Bioaccumulation and enantiomeric profiling of organochlorine pestcides and persistent organic pollutants in the Killer Whale ( Orcinus orca ) from British and Irish waters.

• Published in: Marine Pollution Bulletin
• Main Authors: McHugh, B, Law, RJ, Allchin, CR, Rogan, E, Murphy, Sinead Noirin, Foley, B, Glynn, D, McGovern, E
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: killer whale; persistent pollutant; organochlorine; isotope ratios; MARINE FOOD-WEB; NORTHWATER POLYNYA; STABLE-ISOTOPES; CARBON ISOTOPES; COASTAL WATERS; MAMMALS; CONTAMINANTS; CETACEANS; PREDATION; BLUBBER; Killer Whale; Orca; Orcinus orca; Killer whale
• Online Access: https://risweb.st-andrews.ac.uk/portal/en/researchoutput/bioaccumulation-and-enantiomeric-profiling-of-organochlorine-pestcides-and-persistent-organic-pollutants-in-the-killer-whale-orcinus-orca-from-british-and-irish-waters(6b19efb4-cf65-4540-a1a2-722e34470114).html; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2007.07.004

Concentrations and enantiomeric profiles for a range of organochlorine compounds are reported in blubber samples from a number of individual killer whales (Orcinus orca) from British and Irish waters. Elevated contaminant levels and enriched isotopic ratios were determined in one individual whale sampled in the Scottish Western Isles compared to the others suggesting marine mammal based dietary influences. The potential application of isotopic ratios to model contaminant uptake, enantioselective enrichment and accumulation is demonstrated. Data are presented which provide information on enantioselective enrichment factors (EFs) for op'-DDT, alpha-HCH and toxaphene congeners CHB26 and CHB 50. This dataset further improves the current database on reported levels of a number of contaminants and provides additional background information on potential metabolic processes in killer whales from British and Irish waters. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.