Persistent Organic Pollutants(POPs). Contamination and Toxic Effects of Persistent Organochlorines in Marine Mammals.

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  • 残留性有機汚染物質（ＰＯＰｓ）　　有機塩素化合物による海棲ほ乳動物の汚染と影響
  • ユウキ エンソ カゴウブツ ニヨル カイセイ ホニュウ ドウブツ ノ オセン

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Abstract

The present paper overviews organochlorine contamination in marine mammals with regard to ecotoxicology. From a geographical point of view, organochlorine contamination is still spreading globally and tropical zones represent a major emission source for these toxic pollutants. In this context, oceans play an important role as the final depository for persistent organochlorines, and marine mammals tend to be making their homes amongst this garbage of toxic contaminants. Due to specific physiological functions, such as the presence of a large lipid pool (blubber) for accumulaton of organochlorines, lactational transfer of these contaminants in large quantities over generations and small capacity to degrade them, much greater amounts of toxic organochlorines are concentrated in the body of marine mammals through the food chain. Therefore, long-term accumulation and the chronic toxic effects are of great concern with regard to marine mammals, in particular the coplanar PCBs which evidenced the induction of P-450 enzyme systems were noticeable in seals and cetaceans. Additionally, it is unlikely that residue levels of toxic organochlorines in marine mammals will decline in the near future, suggesting that the adverse effects of these contaminants will steadily spread further to these animals.

Journal

  • Waste Management Research

    Waste Management Research 9 (3), 202-210, 1998

    Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management

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