Current Search: Perrault, Justin R. (x)
View All Items
- Title
- From salps to sea turtles: mercury and selenium in leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea).
- Creator
- Perrault, Justin R., Wyneken, Jeanette, Miller, Debra L., Graduate College
- Date Issued
- 2011-04-08
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3164679
- Subject Headings
- Leatherback turtle, Mercury --Toxicology, Selenium
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Seasonal trends in nesting leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) serum proteins further verify capital breeding hypothesis.
- Creator
- Perrault, Justin R., Wyneken, Jeanette, Page-Karjian, A., Merrill, Anita, Miller, Debra L.
- Date Issued
- 2014-02-19
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000177
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Investigating maternal health and hatchling mortality in leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea v.).
- Creator
- Perrault, Justin R., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The reproductive success of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) is typically the lowest of the seven sea turtle species. Why this vital rate is decreased has remained unanswered for nearly a century. Recently, detailed postmortem examination of leatherback hatchlings identified muscular pathologies that suggested possible selenium deficiency. High bodily burdens of mercury compounds are associated with selenium depletion. Selenium is a necessary detoxifying nutrient that itself can be...
Show moreThe reproductive success of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) is typically the lowest of the seven sea turtle species. Why this vital rate is decreased has remained unanswered for nearly a century. Recently, detailed postmortem examination of leatherback hatchlings identified muscular pathologies that suggested possible selenium deficiency. High bodily burdens of mercury compounds are associated with selenium depletion. Selenium is a necessary detoxifying nutrient that itself can be toxic at elevated concentrations. Mercury compounds are toxicants with no known biological function. High bodily concentrations of mercury can be detrimental to marine organismal health, reproduction and survival, both directly and indirectly through inducing selenium depletion. The goals of this dissertation are to evaluate several related hypotheses to explain low leatherback nest success. ... Because leatherbacks take in high volumes of prey, high tissue concentrations of mercury and selenium can result. This study provides the first evidence that chemical contaminants may explain low reproductive success in leatherback sea turtles.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362575
- Subject Headings
- Selenium, Physiological effect, Predation (Biology), Leatherback turtle, Mortality, Sea turtles, Mortality, Wildlife conservation
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Harmful algal and cyanobacterial toxins in foraging green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Florida’s Big Bend.
- Creator
- Justin R. Perrault, Christopher R. Perkins, Matthew J. Ajemian, Michael J. Bresette, Cody R. Mott, Annie Page-Karjian
- Abstract/Description
-
Numerous toxin-producing harmful algal (HAB) species occur in Florida’s coastal waters. Exposure to these toxins has been shown to have sublethal effects in sea turtles. The objective of this study was to establish concentrations of 10 HAB toxins in plasma samples from green turtles (Chelonia mydas) foraging in Florida’s Big Bend. Domoic acid, lyngbyatoxin-A, microcystins, nodularin, and okadaic acid were detected, demonstrating exposure to these HAB toxins, which are also a public health...
Show moreNumerous toxin-producing harmful algal (HAB) species occur in Florida’s coastal waters. Exposure to these toxins has been shown to have sublethal effects in sea turtles. The objective of this study was to establish concentrations of 10 HAB toxins in plasma samples from green turtles (Chelonia mydas) foraging in Florida’s Big Bend. Domoic acid, lyngbyatoxin-A, microcystins, nodularin, and okadaic acid were detected, demonstrating exposure to these HAB toxins, which are also a public health concern.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000560
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Maternal Health Status Correlates with Nest Success of Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) from Florida.
- Creator
- Perrault, Justin R., Miller, Debra L., Eads, Erica, Johnson, Chris, Merrill, Anita, Thompson, Larry J., Wyneken, Jeanette, Reina, Richard
- Abstract/Description
-
Of the seven sea turtle species, the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) exhibits the lowest and most variable nest success (i.e., hatching success and emergence success) for reasons that remain largely unknown. In an attempt to identify or rule out causes of low reproductive success in this species, we established the largest sample size (n = 60–70 for most values) of baseline blood parameters (protein electrophoresis, hematology, plasma biochemistry) for this...
