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Trace metal and stable isotope measurements (δ13C and δ15N) in the harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena relicta from the Black Sea
Das, K.; Holsbeek, L.; Browning, J.; Siebert, U.; Birkun, A.; Bouquegneau, J.-M. (2004). Trace metal and stable isotope measurements (δ13C and δ15N) in the harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena relicta from the Black Sea. Environ. Pollut. 131(2): 197-204. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2004.02.006
In: Environmental Pollution. Elsevier: Barking. ISSN 0269-7491; e-ISSN 1873-6424, more
Peer reviewed article  

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Keywords
    Mammalia [WoRMS]; Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    Black Sea; stable isotopes; trace metals; marine mammals; Phococnaphocoena

Authors  Top 
  • Das, K., more
  • Holsbeek, L., more
  • Browning, J.
  • Siebert, U.
  • Birkun, A., more
  • Bouquegneau, J.-M., more

Abstract
    Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) and trace metals (Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, and Hg) were analysed in the tissues of 46 harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena relicta) caught in fishing nets along the Ukrainian coasts between 1997 and 1998. Mean δ13C values differed significantly between male and female harbour porpoises suggesting a trophic segregation between sexes with a more coastal distribution for females at least during their gestation and nursing periods. Hepatic Hg was correlated to δ13C measurements, reflecting a different exposure linked to coastal vs offshore feeding habitats. A geographical comparison with existing data from other regions showed general low levels of Hg, Cd, Cu and Zn in the tissues of harbour porpoises from the Black Sea compared to other Atlantic and North Sea areas.

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