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, more |  |
| Keywords | 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]
Marine/Coastal | | Author keywords | cetaceans; mercury; stable isotopes; trace elements; trophic position |
| Authors | | Top | - Capelli, R.
- Das, K., more
- Pellegrini, R.D.
- Drava, G.
| - Lepoint, G., more
- Miglio, C.
- Minganti, V.
- Poggi, R.
| |
| 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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