Regional variations and drivers of essential and non-essential elements in Steller sea lion pups from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
Sci Total Environ
; 953: 176103, 2024 Nov 25.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39245392
ABSTRACT
Exposure and resulting tissue concentrations of various elements from natural and anthropogenic sources are influenced by multiple factors, such as geographic location, age, diet, and metabolic rate, that can influence wildlife health. Essential and non-essential elements were assessed in lanugo and whole blood collected in 2019 from 102 Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups from two rookeries from the western and central Aleutian Islands Agattu (WAI, n = 54) and Ulak Islands (CAI, n = 48). Rookery, sex, dorsal standard length, and trophic ecology (áº15N, áº13C values) effects on element concentration were evaluated. Significant differences in element concentrations of lanugo were exhibited across rookeries (p < 0.05), except for zinc (Zn). For example, higher mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) concentrations were observed in WAI than CAI, while other elements were lower in WAI. Whole blood showed higher sulfur (S) and Se concentrations in CAI compared to WAI, while WAI had elevated strontium (Sr) and Hg concentrations relative to CAI. Trophic ecology significantly influenced most element concentrations, possibly due to regional variations in adult female feeding and food web dynamics. Interactions between elements were found in lanugo across both rookeries, with varying strengths. Whole blood displayed less pronounced yet consistent associations, with variable intensities. Essential elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) formed a distinct group whose interaction is crucial for nervous system function and muscle contraction. Another group comprised zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), S, and Se, which are known for indirectly interacting with enzyme function and metabolic pathways. Hg and Se formed a distinct group probably due to their known chemical interactions and physiological protective interactions.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Leões-Marinhos
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Sci Total Environ
Ano de publicação:
2024
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
México
País de publicação:
Holanda