A Role for Airborne Particulates in High Mercury Levels of Some Cetaceans

Authors

A J. Rawson, University of South Florida
J P. Bradley, University of South Florida
A Teetsov, University of South Florida
S B. Rice, University of South Florida
Edward M. Haller, University of South FloridaFollow
G W. Patton, University of South Florida

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1995

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1006/eesa.1995.1035

Abstract

In a study of 25 Tursiops truncatus and two Globicephala macrorhynchus examined by necropsy, abundant HgSe was found in both the liver and in the respiratory system (lung and hilar lymph nodes). In the liver HgSe was consistently associated with the cell-breakdown pigment lipofuscin, whereas in lung and hilar lymph nodes it was consistently associated with particulates consisting of partially graphitic soot and silicates. This supports earlier suggestions that in the liver HgSe may be a storage end product of Hg metabolism, while adding the new suggestion that in the respiratory system HgSe may be inhaled, preformed in combustion emissions.

Comments

Additional Authors: Haller EM, Patton GW

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, v. 30, issue 3, p. 309-314

Scholar Commons Citation

Rawson, A J.; Bradley, J P.; Teetsov, A; Rice, S B.; Haller, Edward M.; and Patton, G W., "A Role for Airborne Particulates in High Mercury Levels of Some Cetaceans" (1995). Integrative Biology Faculty and Staff Publications. 271.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/bin_facpub/271