Organochlorines in top predators at Svalbard - occurrence, levels and effects

Alarmingly high polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels have been found in th e top predators such as glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) and polar bear (U rsus maritimus) at Svalbard [Gabrielsen, G.W., Skaare, J.U., Polder, A., Ba kken, V., 1995. Chlorinated hydrocarbons in glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreu s). Sci. Total Environ. 160/161, 337-346; Bernhoft, A., Skaare, J.U., Wiig, O., 1997. Organochlorines in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard. En viron. Pollut. 95, 159-175; Henriksen, E.O., Gabrielsen, G.W., Trudeau, S., Wolkers, H., Sagerup, K., Skaare, J.U., 1999. Organochlorines and possible biochemical effects in glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) from Bear Island, the Barents Sea. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. (in press).]. Studies of the possible toxic effects, particularly on the immune system and reproduct ion, of the very high PCB levels in these species are currently being inves tigated. Data obtained in the field (f.i. reproductive success in polar bea rs and intestinal nematodes in glaucous gulls), as well as levels of variou s biochemical and physiological parameters (f.i. thyroid hormones, retinol, EROD activity, CYP1A, IgG), have been coupled with the PCB levels [Skaare? J.U., Wiig, O., Bernhoft, A., 1994. Klorerte organiske miljogifter; Nivaer og effekter i isbjorn. Norwegian Polar Institute Reportseries no. 86, 1-23 (in Norwegian); Bernhoft, A., Skaare, J.U., Wiig, O., 1997. Organochlorine s in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard. Environ. Pollut. 95, 159-17 5; Bernhoft, A., Skaare, J.U., Wiig, O., Derocher, A.E., Larsen, H.J., 2000 . Possible immunotoxic effects of organochlorines in polar bears (Ursus mar itimus) at Svalbard (in press), Henriksen, E.O., Gabrielsen, G.W., Skaare, J.U., Skjegstad, N., Jensen, B.M., 1998a. Relationship between PCB levels, hepatic EROD activity and plasma retinol in glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreu s. Marine Environ. Res. 46, 45-49; Henriksen, E.O., Gabrielsen, G.W., Trude au, S., Wolkers, H., Sagerup, K., Skaare, J.U., 1999. Organochlorines and p ossible biochemical effects in glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus) from Bear Island, the Barents Sea. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. tin press); Sageru p, K, Gabrielsen, G.W., Skorping, A., Skaare, J.U., 1998. Association betwe en PCB concentrations and intestinal nematodes in glaucou gulls, Larus hype rboreus, from Bear Island. Organohalogen compounds 39, 449-451; Skaare. J.U ., Wiig, O., Bernhoft, A., 1994. Klorerte organiske miljogifter; Nivaer og effekter i isbjorn. Norwegian Polar Institute Reportseries no. 86, 1-23. (i n Norwegian). (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All right s reserved.