Abstract :
[en] Elasmobranchs can bioaccumulate considerable amounts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and
utilize several reproductive strategies thereby influencing maternal transfer of contaminants. This study
provides preliminary data on the POP transfer from pregnant females to offspring of three species
(Atlantic stingrays, bonnethead, blacktip sharks) with different reproduction modes (aplacental, placental
viviparity). Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels were generally higher than any other POPs. Stingrays
and blacktip shark embryos contained the lowest POP concentrations while bonnetheads and the blacktip
adult female had the highest concentrations. Results suggest that are more readily transferred from the
mother to the embryo compared to what is transferred to ova in stingrays. Statistically significant differences
in levels of selected POPs were found between embryos from the left and right uterus within the
same litter as well as between female and male embryos within the same litter for bonnetheads, but not
for the blacktip sharks.
Scopus citations®
without self-citations
17