Show moreOf the seven sea turtle species, the critically endangered leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) exhibits the lowest and most variable nest success (i.e., hatching success and emergence success) for reasons that remain largely unknown. In an attempt to identify or rule out causes of low reproductive success in this species, we established the largest sample size (n = 60–70 for most values) of baseline blood parameters (protein electrophoresis, hematology, plasma biochemistry) for this species to date. Hematologic, protein electrophoretic and biochemical values are important tools that can provide information regarding the physiological condition of an individual and population health as a whole. It has been proposed that the health of nesting individuals affects their reproductive output. In order to establish correlations with low reproductive success in leatherback sea turtles from Florida, we compared maternal health indices to hatching success and emergence success of their nests. As expected, hatching success (median = 57.4%) and emergence success (median = 49.1%) in Floridian leatherbacks were low during the study period (2007–2008 nesting seasons), a trend common in most nesting leatherback populations (average global hatching success =~50%). One protein electrophoretic value (gamma globulin protein) and one hematologic value (red blood cell count) significantly correlated with hatching success and emergence success. Several maternal biochemical parameters correlated with hatching success and/or emergence success including alkaline phosphatase activity, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, calcium:phosphorus ratio, carbon dioxide, cholesterol, creatinine, and phosphorus. Our results suggest that in leatherbacks, physiological parameters correlate with hatching success and emergence success of their nests. We conclude that long-term and comparative studies are needed to determine if certain individuals produce nests with lower hatching success and emergence success than others, and if those individuals with evidence of chronic suboptimal health have lower reproductive success.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012-02-16
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000084
- Format
- Citation
- Title
- Nesting Green Turtle Tagged in Cuba, Recaptured in Florida.
- Creator
- Felix Moncada, Christina M. Coppenrath, Sarah Hirsch, Gonzalo Nodarse, Annie Page-Karjian, Ashley M. Reeves, Justin R. Perrault
- Date Issued
- 2019
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000561
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Comprehensive health assessment and blood analyte reference intervals of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in southeastern FL, USA.
- Creator
- Annie Page-Karjian, Kathleen Rafferty, Clerson Xavier, Nicole I. Stacy, Jon A. Moore, Sarah E. Hirsch, Samantha Clark, Charles A. Manire, Justin R. Perrault
- Abstract/Description
-
The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a keystone species, is declining throughout its geographic range. Lack of knowledge with respect to the potential infectious diseases present within wild populations creates a dilemma for wildlife biologists, conservationists and public policy makers. The objective of this study was to conduct a health assessment of two previously unstudied gopher tortoise aggregations located at two sites in southeastern FL. Samples were collected from 91 tortoises ...
Show moreThe gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a keystone species, is declining throughout its geographic range. Lack of knowledge with respect to the potential infectious diseases present within wild populations creates a dilemma for wildlife biologists, conservationists and public policy makers. The objective of this study was to conduct a health assessment of two previously unstudied gopher tortoise aggregations located at two sites in southeastern FL. Samples were collected from 91 tortoises (48 adults, 35 juveniles, 8 hatchlings) captured at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, in Fort Pierce, FL, USA in 2019, and Loggerhead Park in Juno Beach, FL, USA, during 2018–2019. Samples of blood, nasal swabs and oral/cloacal swabs were analyzed for hematology, plasma protein electrophoretic profiles and infectious disease testing including Mycoplasma spp. serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for Ranavirus, Herpesvirus and Anaplasma spp. Hematological and plasma protein electrophoresis reference intervals are presented for adult and juvenile tortoises from both sites combined. Clinical signs consistent with upper respiratory tract disease (URTD) were observed in 18/91 (20%) tortoises, and antibodies to Mycoplasma agassizii were detected in 33/77 (42.9%) tortoises. Adult tortoises were significantly more likely than juveniles to have URTD clinical signs, and statistically significant, positive relationships were observed between the presence of antibodies to Mycoplasma spp. and carapace length, packed cell volume and plasma globulin concentrations. Anaplasma spp. inclusions were observed in 8/82 (10%) tortoises, but PCR detected Anaplasma sp. in 21/83 (25%) tortoises. Herpesvirus and Ranavirus were not detected in any blood or swab samples. This work contributes important baseline information on the health of gopher tortoises toward the southern end of the species’ range.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000554
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- NONPIGMENTED VERSUS PIGMENTED: HEALTH VARIABLES AND GENETICS OF ALBINO FLORIDA GREEN TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) HATCHLINGS COMPARED WITH NORMALLY PIGMENTED HATCHLINGS FROM THE SAME CLUTCH.
