Trace elements and vanadium in tissues and organs of five species of cetaceans from Italian coasts

Abstract

Trace element concentrations (chromium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese and vanadium) were determined in organs of five species of cetaceans (Stenella coeruleoalba, Tursiops truncatus, Grampus griseus, Physeter macrocephalus, Ziphius cavirostris) that were found stranded along Italian coasts in the period 2000–2009. This dataset represents an important opportunity to verify and assess (particularly for V) patterns of incorporation of trace elements in different organs of cetaceans in a wide spectrum of species and related specimens distributed in all the age classes, and consequently determine the physiological and metabolic effects on the distribution modes of the same chemicals. In particular, Cu, Zn, and Fe accumulate preferentially in the liver of all studied specimens, while Mn and Cr values are found to be nearly constant in the analysed organs and tissues regardless of species. Comparable concentrations of trace elements, in different age classes, were measured for both specimens of S. coeruleoalba and T. truncatus (the most abundant dolphin species in the Mediterranean sea) in all analysed organs. On the other hand, unprecedented reported concentrations of V in tissues and organs of cetaceans from the Mediterranean show higher values when compared to levels measured in other marine mammals from the Atlantic Ocean.

Keywords:

• cetaceans
• vanadium
• essential elements
• Mediterranean

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the harbour office of Mazara del Vallo for the assistance provided during sampling on cetaceans stranded along the coast of Sicily. Some of the samples for this project have been provided by the Mediterranean Marine Mammal Tissue Bank, Department of Experimental Veterinary Science, University of Padova, viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro—Agripolis PD, Italy.