Fingerprint of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in two populations of southern sea lions (Otaria flavescens)

The fingerprint of 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in biopsy, fur, blood, liver and faeces of live and dead specimens of two Argentinian population of southern sea lion (Otaria flavescens). One colony lives in Mar del Plata harbour which is particularly polluted with petroleum, the second (control) colony lives at Punta Bermeja (Patagonia). The highest concentrations of the five carcinogenic PAHs were found in the Mar del Plata sea lions

Use of nondestructive biomarkers and residues analysis to assess the health status of endangered species of pinnipeds in the south-west Atlantic

Total porphyrins, EROD, PROD, BROD, organochlorines, PAHs and total Hg were determined in specific organs and tissues of pinnipeds collected from the southwest Atlantic. The results confirm the existence of metabolic imbalance between high toxifying and low detoxifying potential in pinnipeds, as reported in other marine mammals. The non destructive biomarker approach based on the analysis of metabolic responses (porphyrins) and residues (DDTs, PCBs, PAHs and Hg) in non-invasive samples (excreta and fur) appear to be a useful tool for the hazard assessment of endangered species

Skin biopsy as a nondestructive tool for the toxicological assessment of endangered populations of pinnipeds: Preliminary results on mixed function oxidase in Otaria flavescens

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for assessing the toxicological risk of endangered populations of pinnipeds based on a nondestructive biological tool, the skin biopsy specimen. Skin biopsies can be obtained from pinnipeds by anaesthetising the animals and taking a small amount of skin in the anterior flipper area, or by shooting a biopsy dart with a crossbow. Skin biopsy material is suitable for a wide range of chemical and biomarker analysis. Organochlorines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be analysed in subcutaneous fat and MFO activity (BPMO), Cyt.P450 isoforms, and DNA damage can be detected in epidermis