- Creator
- Justin R. Perrault, Jacob A. Lasala, Charles A. Manire, Christina M. Coppenrath, Annie Page-Karjian, Alyssa Blew, Nicole I. Stacy
- Abstract/Description
-
At the time of hatchling emergence from a nest laid on Juno Beach, Florida, US, by a normally pigmented green turtle (Chelonia mydas), 23 albino hatchlings and 75 normally pigmented hatchlings were observed. This condition is rarely seen in sea turtles, and little is known about blood analytes and genetics of albino wildlife to date. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess and compare morphometric measurements (mass, minimum straight carapace length, body condition index),...
Show moreAt the time of hatchling emergence from a nest laid on Juno Beach, Florida, US, by a normally pigmented green turtle (Chelonia mydas), 23 albino hatchlings and 75 normally pigmented hatchlings were observed. This condition is rarely seen in sea turtles, and little is known about blood analytes and genetics of albino wildlife to date. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess and compare morphometric measurements (mass, minimum straight carapace length, body condition index), carapacial scute anomalies, a suite of hematologic and plasma biochemical analytes, and two glucose analysis methodologies (glucometer and dry chemistry analysis) in albino (n¼20) versus normally pigmented (n¼24) hatchlings from this nest. Genetic analyses were completed to identify paternal contributions of hatchlings and to test Mendelian inheritance assumptions. Although morphometric measurements, scute anomalies, and leukocyte morphology were similar between albino and normally pigmented hatchlings, several differences were observed in blood analyte data: immature erythrocytes, packed cell volume, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, and glucose concentrations (by both methodologies) were significantly higher, whereas absolute immature heterophils, absolute lymphocytes, number of erythrocyte micronuclei, sodium, and chloride were significantly lower in albino hatchlings compared with normally pigmented hatchlings. Considerations for these differences include a stress response from sampling (e.g., timing of procedures or possibly from photosensitivity or reduced visual acuity in albinos) and different osmoregulation, which may reflect physiologic variations or stress. There was a small positive bias (0.10 mmol/L) with glucose by glucometer, similar to reports in other sea turtle species and confirming its suitability for use in hatchlings. All albino hatchlings analyzed (n¼10) were from the same father, but the normally pigmented hatchlings (n¼24) were from two other fathers. These findings provide insight into the physiology and genetics of albinism in sea turtles. Key words: Biochemistry, genotype, glucose, hematology, leucism, method comparison, multiple paternity, sea turtle.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2022
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000549
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Comprehensive health assessment of green turtles Chelonia mydas nesting in southeastern Florida, USA.
- Creator
- Annie Page-Karjian, Ryan Chabot, Nicole I. Stacy, Ashley S. Morgan, Roldán A. Valverde, Sydney Stewart, Christina M. Coppenrath, Charles A. Manire, Lawrence H. Herbst, Christopher R. Gregory, Branson W. Ritchie, Justin R. Perrault
- Abstract/Description
-
Important indicators of population health needed for large-scale sea turtle population recovery efforts include demographics, disease and mortality trends, condition indices, and baseline blood data. With this comprehensive health assessment of adult female green sea turtles Chelonia mydas nesting on Juno Beach, Florida, USA, we (1) established baseline health indices; (2) identified individuals with evidence of infection by chelonid alphaherpes viruses 5 and 6 (ChHV5, ChHV6), which are...
