Ecological risk assessment of persistent organic pollutants in the arctic.
Ecological risk assessment of persistent organic chemicals in marine mammals in the Arctic would comprise assessments of both exposure and effect and risk characterization. Results from a comprehensive collaborative study between Norwegian and Canadian researchers, comprising epizoological (ecological) studies (reproductive rate, offspring survival), experimental studies on the immune system function, monitoring studies (e.g. physiological assays of thyroid hormones, retinol, IgG and testosterone) and registration of biological data (e.g. sex, age, reproductive status, nutritional status) were coupled with PCB exposure data. Assessment of the results indicates that population status and health of polar bears with very high PCB levels may be at risk.
Skaare
Janneche Utne
JU
National Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway. janneche.skaare@vetinst.no
Larsen
Hans Jørgen
HJ
Lie
Elisabeth
E
Bernhoft
Aksel
A
Derocher
Andrew E
AE
Norstrom
Ross
R
Ropstad
Erik
E
Lunn
Nicholas F
NF
Wiig
Øystein
Ø
D000818:Animals; D001110:Arctic Regions; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017215:Satellite Communications; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D001503:Ursidae / Q000502:physiology*; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000378:metabolism
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D014801:Vitamin A; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls