Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-DNA adducts in Beluga whales from the Arctic
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans, St. John`s Newfoundland (Canada); and others
The Arctic is still relatively pristine in nature, but it is also vulnerable to pollution because contaminants originating from midlatitudes are transported to the Arctic by atmospheric processes, ocean currents, and river. Recognition of this fact of Arctic vulnerability has resulted in a Declaration on the Protection of the Arctic Environment by eight Arctic countries. A manifest aim of this declaration is to develop an Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program. We report here on the presence of measurable levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-DNA adducts, including relatively high levels in Arctic beluga (Delphinapterus leucas). These results lend support to the value of developing biological assessment programs for Arctic wildlife. 15 refs., 1 tab.
- OSTI ID:
- 518648
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Vol. 51, Issue 1; Other Information: PBD: 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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