Show moreImportant indicators of population health needed for large-scale sea turtle population recovery efforts include demographics, disease and mortality trends, condition indices, and baseline blood data. With this comprehensive health assessment of adult female green sea turtles Chelonia mydas nesting on Juno Beach, Florida, USA, we (1) established baseline health indices; (2) identified individuals with evidence of infection by chelonid alphaherpes viruses 5 and 6 (ChHV5, ChHV6), which are implicated in fibropapillomatosis and respiratory and skin disease, respectively; and (3) compared measured health indices between turtles that did versus those that did not test positive for ChHV5 and/or ChHV6. All 60 turtles included in the study were in good body condition with no external fibropapillomatosis tumors. Hematological and biochemical reference intervals were established. Via quantitative PCR (qPCR), 5/60 turtles (8%) tested positive for ChHV5, and all turtles were negative for ChHV6. Of 41 turtles tested for antibodies to ChHV5 and ChHV6, 29% and 15% tested positive, respectively, and 10% tested positive for antibodies to both viruses. Notably, there were no statistically significant differences between health variables for nesting turtles that tested positive for ChHV5 DNA versus those that tested negative; and also no differences between turtles that tested positive for ChHV5 or ChHV6 antibodies and those that did not. This suggests that these viruses are enzootically stable in Florida’s adult green turtles. This study provides a health profile of nesting green turtles in southeastern Florida applicable to temporal and spatial investigations of this and other populations.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000559
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Molecular Assessment of Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 Infection in Tumor-Free Green (Chelonia mydas) and Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) Sea Turtles in North Carolina, USA, 2015–2019.
- Creator
- Annie Page-Karjian, Maria E. Serrano, Jeffrey Cartzendafner, Ashley Morgan, Branson W. Ritchie, Christopher R. Gregory, Joanne Braun McNeill, Justin R. Perrault, Emily F. Christiansen, Craig A. Harms
- Abstract/Description
-
Fibropapillomatosis is a debilitating tumor disease of sea turtles that is sometimes fatal. This disease is a key concern for sea turtle rehabilitation facilities due to its infectious nature, as it is associated with a virus called chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5. This is the first study to analyze antibodies to this virus in loggerhead sea turtles and represents the most complete dataset on viral detection in sea turtles encountered in the more northern latitudes of their habitat in the western...
Show moreFibropapillomatosis is a debilitating tumor disease of sea turtles that is sometimes fatal. This disease is a key concern for sea turtle rehabilitation facilities due to its infectious nature, as it is associated with a virus called chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5. This is the first study to analyze antibodies to this virus in loggerhead sea turtles and represents the most complete dataset on viral detection in sea turtles encountered in the more northern latitudes of their habitat in the western Atlantic.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000556
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Insights on Immune Function in Free-Ranging Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) with and without Fibropapillomatosis.
- Creator
- Justin R. Perrault, Milton Levin, Cody R. Mott, Caitlin M. Bovery, Michael J. Bresette, Ryan M. Chabot, Christopher R. Gregory, Jeffrey R. Guertin, Sarah E. Hirsch, Branson W. Ritchie, Steven T. Weege, Ryan C. Welsh, Blair E. Witherington, Annie Page-Karjian
- Abstract/Description
-
Chelonid alphaherpesviruses 5 and 6 (ChHV5 and ChHV6) are viruses that affect wild sea turtle populations. ChHV5 is associated with the neoplastic disease fibropapillomatosis (FP), which affects green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in panzootic proportions. ChHV6 infection is associated with lung-eye-trachea disease (LETD), which has only been observed in maricultured sea turtles, although antibodies to ChHV6 have been detected in free-ranging turtles. To better understand herpesvirus prevalence...
