Tartu, Sabrina Aars, Jon Andersen, Magnus Polder, Anuschka Bourgeon, Sophie Merkel, Benjamin D. Lowther, Andrew Bytingsvik, Jenny Welker, Jeffrey M. E. Derocher, Andrew Jenssen, Bjørn Munro Routti, Heli Choose Your PoisonSpace-Use Strategy Influences Pollutant Exposure in Barents Sea Polar Bears Variation in space-use is common within mammal populations. In polar bears, <i>Ursus maritimus</i>, some individuals follow the sea ice (offshore bears) whereas others remain nearshore yearlong (coastal bears). We studied pollutant exposure in relation to space-use patterns (offshore vs coastal) in adult female polar bears from the Barents Sea equipped with satellite collars (2000–2014, <i>n</i> = 152). First, we examined the differences in home range (HR) size and position, body condition, and diet proxies (nitrogen and carbon stable isotopes, <i>n</i> = 116) between offshore and coastal space-use. Second, we investigated how HR, space-use, body condition, and diet were related to plasma concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (<i>n</i> = 113), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs; <i>n</i> = 92), and hydroxylated-PCBs (<i>n</i> = 109). Offshore females were in better condition and had a more specialized diet than did coastal females. PCBs, OCPs, and hydroxylated-PCB concentrations were not related to space-use strategy, yet PCB concentrations increased with increasing latitude, and hydroxylated-PCB concentrations were positively related to HR size. PFAS concentrations were 30–35% higher in offshore bears compared to coastal bears and also increased eastward. On the basis of the results we conclude that space-use of Barents Sea female polar bears influences their pollutant exposure, in particular plasma concentrations of PFAS. Barents Sea Polar Bears Variation;Barents Sea;OCP;pollutant exposure;body condition;HR;hydroxylated-PCB concentrations;PFAS;space-use;plasma concentrations;diet 2018-01-24
    https://acs.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Choose_Your_Poison_Space-Use_Strategy_Influences_Pollutant_Exposure_in_Barents_Sea_Polar_Bears/5881027
10.1021/acs.est.7b06137.s001