Distribution of trace elements in organs of six species of cetaceans from the Ligurian Sea (Mediterranean), and the relationship with stable carbon and nitrogen ratios
Capelli, R.; Das, K.; Pellegrini, R.D.; Drava, G.; Lepoint, G.; Miglio, C.; Minganti, V.; Poggi, R. (2008). Distribution of trace elements in organs of six species of cetaceans from the Ligurian Sea (Mediterranean), and the relationship with stable carbon and nitrogen ratios. Sci. Total Environ. 390(2-3): 569-578. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.10.036
In: Science of the Total Environment. Elsevier: Amsterdam. ISSN 0048-9697; e-ISSN 1879-1026, meer
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Trefwoorden |
Analysis > Chemical analysis Analysis > Mathematical analysis > Statistical analysis Anatomical structures > Body organs > Animal organs > Excretory organs > Spleen Biological phenomena > Accumulation > Bioaccumulation Chemical elements > Metals > Heavy metals > Cadmium Chemical elements > Metals > Heavy metals > Lead Chemical elements > Metals > Heavy metals > Mercury Chemical elements > Metals > Heavy metals > Selenium Chemical elements > Metals > Heavy metals > Zinc Chemical elements > Metals > Transition elements > Heavy metals > Copper Chemical elements > Metals > Transition elements > Heavy metals > Iron Chemical elements > Metals > Transition elements > Heavy metals > Manganese Chemical elements > Nonmetals > Atmospheric gases > Nitrogen Chemical elements > Nonmetals > Carbon Ecology Geography > Biogeography Isotopes Isotopes > Nitrogen isotopes Isotopes > Stable isotopes Secretory organs > Glands > Exocrine glands > Digestive system > Digestive glands > Liver Species diversity Trace elements Trophic levels Cetacea [WoRMS] MED, Ligurian Sea [Marine Regions]; MED, Western Mediterranean [Marine Regions] Marien/Kust |
Author keywords |
cetaceans; mercury; stable isotopes; trace elements; trophic position |
Auteurs | | Top |
- Capelli, R.
- Das, K., meer
- Pellegrini, R.D.
- Drava, G.
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- Lepoint, G., meer
- Miglio, C.
- Minganti, V.
- Poggi, R.
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Abstract |
Mercury (total and organic), cadmium, lead, copper, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc concentrations were measured in different organs of 6 different cetacean species stranded in an area of extraordinary ecological interest (Cetaceans' Sanctuary of the Mediterranean Sea) along the coast of the Ligurian Sea (North-West Mediterranean). Stable-isotopes ratios of carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) were also measured in the muscle. A significant relationship exists between 15N/14N, mercury concentration and the trophic level. The distribution of essential and non-essential trace elements was studied on several organs, and a significant relationship between selenium and mercury, with a molar ratio close to 1, was found in the cetaceans' kidney, liver and spleen, regardless of their species. High selenium concentrations are generally associated with a low organic to total mercury ratio. While narrow ranges of concentrations were observed for essential elements in most organs, mercury and selenium concentrations are characterised by a wide range of variation. Bio-accumulation and bio-amplification processes in cetaceans can be better understood by comparing trace element concentrations with the stable-isotopes data. |
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