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Assessment of Phthalate Esters and Physiological Biomarkers in Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Killer Whales (Orcinus orca)
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Researchers measured phthalate concentrations in serum from captive bottlenose dolphins and killer whales, finding detectable levels of multiple plasticizers and correlations with physiological biomarkers, indicating that aquatic mammals in controlled settings still accumulate phthalate contamination from their environment.
There is growing concern about the potential adverse health effects of phthalates (PAEs) on human health and the environment due to their extensive use as plasticizers and additives in commercial and consumer products. In this study, we assessed PAE concentrations in serum samples from aquarium-based delphinids (Tursiops truncatus, n = 36; Orcinus orca, n = 42) from California, Florida, and Texas, USA. To better understand the physiological effects of phthalates on delphinids, we also explored potential correlations between phthalates and the biomarkers aldosterone, cortisol, corticosterone, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde while accounting for sex, age, and reproductive stage. All PAEs were detected in at least one of the individuals. ΣPAE ranges were 5.995-2743 ng·mL-1 in bottlenose dolphins and 5.372-88,675 ng·mL-1 in killer whales. Both species displayed higher mean concentrations of DEP and DEHP. PAEs were detected in newborn delphinids, indicating transference via placenta and/or lactation. Linear mixed model results indicated significant correlations between aldosterone, month, location, status, and ΣPAEs in killer whales, suggesting that aldosterone concentrations are likely affected by the cumulative effects of these variables. This study expands on the knowledge of delphinid physiological responses to PAEs and may influence management and conservation decisions on contamination discharge regulations near these species.
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Variations in phtalates concentration present in fin whales ("Balaenoptera physalus"), gray whales ("Eschrichtius robustus") and humpback whales ("Megaptera novaeangliae") in Mexican Pacific
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Researchers measured phthalate concentrations in tissue samples from three whale species in the Mexican Pacific, investigating whether plastics-associated endocrine-disrupting chemicals are accumulating in these large marine mammals. The study adds to growing evidence that plastic-derived chemical pollutants are entering marine mammal food webs.
Urinary Phthalate Metabolites in Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) From Sarasota Bay, FL, USA
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Researchers detected phthalate metabolites in the urine of wild common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Sarasota Bay, Florida, demonstrating that free-ranging dolphins are exposed to phthalate plasticizers from their environment and providing baseline data for ongoing health monitoring.
Concentrations of bisphenols and phthalate esters in the muscle of Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba)
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Researchers measured concentrations of bisphenols and phthalates — plastic-associated chemicals that disrupt hormones — in the muscle tissue of 30 Mediterranean striped dolphins stranded over nearly three decades. The study found multiple compounds present in nearly all animals, with some shifting in concentration over time, reflecting changes in industrial plastic production and use.
Temporal and Spatial Evaluation of Mono(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (MEHP) Detection in Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Sarasota Bay, Florida, USA
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Researchers detected the phthalate metabolite MEHP in urine samples from wild bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay across multiple years and locations, finding temporal and spatial variation in exposure levels and confirming ongoing phthalate contamination in marine mammal populations.
Sentinels of synthetics – a comparison of phthalate exposure between common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and human reference populations
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Researchers compared urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in free-ranging bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida to reference levels in human populations, finding that coastal plastic pollution and wastewater runoff are likely drivers of elevated phthalate exposure in marine mammals. The study used dolphins as sentinel species to assess the reach of synthetic chemical contamination from plastics into coastal marine food webs.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.