Show moreChelonid alphaherpesviruses 5 and 6 (ChHV5 and ChHV6) are viruses that affect wild sea turtle populations. ChHV5 is associated with the neoplastic disease fibropapillomatosis (FP), which affects green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in panzootic proportions. ChHV6 infection is associated with lung-eye-trachea disease (LETD), which has only been observed in maricultured sea turtles, although antibodies to ChHV6 have been detected in free-ranging turtles. To better understand herpesvirus prevalence and host immunity in various green turtle foraging aggregations in Florida, USA, our objectives were to compare measures of innate and adaptive immune function in relation to (1) FP tumor presence and severity, and (2) ChHV5 and ChHV6 infection status. Free-ranging, juvenile green turtles (N = 45) were captured and examined for external FP tumors in Florida’s Big Bend, Indian River Lagoon, and LakeWorth Lagoon. Blood samples were collected upon capture and analyzed for ChHV5 and ChHV6 DNA, antibodies to ChHV5 and ChHV6, in vitro lymphocyte proliferation using a T-cell mitogen (concanavalin A), and natural killer cell activity. Despite an overall high FP prevalence (56%), ChHV5 DNA was only observed in one individual, whereas 20% of turtles tested positive for antibodies to ChHV5. ChHV6 DNA was not observed in any animals and only one turtle tested positive for ChHV6 antibodies. T-cell proliferation was not significantly related to FP presence, tumor burden, or ChHV5 seroprevalence; however, lymphocyte proliferation in response to concanavalin A was decreased in turtles with severe FP (N = 3). Lastly, green turtles with FP (N = 9) had significantly lower natural killer cell activity compared to FP-free turtles (N = 5). These results increase our understanding of immune system effects related to FP and provide evidence that immunosuppression occurs after the onset of FP disease.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000555
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Evaluating prevalence of external injuries on nesting loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta in southeastern Florida, USA.
- Creator
- Aleah Ataman, Alison M. Gainsbury, Charles A. Manire, Sarah L. Hoffmann, Annie Page-Karjian, Sarah E. Hirsch, Maximilian M. R. Polyak, Deby L. Cassill, Derek M. Aoki, Katelyn M. Fraser, Skyler Klingshirn, Jamie A. Stoll, Justin R. Perrault
- Abstract/Description
-
Sea turtles face both anthropogenic and natural threats including boat strikes, fisheries, pollution, and predator attacks. Injuries from anthropogenic sources are more common than naturally caused injuries. The goal of this study was to determine prevalence and cause (e.g. boat strike, entanglement, hook, shark bite) of injuries on nesting loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta on Juno and Jupiter beaches, Florida, USA. During the 2019 and 2020 nesting seasons, 450 loggerhead females were...
Show moreSea turtles face both anthropogenic and natural threats including boat strikes, fisheries, pollution, and predator attacks. Injuries from anthropogenic sources are more common than naturally caused injuries. The goal of this study was to determine prevalence and cause (e.g. boat strike, entanglement, hook, shark bite) of injuries on nesting loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta on Juno and Jupiter beaches, Florida, USA. During the 2019 and 2020 nesting seasons, 450 loggerhead females were examined for external injuries. Injuries were categorized by anatomic location, condition, and cause. We found that 24% of loggerheads had at least 1 injury. Of the 111 injuries found on 107 nesting females, 88% were healed, 9% were partially healed with some scarred tissue, and 3% were fresh injuries. Most injuries (55%) were lateral injuries on the carapace or appendages. We were able to attribute 60 injuries to a specific cause. Boat strikes accounted for 75% of the 60 injuries, shark bites accounted for 15%, fishing hooks accounted for 7%, and entanglements accounted for the remaining 3%. This study provides new insight into the prevalence of anthropogenic injuries relative to natural injuries in loggerhead sea turtles nesting in the most densely nested beach in the Western Hemisphere and can be used to improve conservation management plans through implementation of fishing and/or boating restrictions in the nesting and foraging areas most commonly frequented by sea turtles.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000551
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Fibropapillomatosis and Chelonid Alphaherpesvirus 5 Infection in Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii).
- Creator
- Annie Page-Karjian, Liam Whitmore, Brian A. Stacy, Justin R. Perrault, Jessica A. Farrell, Donna J. Shaver, J. Shelby Walker, Hilary R. Frandsen, Elina Rantonen, Craig A. Harms, Terry M. Norton, Charles Innis, Kelsey Yetsko, David J. Duffy
- Abstract/Description
-
Fibropapillomatosis (FP), a debilitating, infectious neoplastic disease, is rarely reported in endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). With this study, we describe FP and the associated chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) in Kemp’s ridley turtles encountered in the United States during 2006–2020. Analysis of 22 case reports of Kemp’s ridley turtles with FP revealed that while the disease was mild in most cases, 54.5% were adult turtles, a reproductively valuable age class...
