Levels of cadmium and mercury in the hair of Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from Svalbard, Norway

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999 · Polar Biology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s003000050371· OSTI ID:355570

Wiig, O ^[1]; Renzoni, A ^[2]; Gjertz, I ^[3]

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1. Univ. of Oslo (Norway). Zoological Museum
2. Univ. degli Studi di Siena (Italy). Dept. di Biologia Ambientale
3. Norwegian Polar Inst., Tromsoe (Norway)

Hair samples of 15 adult male Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) collected from anesthetized individuals at Svalbard, Norway, were analyzed for cadmium and total mercury. The mean level of cadmium was 0.860 {+-} 0.321 {micro}g/g dry weight and the mean level of mercury was 0.235 {+-} 0.100 {micro}g/g dry weight. Levels of cadmium and mercury in hair of walruses from other areas are not known. Both cadmium and mercury levels in hair of walruses from Svalbard are relatively low compared to the levels found in the hair of other marine mammal species. It has been documented from a number of marine species, including marine mammals such as ringed seals and polar bears, that both cadmium and mercury levels of Svalbard are lower than in other areas. It is uncertain as to what degree levels in hair reflect levels in internal organs in walruses. In rare and highly endangered species or populations tissue samples can be difficult to collect. In walruses, it is possible to collect hair from anesthetized individuals or at the haul-out sites during molt, to monitor heavy metal levels of the population.

• OSTI ID: 355570
• Journal Information: Polar Biology, Journal Name: Polar Biology Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 21; ISSN POBIDP; ISSN 0722-4060
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
CADMIUM
MAMMALS
MERCURY
NORWAY
WATER POLLUTION