Selenium and mercury concentrations in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from central California: Health implications in an urbanized estuary |
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| Authors: | Elizabeth A McHuron James T Harvey J Margaret Castellini Craig A Stricker Todd M O’Hara |
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| Institution: | 1. Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USA;2. Institute of Marine Science, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 757220, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220, USA;3. U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Denver Federal Center, Building 21, MS963, Denver, CO 80225, USA;4. Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 755940, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7000, USA |
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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. |
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| Keywords: | Trace elements Marine mammals Hair Blood San Francisco Bay Stable isotopes (C N S) |
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