Selenium and mercury concentrations in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from central California: health implications in an urbanized estuary
Marine Pollution Bulletin
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Abstract
We measured total selenium and total mercury concentrations ([TSe] and [THg]) in hair (n = 138) and blood (n = 73) of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from California to assess variation by geography and sex, and inferred feeding relationships based on carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur stable isotopes. Harbor seals from Hg-contaminated sites had significantly greater [THg], and lesser [TSe] and TSe:THg molar ratios than seals from a relatively uncontaminated site. Males had significantly greater [THg] than females at all locations. Sulfur stable isotope values explained approximately 25% of the variability in [THg], indicating increased Hg exposure for seals with a greater use of estuarine prey species. Decreased [TSe] in harbor seals from Hg-contaminated regions may indicate a relative Se deficiency to mitigate the toxic effects of Hg. Further investigation into the Se status and the potential negative impact of Hg on harbor seals from Hg-contaminated sites is warranted.
Suggested Citation
McHuron, E.A., Harvey, J.T., Castellini, J.M., Stricker, C.A., O'Hara, T., 2014, Selenium and mercury concentrations in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from central California: Health implications in an urbanized estuary: Marine Pollution Bulletin, v. 83, no. 1, p. 48-57, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.04.031.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Selenium and mercury concentrations in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from central California: Health implications in an urbanized estuary |
| Series title | Marine Pollution Bulletin |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.04.031 |
| Volume | 83 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 2014 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Contributing office(s) | Fort Collins Science Center, San Francisco Bay-Delta |
| Description | 10 p. |
| First page | 48 |
| Last page | 57 |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Other Geospatial | Elkhorn Slough, San Francisco Bay, Tomales Bay |