Law, R.J. et al. (2012) Contaminants in cetaceans from UK waters: status as assessed within the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme from 1990 to 2008. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 64(7), pp. 1485-1494. (doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2012.05.024) (PMID:22698668)
Full text not currently available from Enlighten.
Abstract
Since 1990, tissue samples from UK-stranded and -bycaught cetaceans have been available for study of contaminant burdens. These have been used to study spatial and temporal trends in concentrations in UK waters, and to investigate potential associations between contaminants and health status. We describe the current status of cetaceans (primarily harbour porpoises, Phocoena phocoena) in UK waters in relation to pollution. Concentrations of BDEs, HBCD, and the organochlorine pesticides are declining. In contrast, concentrations of CBs have plateaued following earlier reductions due to regulation of use, and further reductions are likely to take decades. Blubber PCB concentrations are still at toxicologically significant levels in many harbour porpoises and regularly occur at even higher levels in bottlenose dolphins and killer whales due to their higher trophic level in marine food chains. Further reductions in PCB inputs into the marine environment are needed to mitigate risk from PCB exposure in these species.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | The Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the UK’s devolved administrations as part of the UK government’s commitment to a number of international conservation agreements. |
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Brownlow, Dr Andrew |
| Authors: | Law, R.J., Barry, J., Barber, J.L., Bersuder, P., Deaville, R., Reid, R.J., Brownlow, A., Penrose, R., Barnett, J., Loveridge, J., Smith, B., and Jepson, P.D. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Marine Pollution Bulletin |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 0025-326X |
| ISSN (Online): | 1879-3363 |
| Published Online: | 13 June 2012 |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record
Deposit and Record Details
Deposit and Record Details