posted on 2004-08-15, 00:00authored bySierra Rayne, Michael G. Ikonomou, Peter S. Ross, Graeme M. Ellis, Lance G. Barrett-Lennard
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated
biphenyls (PBBs), and polychlorinated naphthalenes
(PCNs) were quantified in blubber biopsy samples collected
from free-ranging male and female killer whales (Orcinus
orca) belonging to three distinct communities (southern
residents, northern residents, and transients) from the
northeastern Pacific Ocean. High concentrations of ∑PBDE
were observed in male southern residents (942 ± 582
ng/g lw), male and female transients (1015 ± 605 and 885
± 706 ng/g lw, respectively), and male and female
northern residents (203 ± 116 and 415 ± 676 ng/g lw,
respectively). Because of large variation within sample
groups, ∑PBDE levels generally did not differ statistically
with the exception of male northern residents, which
had lower ∑PBDE concentrations than male southern
residents, male transients, and female transients, perhaps
reflecting the consumption of less contaminated prey
items. Male transient killer whales, which consume high
trophic level prey including other cetaceans and occasionally
spend time near populated areas, had ∑PBDE concentrations
approximately equal to southern residents. No significant
age-related relationships were observed for ∑PBDE
concentrations. ∑PBDE concentrations were approximately
1−3 orders of magnitude greater than those of ∑PBB (3.0−31 ng/g lw) and ∑PCN (20−167 ng/g lw) measured in a
subset of samples, suggesting that PBDEs may represent
a contaminant class of concern in these marine mammals.