.

DDT, Chlordane, Toxaphene and PCB Residues in Newport Bay and Watershed: Assessment of Hazard to Wildlife and Human Health

“…Nino- Torres et al ( 2010 ) reported in DDT levels in blubber biopsies from fi n whales ( Balaenoptera physalus ) collected in [2004][2005] in the Gulf of California, Mexico. DDT levels ranged from 200 to 1,900 ppb with an average of 500 ppb in females and 850 ppb in males.…”

p,p'‐DDE induces apoptosis and mRNA expression of apoptosis‐associated genes in testes of pubertal rats

“…A large variety of synthetic organic chemicals such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been released into the environment over the last few decades (Valeron et al,2009). As widespread environmental pollutants, OCPs are highly lipophilic and chemically stable compounds that persist in the environment and accumulate in the food chain and in human tissues (Alvarez‐Pedrerol et al,2008; Niño‐Torres et al,2010). 2,2‐Bis (4‐chlorophenyl)‐1,1,1‐trichloroethane (DDT), the first widely used synthetic organochlorine pesticide, was given credit for having helped one billion people live free from malaria.…”

Marine conservation planning in practice: lessons learned from the Gulf of California

“…While the western coast of the Gulf remains comparatively undisturbed, many eastern coastal areas and catchments draining into the Gulf are affected by aquaculture, industry, agriculture, and urban development (Beman et al ., ; Páez‐Osuna and Ruiz‐Fernández, ; Lluch‐Cota et al ., ). Intensive use of pesticides in agricultural areas is also a concern (Gutierrez‐Galindo et al ., ; Galindo‐Reyes et al ., ; Niño‐Torres et al ., ). Alteration of freshwater and sediment inputs from the Colorado River has modified the habitat for commercial and endangered species (Carriquiry and Sánchez, ; All, ; Rowell et al ., ).…”