Show moreFibropapillomatosis (FP), a debilitating, infectious neoplastic disease, is rarely reported in endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). With this study, we describe FP and the associated chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) in Kemp’s ridley turtles encountered in the United States during 2006–2020. Analysis of 22 case reports of Kemp’s ridley turtles with FP revealed that while the disease was mild in most cases, 54.5% were adult turtles, a reproductively valuable age class whose survival is a priority for population recovery. Of 51 blood samples from tumor-free turtles and 12 tumor samples from turtles with FP, 7.8% and 91.7%, respectively, tested positive for ChHV5 DNA via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Viral genome shotgun sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of six tumor samples show that ChHV5 sequences in Kemp’s ridley turtles encountered in the Gulf of Mexico and northwestern Atlantic cluster with ChHV5 sequences identified in green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles from Hawaii, the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean. Results suggest an interspecific, spatiotemporal spread of FP among Kemp’s ridley turtles in regions where the disease is enzootic. Although FP is currently uncommon in this species, it remains a health concern due to its uncertain pathogenesis and potential relationship with habitat degradation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2021
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000550
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Anthropogenic Contaminants and Histopathological Findings in Stranded Cetaceans in the Southeastern United States, 2012–2018.
- Creator
- Annie Page-Karjian, Catherine F. Lo, Branson Ritchie, Craig A. Harms, David S. Rotstein, Sushan Han, Sayed M. Hassan, Sayed M. Hassan, Andreas F. Lehner, John P. Buchweitz, Victoria G. Thayer, Jill M. Sullivan, Emily F. Christiansen, Justin R. Perrault
- Abstract/Description
-
Anthropogenic contaminants in the marine environment often biodegrade slowly, bioaccumulate in organisms, and can have deleterious effects on wildlife immunity, health, reproduction, and development. In this study, we evaluated tissue toxicant concentrations and pathology data from 83 odontocetes that stranded in the southeastern United States during 2012–2018. Mass spectrometry was used to analyze blubber samples for five organic toxicants (atrazine, bisphenol-A, diethyl phthalates,...
Show moreAnthropogenic contaminants in the marine environment often biodegrade slowly, bioaccumulate in organisms, and can have deleterious effects on wildlife immunity, health, reproduction, and development. In this study, we evaluated tissue toxicant concentrations and pathology data from 83 odontocetes that stranded in the southeastern United States during 2012–2018. Mass spectrometry was used to analyze blubber samples for five organic toxicants (atrazine, bisphenol-A, diethyl phthalates, nonylphenol monoethoxylate [NPE], triclosan), and liver samples were analyzed for five non-essential elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, thallium), six essential elements (cobalt, copper, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc) and one toxicant mixture class (Aroclor1268). Resultant data considerably improve upon the existing knowledge base regarding toxicant concentrations in stranded odontocetes. Toxicant and element concentrations varied based on animal demographic factors including species, sex, age, and location. Samples from bottlenose dolphins had significantly higher average concentrations of lead, manganese, mercury, selenium, thallium, and zinc, and lower average concentrations of NPE, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, and iron than samples from pygmy sperm whales. In adult female bottlenose dolphins, average arsenic concentrations were significantly higher and iron concentrations were significantly lower than in adult males. Adult bottlenose dolphins had significantly higher average concentrations of lead, mercury, and selenium, and significantly lower average manganese concentrations compared to juveniles. Dolphins that stranded in Florida had significantly higher average concentrations of lead, mercury, and selenium, and lower concentrations of iron than dolphins that stranded in North Carolina. Histopathological data are presented for 72 animals, including microscopic evidence of Campula spp. and Sarcocystis spp. infections, and results of Morbillivirus and Brucella spp. molecular diagnostic testing. Sublethal cellular changes related to toxicant exposure in free-ranging odontocetes may lead to health declines and, in combination with other factors, may contribute to stranding.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2020
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000557
- Format
- Document (PDF)